mcnach

[quote name='EliasMooseblaster' timestamp='1509021797' post='3396088'] His name isn't the same as a geographical feature which might be found above a beach or coastline, is it? Yeah, the Ian Siegal story should be taken with a pinch of salt as I got it second-hand from a friend, who'd was already hanging around the London blues jam circuit back when Ian was still hosting one of the more popular ones. Apparently this guitarist (let's call him Geographical Feature) was a regular and notorious over-player at this jam. One night, Ian put a new punter up to play guitar alongside Geographical, and the new punter assumed that the other players might be as polite as he was, and would solo for one or two turnarounds before passing over to somebody else. Not Geographical. In the time it took for the V7 chord to resolve to the root, his face apparently went from full-on lead guitar gurn to shocked and appalled as this greenhorn started to play - didn't he realise that Geographical was entitled to at least four turnarounds to fully express his musical vision? After the set, Geographical dragged this poor chap outside to remonstrate with him. Word got around to Ian that things seemed to be kicking off, and he thought it best to come to the new punter's aid. My friend happened to be near the door when Ian stormed back in. "You will not BELIEVE what that ***** said to me." Ian fumed to him. My friend invited Ian to indulge his curiosity. "He said, 'all these new people are just tourists. I'm a bluesman.'" Geographical nipped back in, avoiding any eye contact, packed up his guitar and scarpered. My friend believed that Ian had told the guy to sling his hook before he thumped him. So yeah, even though I wasn't there to witness things first-hand, I found myself on Ian's side too. Especially any time I bumped into Geographical playing at another blues jam. [/quote] My guy wasn't Geographical (love it!) but that was a great story, thank you for sharing

[quote name='JapanAxe' timestamp='1509011468' post='3395963'] Nobody has yet mentioned the 'sh!t sandwich' approach to turning someone down. Example: Bread (good): You certainly have your playing chops together Filling (sh!t): But I don't think you are the right fit for this band Bread (more good): With your ability and enthusiasm it shouldn't be long before you find the right band [/quote] sh*t sandwich! That's incidentally pretty much how the message went... only the last bread was phrased more along the lines of wishing him the best in the future and that he'll find the right band soon etc. Then he exploded.

[quote name='Marc S' timestamp='1509010856' post='3395952'] You have popcorn? I want to be in your band.... And I won't take "no" for an answer [/quote] Do you have your own microwave oven to bring to rehearsals?

[quote name='ricksterphil' timestamp='1509010310' post='3395943'] Sacked in the middle of a gig.......that's hardcore! Best defence against getting sacked....own the PA and drive a large comfortable van!....or so I'm told...I've never been sacked from a band cos I'm awesome and perfect [/quote] you'll still get sack... only after the gig when the band is at home

[quote name='EliasMooseblaster' timestamp='1509010224' post='3395940'] When I read this bit, I had to stop and check the location under your picture - I know a guy who used to respond in exactly this way to any perceived slight against his playing, but he lives in North London, last I heard! Before this chap got himself banned from most of the blues jams in the centre of town, he did approach a singer I knew and asked if she wanted to work with him. When she politely declined, he apparently told her she was turning down "the opportunity of a lifetime"! I've also heard that his greatest claim to fame is almost being punched by blues impresario Ian Siegal. [/quote] Well, the guy is English and has travelled a bit... it could still be him. He certainly favours blues... Ian Siegal!!! I met him when he was playing in a small bar in Madrid many years agom and loved it! Not many people (it's a curious bar which closes the doors to customers when the tables are full, so it's never crazy busy and makes for a nice cozy atmosphere, almost personal)... My brother and I were one of the very few who could speak/understand English fluently, and when he realised that his chat went over the heads of most people but us, it was like having him playing just for the two of us. Cool guy. Chatted a bit afterwards. If Ian almost punched him... I lean towards Ian's side

[quote name='gjones' timestamp='1509009706' post='3395937'] The guitarist in my present band was once threatened with decapitation by a drummer he sacked. The same drummer ended up in my band and felt that I was sabotaging him. He really did have deep seated, psychological, problems, including psychotic delusions of persecution, for which he was taking medication. In the end he was sacked, onstage, in the middle of a gig. Not the most diplomatic way of doing things. Luckily he didn't kill us all. You never know who you are dealing with. Better safe than sorry. Being nice doesn't cost anything. [/quote] wow... Next time I'm looking for a drummer, if I don;'t know them personally I may send you a PM to check. I mean, drummers are crazy enough when they're SANE!

