Born 2B Mild

Any Conference A/V experts out there? (One of) my other hobbies is an interest in the author [b]Nevil Shute[/b]. Once every two years, somewhere in the world, us Shutists have a conference. This is a small affair, and this July it will be held in the Novotel, York. We are hoping for around 40+ delegates. It's a not-for-profit affair, and I'm in charge of the A/V & recording again. Hopefully it will be easier this year, as it's my own P.A. and not in Alice Springs, like it was last time. We tend to use lapel mics for the (human) speakers, and a roving wireless mic for delegates to use for questions. I can probably borrow a wireless mic from one of my band's vocalists, so it's two lapel mics I want to source. I'd rather we buy, than hire, as this crops up every time. The trouble is, I don't know what the right price, product or source is. I mean, you can pick them up on eBay for under a tenner but???? Any advice will be very gratefully appreciated.

[quote name='niceguyhomer' post='477933' date='May 2 2009, 07:41 PM']We'll miss you Steve Better start thinking about organising a Bash down there so we can all start saving up [/quote] Don't forget to invite Neil to this bash, he's only over in Te Awamutu (and see if he's wearing his Truly Sacred Ring).

[quote name='skankdelvar' post='477978' date='May 2 2009, 09:51 PM']I'll give him a call about 04:30 Sunday and ask him [/quote] Oh you are awful, but I like you

[quote name='josh3184' post='477740' date='May 2 2009, 03:10 PM']Oooh! Awesome, will have to check it out next time i'm there, thanks for the heads up! Bout time it had some better shops! See any lefties that aren't made out of cardboard and string?[/quote] I texted him about lefties and Dickie replied "Send them in I can help!" I have no commercial connection with him or Muzo. But here is his mobile (I'm sure he won't mind giving this out) > 07916 347864

I've been reading the threads about Eden Metros. I like the idea of two channels and a footswitch. I'm wondering if a used one will suit my needs and whether some kind Basschatter has one I can try out at their place. I'm in Harrogate, but get let out for good behaviour on occasions. This may be premature, but I'd have to move on my beloved Shuttle 6.0 if I did go for one.

Just opened today ...[b]Muzo[/b] An independent venture by Dickie Turner of True North Studios. It's above La Deli (France) in Beulah Street. Has a few basses ...Danelectro, Indie, etc. The Indie Swamp 4 is really nice. Early days, and stock still arriving. A brave thing to do, but let's hope it works out. Lets you park your shopping too (I eventually remembered I left it there!).

Maybe you need to change your avatar name to [b]The Nightshift[/b] ? Hope to visit NZ one day, and maybe say hello in person. BTW, what happened to your CrazyKiwi basses you were designing/building?

[quote name='Adrenochrome' post='471519' date='Apr 24 2009, 01:57 PM']Phil, tomorrow I'll definitely be in late afternoon onwards so just pop round whenever. It might be easiest if you just take the bass with you and try the string(s) at your leisure as my boys will no doubt be creating havoc at mine.[/quote] Will do. Cheers

[quote name='Beedster' post='471491' date='Apr 24 2009, 01:34 PM']A heavy-ish E wil do the same trick surely? I have a B from a set of TI's somewhere but I can't get it to you by Sunday I'm afraid Chris[/quote] Thanks for your kind offer Chris. Looks like I have a more local basschatter to the rescue.

[quote name='Adrenochrome' post='471499' date='Apr 24 2009, 01:40 PM']Phil, my rarely used 5-string has LaBella deep-talkin' flats on, gauges 43-128. You're welcome to buy/borrow the B string or the lot as I'll put rounds on if I ever need it again for gigging. They've all been trimmed to fit my Tanglewood (Bass Collection copy) so you'd just have to try it/them and see.[/quote] Terrific. Thanks Jon. Can I visit you/you visit me tomorrow? I'll be back in Harrogate late afternoon.

