Kirky

Leeds is Yorkshire, not West Midlands. And Manchester is in the North West.

Leeds area: Cockpit New Roscoe Wardrobe Brudenall Social Club Faversham Irish Centre Rio's Fenton Manchester: Ruby Lounge

I'd agree that theory grades are worth doing, they'll vastly improve your understanding of harmony, structure, melody, etc etc. In a popular beat combo context, its unlikely that the fact you have passed an exam is going to make you more attractive to potential bandmates. I've got ABRSM grade 8 theory and it taught me a lot but impresses nobody. Practical exams are worth doing also, but I'm not familiar with the Rockschool type ones, just the classical ones. Do it if you want to increase your knowledge and ability, not to add to your CV.

Good luck mate. When I left NZ in the late 80s it was because I though it was a cultural desert. I think it's much less isolated these days. I almost yearn for those beaches again...almost... Martin

Use all the spare time to learn the harmonica. Read all those classics you've always wanted to but never had the time. Try and see some sights wherever you are. Learn a language.

I don't mind the AB books. What is very useful is the past papers that you can buy very cheaply. I repeat an offer I've previously made - if anyone wants to to mark their sample papers, I'm happy to do so - just PM me. Martin

[quote name='joegarcia' post='464629' date='Apr 17 2009, 02:12 AM']I have two of those and they're great. My guitarist has a Diago and I swear they're identical apart from the badge (which is just a sticker anyway). Same markings and everything. I reckon Diago get them from the same far east manufacturer/importer.[/quote] I got one very similar from Australia via ebay and I agree they look to be sourced from the same place. Never had any problems with mine.

4 for me, and short scale at that. The few 5s I've tried have been too physically demanding. I haven't got particularly small hands but I've spent too many years playing the guitar, and don't want any physical restrictions inhibiting me musically. And I don't see any real need to go lower than E, or higher than I can with 4 strings. Call me a philistine!

[quote name='joegarcia' post='446829' date='Mar 27 2009, 04:05 AM']Oooh. If I was closer I'd be really really into this. Almost like the tracks on the myspace enough to commute. [/quote] Me too! I went to school wit the bass player from Loop, Neil Mackay. He was a first class footballer too.

Just learnt Master Blaster. Played it live for the first time at Saturday's gig. The dep drummer did it at breakneck speed and I just laughed hysterically all the way through. [i]Almost[/i] nailed it! Also I Want You Back, which is great fun.

[quote name='thisnameistaken' post='439900' date='Mar 19 2009, 11:44 PM']The 440 circuit is very subtle, it stays deep. Doesn't do extreme funky quacking noises, more of a throb.[/quote] I find it can be quite extreme depending on how you set the controls. It can be subtle. It can also be virtually unusable. I like it, but I've not tried any others.

How was the gig Chris?

I build a BYOC one, which is a clone of the DOD I believe. Sounds great, but needs to be set up carefully for the bass and amp. £44 and a fun project.

+ another one. "The KKK Took My Baby Away" is my fave. Tom Waits's "I don't wanna grow up" was perfect for them too.

I think someone in Nick Cave's band plays one.

[quote name='birdy' post='419923' date='Feb 26 2009, 10:41 AM']BUT the biggest things I have done recently too improve my tone are a) raise the action[/quote] +1. The main thing I noticed when trying all the lovely basses at the Yorkshire Bash was how low the actions were on all the modern instruments. Seemed to me to be much harder to influence the tone with my fingers, and I felt like it was all dependant on the electronics of the instrument and amp. WoT's basses were the notable and glorious exceptions.

Like TheFunk says, the most important thing is "the one". I'd say knowing where it is, rather than playing on it, per se. And listen to James Brown, particularly early stuff, to learn where that is. And don't play much. Funk is all about timing, and not really about notes. Which sounds very ethereal, but its true.

Did Paps Got A Brand New Bag at practice tonight.

My pleasure. Now get on with it! You can buy sample papers at any good music shop - its very worthwhile doing them as you learn the material. Happy to mark them for you if you don't have a teacher and would find it useful. Martin

Get hold of Fromohio by firehose (if you haven't already). Mike Watt's basslines are all great fun on this album.