Slipperydick

[quote name='leschirons' timestamp='1439052451' post='2839687'] I see your point about the flood of exposure but the Beatles were not the only huge attraction at that time. (1967) Floyd had arrived, Hendrix, Cream, The Who, The Beach boys and The Moody Blues. All these names had hit it big. There were plenty of names to fill our time up. Their success (The Beatles) was due to a highly original concept album but I guess there was loads of hype around that time re the India thing too. I seem to remember a lot more than 2 hours radio a week full of great music and there was a name gig on every street corner. Music fans really only bought the Melody Maker or NME. I guess there were "fanzines" at the time but I don't remember them. [/quote] Sgt Pepper came out in 67 didnt it ? During the school summer hols iirc. That would be towards the end of the main Beatlemania period. Only them, Elvis and The Stones were in that class as huge attractions, and Elvis had been waning for a while by then. People like Floyd, Hendrix and Cream were not as mainstream, toddlers to grannies, everybody liked the Beatles. Whether it was great marketing or luck, there was something for everyone on Beatles LPs. Yellow Submarine, When I'm 64 etc. I often wonder whether the Stones would have been so popular if it wasnt for the Stone vs Beatles rivalry among kids at the time. Radio 1 Started during term time, so that would have been September maybe. So other than Pirate stations, if you could get them and Luxenburg at night, there was little on the Light Program to interest kids, Uncle Mac, Saturday Club, Pick of The Pops, that was it. And even less on the 3 monochrome TV channels, most people didnt have BBC2, so thats two channels. TOTP, and RSG. that was it. Fanzines - I dont remember either, but there was one called FAB, the there were girls comics like Jackie and suchlike. which often had giveaway Beatles 'records' - sort of floppy flexible 45RPM discs inside.

[quote name='leschirons' timestamp='1439032153' post='2839505'] You make it sound as if it was a pure con job and that people were fooled into liking them. Not exactly Milli Vanilli were they [/quote] No, just that the world was a very different place. Only a couple of hours a week of 'pop' music on the national radio station, and contrary to what people believe, pirate stations were am, and relatively low power, so couldnt be received by everyone. The Beatles were on the TV news and in the papers every day. On the covers of what few pop music papers and mags there were every week. and the merch, authorised and otherwise, not being as organised as it is now, really was everywhere, furniture shops, wallpaper shops, sweet shops, electrical shops, clothes shops. Epstein really didnt have a clue about merchandising, I read somewhere that he sold the rights early on for only a few grand.

[quote name='PaulWarning' timestamp='1439023601' post='2839420'] being born in 1952 I was there, and at the time to was convinced it was a musical masterpiece, it was only a few years later that I came to the conclusion, that in my view, it wasn't, I'd been taken in by all the hype, [/quote] This. if you weren't there you wont understand the effect of Beatlemania hype of the time. It was after all, the first time the UK had been subjected to it to any real extent, young and old alike went for it hook line and sinker. Some people who were ther still believe it.

[quote name='leschirons' timestamp='1438951418' post='2838931'] Was I using sales figures as an argument for quality? I thought it was a reference to how many people thought it was good enough to buy at the time. Unless of course you're suggesting that they all got home, played it and thought "well that was a waste of money" [/quote] Sles figures at the time dont really prove anything, Beatles recrds were guaranteed to sell, they could have recorded their farts and fans would have called it brilliant. Only a few years later McCartney proved it by releasing Mary Had a Little Lamb.

[quote name='mrtcat' timestamp='1438883928' post='2838428'] Came out years before I was born but I really love it. I like a lot of Beatles stuff and dislike plenty too but I've always loved Sgt Pepper. I don't have the benefit of the context of a lot of the early Beatles stuff as I wasn't there but respect where it's due they clearly captured peoples attention with what they did. I like plenty of Stones stuff too and naturally dislike certain stuff. Funny that the Beatles have never felt the need to criticise the stones as far as I'm aware. [/quote] There was always a Beatles OR Stones thing back then, a bit like mods n rockers. Both to a certain extent benefited from being in the right place at the right time. People my parents age ( born in the 1910s) had grown up hard up. lived through austerity that we cant even imagine, two world wars, the depression, rationing etc. People my age (born in the early 50s) grew up hearing about it. The Beatles and Stones generation, born during the war were between the two. Older people when things changed in the 60s, were reluctant to spend for a few years, just from habit, or fear of bad times coming back. The 60s were in colour, before that everythig was in black and white, but Beatles fans will tell you that Lennon & McCartney changed the world, which is not really true. Hippy ideals and younger people changed the world, The Beatles were part of it, but they didnt cause it nor lead it. They were just a band, like any other, but with three great songwriters. Thats how I see/remember it anyway. Sgt Peppers was good, very different at the time, but that's all.