I've just got an Ibanez SR505 off eBay, and I'm going to use it for at least one song on Sunday evening at the Joez Cafe debut gig at Harrogate's Blues Bar. I've put a set of cheapie flats on that I've had for a while. The trouble is, the incumbent low B is as wide as a tree trunk, and on this super slim Ibby it sounds like a tree trunk too . So I'm after a new or used flatwound low B, as light as poss, and if I can get it in time for Sunday evening, that would be great. Can you tell me where I can order one from, or do you have one I can buy from you? I have looked on a few websites, but to no avail. Thanks. B2BM

[quote name='Crazykiwi' post='469457' date='Apr 22 2009, 11:49 AM']If it was 600w into 4ohms (like the Shuttle) and able to go into 2ohms then I'd probably go for one at 700 quid...assuming I couldn't import one for less, that is...[/quote] Yeah, I must say that if I add ('cos I'd want to keep my Shuttle, regardless) [u]another [/u]head I'd have the 2 ohm capability as one of my main wish list items.

The Shuttle 6.0 does have volume issues. IT'S TOO LOUD! When I play with Chainsaw, I'm the only one that doesn't D.I. to the P.A. because I'm loud enough already! And we are a loud band. Almost every gig, I point out to someone in the band where my master gain is ...usually about 20% on. It's ridiculous. However, it isn't as loud with a passive bass ...so you might not go for it. But the OP was about a back-up head. With the Shuttle OR Little Marks, you get something with great tone and volume, that you can carry around with you without noticing. I can't see the point of lugging a medium or heavy head to have just as a spare ...unless it simply lives in the van for when there's an emergency. Mind you, if I had two heads, I'd be keen to split my signal and use both ...one for the bottom end and one for the growl and bite! Ooh er Mrs

Just a comment on the Shuttle's tone, as I don't know the GK, I have noticed that what it does best is to add definition to the sound of your bass, rather than change it. It appears to be more effective for active basses with decent woods, strings and on-board pre-amps. For the first few gigs I used the GB, I had all EQ on flat, because the Spector 6 I used had all the tone I needed. For other basses with more 'so so' construction and electronics, I have had to max up the Shuttle's controls. The mid-scoop is singularly the most effective tone shaper for me. I get GAS for most things, but I have to say that the Shuttle is a keeper, providing I'm using a bass that simply needs its sound amplifiying rather than compensating/modifying. If I was you and couldn't A/B both amps before buying, I'd buy the first used specimen of either amp and try it out. Being used, you can move it on if it doesn't suit, then buy the other!

Just got back from the Ripley gig. Totally excellent! Though the P.A. didn't deliver any where near what those excellent muso's were creating. The thought occured to me during the gig ...was Ian Dury the forefather of rap?

New issue of BGM arrived this morning. Must read the Blockheads article before seeing them tonight!

Yep. Great band. Saw their first gig back in the UK as a trio (since the guitarist left) at Preston (Student Union). He was belting out his T-Bird with a pick all right.

On the cheaper front, the Spector Performers are 35" as are Ibanez BTB. On the higher end of the scale, Mark Pulcinella basses are 35". My observation is that some 34" necks seem longer and less easy to play than some 35". I used to think my old Thunderbird was 35" but it's was a 34". I guess it's to do with the neck's integration with the body, and also neck-dive balance.

One of my early heroes played a T-Bird (Martin Turner) and not so long a go I bought an Epiphone copy. It was good, then I put a low bid on a Gibson IV and won, it to my surprise. Gigged it for a year but realised a few things. - it has a great sound - it feels like a 38" scale ...left hand is way out there! - despite a modest difference in pick up sounds, it really has only one sound - feel wise, it was great to play with a pick, not so great with the fingers, and completely useless for slap 'n tickle Playing in a covers band required more flexibility, so I sold it. I last saw one at a gig when seeing the great ASH (the Northern Ireland guys, not the Wishbone variety) and yeah, Ace sound. But, I found it a one-trick pony. A good one, but only for delivering one style. It did look cool though...

I've never owned an Ibanez, which is a bit odd perhaps since I started playing bass in '73. So I don't know the geneology or taxonomy of all the different models past and present. One day, I might get a fretted four string again, and if I did I might try an Ibanez. So, free of any reality, if your fairy godmother could wave her wand and give you ANY Ibanez 4-string, regardless of value, what would it be and why?