mcnach

[quote name='tommorichards' timestamp='1505842815' post='3374714'] The extra wires won't be coming from the pickups, but a brass plate in each pickup cavity. Its the 70's version of copper tape shielding. Any standard Jazz pickup will fork fine. [/quote] what this man says

I've had a few basses when that was necessary, yes.

[quote name='40hz' timestamp='1506615706' post='3379988'] My USA SUB is 8.9lbs! It's light as a feather! [/quote] I don't call a ~9lbs bass light, myself... It's not a boat anchor, but it's not a light bass...

[quote name='drTStingray' timestamp='1506615001' post='3379984'] Not so - my USA Sub 5 is positively feather weight - so much so that whilst playing it seated, the neck over-balances causing neck dive - however it's fine on a strap. They have poplar bodies (which 90s era solid colours often have also). Similarly with Stingrays - for the 4 string, generally about 9.5 lbs but there is variation both upwards and downwards - Sterlings may be lighter than this. Stingray 5s are bigger basses, and may be 10.5 lbs - however some are lighter. The Cutlass and Caprice seem to be around 8.5 lbs - great if you want an ultra playable P or PJ. [/quote] Ok, I haven't weighed ALL of them , so some might be lighter, but every one I tried, and certainly the three I have owned were heavy. The SUB5 was particularly chunky... Right now I only have one, a 4 string white one... beautiful sound, great to play... but the heaviest bass in my collection.

[quote name='Cuzzie' timestamp='1506610396' post='3379932'] Wrong use of classic on my behalf! [/quote] oh, I see. I got it on a few posts later... The MM4.2 is a nice pickup, but I still prefer the original. I had a MM4.2 on a Stingray copy and was pretty cool but lacked some 'aggression' the originals seem to have... this was using an original 2-band EBMM preamp, but there are so many other factors in the sound of a bass that i could never be sure teh sound i didn't like was the pickup or a combination of other things

[quote name='dave_bass5' timestamp='1506526612' post='3379362'] I tried to set up a Google calendar a few times, but one guy only used an old Nokia and had no computer so that didnt work. I would also get excuses that they couldn't log on etc. I found the best way was to text each one and [s]expect[/s] hope they would make a note of them. On the whole i felt they needed to take responsibility for themselves. [/quote] much like we did... but I have my own google calendar. Drummer did the same, and we share them. We have a band gmail address and used that too. Eventually everyody else realised how useful it was and they all use it now. It's easy, if you want to keep your own personal diary separate, then add stuff to the band one and not the personal one. Up to each person. In the end everyone must be responsible for their own diary. I don't care how you keep track of your own commitments, use a calendar on your wall, or your memory, or use a personal assistant to remind you. Whatever. Just make sure you know what dates you have a gig. We don't need to all use the same calendar online (even if it can make life so much simpler, you just can't make some people change their ways).

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1506458473' post='3378952'] So he quits at the drop of a hat? Didn't offer to try and rearrange whatever it was he'd double booked. Can't keep a diary. Doesn't call you to try and apologise when he's upset you. His heart's not in it and your email was just the straw that broke the camel's back. [/quote] Exactly my thoughts.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1506440731' post='3378767'] Tbh I think I'm with the drummer, "you mentioned" the gig in April, nothing else since and it's not on the band's website. I've got an issue with the "dates you can't do" thing too, our guitarist wanted us to give him all the dates we can't do rather than him check for each gig but he's not my dad, if I've got no gig next weekend and I book a weekend away that's my lookout, I'm not going to update my personal free time diary with him on a daily basis as things come up, booked holidays of course no problem and times you already know are out to save checking every time but not my personal free dates for him to book what he likes. [/quote] The 'dates you cannot do' carries a date: those dates are subject to change later, and it's only accurate at the time I give it to you. So you still need to confirm availabilities... but it saves a LOT of time for the person booking if they can have at a glance a list of dates that for one reason or another should not even be considered. It's not too much to ask, really.

[quote name='Stylon Pilson' timestamp='1506439202' post='3378743'] Word of warning - the drummer may forget that he quit the band, if he hasn't put it in his diary. He might show up at the Railway Bell after all. S.P. [/quote] !!!

[quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1506435516' post='3378705'] I would contact him and exchange apologies. [/quote] Nah. A very important responsibility of anybody in a band is to ensure THEY manage their calendar and note THEIR own gigs etc. Someone who needs reminders to work is just not worth the hassle, and as this example shows, a mistake on somebody else's part to write something somewhere becomes THEIR excuse to feel offended. Seriously: f**k him.

