BILL POSTERS

How many of you actually care whether the drummer is on your left, or on your right. When I first started I used to insist that he was on my right for ages, just being a bit pretentious really. But for the last about a hundred years I havent really cared either way. I played with the drummer on my left last week for the first time in a while, and to be honest, it does seem to make a difference. Just cant quite describe why.

[quote name='The Dark Lord' timestamp='1354790212' post='1890328'] It's not a solo instrument. If it's used that way, it's just wrong. [/quote] Doesnt work for me as a solo instrument, I wont play solos, and I hate hearing them. A good strong bass line, in a bass driven number speaks for itself, but doesnt matter how well done, bass solos bore me just as much as drum solos do.

[quote name='flyfisher' timestamp='1354741045' post='1889964'] As far as overheating accidents are concerned, the smaller the fuse the smaller the current certainly, but safer? Perhaps, though 700W can easily cause a fire. [b]So what's your feeling about having 30/32A fuses in your consumer unit when I'd bet you only ever draw a small fraction of that from each circuit. I'd also bet that your lighting circuits draw far less than the 5A allowed by the fuse/MCB in your consumer unit. You're right, the possibilities are endless, which is why there is no totally safe protection mechanism and why accidents continue to happen.[/b] [/quote] Yeah, our right, but, unlike some of the cheapo kettle leads you see, the cable and the way it at least should have been installed, can handle it. ex. lighting 1.5mm cable withinn a reasonable length should be ok up to about 12A. Thats a lot of lights. imho, the european way, with each socket, or small groups of sockets is a better idea. Doesnt take many appliances to reach 30A though does it ? Kettle + toaster + iron and your there. Fuse ratings are for continuous curent, you can add about 80% before it will blow, so 30A fusewire will blow when the current reaches around 54A, not a great idea, but otherwise you'd be replacing the fuse wire every breakfast time. The old house I grew up in had 5A sockets, that was a real pain in winter.

[quote name='flyfisher' timestamp='1354666981' post='1889049'] a 1 amp fuse would be highly unlikely to blow if you were the only thing connected across the mains and even if it did it would probably be too late because, unfortunately, it can take far, far less than this to cause death. I would never rely on a fuse as a form of electric shock protection. [/quote] The clue to what Imeant is in what I wrote. [b][i]Getting damaged and /or overheating.[/i][/b] 13A fuse, thin cheapo kettle lead etc, partial short or damageed cable, -= heat = fire.. Beer spilled into an amp between the mains coming in and the fuse, tinsel for eaxmple,used to be common in the back of TVs when I was in the TV trade in another life, try putting that across the mains and see it burn before a 13A fuse blows. The possibilites are endless. Smaller the fuse, the safer. Before anybody bothers to tell me, I know Modern tinsel doesnt conduct, Thats because the stuff that used to was a fire hazard, and a shock hazard with old fashined mais driven christmas tree lights. twas just an example/

[quote name='tauzero' timestamp='1354625479' post='1888245'] USA mains is 120V but European mains is 230V. Just a minor point... [/quote] Just being pedantic, and I could be wrong, I'm sure there are those on here who will know better. But I believe USA mains is 220V, but put simply, its split in the middle, ie 110. 0. 110. Sockets and portable appliances work as 110v, but larger fixed, high current things, like cookers and water heaters are connected across the two and are 220V. Otherwise you'd need cables an inch thick to feed the average house. btw, the plug fuse isnt there to protect the equipment, its there to protect both the cable, and you from the consequences of it getting damaged and/or overheating.

Great idea to have a set list of that stuff, it really is. 72 & 73 were great years for classic songs. Pity it was just so uncool to buy it, or to admit to liking it at the time. 'cool people' only bought albums back then, and some people sort of wore albums, carrying them around under their afgan coated arm like a sort of statement about who they were. You wouldnt be seen dead carrying a Sweet album or a Slade album. they were for schoolgirls.

Only seems like about a month ago that this topic was covered. And it went on and on and on iirc. Me, I fit a 3A or a 5A, whatever is to hand. In Europe, where there are no fuses in the plugs, the mains trip is much smaller than the 30A or so fuse or trip used with a UK ring main. So in the unlikely event that the plug gets pulled off, or the cable gets damaged and shorts to earth,the mains fuse/trip in the consumer unit will blow just that bit more readily. Unless your using old lighting, few pieces of kit that bands use will draw anything like 3A.

Blockbuster, and at least a couple of Mott The Hooples. Dont forget to post the pics of you dressed up as Overend Watts though will you.

[quote name='4 Strings' timestamp='1354294500' post='1884603'] Haha, I know, cost me £18 too! I thought the best were the gold plated mains plug pins until I came across these; [/quote] where you went wrong, is you didnt get one of these to compement it. [url="http://www.elucidate-cables.co.uk/MainsProducts.html"]http://www.elucidate-cables.co.uk/MainsProducts.html[/url]

I could just about manage House of the rising Sun and a few Lindisfarne songs, and hadnt really even thougt about playing in bands when somebody I had lent an amp to stuck a Bass in my hands at his bands rehearsal and asked me to have a go. It felt right and I havent bothered much with Guitar since. Although I think you need to be able to play a little bit, if only so you can recognise a few chord shapes to help work stuff out from youtube videos.

[quote name='4 Strings' timestamp='1354291130' post='1884557'] Had to connect them the right way round too, the electrons would alternating back and forth better if the blue end was plugged in the amp and red in the source! [/quote] Thats got to be the best bit of audiophile bullshyte I've ever heard. And I've heard a fair bit..

[quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1354268756' post='1884197'] Talking of riders, we were provided with free bottles of Carlsberg as the only option. Which is a bit like being offered slightly stale tasting water. I bought my own bitter. [/quote] Beats the two plates of chips between us, and the half a pint each that we got last saturday at a pub in Coventry though.doesnt it.

