stewblack

Thanks

Thanks guys. I should have said it's not new. I bought it second hand. I was just whining about how little I'd used it because I was feeling sorry for myself!

So after barely any use my Markbass amp has developed a fault, looks like a short circuit somewhere and my regular amp tech says he can't do anything as MB insist only approved technicians can touch their stuff. He says he can't buy spares there are no manuals etc. Anyone know a way around this? I was flush when I bought the amp but I'm pretty well skint now so do not want a crazy expensive repair bill.

I make sure I have at least an hour's sleep before showering and setting out for the gig. Lie on the bed, set alarm, noise cancelling earbuds, guided sleep meditation. I arrive at the venue entirely relaxed, energised and ready. Also remain fresh and alert throughout both the evening and the drive home.

Thanks folks some great ideas.

Cool thanks!

Last night my drummer kept going where he should have broken down to just the hi hat. Being a bassist I of course stuck with him. Guitarist proceeded to talk me through the end of the guitar solo explaining where I should have stopped - while I'm still playing!

Which soul(ish) tunes do you play that go down really well with the widest range of audiences? Band is looking to expand its repertoire but I don't really want to waste time learning good songs only to find they stink up the place when we do them live. Obviously I know all bands excel at different songs and you may play a tune really well and my band may not but I'm just after a broad consensus really to add weight to the band discussion. Thinking mainly soul, tamla, stax, motown type things but totally up for newer stuff too. So which songs do you find most people dance / sing a long to?

I saw a band who went to the last time in every song when the singer removed his hat. They would then do the traditional huge crashing, noodling final chord, the signal to end which chord would come when he threw the hat into the air - everyone hitting the final stab as it landed. Amusing and effective.

Best city I've known is Portsmouth. Lots of venues paying good money, lively crowds, a bit rough and ready but generally good people.

This one https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01I0BGYM8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 every time. I've tried tons and this is the best.

Best one I ever played in was The More Specials. We used a mix of BBC sessions, singles and album tracks. Some amazing musicians and only band I've been in where the audience was on their feet and dancing from the very first tune to the last, guaranteed, every gig. Not much money in it with so many members to split the fee with but some unforgettable nights and even got a few of the original Specials up on stage with us at various gigs.

Well, I think this looks fantastic. I really love improvisation like this. Saves cash, fun to do, and a practical result. Hurrah!

I never used to think I had a musical influence, so desperately did I want to be 'original'. Then one night I took a drummer friend of mine to the Colston Hall to watch Elvis Costello & The Attractions and about two songs in he turned to me and said "bloody hell Stew, that's you on the bass" . He was of course very wrong I am not and never will be remotely in the same league as Bruce Thomas but the point is having played with me many times he knew my bass playing inside out and could clearly hear the influence. So I had to accept that as a bassist Mr Thomas has been my biggest inspiration.

Two more transactions with Simon went as smoothly as could possibly be expected. I can't recommend him highly enough.

You've been pipped at the post - will let you know if anything goes wrong.

All yours if you want it

I can but technically speaking andytoad showed an interest first so I guess we ought to offer him the chance to pay postage if he wants to. If not it's all yours.

Where are you? Roughly...

Obligatory crappy phone pics

I have a Stagg rack case thingy, not sure how you measure these but you could get 3 average amps in there. It's quite deep. I'm leaving the Behringer V-Amp Pro in there and a power cable which I attached to the back end. Small crack in one side of the case, doesn't affect it, still perfectly solid. V-Amp has broken input socket at front but other input to rear works just fine. It ain't a great piece of kit but I used it as a rack tuner rather than for the sounds. Come and get them, they're free!