phil.mcglassup

Cheers. Though I am wanting to 'play along' with the songs on our setlist, at volume, in order to learn them, I am planning on using an old bass amp. It maybe won't sound good but should do it!! Also, in future, I might want to download drum-machine software and play that through a bass amp. That's why I think I need a 1/4" jack plug at one end of the cable and an adaptor to convert the 1/4" jack plug at the other end into a 3.5mm stereo to fit into the headphone socket. I've never done this before so didn't want to damage anything by using stereo or mono sockets and jacks etc where I shouldn't!!

If I want to put any songs from my iTunes library on my laptop through an amplifier, which lead or adaptor do I need? I thought about using a standard 1/4" to 1/4" mono jack lead and getting a "3.5mm stereo jack to 6.35mm mono socket adaptor" to plug into the headphone socket on the laptop. Is that correct? Regarding the adaptor - does the 3.5mm jack have to be stereo to match the laptop? And does the 6.35mm socket have to be mono - to match the lead? TIA

Thanks for the info everyone. I'm not too concerned about the weight as I have a Trace Elliot rig!! Apart from the 'for sale' forum here, is there any other sites I could look at other than Gumtree and the 'Bay? I was hoping to find the PA from a band that was either uprating or folding, as I appreciate that we need mikes, leads and stands etc!!

Hi All, I'm a little bit confused!! I am looking for info on basic PA systems as we are about to want one in the near future. Years ago -about 20 years ago to be precise- when I was in a covers band our PA system was rated at 150W running through some basic speakers c/w horns and piezos. We had no monitors and it was adequate for 3 vocal michrophone inputs when we gigged in pubs and small clubs. None of the guitars/bass or drums were ever miked!! It had no effects or mixer in the system. All very simple!! Plug and play. The latest equipment is a little puzzling as I'm not familiar with it. Having read some posts on here it looks like the norm is for 500W+ for pubs and small clubs, and then at some stage miking up the backline. Is this the industry standard nowadays? I'm lost at the moment what level of PA system I need to look at to avoid embarrassment whilst keeping costs down. I have a budget of approximately £500 for secondhand gear-which could be increased. Unpowered speakers would be fine, to keep costs down. Is it worth considering Behringer PA gear? Has anyone any links to sites which explain about mixers, mixer amps, crossovers, monitoring, wiring diagrams, effects etc so that I can learn what is involved. It might save a lot of explaining. As usual, any advice appreciated.

What a wonderful philosophy you guys have!! When I worked out my bass parts for the covers that I used to do I would spend a lot of time working them out by watching Youtube videos and tab scores etc. I can't read bass score but I can work out a decent bass line -and play it competently!! Is it or can it be the same for drums? Could I get away with basic fills? I can play a basic 4/4 time bass-snare with high-hats (eights?) in decent time so maybe that's a good starting point. What on earth is a paradiddle?

You've got me thinking about taking up drumming....but then we might struggle to find a bass player!! As a semi-competent bass player in cover bands would I find it easy to learn? How long might it take to master the basics, to gigging standard, after a few initial lessons? Decisions, decisions!!

If drum machines are straightforward to program, especially in tab form on a bar to bar basis with basic patterns and fills where necessary, then would that be enough for live performances? Or is there something else to consider?

I didn't know drumming was such a pain...physically and financially!! Long winded answers are fine Thanks for the replies. I only did simple drum tracks on my old Korg with bass/snare and high-hats..no fills etc!!If you could explain the basics of creating a drum track as I haven't got much idea (read that as no idea) regarding: MIDI files MIDI commands sequencing loops sampler plugin Would it be OK to run the end product, whether it be drum machine or laptop through my old bass combo? -And not through the PA? We will only end up with vocals through the PA. I'm old school regarding my performing skills and a lot of this new technology confuses me a bit!! TIA.

North Lincolnshire. It looks like there's loads of bands in this area looking for a drummer!!

Thanks everyone! Why is there such a shortage of drummers? Or is it just in my area? Guitarists are ten-a penny, is it not cool to play drums anymore?

