casapete

Depends on the asker really. I have a friend who if he plays my bass can deaden a new set of strings in minutes, as his hands seem to produce sweat that kills them almost instantly! Hence my reluctance to swap instruments with him.....He uses Elixirs on his guitars for that reason, but can still get through them pretty quickly. If someone comes up at a gig to talk basses, so long as they seem sober-ish and respectful then I let them have a go. Great to see the face of a young player when they hold/play an old Fender or Musicman for maybe the first time. I can still remember playing a Gibson 345 when I was about 14 that belonged to a mate's elder brother, life changing moment for me.

I carry a Crate Powerblock - 2x75 watts stereo @ 4Ohms or 150 watts into 8 ohms mono. Doubles as a spare guitar amp, with just about enough for bass at a push and very portable / small. As a couple of posts have already mentioned, Behringer BD121 is a no-brainer too.

For anyone interested, Waterstones are doing the new Springsteen autobiography 'Born to Run' for half price - it's currently £10. Had some good reviews already, just bought mine. Cheers, Pete.

Gallien Krueger 1001RB - slightly outside your budget by £25 at GAK, but worth every penny. S/h ones usually around the £350 mark too, and will match up with your cab nicely. Assuming it's an 8 ohm cab you'll still get around 460 watts of low end loveliness, along with 50w to power the horn should you want to go the bi-amp route. Great amps.

Despite probably being the first to order, mine still 'en route'..........

Been using a GK 410 Neo for a long time now with my GK 1001RB head. Great cab, never missed a beat. FWIW I did try the 212 and definitely preferred the 410. I do like a nice round bottom though..... Haven't tried the MBE series, would like to compare as believe they use the same components as the Neo.

Maybe get a wireless system from somewhere and have a wander round the venue so you can really hear what the audience is getting? Sound is such a subjective thing, and you have to be able to trust the guy on the desk to convey how you want your band to be heard. If all the band are in agreement as to what's required, then your tech guy either changes his ideas or you have to consider finding someone else who listens to what you require. Good luck.

Mmmm, how did you manage that? I thought it was limited to one per applicant. Pray tell....

If it's like my Snark tuner, it copes with 4 string tuning just fine, as well as my bass uke. Also often gets nicked by the cellists in my band.....

[url="https://reverb.com/item/2381439-reverb-clip-on-tuner-uk-exclusive?_aid=newsletterint&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=bb373d43ba-rn160907_tunerpromo_uk&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_5889ed6702-bb373d43ba-59554317"]https://reverb.com/i...3d43ba-59554317[/url] Just saw this in an email from Reverb.com Looks like a Snark type of clip on tuner. They are £2, including delivery in the UK! Ordered mine, pay via Paypal. Hope the above link works. Cheers.

Probably between 8 and 10k people at a rugby league ground, playing pre match and at half time, with nobody taking any notice. Done the Albert Hall in London for financial company's do, maybe 2k people. My current band play regularly to audiences of between 500 and 1500 people in UK theatres. And once played to 3 people and a dog in a working men's club in South Yorkshire - funny old game.....

Main rig for theatres etc. - Gallien Krueger 1001RB head into GK Neo 410 cab. ( Sansamp for DI into PA only) Rig for pubs / clubs etc. - Gallien Krueger 1001RB head into Barefaced Compact. Spare - Gallien Krueger RB 800 / Hartke HA3500 into Loud 4x10 cab. Just realised I like GK stuff a lot............

Let her use your PA, whilst you remain in control of it so no damage can be done. Point out you're doing this as a special favour and the booker(s) will think you're great. We always used to keep a cheapish mic and long lead for speeches and guest vocalists, although it always pees me off that often singers can't even bring their own. I think mics are a very personal item, and never ask to borrow one or lend mine out.

The Stones. Had liked them for years by then, with Sticky Fingers and Exile already leaving a big impression. I was 16 in 1974 when It's Only Rock n roll was released. Played along with it for hours. Still probably my favourite all time band.

Done, ditto ^^^

The Brewdog non (or maybe very low?) alcohol beer is called 'Nanny State', and it's ok. Am guessing most active basses are unable to run without their battery, as I found out years ago with a Precision Lyte that died just as we were finishing the first dance at a big wedding. Made me change batteries every string change, usually around 8 weeks. For the price you can get Duracells on ebay, it really isn't worth risking not doing it. I usually buy them in boxes of 10 for around £8 delivered, and unlike a lot of places the company I use guarantees them to be originals. ( Apparently Duracells are widely counterfeited? )

Pro here. Started playing in bands aged 15, through school and college. Then was semi pro for around 17 years, holding down a job with a local newspaper whilst working 3 or 4 nights a week playing in clubs, pubs and then a residency at a leading local nightclub where I played with quite a number of well known singers / comedians / bands. Just as my day job was starting to go a bit pants, I got offered a chance to join a function / wedding band, and played gigs all over the UK, & some in Europe and Morocco. Stayed with them for 16 years, until the recession started to hit and we began struggling for work. Fortunately I then got the chance to join my current band, The ELO Experience, who I've been touring UK theatres with now for 6 years. Also still fit in weekly pub gigs in an acoustic duo and a country rock band. Consider myself very fortunate to be still making a living with my bass, just hope I can hang in there now!

http://stagewearunlimited.com/ Over the years I've had a fair bit of stuff from here. Great if you want something making to order, and not overly expensive either.

My band are taking their usual time off in August, and as I'm not going on holiday this year just wondered if anyone needed a dep for theirs? I've loads of experience in function work, and also pub / club bands. Reliable, good gear and no major vices, with my own transport. Some reading ability, backing vocals and excellent busker! I'm in East Yorkshire but travelling no problem assuming it's viable etc. Cheers, Pete.