[quote name='police squad' timestamp='1506434502' post='3378694'] 'See you all next Saturday at the Railway Bell' I said to the boys as we were about to leave our gig last Saturday. 'Our next gig is in November' says the drummer. 'No it's Saturday' I say. He gets his phone out and shows me the website. I've forgotten to put it on the website. 'Oh F&&k it, I'll cancel it, sorry boys it looks like it's my fault' I said even though I know when I booked it I had notified everybody. Anyway, I checked it all out in the morning and sure enough, on our Facebook messenger chat page, I had announced it in April and was greeted by the 'thumbs up' by the drummer. This is not the first time he has messed up his diary. He's 30, has a degree in music and is head of maths, where he teaches. I was less than polite about it, because I have better things to do than constantly change things, arrange deps . Me [color=#FFFFFF][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif][size=3]I[/size][/font][/color]I've just checked back thru this message board and I can see that I did mention about the gig this saturday 30th at The railway bell, dover. Ross, you even gave the thumbs up. So I missed putting it on the website, which is my fault. But I did tell people. I didn't text alex, because he sometimes checks in here and hardly ever acknowledges my texts about dates. I am utterly fed up with this. I'm going to cancel saturday because I cannot be bothered to sort it out. I have better things to do than f&&k about with people that can't write things in their diary[color=#FFFFFF][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif][size=3]'ve just checked back thru this message board and I can see that I did mention about the gig this saturday 30th at The railway bell, dover. Ross, you even gave the thumbs up. So I missed putting it on the website, which is my fault. But I did tell people. I didn't text alex, because he sometimes checks in here and hardly ever acknowledges my texts about dates. I am utterly fed up with this. I'm going to cancel saturday because I cannot be bothered to sort it out. I have better things to do than f*** about with people that can't write things in their diary[/size][/font][/color] [color=#FFFFFF][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif][size=3], you even gave the thumbs up. So I missed putting it on the website, which is my fault. But I did tell people. I didn't text alex, because he sometimes checks in here and hardly ever acknowledges my texts about dates. I am utterly fed up with this. I'm going to cancel saturday because I cannot be bothered to sort it out. I have better things to do than f&&k about with people that can't write things in their diary[/size][/font][/color] Him [color=#4B4F56][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif][size=3]I said yes back in April however as it wasn't on the calendar didn't realise it was confirmed. Just a big misunderstanding but If that's the way you feel - find another drummer, as I will not play with someone who speaks to me that way. Cheers[/size][/font][/color] As I said, he is always messing his diary up. He never gives me dates he can't do, until I book something. Was I too harsh? Probably but my job is very demanding and running a band (as many of you know) is a thankless task. Anyone else have this kind of thing? Currently looking for a new drummer [/quote] Looks like getting a new drummer is the best result...

[quote name='Cuzzie' timestamp='1506452738' post='3378900'] +1 for a USA SUB and then put a Nordstrand MM pick up in it. It will be classic sounding [/quote] The pickup on the USA SUB *is* the classic sounding Stingray pickup already...

[quote name='bassmachine2112' timestamp='1506443667' post='3378800'] Hiho get a USA SUB it,s the real deal with a gig proof finish not a coffee table finish. [/quote] The USA SUB is a great bass... but light they ain't. Heavy monsters all of them. Beautiful feel and sound 'though

[quote name='Barking Spiders' timestamp='1506435534' post='3378706'] Not sure how you can learn from better band members unless they play the same instrument as you. [/quote] You learn to play in a band, you learn about music. It's not all about learning your instrument.

Well... if the band is rubbish then move on I prefer to play with people equal or better than myself. It feels scary at times but that's where you learn the most and ends up being most satisfying.

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1506348448' post='3378080'] I'm actually - SHOCK HORROR - considering getting it refinned Oly, but if not I'd be happy leaving it as-is. [/quote] Hmmm... or fiesta red

[quote name='Muppet' timestamp='1506340440' post='3378004'] According to Marco on Facebook all the Indonesian ones receive a final inspection in Italy before being shipped anyway. I have a Indonesian CMD121P and an Italian NY121. Absolutely no problems with either. There was an American chap on FB who had a right old rant at Marco because in his view the retailer that sold him his CMD121P should have told him that It was Indonesian not Italian. It was Marco's fault that Markbass were not instructing their retailers to inform customers of the fact and he wanted to reject the unit because of this. [/quote] I remember that rant. The fun part was that the guy was happy with the sound of the combo until one day he opened it and found it wasn't a B&C speaker, and then started a big rant about how inferior it was. Visually. Ah well...