[quote name='gjones' timestamp='1509008653' post='3395928'] I've had dealings with lunatic musicians with fragile egos before (a particular Edinburgh drummer who shall remain nameless). Now I just assume all musicians are potential psychopaths. It's safer that way. [/quote]

[quote name='thepurpleblob' timestamp='1509007530' post='3395912'] It's a chance you take going to an audition. I've failed auditions, been sacked from bands - sometimes politely, sometimes not. It's all part of the fun. It's character building I suppose. Whenever I've had to reject or sack someone myself it's rarely been personal so I wouldn't take being on the other end that way myself. The best thing to have in music is a bit of humility. People who think they are the greatest are best avoided. [/quote] Well summed up. The best player/musician in the world is nothing if you can't be comfortable around them. When you think of all the hours you must spend together, having at least a character than doesn't rub people the wrong way is a must. Someone who is going to be too precious about what they do which you can't criticise for fear of offending them... nah. Life's too short. Incidentally, a good proportion of the very best musicians I've met have one thing in common: they're really humble and down to earth. Human first, musician second.

[quote name='steantval' timestamp='1509006526' post='3395900'] I cannot understand why you would go to these lengths and fib to the guy, there are usually only two outcomes for someone auditioning, you either get the job or you don't. People need to toughen up a bit, there is too much molly coddling around the possibility of upsetting people in situations like this. Rejection is part of life, it happens everyday to people who apply for jobs, get to final interview stage and fail to get the role. [/quote] I suspect gjones was not being entirely serious

[quote name='PaulWarning' timestamp='1509005294' post='3395887'] I keep meaning to go on Guitarchat, if there is one, to find out what they say about bass players [/quote] It's boring. Endless threads about how lovely their bass players are. Sickening, really.

[quote name='Marc S' timestamp='1509005130' post='3395883'] I've met a few people like the OP describes - mainly guitarists, but a few keyboard players too... gjones's idea above is great - might need that in future! (PS. I suppose the only downfall with this suggestion, is the guy still seeing the ad around weeks later lol) [/quote] especially if it's a new band and there was no previous guitarist... although for that reason I love the suggestion. The thing is I did not know he was like that until we told him. Had I known this is how he'd take it, oh yes... I'd use that line and stand back with pop corn.

[quote name='SpondonBassed' timestamp='1509004891' post='3395879'] The highlighted bits of your OP have summed it up for me. Even now he's wasting your time because you are still discussing it. It's best not to mock the afflicted and moving on was the right thing for your band to do. He'll find a place somewhere. [/quote] Indeed... but it takes a while to recover from the experience I hope he indeed finds a place. Far. Far away. A bad guitar player is one thing, but his attitude just reeks and there's nothing nice I could say to the guy if/when I come across him next time.

[quote name='gjones' timestamp='1509002256' post='3395852'] I would have rephrased the message you sent, in order to prevent his ego being bruised. After all nobody likes rejection. I would have said that the original guitarist has decided to rejoin the band and tell the auditioner that they were amazing and thank them for their time. Guitarists have fragile egos at the best of times. It's best to treat them gently. [/quote] The original message was very non-judgemental! Nobody likes rejection, but it's a risk we all run when going for a test with a band. I'd be respectful and won't criticise but if someone is not what I'm after I won't make up lies just in case he's a lunatic with a fragile ego

[quote name='tauzero' timestamp='1508966983' post='3395751'] So, does anyone know what the E stands for? [/quote] !!!!

New project being formed... we have a first meet and see what we feel like. The core is drummer, sax and bass: we play together in another band and we're starting something else. We got a singer and a guitarist to try. Both looked good on paper. Singer was very good. No problem. Guitarist... was knowledgeable enough, and his technique was right, but pretty much only played a couple of bluesy numbers, and murdered Brown Sugar with excessive distortion and a bassy guitar sound. In general he was out of tune too. We didn't gel, musically or personally. He would argue about keys, despite the fact that the singer had specified the keys for the songs with discussed... He was just hard work, not fun, and musically uninspiring at best. And a bit of a 'guitar hero' too... After we part ways, we talk about it and we unanimously decide that we don't need to see this guy again. Drummer writes a simple message to him along the lines of "thank you, but we think you're not what we're after, good luck, etc". Nothing offensive or anything. Then the guy just went on and on about how we feel threatened because he is better, and he's got so much experience, etc etc. He sounded insane. He was a little odd in person, but after I saw that... I was very glad we didn't waste any more time with him. Seven or eight messages later, he disappeared. I hope for good. I laughed but... it was sad. He was genuinely feeling hard done by and tried to insult us (must try harder)... and somehow we are idiots for not recognising his value and not wanting to play with him. What planet does he live in? Immensely deluded. A bullet well dodged. Has anybody come across people like this guy? It's a first for me.

The Marcus Miller link would not help them if the instruments weren't good, just look at what happened to the Flea basses. I suspect most people buying Sires don't care particularly about MM.

Quite a bit. On stage it's great even if not required to be very loud. I've used the pair on big stages where they were just for monitoring and I have always been happier than when using just one. Unnecessary at times, but they're so easy to take anywhere that I'll use a pair whenever logistics are favourable. Having said that, on Friday I played a small bar with my 6-piece ska band using a single Two10, and it was just fine. When relying on them, without PA reinforcement, two cabs vs one makes a very noticeable difference. Why are you wondering? If you wonder, I guess you feel you wish you had a bit more 'oomph'... in which case you'll probably like the effect of a second Two10. Do you still have the A3? My pair of Two10 cabs fit snugly in the boot, with room for amplifier, pedals, stand, etc...

