bassace

I saw the bass guitar with a pro covers band fitted with an XLR socket some time ago. I don't know too much about BGs; is this generally done? Seems a good idea if you can accommodate the bulkier socket.

Could someone please recommend an inexpensive tablet that I can use on gigs to display iReal Pro. I won't really need it for anything else, that's why it can be inexpensive. But it should be reliable. For instance, Maplin offer an 8" Android at the mo. Thanks in anticipation.

Rabbie I defer to your superior knowledge and use of the language. It's probably cod Latin anyway, implying 'Don't let the bastards grind you down'. My Latin to O level was taught by an England footballer who was our gym master but 'did' Latin on the side. Not many of the current crop could claim that distinction, I'd bet. To get back on course, I have been in touch with Hector who very kindly gave me the name of the bridge abuser. It wasn't anyone I've come across, fortunately.

[i]Nil carborundum illegitimi.[/i]

[quote name='jakenewmanbass' timestamp='1397046566' post='2420049'] Don't do it for no fee, you are setting the bar very low for a very hard pressed industry if you do. I have worked at Tatton hundreds of times over the years, at the RHS flower show, wedding fayres, and private functions, never for less that £150 per person. (and sometimes for much more) The 'exposure' argument is complete rubbish. The organisation you're working for will make bucketloads of money from it.... Don't do it! [/quote] Plus one!

Here is a vid of Upton's Barn which I found interesting. I've no connection with the company, just own one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OmA4Ow8aMI

Have you read the 'Flying with a Double Bass' a few topics down? I wouldn't think about it without a flight case.

Sometimes the flying bit can be relatively easy. I've flown my DB abroad in a flight case a few times and on each occasion the check-in people and handlers were OK to helpful. It's strange to see a combo go through the X-ray machine. Where it can sometimes become difficult is getting from the airport to the destination. If a van is laid on in advance it's OK but cabs can't take a flight case. And I know of guitarists who, in spite of having the flight case unlocked still get the security people jemmying the hinges open, (USA, God bless 'em).

I've said before, and [i]ad nauseam[/i], that I had a DB before BGs were in wide circulation so when the five piece I was in started to play pops (wasn't covers then) I continued on upright. I had an 18" in those days, in contrast to the 8" that I use most of the time now - how things have changed. Most of the stuff we did translated to DB alright and I remember playing the bass riff to Keep on Running without too much bother. One day I sneaked up to a shop in Piccadilly to buy a s/h Jazz and came away with an EBO - fool! I brought it out on our next gig and I remember one of the saxes turning round in surprise and saying 'you cowboy!, you bloody cowboy! But yes, the DB still holds its own doing rock and pop, especially in tight little trios.

Crazy. The performance is the thing.

Looks like a DPA knock-off to me but at a crazy price. Worth a try, perhaps?

Yes, incredible and their music is strangely accessible. She's nice when she smiles!

As is the Kolstein Busetto. One small advantage an EUB has over a double bass is that the latter can, in certain acoustics, produce too 'big' a sound, particularly in the lower register. A couple of times I've been told to 'turn down' when, in fact, I haven't even been 'turned on'. I play once a month in a pub where the stage area has a low ceiling with a downstanding beam across the front where there is an intrusive boom. It's been a running joke among the other musicians re the various basses/amps I've brought along just to try to find a reasonable sound. I've now sorted it with the Kolstein/Underwood/ FDeck/GB Shuttle 10"

Funny that, I bought a Phil Jones cab from Bass Direct. At 24 lbs I thought it would be good for my poor old back. It seemed bloody heavy so I sold it on to a BCer who weighed it and told me it was 29lbs min. Should I have owned up and offered to pay BD for the extra poundage? I'm sure one of our law students (mature) will be able to advise.

Your probably right. I'm sure I remember an amp that was internally fused that I had once but right now can't find it. Can't stop now, off to find a kettle.

They're kettle leads!

But sometimes the amps have internal fuses, so if they blow there is a kerfuffle to get the innards exposed - not too clever on a gig. Which is why all my leads have 5a fuses in the plugs. And there is quite a disparity between amps re the fuse rating - what amps, slow blow/fast blow. So even though the fuse is accessible best to know exactly what fuse is needed and have one or two handy for replacement. And just to spoil the party, fuses don't often bow spontaneously; there could be a problem in the circuit being protected. I'm not a techie but someone with a few years of amp usage, that's all.

Well, yes, there have been other great rhythm sections but I tend to agree re Basie. The constant was Freddie Green who had the good grace to stay mainly on the top four strings of his guitar leaving plenty of room for the bounce of the bass to be projected. Otherwise +1 to Rabbie re Sam Jones for his work with Cannonball Adderley. In The Jazz Bass Book, John Goldsby writes........'Sam Jones should be remembered as one of the great bassists because he always made the band sound good. He wasn't a flashy soloist but his sound and feel made him very popular with his fellow musicians.' When I started there weren't any jazz teachers about. Sam Jones was my teacher via the records I used to listen to.

Yes, after all the good advice here the one thing that stands out is [b][i]pack it yourself. [/i][/b]The one time I didn't see my bass into the van (soft case) I had a scroll knocked off.

I'm quite happy with a soft cover when I take my bass in the car but always used a hard case when the gear went in a van. Past tense because I don't travel so much these days. If you use a soft case in a van I'd recommend travelling the bass flat on top of all the other stuff and padding/bungeeing where necessary.

Thanks Admiral. I value your comments because I've had my doubts about the people that inhabit the VIP area - or the outside part that you see while you walk past and get the 'I'm better than you' look. Luckily I'm fortunate enough to afford a ticket but in truth I hate spending it. So I'll take your advice and blag an official parking space and enjoy the festival with the good people. I've also found an easy way of sliding into the front of the stage so it'll be a good festival I reckon. Any BCers likely to go/meet up?

It's three miles down the road from me. The only problem is it's a steep climb from the carpark to the site that nearly killed me last time so I'll either blag entry to the officials' carpark or fork out for a VIP ticket. I think the lineup is OK. It's not always the 'big' acts that give most satisfaction. I've seen Cindi Lauper, Buffy St Marie, Wilko J (amazing), Alison Moyet, Ray Davies, Quo, Waterboys, and lots more. All good -- but Jules a bit played out, surely.