Bassman Steve

Following another similar episode involving Wilko it seems there are a couple of acts which ned to bow to the inevitable and maybe call it a day. At some point you have to respect your audience above your own vanity.

I would be very tempted with a PF500 or 800 coupled with a pair of matching cabs (2x10 or 1x15). Nice lightweight and modular rig for all those purposes. I had the 500 and 1x15 and loved the sound - only went when a Walkabout came up and I'm a Boogie man (as you see). Barefaced are also good and my sound hasn't changed too much by going from the Boogie 2x15 to the two Compacts. In your shoes I'd look at the PFs.

I think there's a 406 project on here if you do a search.

You should slap him and tell him two bass [players is an extravagance a la Lady Whiteadder.

I'd go with another 1x15 personally. I have to say I found mine to sound quite 'boxy' on its own so would think an extension would make a big difference to the sound.

[quote name='ambient' timestamp='1439246623' post='2841335'] I was advertising for experimental/ambient musicians for a project, [/quote] Then I guess you do like staring at your navel.

Sorry but it's not close minded. I have not heard a bass solo I like. By definition that means I may yet hear one I do (I just won't hold my breath). You could be accused of being a bit provocative there. Of course, you come from Stoke so ................. (now that's narrow minded).

I have no doubt that the instrument is capable of beautiful solos, I just haven't heard one. Having said that, I adore melodic, lyrical playing underneath songs etc. Similarly, I love the opportunity to play complementary stuff underneath other solos. I just wouldn't want to be the lead instrument myself.

I've never heard a bass solo I like. I admire the technique but then the atomic bomb is impressive science. Just me, others may love doing them and more power to them (out of earshot).

Most definitely not. I despise all bass solos with a passion. I play with a guy who thinks it's hilarious to introduce me to force me to play a solo so I just stop playing.

Of the replacement types I've tried, I've ended up with Kent Armstrong Vintage P pickups. Lovely traditional thump to them with a bit more right across the frequencies but I'm a dinosaur who cites Bohemian Rhapsody as my favourite bass sound.

Definitely, he just wants to do his job and yours is to provide him with the best means to do it.

Checkin' On My Baby in A. A simple line which I can play at gig level and is quavers throughout so the sound man has plenty of opportunity to adjust the gain if needed.

Jimmy Vaughan makes great use of these. Search Spotify for Ron Levy's Wild Kingdom - a scratch band featuring a bunch of people (Kim Wilson, Ronnie Earl etc). There is some wild 6 string bass playing on that. The track Chicken Fried Snake is a good starter - that's how to use the tremolo bar!!

Drop Rob Vick (Rumblefish) a line. He uses a Bergantino 2x12 to very great effect.

I seem to recall a thread where the experts said that the plastic used for hese cabs didn't make for good bass cabs. Certainly Adam Clayton used 4 pa cabs for his bass quite early on.

I suspect you'd only need to keep an eye on any puddles near your place, they'll ripple when it's being used - even if you don't hear it immediately.

Firms of accountants are very twitchy about people moonlighting (I am not an accountant I stress) and you need to seek permission to earn any kind of money outside th firm. I found ,myself in the surreal position of asking the boss if he minded if I headlined the Isle of Wight Festival a few years back.

Maybe another thing to think of. I spent a number of years touring around and playing numerous festivals on the continent. At all of these we were invariably supported by some band or other who would turn up in wonderfully appointed VW vans, haul out flightcases of brand new gear and - firstly - set up a merch stand and proceed to sell loads of stuff. These bands are numerous and unknown but they ply a lucrative trade around the festivals of Europe. I reckon you can still make a good living without achieving anything like fame but still being very comfortable.

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1436878500' post='2821591'] That's fantastic! When was that? The Pretty Things are one of my all-time favourite bands - my very first band was named after one of their songs. [/quote] I was with them from about 1989 to 1995.

An important consideration is also to decide what you want to do musically. I have been incredibly fortunate to play with some people regarded as legends and not one of them ever asked me whether or not I was a full time pro (I was at some times and not at others). A good friend of mine was so determined to earn his living from music he ended up selling his (inherited) home and bought a houseboat in an attempt to reduce his overheads to allow for him to maintain that 'status'. Even though I have a 'real' job now, I still get to do short tours and frequently play in Europe. All the while I am earning a lot more than I would from music alone. It's an entirely natural desire to be a pro but that doesn't make you any better than many others who aren't and you may be stuck playing stuff you don't want to because you need the money - not that different from your 'real' job, in fact.

I did just that (at 30), giving up life in H M Customs and Excise to be a Pretty Thing (the irony wasn't lost on me). I had a supportive family that made it possible and it was great while it lasted but it was incredibly tiring being on tour.

I used to do a fair amount of stuff with Jim Lea and he is also a very pleasant bloke indeed - horribly talented. Regards Steve

Another shout out for the Foo Fighters although the E Street Band wouldn't be bad (get to play with Nils Lofgren after all).