OldGit

Picked up a Bass Player Magazine guide to tech and stuff from my local newsagent. Review of effects, valve amps, a reprint of how a valve amp works, and a mass string test divide into types (Steel, Nickle, coated) with a tone guide, brief comment for each, street price (US that is) and a "feel" indication too. I found it really useful as there are so many types and prices .. Of course what I really want is a guide to strings that feel, sound and last like Elixirs but cost a third of the price ....

[quote name='NickH' post='624441' date='Oct 12 2009, 09:29 PM']Something I tried to recreate at a Halloween gig once*, to much hilarity - *The whole place - all 5 bands and the whole crowd - were in fancy dress, so I wasn't alone [/quote] ha ha hey hang on is your bas actually plugged in or were you miming too?

[quote name='Zach' post='624177' date='Oct 12 2009, 05:16 PM']so long as i don't find out i have a tournament or something nearer the time, I'd be more than happy to come. Since there are no spectors on the list, i'll bring my rebop. will be sending messages pleading for lifts from bristol, so I shan't bring my rig (superfly head w/ warwick neo 1x12) unless someone really wants me to.[/quote] Tournament? Is it still the Jousting season in November? I thought that ended in August.....

[quote name='retroman' post='624148' date='Oct 12 2009, 04:31 PM']2) Hard case. With the Jap, and the Lakland, I've noticed you only get a gig bag. (Gig bag with a £1000 bass, that's just rude.......)[/quote] Most posh basses only come with posh gig bags as far as I can tell. But a Hiscox is only £80 or so. The new Fender full on case is amazing too .. really tough looking. Bigger and fatter than a Hiscox if that's a consideration, say in your car or storage facility...

[quote name='Born 2B Mild' post='624096' date='Oct 12 2009, 03:50 PM']Hey Simon (Old Git) [i]"Basschat Shuker Custom Precision 5 String club member # 1"[/i] Jon's making me a P-5 like the Simon Rix, so save me a place in your club! (Ooops, sorry Retroman, hi-jacking your thread. Please excuse!)[/quote] Excellent! You'll be number three unless there's some stelth building going on ... That's me, Old Horse Murphy and you .... and 3's a crowd!

[quote name='bumnote' post='624010' date='Oct 12 2009, 02:26 PM']I had a conversation about this a while ago with the secretary of one of the WMC we regularly play at. He is firmly of the opinion that if the band looks as if they are enjoying what they are doing, they will bring the audience with them. In his view the order is the right songs, presentation, looking as if you are enjoying it, and musical ability within reason a long way last. Certainly I have seen less talented bands go down better some great bands, when they show some enthusiasm and look as if they want to please. I always think status quo are really good showmen, their music APPEARS simple, but they always look as if they are giving it 110% and the audience responds. Obviously it depends on the band and who you are. My comments relate to places like WMC where you are playing to the average non musical punter who wants to have a dance.[/quote] Definitely! The most brilliant musicians in the world playing teh best set list going in lovely clothes but looking like they would rather be at home watching Strictly will kill audience enthusiasm stone dead.

[quote name='skankdelvar' post='623887' date='Oct 12 2009, 12:37 PM']Sounds like a wild, feeble excuse to avoid booking your band. Don't dwell on it. If you're [i]really[/i] bothered, practice waving and smiling between songs. [b]And wear a 'zany' Timmy Mallet hat.[/b][/quote] Now there's an idea for my hat conundrum

Suggest a few of the more obscure gems?

[quote name='headofire' post='623987' date='Oct 12 2009, 02:06 PM']the new fenders are a return to form and a better investment man... they feels really classic again. nice vintage logo too.[/quote] A better invertment than they were a few years ago? True. A better investment than a used Fender? Well probably not in sheer financial terms simply because of the "showroom door" effect mentioned above. A used 09 with all the QC and kit upgrades would be a good deal but certainly not an old stock S1.....

You coud buy my lookie likee CAR MIJ 57, add chrome and a anodized plate ... bit of marker pen on the headstock and no one would know

Well MrsOldGit frequently suggest I wear one of these (the hat, that is) Or I think that what she's saying when I say I have a gig in Llangrannog or somesuch place

[quote name='skankdelvar' post='624059' date='Oct 12 2009, 03:21 PM']OK then, Lord Hattington, why not try one of these lads? Now [i]that's[/i] a hat.[/quote] My wife says I already spend too much time polishing my helmet

The guy I'm auditioning (for) on Wednesday has asked me to bring my Fender 4 string 'cos they are "traditional" Cheeky get. I'd not dream of telling him to play a Taylor 200 rather than a Martin D1 Shuker P5 it is then

