D.I. Joe

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1363793440' post='2017752'] ...posturing arrogant tools who can't write or perform. [/quote] I had a brief stint with an originals band last year that ended because of one of these

Ultimately, I choose to play in a covers band because it gets gigs. I love playing live, regardless of whether it's covers or originals. Having said that though, I have never written a piece of music on my own. Sure, I contribute bass parts to band's and artists' music which I perform with them, but I am no songwriter - so perhaps you could say that I have never had the pleasure of performing MY music to an audience. I find weddings especially enjoyable and rewarding. By tailoring our set to the couple's requirements, it allows us to learn songs and perform in styles which we as musicians wouldn't necessarily do otherwise and, most importantly, it really makes their day! One of my favourite feelings in the world is the one that I get when the music that I am performing is bringing real happiness to someone, and if playing covers is the way to go then that's the way I'll do it. And the pay isn't bad either! On the original's side of things, I haven't really found an exciting project for myself since my last band disbanded in 2010, but I'm in no great hurry at the moment. When I'm in a situation where I have the right musicians around me creating music that feels right then we'll see

What time of year should it be? 4 months seems a bit soon so should we try to establish an annual autumn bash?

Rex and I were thinking about this last night actually. Any chance of having it a little more... Southwest? I was thinking of maybe asking Malcolm Joseph if he'd be up for doing a talk/clinic as he doesn't live too far from me

They asked me but unfortunately I'm too busy to fulfill all of their gigs. Good luck to whoever gets this though, they are a good outfit and very busy!

Sounds interesting, but I'm not too familiar with her music... Recommended listening anyone?

Hi Dean Keith spoke to me about this the other night. Can you PM me some details? Dates, set, etc.

[quote name='lojo' timestamp='1363117142' post='2008851'] Theres no fixed rules for membership, just state what qualifies you or excludes you I'm in based on playing a Fender Precision in a Covers Band, and shameless with it. [/quote] Guess I'm in then... Frosty Jacks anyone?

I'm noodling on my Jazz V right now

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1363112835' post='2008746'] Thing to remember is that no one bass suits everyone. The Fender bass is not perfect even if it is the ideal for you. [/quote] No bass is perfect. Each to their own, horses for courses, live and let live etc. Some people love Fenders, some people don't choose to play them and, yes, some people do hate them! Can't we all just agree to disagree and get along?! [quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1363112835' post='2008746'] Think a lot of it is down to what you are used to. I would imagine that for a large number people here, their first bass was something that was based on either a Fender P or J. They got used to that design of bass. [/quote] And perhaps some people did not like the design/feel/etc of their first P/J bass and this has put them off of the Fender designs in general? Just throwing it out there...

[quote name='risingson' timestamp='1362954388' post='2006810'] I like this! Might [s]nick[/s] [b]purchase it for a small fee[/b] and start using it round the forum claiming it as my own turn of phrase [/quote] Feel free!

[quote name='JapanAxe' timestamp='1362953524' post='2006790'] One word: COFFEE TABLE [/quote] That's two!

Fenders are generally only as boring as the person playing them. This... well... it's not my bag really

Aw man, am I too late to make a start? TNA starts in half an hour!

I think the most frustrating thing about the smoking ban, especially in the summer, is that smokers and their friends tend to stay outside and often they can hear and enjoy the music outside, but at the cost of our atmosphere inside! As long as smokers are buying drinks then surely venues aren't too badly affected?

We were discussing this on Friday night after we played to about 10 people and then the place got busier at midnight - after we had finished. I'm 21. I've been gigging since 2008 and never played a gig before the smoking ban or 24 hour drinking laws so I can't really talk from experience. The rest of the band have a few years more experience than me and were talking about how it used to be that people would hit the pubs anywhere between about 7-9 and venues stopped serving booze at 11, the same time that bands would finish, and be home by midnight/hit the clubs. Nowadays people go out of their front door at 11, just as bands are finishing! Is it just me, or do you think that 24 hour drinking has something to do with this? (Along with the obvious issue of the world's finances)

[quote name='Mornats' timestamp='1361112329' post='1981167'] Because good ones are good in my experience and worth seeking out too. But I've tried several American Standard Jazz basses that went from superb (best bass I've played) to feeling worse than a Squier when playing it. It's too much of a pain to keep sending basses back to an online store until they send one that came of the factory as it should have. Unless of course you're saying that Fender QC is so shoddy that I shouldn't even bother with the brand hehe. [/quote] Nothing wrong with a Squier Nats! Squier QC is probably more reliable than Fender actually... Every Indonesian Squier I have tried has been great!

Bought a Marshall Jackhammer from Baldwin. Great, easy communication, prompt dispatch and when it arrived; not only did I have a new Jackhammer in superb condition, but I also had enough bubble-wrap to keep me amused for the whole afternoon! You could have played football with the package and the pedal would be unscathed! Very happy

To me a good bassline is one which locks into the groove and provides a platform for the other parts in a piece of music. Playing with good feel for rhythm, dynamics and harmony - not just playing appropriate notes but playing notes appropriately (accents, staccato/legato, hammer-ons etc.) i.e. Playing for the benefit of the whole piece and not just showing off. Good bass players are the ones who play good basslines consistantly. Million-notes-a-minute, crazy slapping, tapping etc are all impressive skills and take years to master - but in my opinion these skills alone do not a make a good bass player.

Whenever I look there are never any gigs near me so I just gradually stopped looking. I should be more proactive posting there actually...

We could forge the way with a new record - Longest instrument relay/Instrument gigged by most different musicians during tour? (if this would be classed as a tour) or something similar? I don't know, it's up to you as you're organising the whole thing - but I think getting the site and this bass in the GWR would be pretty freaking sweet!