solo4652

I now have a songlist from them. I've asked all the usual questions about where/when they rehearse, what sort of gigs/venues, how long have they been together, where are they based, etc. Awaiting a reply. Still no video or audio clips. Getting information from them is like getting blood from a stone, and that does put me off a bit.

Following on from my "....shenanigans..." thread, here's today's offering. I've changed the sender's name, and omitted the band name and genre. Otherwise, these are cut-and-paste: "Hi Seen your ad on bandmix . We’re looking for a bass player for our [genre] band. Committed guys with vast experience, sax, keyboards, drums , rhythm guitar. Northwest base. If interested let me know. Regards, Pete, [band name]" "Hi Pete, Thanks for getting in touch. I’m struggling to find anything on Bandmix, YouTube, for [band name] , only for a band called [something very similar] based on the south coast. Do you have any YouTube/website/Soundcloud/Facebook/Bandmix links I could have a look at please? Thanks, Steve" "Hi Steve Nothing on line at moment. Our base player left for personal reasons and guitarist left as too busy with other interests, sh as me really as they were both really good. Regards pete"

Ha! Thank you. I bought one of those, modded it and then sold it when I bought the Squier! The HB is a pretty de3cent instrument once you've changed the strings and upgraded the pickup. I suppose I'm looking for something like the HB, but a bit better quality. Maybe a Maruszczyk Jake.

I actually have a Squier Vista Musicmaster! Quite a clangy, middy tone - and that's fine - but, I'm looking for a classic P-tone short-scale bass to complement it.

Blast - it has a 38mm nut. No good for my clumsy great paws. Why is it that P-width necks seem so rare on short scales?

Not sure whether I've posted this before, so apologies if you're getting a sense of deja vue. This is us playing Rag 'n' Bone man's Human, with an extended ending. It's a rehearsal, not a gig. www.facebook.com/stevewhiteassociates/videos/543179316049021/

Yes. I have been slightly concerned about this. Maybe it's time to draw a line under this band episode and move on. I probably made a bit of a mistake by not using pseudonyms for the people involved.

Just spoke to Dave, to make sure I understood what the situation was. "Carl has always been sort of associated with the band, without ever playing with us. We were simply trying to help out a good friend", he said. I asked if Carl would be at future rehearsals. "He may well be - he's a good friend of ours. He sits at the back and doesn't usually say anything. Is that a problem?". Not really the answers I was wanting to hear. I wouldn't want Carl to be at rehearsal, but the band can't quite see that. I can't think of any other band I've been in that starts with me stipulating who can/can't be at rehearsal. And, furthermore, what happens if he does turn up? I flounce off?! I said to Dave that I don't think the whole situation was handled well and that, on reflection, this isn't the right band for me long-term. I've offered to dep for them while they keep looking for a permanent bassist. "So, will you be OK attending our regular rehearsals?" asks Dave. "No", I said.

Well, well. You lot saw this coming, didn't you?! I've just had a call from Dave, asking if I'd be interested in (re)joining the band. Apparently, their mate "couldn't hack it". Dave said he'd understand if I told the band to naff off. I asked him why the other bassist was there at my audition and Dave said; "He's always there - he's a really good friend of the keys player". I said that I I'd ring Dave back tomorrow. The thing is, it would suit me to play with them. I'm "between bands" at the moment, they're not far away, they play to a reasonable standard, and I've already learned 3/4 of the setlist. However, I don't like how I've been treated so far and it makes you wonder what other stunts they could pull if another "mate" shows up. Hmmmmm.....

Well, I must chime in here and say very well done indeed. I can't sing (I've tried, but I sound like a pig in pain), and I can't play bass, especially slap. And I most certainly cannot do both at the same time. That's the thing I find most impressive in your video. In terms of the music, the promo video stands on its own merit, in my opinion. As a band performance promo video, I wonder whether there may be some merit in considering set dressing, lights, audience. Just a thought. Best wishes to you and your band. I have no doubt at all that you're going to be very busy.

