Dad3353

S'been done; a few years ago now I saw a TV programme with, as guests, the drummer and bassist from The Wailers. Reggae, of course; at one moment the drummer came out from behind the kit to start tapping with his sticks on the bass strings whilst his colleague fretted. I wasn't impressed enough to adopt this technique; in fact I thought it rather rubbish, to be honest. Not their highest moment, I'm afraid.

That's exactly how I play, both bass and guitar, when a pick is required. I've tried, many times, to hold a pick, but it has never ended happily, so I revert to my built-in 'finger pick'. I play finger style too, of course (bass and guitar...). Over the decades, I've developed my own playing style, inspired by and imitative of the 'greats'. It's quite simple: I throw my fingers at the strings (both hands...), and hope to be lucky. The 'greats' use this very technique; they're just a bit luckier than I am.

Aha..! So your name really is Jeremy Corbyn; I still claim my £5..!

Some folks buy pre-ripped jeans. Do they fret when they start to fray, or catch a nail and tear..? Dunno. It's a fashion statement, I think, whereby it's OK, and sometimes even considered desirable, to look scruffy. Not my concern, really, as I carry off that look very easily, and naturally; in fact I've no other.

Your name is Jeremy Corbyn and I claim my £5..!

Oh, what a shame. It was my elder brother the expert on these matters, but I'm afraid he left us just over a year ago. He had some remarkable pieces of rolling stock and specialised in sub-miniature mining shunter locomotives, similar to this ... Twenty minutes wouldn't have been long enough, of course, except for the briefest of overviews. There's still time to get the lowdown on armchairs, though (but don't delay too long; I'm not getting any younger ...).

Done, as best as I can.

There'll be a difference between recording on your own and recording all together, but, essentially, if you've not got any experience of studio work, I'd recommend relying on the (hopefully vast...) experience of the sound engineer running the session. He will already know the studio room, the mics to choose and their placing, depending on the musical style you're looking for as a group. Finger noise won't be a problem; it's sometimes even added afterwards to make a recording a bit more 'roots'..! The mic positioning would deal with that, and it's the engi who'll know how to achieve the result wanted. You'd be best served, I'd say, in having your bass parts down 'pat', and practised 'solo' if you're being tracked that way. The bass itself has to be in best form, of course, with no rattles or buzzes, and an acoustic tone suitable for the genre. Just relax, play your best and concentrate on the qualities that only you can provide; let the others each bring their own contribution, and have confidence. Just my tuppence-worth; hope this helps. Have a blast...

Or maybe it's just further away..?

I think it was the 'rest of the world made it better' that rankles. RR, a quintessentially British firm, do, indeed, make world-class, top-performing jet engines, and have done for... oh, maybe even longer than that.

Happens every time I have a pea.

Quality, mate; sheer quality. S'not my fault; it's genetic. I'd claim perfection but for this infernal excess of modesty I'm cursed with.

I have a Tama Swingstar kit for practising, lending out and generally trying stuff on, but wouldn't dream of gigging it. I'll always use my vintage (it wasn't when I bought it, new..! ) Camco kit, and full cymbal set. Beyond price, now, but well over two grand back then in early '70s. It's had its fair share of scars from pro, semi-pro and amateur use over all that time, although I've always kept it all in the best condition I could. I don't suppose anyone would be walking off with it all at a dodgy pub, though; they'd need a van..! Even the cymbal flight-case has enough weight to deter folks; I struggle with it myself, now ..!

A timely reminder that, leaving your bass accessible to pick up and play at any time is a Good Thing, but be wary with advancing years; make sure that it's not somewhere in the way where one may trip over on it. Serious injury could result. Elf'n'safety 'an all, eh..?

Well, there's my potential contribution well and truly scuppered, then. I was about to embark on an interesting exposé on the do's and don't's of successful radish cultivation, but I fear that, if the intention is to produce 'sound-bites' and slick talk, I'd maybe not be the best person to deliver such. However, I could propose a short (a few hours..?) on how to build a model airplane, or dietary tips for diabetics. An in-depth analysis of the monthly Challenge entries..? My favourite version of 'Dark Star', copiously illustrated with medium-length (twenty minutes or so...) extracts..? A lecture on home recording minimalism; how to compress all one's gear into less than one square metre..? And for the older listener, armchairs and how to choose 'em..? Hmm... The more I think about it, the more attractive the idea becomes, more especially if video is not required. Let's test my 'hipness' with some modern, 'youf' phraseology, then... 'Hit me up when you're done jawing, to take the above subjects to the next level. Let's get this show on the road.'

Ballast you; I've been sussed..!

Is that a submarine base..? Does it have a deep sound..? I've a bit of a sinking feeling about this one. Still, if it floats, U-boat.

Ah... Thanks for that; I'll sleep slightly wiser tonight than I would otherwise have done. I'm heartened to think that BC members are taking such an interest in gardening, although such devotion to this humble pulse food surprises me a little. One learns a little something every day..!

Hmm...