'Nobody in the audience ever notices' is an easy trap/bad habit to fall into. Have ot admit to developing that attitude at one time when I was playing in a covers band that was made up mostly of drunkards. although I really used to enjoy the gigs. Experience of playng with the same people for a while helps you to cover both your own and other peoples cock ups, Personally I get as much of a kick from getting out of trouble as I do from playing a number perfectly. As has been said, the trik is to not let the audience know about it by giving each other dirty looks etc.

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1354202928' post='1883541'] I'm not keen on this. IME the majority of mistakes that don't result in the song coming to a halt go completely unnoticed by most of the audience. As a punter often the only confirmation that things haven't gone as planned on stage are the expressions on the musicians' faces. When I'm playing I've schooled myself to keep my reactions to others musical errors as invisible as possible. If some one has messed up really badly we might have a quick discussion about it at the next rehearsal, but never give anything away while you are playing. [/quote] Yep.

Hartke Kickback. Works for me

[quote name='SpaceChick' timestamp='1354000630' post='1880569'] I think there are three things you really need to be sure are compatable before choosing: 1. Playing ability 2. Personality 3. Commitment [/quote] Agreed. i'd add 4. looks the part. At least, I would if I wasnt an old and ugly fat git. But I think you need people of similar ages at least, punters dont just listen, they look as well, and somebody who looks out of place cos theyre a lot older or younger, spoils the effect.

Its not so new. For a short time in the 70s both Tesco & Woolworths sold cheapo guitars and amps, and some really bad Bontempi keyboards as well. The Woolies stuff was branded Audition, and I think they sold some branded Kay as well. Cant for the life of me remember what Tesco stuff was branded though. As we did their TV & Music Centre repairs, the firm I worked for, and then my own firm used to repair the amps and keyboards for them while they were under warranty.

At least a couple per gig, but considering most of our numbers are 3 minutes or less I spose thats not so bad, just have to keep a straight face. Or smile if its a really big one that might get noticed, but usually they dont if you can find your way out of them. I can never remember which number is which, so I get distracted by looking at the set list and trying to remember the right intros in advance. Have to admit at our last gig, I cut a whole verse and a chorus out of 'Stupidity', which is only about 1 min 40 long to start with....

As someboy said, possibly Stink. When you make a mistake, do it again next time round - people will think its Jazz.

Looks a mess, if it was crocodile skin it a shame to have ripped it off to replace it with black. if theyre selmer bits, ie, the power amp and pre amp, he' d get more for the parts. I sold an almost complete chassis, no cab or speakers, for a 30W combo on ebay for £200 earler this year.

[quote name='Doddy' timestamp='1353892964' post='1879539'] I don't completely agree. Yes play with other people,but don't 'worry about technique and lessons and scales later'. It's all important to do. On a technical side,if you're not happy with the sound you are producing you need to spend time working on it away from band situations,and good lessons and quality practice time are the way to improve it. Same with scales-don't push them to one side.Learn them as you go along,so that you can understand them and later,apply them-most 12 bar numbers are simply arpeggios and scale degrees.If you know and understand this you'll be better off than if you were to just move your fingers in generic patterns. If you push all this to one side it's easy to get to the point where you just can't be bothered to learn it later (as many people have proven). If you start studying from the beginning (technique,basic theory,reading etc) alongside all the fun stuff (jamming,playing to records,general noodling etc.) it will quickly become second nature and will save you a lot of hassle later on. A good teacher will give you material to work on and be able to point out why you aren't producing the sound you want (it's hard to do without seeing you play),and you will progress quicker and hopefully,with get a better understanding of what you are doing. [/quote] OK... How about, Work out a few 12 bar numbers, where the root notes etc are and go for it. You'll be srprised how quickly your playing will improve. Worry about technique and lessons and scales later, [i][b]when you can at least play a song or two, that way it'll keep you interested cos you can see some progress.[/b][/i] What do I know, never had a lesson in my life. But over the last 30 years a good few times, I've bands have chosen me over much better players with technique, cos , or at least so I'm told, I 'had a better feel' Not knocking people who learn to do it properly, if there really is a properly. But i dont think it will do the OP any harm to start developing a style as early as possible.

[quote name='gjones' timestamp='1353686895' post='1877497'] The trick is to start playing with other people. Playing on your ownsome lonesome tends to highlight those clanky duff notes. Recording yourself playing along to stuff (make it simple to start with U2 or Status Quo) can be encouraging as you can hear where you're getting it wrong and more importantly where you're getting it right. Luckily I started out with my two buddies, on drums and guitar, who were both also starting out. We made quite a racket before we started getting it right. Keep your head down and you'll get there. [/quote] Well said that man. Work out a few 12 bar numbers, where the root notes etc are and go for it. You'll be srprised how quickly your playing will improve. Worry about technique and lessons and scales later. Main thing, in my humble opinion.is to start making music asap. find someone to do it with, or bang along to records, or whatever. Otherwise you'll just get bored.

[quote name='bremen' timestamp='1353407790' post='1874606'] Buster Bloodvessel's happy valley? [/quote] Yep, That would do it !

[quote name='uncle psychosis' timestamp='1353344036' post='1873966'] Everyone who sings should own their own Mic. If only for health/cleanliness reasons. [/quote] Nothing worse than a mic that stinks like an old ashtray is there ?

[quote name='Sibob' timestamp='1352999459' post='1870360'] I quite like it......in a "f*#$-you audience" kind of way I bet Fodera were laughing every minute they made this one! Si [/quote] Yeah, probably. And the woman it was made for made it quite clear that she didnt want to be identified. [attachment=123992:Seven-Fingers-in-one-hand-4d9a6501612cd.jpg]