casapete

[quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1506010433' post='3375890'] Sounds like they've at least nailed that aspect of Chuck's playing. He was notorious for starting songs with the wrong intro. [/quote] Wrong intro, wrong key, wrong song - Chuck was well known for sometimes repeating a song he'd played earlier in the set too - all part of the Chuck magic. I suppose with a fair few of his tunes having near identical intros / guitar parts it was inevitable really.

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1505997754' post='3375744'] What, you mean turn up late without a band, have a quick run through with some local guys in the Gents toilet, play a 30-minute set and then walk off, no encores? Sounds like a winner to me ... [/quote] Err, excuse me - 60 minute set, to the second....

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1505987924' post='3375636'] It definitely does. Pickups contain strong magnets, and strings are made of magnetic materials (i.e. metal). Hold a string against the pickup and you will feel the force of attraction. That force is still there when the bass is played, but gets weaker as the string is further from the pickup. If the pickups are set very high (close to the strings) then the magnet attracts the string and prevents it vibrating as much. The sound may be louder, but sustain will be affected, as will the overall tone. It is a useful thing to fiddle about with... [/quote] Absolutely. Something vintage Strat players found out a long time ago - pickups too high causing all sorts of problems.

Playing Chuck stuff properly is nigh on impossible. As you point out, most guitarists [i]think [/i]they can do it okay, but in reality mostly don't get close in my experience. Tone is something rarely sorted properly - although in later years Chuck used Gibson 345/355's a lot, most of his hits in the 50's/early 60's were played on a Gibson ES350. The earlier versions had single coil P90 pickups, later switching to humbuckers. Thinline hollow body and a short scale too, so not an easy guitar sound to replicate, before you attempt Chuck's amazing style. Maybe too soon, but has anybody seen or considered doing a Chuck tribute show at all?

Go for the 4x10, you'll love it.

I've been fortunate to play mostly with musicians who have been generally more accomplished than myself, and have learnt so much from doing so. When I look back at some of the players, I can't believe I was actually there with them to be honest, they've been that good. And almost without exception, the best ones have also been the most humble and friendly, taking time to explain parts to me and not getting exasperated if I don't get it first time etc. So yeah, definitely being the worst player in an amazing band - if you have the right attitude it will be an invaluable learning curve / experience and you will improve your own skills as a result.

After a lengthy period of both my hands starting to hurt after long gigs, I set the action on my main bass a fair bit lower than I used to have it, and started playing with less attack. The results were almost immediate - both my hands stopped being so painful, particularly my left (fretting) hand which suffers from the dreaded Dupytren's Contracture - details here http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Dupuytrens-contracture/Pages/Introduction.aspx Would recommend anyone having similar problems to give it a try, certainly worked for me. May take a bit of getting used to, particularly if you've a hard hitting technique, but I found you don't need to dig in that much to get something like what you're used to soundwise. Touch more volume on the amp helps too.

Always been a bit of debate about this on here - for me, I prefer the cab on the floor with the additional bass coupling that often happens. ( I do realise though that the sound you hear isn't necessarily easiest to monitor accurately when it's blasting the back of your legs.)

Had email saying mine has been shipped, yay! (As you may have guessed, it's been a rather boring day here....)

[quote name='Elfrasho' timestamp='1505731332' post='3373788'] You need to put the voucher code in and it'll change to 2 quid [/quote] Yup, as mentioned in my original post.

For those of us on here who aren't too bothered about being seen using a headstock tuner, there is a deal just announced from Reverb - £2 including UK delivery. I got one of these last time they did them, and it's still going strong, so just ordered another one. This link shows them to be £8, but just add UKTUNER to the order form and they come out as £2 at the checkout. Cheers. NEW LINK BELOW for JANUARY 2018 https://reverb.com/item/2381439-reverb-clip-on-tuner-uk-exclusive?utm_campaign=uktuner

[quote name='T-Bay' timestamp='1505495682' post='3372420'] Hmmm, since when did popularity = quality? [/quote] Probably about the same time as obscurity = the best thing ever?

Never really liked Dire Straits, yet admire Mark Knopfler a lot. Great player, writer and a top bloke.

[quote name='PaulWarning' timestamp='1505378903' post='3371400'] that's because they've not had chance to go past their sell by date, who knows how Buddy Holly, Hendrix etc, would have turned out if they'd lived. Here's another one I just don't get Tom Jones [/quote] I didn't get Tom Jones in a big way until fairly recently. Saw him live a few months ago and he totally blew me away - great band / material / attitude, and that voice! At 77 years old, one of the very few singers left of his generation who are actually as good if not better than when they first found fame. Never heard Tom come even close to missing a note, an amazing singer. His last few albums are definitely worth a listen too, quite dark and bluesy. Completely get it if you don't like his voice, but honestly don't think he is overrated.