[quote name='Baronialhall' timestamp='1506331558' post='3377876'] I have a S8 USA Precision bass, late seventies...blah blah. It has a great tone but I like Jazz bass sound too. Is it worth getting a bridge pickup fitted to increase the scope of tones available? I thought about getting a Fender Jazz but they are so expensive and it's a pain lugging two basses to gigs. [/quote] If you really like that bass, I'd say to hell with 'resale' and 'original' and add that Jazz pickup to it. I personally prefer a P/J to a Jazz. You don't get exactly the sound of a Jazz, but you get something that adds a few extra great tones. It's a simple operation, and P/J basses are not exactly hard to sell, in case one day you decided to move it on. If you buy another bass, it's another bass... I prefer to keep playing a bass I've bonded with and feel comfortable with and modify it to suit, than search for an entirely new instrument, if it's just a matter of changing electronics or adding a different pickup.

Not a fan of sunburst, but that one has got something and it sounds YUMMY...

[quote name='Hey_Pauly' timestamp='1506296588' post='3377754'] My brother when he hears that I bought my second bass, "what do you need another bass for." Some people just don't get it. [/quote] Ask him how many pens he's got? Or just go with the fashion answer: the golden one goes with your black shoes, the blue one goes with your jeans and jacket, the red one is for... etc

[quote name='fftc' timestamp='1506334292' post='3377930'] Depends what you are into but the Jazz Bar on Chamber Street always has live music. [url="http://www.thejazzbar.co.uk/"]http://www.thejazzbar.co.uk/[/url] [/quote] That would be my first suggestion. If you want a more standard bar with live music... head down to Stramash in Cowgate. They do have some good beers (anything from the Williams brewery in Alloa is good) and the music is rarely bad. Whistlebinkies was mentioned earlier and it's ok but a little more 'divey' I'd offer to show you a couple of local beverages but I have a dinner that night and I am not going to be able to escape

[quote name='tom1946' timestamp='1506315521' post='3377774'] Jose, I'm loving your purple J, P bass and I'm looking at funds... [/quote] I'd love an excuse to drive down along the East coast...

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1501143042' post='3342746'] Audiences don't care who wrote the song. All they want is a song they can like. Don't lose your objectivity. If you've written a dull song make it better or don't play it. [/quote] This! Sometimes we have some new songs that we love, and we play it and doesn't get received very well. We don't understand it... but if we have a couple of tries and it's received coldly... we drop it entirely or we change it. Play what goes don well, read the audience. Sometimes a song that flops gets revitalised by playing it in a slightly different style, or faster, or changing the chorus or... it's fun to explore. We have had up to 3 versions of one song at some point!

[quote name='Mykesbass' timestamp='1501138681' post='3342704'] We're starting to write our own material - Blues and Southern Rock influenced. At the moment it will be a case of dropping a few in among more well known repertoire at our pub gigs, but hope to move towards doing more of our own stuff. Anyone else gone down this route? Any pitfalls or any useful advice? Thanks. [/quote] My main band is originals. It is a bit restricted compared to covers bands when you start out but there is definitely room for originals bands once you 'prove your worth' sort of thing. If people enjoy what you do and have a good time, and especially if some obviously come to see you espcifically, even venues where they normally go for covers bands will hire you. My second band plays a mix of covers and originals and is doing very well, getting pretty good fees and playing all over Scotland and England. It seems that it's relatively easy to find a balance where you can play a few 'classics' for the genre to ensure the crowds are pleased, and insert the originals at the appropriate places following the mood of the dance floor. If the dance floor seems to be struggling a bit, we launch into a well known original... For instance we'd bring in "One Step Beyond" or something like that that everybody knows... Sometimes we play well known songs but we add our own twist to it. We play "A message to you, Rudy", but nothing like the original... it gets recognised immediately, but we souped it up a bit (mostly because none of us had bothered to learn it "the right way" and I'm more of a funky player than ska player) and it goes down well... so there's also room for being a little creative with existing songs. If you become known enough, then the non-originals become less important. But it's good to still have a few in your sleeve. My main band plays a version of Reel Big Fish's "Beer" (very upbeat, and the bars love it when we remind people to drink ) and "Bad Boys"... even if people have been dancing like crazy to our songs... once you drop the first couple of bars of "Bad Boys", the dance floor seems to gain a little extra energy: people like songs they know, so it's wise to not forget that and use it to your advantage to keep the vibe going especially in venues you're trying for the first time. When they call you because they know who you are and what you do, you can focus more on your own thing, but until then (and even then!), wise use of classic covers can be your best friend and allow you to carry the originals in an unfamiliar crowd.

Hmmm... Fat Beams are my preferred string so this is very attractive at half price. However, given how long I keep each set, I'm a little reluctant to have a go and find they are substandard. I think I'll stick to trusted sources.