Mike Brooks

Howdy, it was my choice to cover Hysteria for the column. I have a list of albums as long as your arm to cover but the remit from day one was cover all sorts of albums, not just the Greatest Hits Of Jaco or Stanley on a monthly basis. Where possible I/we try to pick albums that have an anniversary pending (or not, it's not cast in stone) but I proposed some months back a 3 issue run of albums, by a band or artist, that sold massively and for that artist, they never produced a bigger selling album, I chose 1987 and hence the INXS/Def Leppard/George Michael albums. On top of that, the Hysteria deluxe boxset was released a few months back and we have Rick Savage's interview in the wings too. There is no denying that in the rock arena, Hysteria changed quite a lot of things as far as rock albums go, not least the production values that Mutt Lange brought to the album. Don't despair, there are plenty of bass-centric albums lined-up, such as Marcus Miller's 'The Sun Don't Lie' in a month or two. As an ongoing column, the possibilities are almost endless so hopefully I'll cover something you do like soon. All the best, Mike

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1506425155' post='3378588'] This sounds to me like an ideal little amp to keep in your gig-bag/box as a backup. Previously the GK MB200 seemed to have that covered but this one appears to be even smaller. [/quote] Indeed, I have both.....if the only the Elf had an Aux In, it would be almost perfect. But the GKMB200 is still fab, it's never let me down and I've done some spacious gigs with it.

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1506411490' post='3378456'] The only thing I felt was lacking was that quality variously described as heft, girth, or oomph. There was no shortage of volume and we could hear every note, but there seemed little weight behind those notes. [/quote] The only point I'd raise about that (thanks for the kind words by the way ) is that bass is fitted with 40-100s as opposed to something heavier but regarding oomph, I'd counter that with what sort of tonal performance should we expect from a unit that size? It will never compete with larger valve-equipped amps and in terms of Class D comparisons, in a pub, or pubs, like that, it's more than capable to do that job, just a case of whether you want to carry something bigger/heavier to do that job. After years of thrashing my back, for gigs like this, the Elf does a very good job and I'm quite happy to use one on gigs like this. I'll use other amps for other types of gigs that need something else but punters who don't care about the gear I'm using will always notice 'loudness' compared to 'quality of tone' all day, whereas I'd love a supreme bass tone over loudness. And as much as I love the tones of my other amps, anything that facilitates one journey to and from the car is a winner for me. Also, less setting up/breaking down time too! ....maybe it's a 'getting older' thing....but I am smirking as the guitarist takes 4 journeys, carrying a hefty rack and large cab...just for starters!

[quote name='Rich' timestamp='1506346662' post='3378063'] Mike Brooks gigged his a couple of weeks ago and had nothing but praise for it. To the extent that I'm considering one. [/quote] Review will be in the next issue of the mag. Bought my own one, used on a couple of 4-piece band gigs with a very 'volume intensive' guitarist, matched with an EBS Neo 2x12 and Status Empathy...haven't had to push it past 11 o' clock yet....the band were asking me to turn down and Silvia witnessed my first gig with one...it didn't lack volume or poke in a large-ish pub with the same band. All I can say is test one for yourself.

[color=#1D2129][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Tapping into the collective knowledge....just bought a Status Streamline for overseas gigs, have a gigbag but looking for the smallest, stripped down gigbag or 'sleeve' for carrying the bass as hand luggage. Looking at possibly having Roqsolid Covers make something but just wondered if you fine people had found something already available that does the job and takes away the extra baggage that gigbags inevitably have. A shoulder carry strap would be handy but not essential. Any thoughts?[/font][/color] [color=#1D2129][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Mike[/font][/color]

Just dug out the old diary

It was 6th February 1997. Mike

Cheers Pete, appreciate it. Tried to steer away from the usual questions. Came out well.