[quote name='Bassassin' timestamp='1505327687' post='3371121'] Florence & The Machine. She has an immense voice, completely wasted in that messy, mimsy indie twaddle. [/quote] Missed them/her off my 'overrated' list. Her voice is unremarkable and struggles to sing in tune live, with the songs sounding like a support band at a 1970's college gig. I know, I'm probably getting old etc.....

[quote name='Chris2112' timestamp='1505325450' post='3371098'] Stewart Copeland is a great drummer and I loved his work with Stanley Clark on the Animal Logic records. However, the band he made his fame with, The Police, are absolutely sh*t. [/quote] Not a massive Police fan, though largely due to Mr Copeland's input - has there ever been a more annoying drummer? I'm sure he is technically very capable, but all that busyness and accenting everything gets very wearing. After about a minute. Reminds me of Simon Philips, another drummer I'm sure could play everything in 13/9 time if he so desired. However, saw him years ago playing at a Secret Policeman's Ball gig - standard blues shuffle with Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck IIRC - and he murderedthe song / feel / groove. IMHO of course

Okay, my list of 'don't really get why they're so popular' or overrated - Rush Muse Coldplay The Cure Radiohead Nirvana Blur Pet Shop Boys

[quote name='Phil Adams' timestamp='1505301883' post='3370833'] Thanks for that. I didn't actually say I didn't like him, I guess I just don't understand. I'll give you and example, and this is purely my take on it. A concert with Roy Orbison, obviously about 20 years ago coz he's dead now. Bruce is onstage with many other notable musicians, Elvis Costello being one that sticks in my mind. You don't hear Bruce's voice, nor his guitar. Why was he there? Another: In his book, he claims that all his early gigging honed his playing and made him a really good guitarist, but Ive never heard him play a solo, he's always there with the Tele around his neck, but to me, seemingly silent. And I stress, I'm not looking for an arguement, I'm looking for enlightenment. I've got his early greatest hits compilation CD, and of course all the songs are so well worn that they offer little to me, should I be listening to something else? (meant sincerely!) [/quote] Think the concert you mention is probably Roy Orbison's 'A Black and White Night' . Bruce features quite a lot in it, notably on guitar (Ooby Dooby, Oh Pretty Woman etc) where he trades licks with the great James Burton, and also vocally ( Dream Baby, Uptown etc). Must admit a lot of it is quite err...'raw', but I like that - no autotune or fancy editing evident. Regarding listening to slightly lesser known stuff, try Lucky Town or Human Touch (both 1992), Magic (2007) or for a complete change of style the 2006 We shall Overcome - Seeger Sessions collection. As you will have gathered, have been a fan since the mid 70's. Also around the same time I got into New Jersey band Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, who have long been linked with Bruce. Many of their albums contain great songs penned by him, and also some feature Little Steven, Bruce's guitarist from The E Street Band. Went to see Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul recently in Manchester, absolutely stonking gig again featuring some songs co-written with Bruce.

[quote name='Phil Adams' timestamp='1505283793' post='3370656'] I just dont get Bruce either. Could someone explain please? Great performer, songwriter and all round good bloke agreed, but legend?? How?? I read his biography and enjoyed it and it took me a bit closer to him, but legend`??? [/quote] Blimey, tough crowd! An amazing body of work over 45 years, universally acclaimed live shows, killer band , supporter of human rights - just for starters. For me, Springsteen carried on the legacy of Chuck Berry - songs people could easily relate to about girls, cars, the American Dream etc. But he also matured into so much more, his prolific songwriting skills developing with each album without ever making a duffer IMO. I've been fortunate to see him perform a few times, and he remains the best live act I've ever seen. Always delivers, with a wry sense of humour that complements his more 'serious' material perfectly. Fully understand if you don't like him, but overrated? Nah...........

We played at the Reload festival in Norwich yesterday. Good lineup of mainly 80's-ish bands, including the Gibson Brothers, Jocelyn Brown, Aswad, Blue and Billy Ocean. We were sandwiched between The Christians , who were just amazing, and Odyssey, who were also brilliant. The weather was a bit autumnal with a strong wind not helping, but the sound onstage (and off ) was fantastic. Our band went down well, with lots of audience participation and cheering. A really enjoyable gig. The organisation of the event was also top notch, the crew and everyone involved being helpful and upbeat. Even the catering was excellent too! All in all a great event which we hope we are involved in again.

Slightly OT, a few years ago I went to see The Mavericks in concert. They were at the height of their popularity and were amazing, with a six piece band plus a four piece brass section too. They came back on for a few encores as the crowd wouldn't let them leave. For the last one they did a cover of 'Swinging Safari' which absolutely tore the place down. Fantastic tune with a great bass part. Love the sound on the original, so evocative of the era.