[quote name='3V17C' post='624074' date='Oct 12 2009, 03:36 PM']we had an annoying one lately - trying to get a singer for a new tribute band project - guy rings up, sounds like he could be ok, so ask him whens a good time for him to come over and try out and agree on a sunday night. i tell him i'll get rehearsal room booked etc and get back to him to confirm - but on doing so he says, 'oh i can't make it that late at night'... erm is 7pm late at night? and why say he could do it when he couldn't!!? so he says can we get something earlier? so i re-arrange for an afternoon slot instead - again ring him to confirm and apparently he can't do afternoon either because he's rehearsing with his other band!! aaaargh!! why did he not say that when he said to sort something for earlier!!?? and apparently he can't do evenings during the week because he has to be at work for 9am!!? erm.... doesn't everyone? so sod him. no matter how good a singer he may or may not be i'm not gonna keep chasing someone who clearly isn't going to be reliable or make any kind of effort. Had a few complete no shows too which is annoying when you've still got to pay for the rehearsal room etc. Idiots, the lot of 'em!! peace c[/quote] So he can only gig in the morning on every third Saturday except when there's an R in the month or a full moon, or it's raining, or sunny and no stairs and the beer has to at precisely 4 degrees ...

[quote name='thedontcarebear' post='623945' date='Oct 12 2009, 01:33 PM']I'll ask about the LED cost later when I talk to him, if it's a lot though, I won't get it, really depends, I've not had issues at gigs with not seeing the dots.[/quote] Yeah I thought that too ... Then I got them and I now see side markers in a whole new light "Jafa cake"? Hoping to avoid paying VAT?

[quote name='chris_b' post='623842' date='Oct 12 2009, 11:08 AM']A top hat with a 2/6 ticket in the band? You could spray paint the Panama a different colour? Silver or red sparkle?[/quote] Don't have a top hat (yet) .. I like the low ones like undertakers and horse riders wear but it woud have to be a battered one. Not for this gig though

[quote name='Ray' post='623895' date='Oct 12 2009, 12:49 PM']I'd go for a straw pork pie. Similar to the one above but with a narrower brim. [/quote] I have a porkie, er well I have two The brown one is my normal daytime wear all winter .. Stingy brim isn't wide enough for the lights thing though .. Re Kangol and Samual L I used to wear my winter Kangol backwards but I'm not cool enough in general. and yeah backwards the peak doesn't work... However, that Kangol light cap with speed stripe worn forwards is favorite at present. Sorry chaps, I''m not being diuffcult but I do have about 20 hats already and I've had a long think already but I'm fairly stuck on this which is why I'm calling on the great combine "knowledge bass" of basschat

[quote name='thedontcarebear' post='623833' date='Oct 12 2009, 10:59 AM']Don't they still glow though? You must be able to see that from the front?[/quote] yeah they glow (derrr) No you can't see them from the front.

[quote name='thedontcarebear' post='623807' date='Oct 12 2009, 10:29 AM']Just spoke to him and gonna get a matching headstock, and going to call him later to put the deposit down. Didn't mention LED's, as I'm still not sure, people may think I am showing off a bit too much if I get them![/quote] LEDs - Just on the side .. No one can see them when you are playing. Front LED's are awful IMHO,

[quote name='BurritoBass' post='623809' date='Oct 12 2009, 10:30 AM']I think this is the winner (even if Wotnwhy changed their mind!). The other alternative is lose the hat and just wear shades if it's that sort of look. Depending on how bright your future is, of course [/quote] Ah sadly my reactolight lenses in the blind as a bat glasses don't react to stagelights and shades onstage indoors? Sorry I'm way too cool for that

[quote name='clauster' post='623792' date='Oct 12 2009, 10:18 AM']My first thought was Henry's from M*A*S*H, but if you need a bigger brim, how about a sombrero?[/quote] I may look out for a fly fishing hat of some sort though ... Got me thinking Sombrero? Er this is a wedding/conference/function band so not really

[quote name='skankdelvar' post='623796' date='Oct 12 2009, 10:21 AM']OK, how about this? In maroon for that beach-pimp look. [/quote] Might be just me but every middle aged Japanese woman tourist I see is wearing one of these ......

[quote name='thedontcarebear' post='623789' date='Oct 12 2009, 10:14 AM']Any idea how much LED's are? I guess they might add to the build time as well.[/quote] Not a huge amount in terms of % .. I got mine years ago so I don't know the current costs. Worth every penny though, not only for the practicalities of being able to find your place in the dark but also 'cos it's just about the only aspect of a relatively normal looking custom that impresses civilians, drummers, funding sources such as wives, etc .... Mind you an orange bass is hardly normal ... Don't worry about build times. Luthier months are notoriously longer than normal months ..... Just add about 30% to whatever Jon says and you'll be OK.

[quote name='thedontcarebear' post='623749' date='Oct 12 2009, 09:13 AM']I was thinking about a matching headstock, but I am not really sure at the moment, I might ask about the cost and see if it's worth it. I love jazz basses, and don't think I'll play anything else now after all these years of trying other stuff.[/quote] Good choice! Oh the matching headstock won't cost much ... Think about side LEDs though if you play on stage:) They are brilliant (SIC) and well worth it.

Ha ha Well the lights are optional Panama's a bit "normal", M&S and cricket umpire .. I'm after a rock n roll summer hat, I guess