Len_derby

Jeff Beck.

On Friday night my folk-punk originals band 5 Hills Out played at Ye Olde Talbot in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. There were a few 'firsts' both in terms of songs and line-up and all in all it went well. Our own Andyjr1515 took a break from making his fantastic basses and guitars and made the 40 mile round trip to see us. What a gent.

[quote name='karlfer' timestamp='1455702999' post='2981527'] I have just received a modern faker from a well known person (as long as you know the page, the secret password and today's fish ). I posted a review on a certain social media page. I will do an edited version of the review on here sometime next week, when I have received my new scratchplate and Rickenbugger (tm Jon Price ) TRC. [/quote] Seen the review and pictures Karl. Looks great. Have you any experience of that gentleman's 5ers?

Thanks for the tips guys. They are such an iconic shape. I think I'm going to have to scratch the itch and buy one sooner or later.

We have a couple of students from Gernany at work, over on an exchange scheme. They have little money and not much free time but they tell me one of the 'must visit' sites for them is Liverpool and specifically the Beatles sites. They are both 22 years old. As far as they are concerned it's one of the top things to see and celebrate in Britain.

Anybody got any experience and advice concerning 5 string bass Fakers? I've played some supposedly high-end 5ers that have had poor b strings and I'd like to know how the Fakers measure up.

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1455389738' post='2978755'] I always hear this stuff about not wanting to play to drunken crowd or mob.Is it a cultural thing? I've been playing bars every weekend for years and never run into that problem. [/quote] This is an interesting one. As a bar visitor both sides of the Atlantic (but only as a customer in the USA, not playing) my observation is that generally the American side is less rowdy and less downright rude. There seems to be increasing inability for Brits to hold their drink.

[quote name='chaypup' timestamp='1455045533' post='2975417'] Yep definitely - a well worked set list makes the difference between an ok night and a great one - ask any DJ. Sometimes you have to be flexible too, read the crowd and change things on the fly if need be. [/quote] Agreed. I always insist on one. Apart from noodling between songs there's nothing more unprofessional, to me, than the 'what shall we play next? ' on stage conversation.

[quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1454712445' post='2972413'] I've just started reading "The Music Lesson" by Victor Wootten for the third time - Re-rereading?? - I'd forgotten how elementary he makes learning to play and how easy it is to relate to what he's saying. Great book - I'd highly recommend it to anybody whether they're a fan of his style of playing or not. I think that there's much to be learned (still) from this book. Anybody else read it? [/quote] I found it a good read and often go back to it. However, I've loaned it to people who found the 'mysterious stranger' structure of the book twee and irritating. As far as I'm aware I've never heard any Victor Wotton or seen his bass face, so you don't have to a fan to enjoy the book.

[quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1454521052' post='2970489'] Can someone please explain to me why anyone would put up a relatively expensive bass for sale (which would attract a commission in the four figure bracket) without making any effort to advertise it anywhere else (as far I can tell). [/quote] I guess it would suit someone who had no knowledge or interest in the bass. Perhaps it was an inheritance. This method outsources the whole transaction. A bit like selling a piece of art through an auction house.

[quote name='Schnozzalee' timestamp='1454246314' post='2967785'] Sounds like a crocodile belching. [/quote] Love it! I'm going to use that. I know it's all personal preference, but I wonder if you've had the chance to try a higher-end instrument? I'd more or less given up on 5ers, for reasons like yours. Then I had a go on a really classy Warwick 5 string at a Bass Bash and then it all made sense. As I, and others, have said earlier you probably need to be more selective and prepared to pay more to get a reasonable 5 stringer.

A new set of strings is more expensive. You usually need to pay more for a decent one compared to a 4 string. In my experience a lot of cheap 5s have horrid B strings with a floppy, undefined sound. Congratulations on the choice of Yamaha. In my opinion you can't make a better choice at their price-points.

Think we need to arrange a meet-up Andy. 😛 Ahem, strap-pegs, cough cough.

Pm'd you buddy.

Great. I'll be there again.

Just received an instrument cable with silent jack plug off Simon. Good, smooth transaction and Simon even braved the post office on Christmas week. Thanks!

Congratulations on a fine sounding year. Fortune favours the bold! I have a Countryman fretted Ukeleke bass. My experience is that the intonation leaves a lot to be desired. With no truss rod or bridge adjustments possible you're pretty much stuck with it. My advice would be hold out for a higher quality instrument.

There are lots of wise comments and bits of advice on this thread. Good 'ol Basschat. However, one of the standout facts for me is that this is a band playing original material. Having done both routes, cover bands and (currently) originals I've found them very different in terms of getting gigs. If the OP was in a covers band personally I'd be very wary of this scenario. My experience of an originals band is that gigs are harder to get, so you have to take them where you can and take more financial risks.

I'll agree with most people who've replied so far and say go for it. Assuming there's maybe four of you in the band. That's a tenner each. Three pints of beer? There might be enough time to get some merchandise made; t-shirts, stickers etc. That way you could get some revenue. The other band sound like good guys and a wise connection. Would you jeopardise working with them again if you turn this one down?

Which OM was it, if you don't mind saying? I think we are fairly close to each other geographically.

I've got a Ritter double bass gig bag. I've been very happy with it and it's also got a decent amount of pocket capacity too.

As someone who has been in a similar situation (having to crawl to the toilet and then hardly able to bear the pain to climb on to it) my advice is to consider the balance of the bass as important as the weight. I've found that if an instrument sits comfortably and well-balanced around my neck discomfort can be avoided, even after a couple of hours standing up. For me, it's a Warwick Corvette.

Bonkers? Maybe. Skilled and talented? Definitely. Keep the info coming Andy. The local forecast is mostly dry for tomorrow.