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1438879549' post='2838386'] He'd probably fix the hole by shoving a Mars Bar in it.... [/quote]

[quote name='drTStingray' timestamp='1438871897' post='2838283'] I'd love to know what some people think of Keef (presuming we're talking that chap from the Rolling Stones and not Keef Hartley?) I've long been unimpressed with icons who denigrate other bands - both Keef and Ian Anderson )separately) did this about one of my favourite ever bands on one of those bbc4 programmes - notably Ian suggesting the guitar solos were self indulgent and full of notes - hmmm I saw Ian Anderson live with Tull back in the early 70s and I would have said he gave an accurate self description. Back to Keef - he is clearly wrong - FWIW I saw them in 1973 (I think) and thought they were past it being eclipsed by the support band (Billy Preston) - notably Jagger was out of breath after every lunge across the stage and missed the next line of vocals - the only saving grace was Mick Taylor on guitar who was superb. I have mellowed since and quite like them again - I suppose my experience was like seeing the Bay City Rollers in the 80s - an anachronism. I much prefer Mick Fleetwood's take on things - he was waxing lyrical about King Crimson appearing at Hyde Park in the late 60s and said they were astonished at the musicianship - when asked about his own playing he said they kept things simple and in reality couldn't actually play the flash stuff (I guess they were a good unit and Peter Green was an awesome player). So a bit of honesty amongst icons like Keef wouldn't go amiss. I still am fond of the Stones though and am glad I saw them in the short lived Mick Taylor era. [/quote] The 73 tour was billed as probably their last, 2 shows at B'ham Odeon on the same night. How things changed by the 76 tour, which was also probably the last - with The Meters as support - I saw them at Stafford, place like a big cattle shed, more like a modern tour for a big name, but just as disappointing a performance. [attachment=198025:10712896_725740124200006_8046612129508244300_n.jpg]

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1438863965' post='2838160'] Richards also thinks Led Zeppelin are cr4p. [/quote] He's not always wrong then.

[quote name='KiOgon' timestamp='1438858974' post='2838058'] [b] "Is Keef right"?[/b] Can you imagine Jagger singing - I'm fixing a hole where the rain comes in _ _ _ _ [/quote] Yeah, I can actually...

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1438853537' post='2837952'] I love Keef, but if he said this then he's talking out of his arse. Jealous, much..? [/quote] It took me all of 10 minutes to even remember the title of The Stones idea of a psychedelic album. and I dont know anyone who actually bought it. So yeah, might be sour grapes.

Sgt Peppers was OK, just OK, but it was downhill all the way after it.

Nope. I always refused to play them myself, and dont want to hear anybody else do it either. Not if its longer than a few bars anyway, like in my generation for example. But Then I dont like drum solos either :-)

A Hollies forum ? Chuck through any window - yeah!

All my ebay listings carry the line " I will send insured by reputable courier & I promise not to use Hermes" The OP was lucky to get a reply even if it was a refusal to pay out, they just ignored my complaints and claims.

Not been round there since The Nags Head was still going. i've heard that there was a haunted shop on Queens Rd in Gnuneaton before. Dont know if it was the Queens though.

[quote name='cheddatom' timestamp='1438691287' post='2836402'] He's already done this! [/quote] I know, [i][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]"We temporally removed the earth from the main fuse, and it stopped"[/font][/color][/i] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Does that mean at the amp or the consumer unit or what ? It makes a difference.[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]The OP is ignoring any direct questions from myself and from others, which might help with finding an answer to HIS problem. So to be honest. I've kinda lost interest now.[/font][/color]

[quote name='icastle' timestamp='1438689531' post='2836376'] No no no. Seriously bad thing to do. Not only are you removing the earth but you're ending up with the fuse on the Neutral side where it has no effect whatsoever. The way to approach this is: 1) Take the amp to a mates house and try it there. If it still buzzes then the amp or cabling is faulty - get it repaired. 2) Unplug the fridge and make sure any lights using dimmer switches, fluorescent tubes or transformers are switched off. If the buzz goes then turn the items back on one at a time until you find the culprit. 3) Run an extension lead from upstairs and try that supply instead (or vice versa if you're already upstairs). 4) Get yourself a plug in mains tester - essential bit of kit if you're gigging anyway. 5) If all that fails then get an electrician in, preferably not the one who did the work in the first place. A fresh pair of eyes can often see things clearer. Snipping earth cables, plugging things in back to front and general piddling about with your electric supply is just asking for trouble. [/quote] As theres no earth to short to, the fuse would have the same effect as in the live side, ie. blow if theres a short. The words to note in my post were Temporary, and 4 way. The 4 way will be fused in the live side anyway. The mains TX in the amp, is effectively the only thing connected to the mains, and although its best practice to connect the inner end of the winding to the neutral, you will find that mains transformers these days have two identical wires for the primary winding, and so it really wont make a difference. I see no one has described exactly how its dangerous, the only danger is that if theres a short to earth, you might get a pisser by touching the earth pin on the plug, but if there was a short to earth, the fuse would have blown whit it plugged in the correct way. Taking it to an amp tech is pointless if it doesnt hum in his place. If disconnecting the earth temporarily stops the hum, it proves where its coming from, if it makes no difference, no harm done... Sometimes reversing the primary winding of the Mains TX makes a difference. Its not general piddling about, its a legitimate test based on my 45 years experience of servicing electronic equipment for a living, just that reversing the plug is easier than the generally accepted method of disconnecting the earth temporarily with moulded plugs, and unlike many on here, I wouldnt recommend that the OP opens the amp to do it.