Thanks for all the information everyone...it is very much appreciated. Has anyone any more pearls of wisdom on this subject? (Especially as I know next to nothing!!) Cheers. BTW, what leads are used to connect a laptop to an amp or PA?

Is it possible to download the drum section for our chosen songs and then play them ? It just sounds easier!!

Are the drum-machines and laptop software programs easy to use by a newby?

Ha-ha!! I calmly asked our last drummer to '"not hit them so hard" - he didn't speak to me for the rest of the practice!!

Can all the drum machine options easily copy (manually) the original drum track? Or is it more difficult than that? I remember years ago having a Korg drum machine -but I'm hoping things are a bit simpler now!!

Cheers All. Are there any drawbacks to using them i.e. are they difficult to program etc? Problems using them live? Though at least the volume can be turned down!!

Hi All, I am about to leave my existing band due to too many issues so have decided to form a classic rock type covers band of my own. The problem is that in my area there is a severe shortage of drummers or even people half interested in drumming, therefore, could anyone tell me if it is possible to use a drum-machine or a laptop with drum machine software as an alternative for practices and live performances in pubs and small clubs? I remember years ago watching The Sisters of Mercy live and they seemed to manage it!! Any advice appreciated!!

I've got a TE 1153, is it possible to tell what speaker is in it without dismantling it? It is a tolex covered cab -so could the driver be a Trace Celestion or an Emminence?

Wow everyone!! That's brilliant - thanks everyone, they're just what I'm looking for. I'll check them all out on Youtube as many of them I've never heard before. On a sad note, our female vocalist has just quit. Typical, she's only been with us a fortnight!! Anyway, here's hoping we find another soon.(although there is one in the pipeline) Thanks again everyone. If anyone still has any other suggestions, please let me know.

Thanks all, some good ideas and options there. I'll listen to them on Youtube. Any more?

Heeeelp!! I hope this is posted in the appropriate forum The cover band I'm in are looking for some new songs to cover and up to now have aimed for the rock/MOR type songs - our vocalist is female. Songs such as :- I Love Rock and Roll - Joan Jett Because The Night - Patti Smith Call Me - Blondie etc...etc. Problem is that my mental 'music library' is limited and the rest of my band suggest unsuitable songs to cover. Can anyone suggest any more suitable songs in a similar style -preferably with a female vocalist - that we can cover. It doesn't matter how difficult or boring the bassline, or whetheer there is any backing vocals or not, as long as it 'rocks'. Thanks in advance.

I must be unfortunate in that apart from the lead vocalist I am the only one who can do backing vocals. The rest of the band are tone deaf! Why does it take half an hour or so to learn a bassline and three weeks (or more) to learn the harmony? It's like the harmony has to be engraved onto my brain so that I can switch it on at the right time. Anyway, the good thing is that when we do gigs in cramped venues, I have to stand at the front next to our lead vocalist near the monitor as I wear ER20 earplugs (new HF17's coming next week, yeh!). This does tend to upset the lead and rhythm g*****ists!! Mind you, I'm the only one who plays their parts correctly and it is particularly annoying trying to sing harmonies when bum notes and chords are being played loud in my earholes!!!! I have total respect for those who play and sing harmony BVs, practice does make perfect and maybe it's a skill that once learned becomes easier.

To overcome my shoulder problem I have a Hofner violin bass and a Hohner B2A. I mainly use the violin bass because the long scale of the B2A means I have to stretch more which puts more strain on the shoulder muscles. I also play further up the neck so that my arm is nearer to 'straight on' if that makes sense. Strangely enough I use a Trace Elliot rig as lifting heavy weights doesn't bother my shoulder! I'm hoping that my appointment with a Orthopaedic Consultant might shed some light. Every new bass or bass amp sold should come with a free physio voucher!!

Thanks -much appreciated!!

Hi, I have a AH250 GP11 MkV amp which did not have the footswitch when I bought it. I believe it switches the graphic and preshape on and off. Could someone tell me what the correct footswitch is for this amp? My guess it is a two switch type with a stereo jack -but I've never seen one- and there seems to be a few different footswitches for the different models produced. Any help or info appreciated!! Regards.