Well, I accept the majority view here that I should walk away with dignity. That's exactly what I did 6 weeks ago with a band I was depping with who wanted me to join them permanently. Not really my music, so I stepped away gracefully. That band is still very much in touch with me. However, with last week's crew, my feelings are a bit different. I wouldn't join them now if they change their minds, because I don't like the way they've behaved. Desperately trying to rein-in my irritation and frustration, I've replied to the Dear John email thus, rightly or wrongly.: "....That’s disappointing. I’d have a few comments to make about what’s happened here, but it’s a done deal, so not much point really. I did wonder who the chap sitting at the back of the room was last Thursday. Now I know. Let me know if you hear of a band needing a bassist, please. Steve"

Six days ago, I had a jam/try-out session with a local covers band looking for a bassist. It went well, and the following day I was invited aboard. I accepted. At that "audition" was a guy who was obviously a bassist, keen to talk about equipment. He sat at the back of the room watching all the time I was there. Bit odd, I thought. I've cracked on learning new songs ahead of tomorrow's rehearsal. This morning, I get this email: "Hi Steve Tried ringing but couldn’t get through. Really, really sorry mate but we have gone with another bassist. This has only happened today and we didn’t see it coming. A good friend of ours has left his current band under a dark cloud. You met him last week, Carl. This was not planned mate and it has nothing to do with your obvious musical ability. This is more to do with helping out a mate. We are so sorry for wasting your time and hope you understand. I would have preferred to do this over the phone rather than email but wouldn’t want you to be hanging on any longer than necessary. All the best and hope you don’t hold it against us. Please stay a friend on the FB page and let us know if you get sorted out so we can follow you. Cheers mate, and sincere apologies. Dave and the guys" I'm pretty peed-off about being treated like this. I'm just sitting here wondering how to respond to the email.

£700: https://www.projectmusic.net/sterling-by-music-man-short-scale-stingray-olympic-white-27216-p.asp?gclid=Cj0KCQiAyKrxBRDHARIsAKCzn8wDJQCK03LsSZQfToJ8PjganTvhsTpMkI8gPSoYl28eX561AE8tr54aAidzEALw_wcB

Options: F root - octave throughout (really?) until "Throw those curtains wide..." outro, when you play root - octave for the F, Eb, Bb sequence or Play root-octave for the F, Bb, C (G?), Bb sequence in the verses, F root-octave between verses, then root-octave for the F, Eb, Bb sequence in the "Throw those curtains wide ..." outro. Personally, I prefer the second approach, but the "official" bassline seems to be the first one. What do we think?

Thank you Phil. That's very helpful and clear advice. I've contacted Blue Aran and arranged for the Beyma 12CMV2 to be sent instead of the Gamma. Regards, |Steve

Ok - thanks Aidan

I have two of these TecAmp XS 112 cabs: https://www.bassgeardirect.com.au/product/tecamp-xs112-classic-bass-cab/ 300W @ 8 Ohm. I use one for rehearsals, and both for gigs, driven by either a GKMB500 or my newly-acquired Kustom DE1200. The cab driver is a lightweight ceramic 12" ceramic jobbie, badged "TecAmp". Last night at rehearsal, the driver in one of the cabs failed. We could smell burning from the moment I turned everything on, and the volume was low compared to normal. I ended up with the Kustom head gain at 3/4, and the head volume at almost max, bass volume at max. Could only just be heard in a 4-piece pub covers band. After 1 hour - sudden silence. I thought the head had broken but, back at home, same bass, same head, same cables through my other TecAmp XS 112 was all good. Listening to the broken speaker today, I can hear some output, but very low volume, and very thin sound. I'm wondering if the tweeter's OK, but the main driver isn't. What to do? 1. I've emailed TecAmp/Eich in Germany asking if they supply replacement drivers and, if not, to recommend an alternative. I can't imagine a replacement's going to be cheap.... 2. Source a compatible alternative here in the UK and get it fitted. What would be suitable? Slight problem may then be that I have a couple two cabs with different drivers. All advice, ideas and suggestions gratefully accepted.

I think it's called Lake Placid Blue.