Len_derby

Lekato for me. Had them for a year and have been fine for the weekend warrior/pub covers band level that I infest.

I’d say more Lennon and McCartney. My Shell, My Belle.

It’s a wonderful thing, language. I think anything that helps a potential audience identify what kind of stuff you’re playing is helpful. I remember, pre-internet going to see bands that I knew nothing about, and couldn’t find out. Sometimes their name gave you a clue, but not always. I’m considering relaunching my acoustic trio as playing Country n’ Sludgebucket.

Although Facebook is mostly irritating nonsense I find it very useful for promoting the two bands I’m in. Also for keeping an eye on venues and other acts working in the same area. About a half dozen times over the last three years-ish we’ve picked up gigs when venues put messages on Facebook for last-minute replacements. I often think that musicians who reject social media either don’t gig or leave all the promotional donkey work to others.

There’s a thread on the Basschat Market Place section called What’s It Worth (or similar). Although, you may need to be a subscribing member to access it.

Almost exclusively now. Mexican Mustang P/J and Squier Jaguar. For acoustic work, a Taylor mini-bass.

I do, Pete. I’ve switched over to short-scale basses almost exclusively so it’s not getting played anymore. I’ll send you a pm.

How about the Yamaha Bex? Let me know if you like what you see or read.

Ah yes, being unforgivably Anglocentric. It’s all those years being told I live in the Midlands!

I hope you bought it at a car park meet-up, Pete, as I did mine. We’re both specialists at that. 😆

Best, and only, purchase this year. A Squier short-scale Jaguar bought on BassChat.

Are you doing the remaining gigs? In your position I’d tell them to stuff it.

Come to lovely, sunny Derby. It’s……..erm……..in the middle. 🤪

it’s how we know it’s you, Pete, and not an imposter.

It’s a very good point by Tim about the demographics of gig attendance. I don’t think it’s only the bigger acts and venues, either. The more modest venues I attend, like the Flowerpot in Derby, seem to be generally filled with people middle-aged an upwards. Going to see live music seems less of a young person thing now.

My suggestion is to take him somewhere where he try as many as possible. In my experience you don’t know what feels and plays ‘right’ until you try it. As a teenager I loved the look of Rickenbackers but when I finally got to try one I didn’t like playing it. A lot of money saved!

Tough one. Using the rule , ‘if you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all’, I’d probably keep out of it. However, if asked outright I’d probably start with, ‘I think you could do better’, and see where the conversation goes. He might possibly agree given the opportunity to be frank. Although, if he/they don’t realise things are amiss from the audience reaction, well, they might be beyond help! Good luck.

Also, take a look at the Retrovibe webpage.

Thanks @Richard R. I’ll pencil myself in. Oooer missus.

Yesterday at the Wirksworth Arts Festival in Derbyshire. The Desperate Cowboys did a 45 minute set as part of an all-day multi-act show. It’s a small town with grim parking at the best of times, so park-and-ride systems were set up from the nearby quarry sites. Consequently, it was my Taylor Mini Bass straight into the supplied PA. The Taylor has enough character and quality to sound good enough though that setup, so no complaints. Initially, we were disappointed to only get a midday slot. However, given the way the weather went, we were quite happy. I even had to swallow my prejudices and play in a hat! I think I’m done now for outdoor gigs in Derbyshire until next spring.

As @HeadlessBassist alludes to above, it depends on your own attitude to risk. I have bought basses unseen, but only from this forum and from people who have good feedback. In your position I think I’d put a Wanted add on Basschat and stipulate that you need to be able to collect/take delivery or meet-up. Good luck.

You’re being very generous, Tim. The only places I would now be considered middle-aged are a care home and an Anglican Church congregation. 😂

Grumpy middle-aged men winging about their First World problems on the General Discussion page of a Bass/music forum? 😂

Thanks for this thread. It’s prompted me to take out my custom build by our own @Andyjr1515. Boutique? Maybe, but if so it’s the only boutique thing I have in my universe. Suit courtesy of Oxfam.