phil.mcglassup

Cool, Thanks everyone, much appreciated!!

It looks like B&Q do a leaded solder- is this the one? [url="http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9284805&fh_view_size=10&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB&fh_search=solder&fh_eds=%c3%9f&fh_refview=search&ts=1290617338583&isSearch=true"]http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?acti...p;isSearch=true[/url] Cheers.

Thanks. I did think of making some sort of template so that the new switches (the EQ and pre shape buttons) but it would have to be made accurately. I wondered if it is possible to get hold of low melting point solder so that excess heat can be avoided. The switches are very small and only have two short legs to solder to and was advised that the heat that builds up can easily melt the switch being fitted. Actually getting to the switches is pretty strightforward, it's all plug and play really it's just that this is the most delicate bit of soldering I've ever been faced with!!

I have got hold of a new set of EQ switches for my TE amp and have been informed that it is a delicate operation as the switches are very small and plastic. Also, they have to be soldered onto turrets to precision so that they fit in the holes in the front cover. Has anyone ever done this? If, so, any pointers? I am quite competent with a soldering iron - I just don't want to do any damage!! TIA.

Thanks All, An order has now been placed! Cheers.

Thanks everyone. An e-mail has now been sent!! By the way, where might I get a couple of EQ switches and a footswitch for the amp? I believe the switches are a common problem!! Cheers.

Hi All, I am in need of a proper set of speaker cables, but nothing too fancy, for my Trace Elliot rig which comprises amp, 1x15 and 4x10 cabs. Is it best to use the XLR sockets or the standard jack sockets? Furthermore, I'd prefer the plugs to be right angled if possible. I've done a fair bit of searching but can't find any. Does anyone know where I can get them from? Cheers.

I've only got a 15W practice amp and a carlsbro 90 combo - and it's poorly!! I don't try to compete with drummers and guitarists!! How sad But I am starting to look for something bigger!!

Thanks. So a TE amp that says 'Pre-amp' on the front will have a built in pre-amp AND a power amp which connects to the speakers. Is that right?

How much should I expect to pay for a 300W head? Does the model make a big difference? i.e. GP7, GP12 And what about cabs? i.e 2x10 and 1x15, what is a sensible price to pay for them? I have spent a lot of time searching but there is little info on models/year etc and the completed listings on the 'bay don't tell me much!! Finally, I know I'm a bit of a newb regarding rigs, but why are some heads classed as 'pre-amps'? As usual, any help appreciated!!

Where can I find more info on them? Are there any particular models to look out for? Any to avoid? Thanks.

Hi All, I've done a few pub gigs with my amp which is a Carlsbro 90 combo miked through the PA but feel it is in need of repair and possibly replacing with something a little more powerful. On a couple of occasions I have been allowed, quite generously I might add, to use the bass rig of the headlining act - and wow, what an improvement. My favourite was a 350W Trace Elliot rig which made my Hofner Contemporary Violin Bass sound a lot better. It had one 2x10 cab and one 1x12 cab both TE. To be honest though, I don't have any tone/sound preferences really, as long as everyone can hear me, up until now I've not been too fussy. I've put more effort into learning new songs etc as I thought it more important. I'd prefer a rig rather than a combo. Do you think that this make of rig should suit my bass? Any model in particular? Any other options? Years ago a TE rig was something to aim for -is that still true today even though a lot of it is quite a few years old? I know that they are heavy pieces of gear to lug about but I'm sure my other band members will be happy to help so that we can share the load and I don't want any 4x10 cabs, maybe a 2x10 and a 1x15. My back is not too bad for my age!! I don't know why it is, but there never seems to be any such gear available near to where I live (or surrounding counties) as most seems to be down south. Any help appreciated.

Having always played 34" scale basses, usually Precisions, I recently acquired a Hofner Contemporary Violin Bass which has now been fitted with a set of Hofner flats and is by far the best bass I've ever had IMO. It is very easy to play, is fairly light, has a 30.5" scale and the strings are a little closer together. However, they don't suit everyone!!

Thanks for all the info!! What happens if there is a key change in the song? I've come across a Digitech Vocalist Performer for sale secondhand, - is it similar? Do you think it might do what I'm looking for? Are they any good?

