bassace

The bass player on a lot of her stuff, Les Hurdle, and I were at school together at Forest GS, Winnersh. Last time we played together he was on guitar and I played washboard. But that was [i]a very long time ago. [/i]Always liked her stuff, particularly that unique sound to her voice. RIP

Clarky, commiserations. Our sax player knocked my Martin over during an interval. I used my MU insurance to take it to George Martin and get it expertly repaired FOC. Join the MU, if only for the insurance.

If you can't fit a small outrigger to it which goes into your body, try fitting a rubber foot on the end pin (you can find various sizes/diameters at hardware stores) and putting a small rubber mat on the stage. Also, fitting a 100mm tee to the bottom of the end pin will do it.

[quote name='steve-soar' timestamp='1337455581' post='1660443'] What a totally pointless post. And why be a hypocrite and offer condolences to the family of someone you've never met and hate their artistic output. Strange and a little bit sad. [/quote] Yes.

I wouldn't want an 'intermediate' in my band - mind you, I wouldn't want a self-proclaimed 'expert' either. The poor guy (go back three pages) was probably following the CV convention of indicating his relative proficiency in whatever he does. Scratch below the surface and he'll probably be a pleasant, modest and proficient bass player. Which is what I am, but without the modest and pleasant bit.

If you ask for the full HMRC allowance of .45/mile you'll probably price yourself out. I get paid .16/mile every gig I do and that just covers diesel at 40mpg. Try .20/m and you'll be doing fine.

There's a lot of stuff that can be got onto one sheet using repeats, first time/second time bars etc. Otherwise spread it all out onto a wide sheet of ply. If all that fails, nurdle around on an open string while you turn the page - with your fingers.

Curses, he's discovered our secret - the womble thing, I mean.

In the Times today, about 'Top Streets' to visit during the London Olympics, " Denmark Street, WC2. The last interesting street in Soho, home to the best musical instrument shops in town". Perhaps BC should put its oar in.

You're right, Mr B. I originally wondered whether it was a Harley Benton which looks similar and also has a 3mm jack. This bass looks a good buy and, dare i say, would be a good alternative to a Stagg.

Not really fussed about the more extreme effects, such as on these clips, but a chorus can do wonders on a ballad solo up the fingerboard.

Can I recommend a good book for beginners and improvers alike: About the Double Bass by Peter Tyler. You will find it very useful to give you a good understanding of the bass and you will be more knowledgeable in your search. It will cost £20 but that will be a very good investment. Send Peter an email at www.tylerbasses.co.uk

Who said 'It's impossible to sing and play the bass'?. Nice stuff, Callum, haven't heard Little Girl for ages. Four basses, eh? I'll have to go to the shops. Keep swinging.

[quote name='Hector' timestamp='1335261628' post='1628036'] Stay friends with them, even if they get it dreadfully wrong! Basses are tough to amplify so I'm sure they tried, and it's always good to have the sound guys on your side. [/quote] Too right! Always on a gig, be sure to make friends with the sound man - and the caterers. Then the rest is easy.

I think you can get most of the history on successive BC postings!

I usually DI from pre eq and ask the sound man to go easy on the bass, mainly middle and top, and nothing through the monitors please. Last time I was DI'd I said to the sound man 'please make it sound like a double bass' - and he did!

Mike Glad to know that your many hundreds of miles journey has found you a good bass that you will be at one with. You have shown a lot of patience - that we don't all share! - in trying as many basses as you can and waiting until the right one has been found. It was good to meet you in your travels and hope we meet again at one of the festivals so I can see your new acquisition. Now wait for an explosion of interest in Jay Haide basses!

I'd be interested to hear users' comments on the Hurley when available. Funny things, pickups. Some you like, some you hate; and someone else will no doubt like the ones you hate and vice versa. One aspect that hasn't been discussed is the player's 'ear' and pickup sound that he gets used to. I've been playing with an Underwood for many, many years and have got used to the sound. I like it very much, I know how to eq the various amps that I use and I can get a good sound, although I'm fully aware that there will be those whose opinions may differ. In any case, when you play in a band, the sound you project to get yourself heard won't be a true DB sound, unfortunately. It will be an amplified double bass sound - which is different, but not disastrously so. I have resolved to stick to my Underwood, concentrate on trying to improve my playing and enjoy my music as long as I am able.

Chops - originally slang for lips, so if a trumpet player was good he'd be said to have good chops. Then it spread to saxes and everyone else. Not long ago someone remarked 'he's got great chops but I don't like what he plays'. Perfectly valid. Number - from the time when all pads were numbered and the leader would call out a, er, number. My pet hate is commentators referring to a sound rising to a crescendo - the crescendo is itself the act of rising, usually to ff. When our band played a bit loud, the person who booked us asked if we could keep the tempo down. BTW, always ask Gregory or sausage. Gregory Peck - cheque, and sausage and mash - cash.

[quote name='flyfisher' timestamp='1333903241' post='1608001'] "in the zone" WTF does that mean? Within walking distance of the correct note? [/quote] Ask Coulthard