Cheers for the thumbs up for the interview Russ. Mike

Hi all, It's been a while since I posted in this section but I find myself with a few Fridays free over the next month or two and although I still dep for a few players, I wouldn't mind getting back into the depping scene on a more regular basis. I'm based near Junction 16 of the M25, travelling is all part of the gig so don't think location will put me off. I have wheels, gear to cater for all requirements, 26 years of experience, 18 as a pro. CV on request but have performed for many tributes and covers bands over the years along with a few bits of name work here and there. Unfortunately, i don't read (something I will be trying to rectify over the next few months/years) but I'm a quick learner, have turned round 40 song sets in 8 hours before now. If you need to know anything else, message me on here or you can email me directly on [email protected]. All the best, Mike http://www.facebook.com/mikebrooks1

Bought a bass from Jim today, very easy to deal with, great communication, good cup of coffee too. Pleasure to deal with you Jim, keep in touch. All the best, Mike

Cheers Jim, thanks for being so easy to deal with and a fine cup of coffee too. All the best, Mike

That's a fair point but I would refer you to Martin Sims who made it very clear back in 2008 that the Enfield Cannon was a bass that was not available to be modified in any way, it was what it was, take it or leave it. Obviously the feedback in the intervening years from players who rate the whole concept was that they wanted to make use of what is a great tool for getting so many sounds from. But the simple fact that 'names' are so fixated with the Fender look made it impossible for them to use anything such as a Cannon. On top of that, the expense and design and research that has gone into the Enfield system I would imagine would prevent Martin from coming up with yet another pickup design although you would need to ask him about that. Coupled with that the number of Enfields being sold means this isn't a mass produced instrument, each one is basically a custom, unique instrument so I would undertsand that it's simply not cost-effective to look into another pickup design. Personally, I'm okay with it, I've seen far worse monstrosities in the bass world over 25 years and for the flexibility the Enfield system offers, it's a small price to pay. But each to their own, what works for one player doesn't necessarily work for someone else, you pay your money and take your choice. I'm sure we can agree that it's good to see something different that's trying to solve a problem i.e. switching between split/single/humbucking coils. At least Martin took the plunge and had a go and came up with a workable system. Mike

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1336313253' post='1643815'] And I wish the reviewer of the Enfield Avenger Bass had the guts to say what everyone is thinking - "It's an abomination". The original Enfield basses were a triumph of tonal versatility and electrical ingenuity in a functional but interesting instrument. The Avenger fails because of the unsympathetic way the way the pickups and electronics have been shoe-horned into the traditional designs. Anyone wanting the versatility first and foremost would have had no problem with the original Canon model and for those who require something traditional looking the Avenger is not it by any stretch of the imagination. [/quote] As far as I can recall, I don't think I've ever responded to BGM discussions on here, and although there are so many points and topics I could try to explain and go into in order to set a few records straight, I'd rather not as it's not my place. But in response to the above quote, I reviewed the Enfields in the latest issue and the Enfield back in issue 41. Obviously the 'abomination' view is your opinion, I had the basses for a week, used them on a few live things and thought they were great instruments in their own right, played great, felt very comfortable and gave me all the sounds I wanted to hear from the package. I wasn't that bothered with the pickup aesthetic and the whole point of these coming out is that some big name 'employers' insist their bassist has a bass that looks like a J or P, they pay the money, they can insist on what the player uses. They have an image of a P or J in their heads and that's what they want. As it is, I'm possibly looking at purchasing one as a 40th birthday present based on my experience of using one. I may go for a Cannon or an Avenger, haven't decided yet but it certainly won't be decided by whether an Avenger looks wrong with a Super 8 pickup! And for the record, I've always spoken my mind when it comes to reviews, always taken gear out to test it in 'the real world', have a look at the Warwick Infinity review back in Issue 29. All the best, Mike

Just bought an EBS Fafner bass head from Jimmy. Great communication, always helpful, a pleasure to deal with. Excellent stuff!! Mike

Sound of Thunder from the first album is worth a listen, all the usual favourites from Rio, Tiger Tiger, So Misled and Proposition from Notorious, a couple of nice lines on the Liberty album and Nice from Astronaut, all good contenders