I will have a look at them!! If no instrument is plugged in is it necessary to set the key? I can hit the notes I need to!! I was hoping to find an effects unit that I could just plug the mic into which would add thickness (and harmony if required) whilst gigging without too much resetting between songs, if that makes sense!! Can it be set to produce a harmony (or two) whilst removing the input vocal? ....now that would be good!!

Well I think I'm wasting my time!! At least I am still allowed to say, "That's not how it is on the record!!" -How many pop tunes have screaming distorted overdriven guitar solos over the top? And why oh why do guitarists 'widdle' the same old cliched riff from a an old classic that has been played to death, -the sort of riff that is banned from musical instrument shops? Maybe 'cos they can't play anything else!!

The worst bit was explaining to one of the guitarists how to play a D minor chord !! Why is it that when I point out that someone is playing their part wrong that it looks like I'm fussing too much!! Oh dear

I too hate it when guitarists 'widdle' at high volume while I am discussing a point with the vocalist etc. Soooo amateur. We had a rehearsal last night ready for the gig next weekend. What an abomination. Lots of time wasted plus the guitarists and vocalist will be taking their 'paperwork' with them on the night of the gig as they can't remember their parts!! They plan on taking a music stand to put their paperwork on during the gig. Even when rehearsing there were loads of 'bum' notes and chords being played loud in my lug 'oles even considering some of the songs have been worked on for the last six weeks or so. Like I said before, I'm not note perfect but that is mainly due to playing without looking at the fingerboard and trying to look more competent and professional even though I will concentrate more on my left hand fingerwork on the night!! Like has been suggested before, I'm now considering calling it a day with these clowns!! Would you?

No probs about the thread hijack -all feedback is appreciated. It looks like I'm not on my own regarding my predicament. We also have a situation where the smokers in the group go outside for extended breaks!! Our singer has to carry a folder full of lyrics even when gigging due to lack of trying to remember them. What I really, really hate (apart from over loud drummers and guitarists) is when we're going over and over a song and there is nothing but guitarists hitting bum chords and notes right in my ear 'oles - it is nothing short of amateur. Plus when I am trying to sing backing vocals it is really annoying. Anyway, rant just about over!! At least I know what we/they should be doing so I can now lay down some ground rules and work ethics and aim for a full set by Christmas!

Thanks for thoughts y'all. Does the digitech work when no instrument is plugged in? Are they as reliable as the TC models ? (although it appears there is a TC model with known glitches!!) Cheers.

All pointers taken on board. I think some members of my band only practice at rehearsals which is annoying and does question their dedication! Another thing is that when doing a cover I like to keep as near to the original bassline as possible so that the song sounds as near as possible whereas my colleagues are happy to copy their parts from tab websites which to my mind ignore certain rhythm and lead guitar parts which make a song sound better, which just leads to a set of cover songs which sound bland at best. I heard a live band years ago do a similar sounding set and it was mind-numbingly dull and certainly not what I would want to aim for. My fellow bandmates think that by adding their own artistic style to a cover song (my interpretation is that they can't be bothered to learn the song properly) they are actually going to improve it!! Sadly they fail miserably as even the lead solos are nothing like the originals. Maybe I'm too fussy. So from now on we will be learning two new songs properly per week at home and fine tuning / polishing them at rehearsals - I think that sounds reasonable.

Blimey!! You lot learn fast - and I thought I was doing quite well at my speed!! The thing is, my fellow band members have never been in gigging bands before and so have never appreciated the need to learn new songs quickly. Thanks for all the replies - I feel like maybe a 'pep-talk' is in order at the next group practice!!

When our band members decide upon a new song to cover - how long should it take for us to reach a stage where we can do it competently enough to include it in our set? Assuming it is a straightforward song, nothing too complicated with no long winded guitar solos, key changes etc -what do you think? I'm getting the impression from my fellow band members that they do little practising done at home meaning that an average song is taking six weeks or so to get right and added to the fact that we need to learn an awful lot more songs, I think it's going to take ages to get there!! In my last covers band we practised hard and had a good long set within a fairly short period. Perhaps it's because I am familiar with learning at this rate and the others are not!! Am I expecting too much? It's just that I practise at home a lot and then get fed up with group practise sessions by being surrounded by others who haven't bothered to learn their parts then I get frustrated at having to go over and over a new song which I know inside out whereas the others are still making fundamental errors. I'm not a particularly brilliant bassist but I do put in a lot of effort!! Any pointers anyone?