[quote name='Jus Lukin' timestamp='1508687892' post='3393807'] *Camera pans out, it's a dude with his beard draped over his shoulder* [/quote] I'd still take it if he can carry my cabs too (but I'm not responsible for his drinks/food/accommodation, right?)

[quote name='thegummy' timestamp='1508600206' post='3393235'] Already having a 50s P with flatwounds and it's absolutely fantastic but very much vintage based. If I wanted to get a second P to string with rounds and possibly a more modern pickup, I can see a few choices: [b]Squier Classic Vibe 70s[/b] - looks nice but I fear Squiers can be a bit internet-hyped and, while amazing for the money, don't actually rival guitars twice the price. For example, I looked for a second hand one and the honest seller admitted that one side of the neck has more of a bow than the other - something I'd wonder it might be more prone to because of the cost-cutting. [b]MiM Standard [/b]- comes in a choice of colours and could choose Rosewood fingerboard if I wanted. I could replace the pickup. [b]Roger Waters [/b]- this one looks very nice stock (and Waters is my man) with the black hardware and already comes with the pickup I'd choose for this bass. It's still more expensive than the Standard and the pickup together but it might be the case that the build quality is better on this as it's a higher end one from that factory. Any thoughts on those 3 or further suggestions? I had a look at the Schecter Diamond P and was initially loving it but then I read people who own them saying they don't actually sound like a P bass. [/quote] The Roger Waters (or Matt Freeman, for a slight variation with the same built quality) would not disappoint. Great basses. But I'd personally choose a second hand Fender Classic 50s series Precision. My fiesta red one is on my avatar (just replced the golden pickguard for an 'aged' white type one)... The neck is a bit wider than on the other Precisions, yet shallow and comfortable, and it feels and sounds just perfect. If a slightly wider neck is not a problem for you, I'd say the Classic 50s Fender would be the best choice I can think of. Comes in black, cream, red or sunburst.

[quote name='Telebass' timestamp='1508501998' post='3392622'] Thinking of moving to a pair using my LMII to drive - good plan? Need to ease my back even more! [/quote] I sometimes use an LMIII into a single Two10 (which would be pretty similar to two One10 together. They work very nicely together. The question is moving from what. How powerful you need this to be? It's pretty loud and beefy, more than its size would have you think, but it's still a smallish cab, so as long as you don't expect Ampeg 810 levels and 'heft' you might be ok.

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1508605482' post='3393300'] Can't answer your question, but one of the new features seems to be an HPF which might reduce the "farty noises". //www.gollihurmusic.com/product/1825-EUPHONIC_AUDIO_DOUBLER_MARK_II_BASS_AMPLIFIER.html [/quote] +1 using a HPF has been a revelation for me... In fact, rather than buying a new amp, I'd probably try getting a little adjustable HPF pedal first (Broughton Audio make one for around $90)... edit: so you already use a HPF. Then I suspect the speakers are the limiting factor here... you might just be running into their limit and a more powerful amp would not help.

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1508523803' post='3392801'] Trace Elliot Elf or GK MB200 - both will fit in your gig bag, or even your back pocket! [/quote] does it come with that case?

[quote name='lou24d53' timestamp='1508685336' post='3393762'] I went into Guitar Guitar in Glasgow on Friday, but as expected, none in stock - wanted to try one out. I'm sure the difference will be noticeable, but I also suspect it'll will be manageable - used to play 5-strings, so I'm no stranger to a wide neck. The the only time I really struggled to adapt to a neck width was with a Lakland 55-02, I bought it knowing it was a struggle but convinced myself I'd adapt...which I didn't...! [/quote] Oh, I had a 55-02 and I loved that neck, by far the most comfy 5er I'ever tried. If you're in Edinburgh in the near future, you're welcome to come and try my Classic 50s Precision.

Before I bought my first BB2, the 210MNT was in my list too, as well as a Schroeder (I forget the model number). Jorg Schroeder was VERY helpful and we exchanged several emails. He was also offering to make import costs a lot more palatable out of his own initiative The only reason I didn't go with him was that the shipping costs would be too large if I decided it wasn't for me and wanted to return it. I had owned a Schroeder cab before and I loved it... and I like the guy... but in the end it was between BF and VK. I went with BB2 because of their returns policy, and because I managed to try one locally and I liked it a lot. So I bought it, and was happy enough with it. Later on I got to hear/try a pair of 210MNT and I think they were more my thing, but a pair of BB2 were mighty enough and didnt feel like changing. However I never was in love with the BB2. I no longer own the BB2 pair, and have a pair of BF Two10... and these ones I do *love*.