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1438646910' post='2836140'] That is a seriously dangerous suggestion. Do not do that! [/quote][quote name='Norris' timestamp='1438670137' post='2836185'] Oh my goodness. That photo made me cringe. Please stop fannying about and get back in touch with your sparky [/quote] Why ? Cos it isnt earthed or because the polarity is temporarily reversed ? OK, lift the earth wire out of a wired plug as has been suggested/tried. Equally dangerous by your reckoning. Sparky obviously hasnt got a clue, he's only trained in providing a safe earth.

[quote name='spongebob' timestamp='1438619823' post='2835822'] Got the Behringer box - and it doesn't make any difference whatsoever! It's definitely an earthing issue, just need a modern way to solve it..... [/quote] If you lightly stroke a metal part of the amp, or your Bass with it powered up do you feel any tingling ? Could you temporarily connect it to the mains using a four way lead, but with the plug upside down, as in the photo, and let us know if it makes any difference ? You will be removing the earth and also reversing the polarity. [attachment=197812:20150803_235517.jpg]

Sad. I always thought she had one of the best soul voices to come out of the UK, but I didnt like all the family entertainment stuff.

[quote name='dmccombe7' timestamp='1438523615' post='2835128'] Yep that more or less what was explained to me many yrs ago. Because the earth point has been changed could the OP be picking up mains harmonics usually associated with frequencies higher than 150Hz. Recently experienced this on some HV systems at work altho they were coming from a 250KV supply it causes interference and eventual damage from 230V / 110V down to 24V systems across various electronic systems. Usually capacitors or thyristors failing. This could only be picked up with special frequency monitoring equipment. This was caused by local steelworks mains filtering system having been by-passed when it had issues. It might be that the audio system is highlighting this kind of thing now that the earthing has been changed to mains earth rather than local spike. ? Dave. [/quote] Thyristors cause all sorts of weird things to happen. In the early 70s 75%of british made TVs had similar thyristor PSUs, and all the same 200V output, so all triggering at the about same point on the mains waveform. Imagine the effect on the mains in tower blocks...

[quote name='spinynorman' timestamp='1438533915' post='2835231'] Like me. I was born in 1952. I'm fed up with people my age always going on about the Beatles, so I can understand why later generations would be thoroughly sick of it. [/quote] I dunno. I was born in 52 as well and I was sick of the Beatles by 1965. Not knocking their talent, just sick of hearing people going on about them.

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1438521173' post='2835108'] He did that and the noise went away. The worry is that they've taken the earth spike away and his mains are now earthed through the spikes in the other houses. Which sounds to me is exactly what has happened. [/quote] I was under the impression that he had disconnected the earth from the consumer unit temporarily. I'd try putting a spike back if it was me. Unless theres anything in wiring regs to say he cant have a supplementary earth. I know there will be a different potential between the two, but it wont necessarily create any problems will it.

A wire earthed at one end is an aerial. Earthed at the substation, the earth cable will be in effect an aerial, so anything thats radiating and connected to it will introduce hum into the house. also using an SCR, such as lam dimmers seem to introduce a lot of noise which can sometimes even be seen on the mains waveform using a scope. I would be interested to see what happens if the OP temporarily disconnected the earth from the amp.

[quote name='Number6' timestamp='1438468258' post='2834791'] In my experience as an electrical engineer and having studied Electro Magnetic Compatability (EMC) i would say yes. [/quote] Not wanting to get into a pissing contest, in my 45 years experience as an electronics engineer. and having hands on experience of actually solving hum and RFi problems in the field, in various envoronments - although not specifically made a study of EMC. Quite often in practice, the cure makes no sense in theory, Question is, is it really an improved earth ? Always better to find the source if possible, I'm not convinced that its something in the house, But after eliminating the things I already mentioned, I'd try putting the earth rod backin place. I'm not a sparks, and I dont know about 17th edition regs, but a quick google suggests an additional earth rod connected via 10mm cable conforms. And would possibly be the most cost effective cure.