Len_derby

Contrary to popular belief The Proclaimers insist on motor transport when on tour.

I agree with the suggestions that have been made above. Me, I always look for ways to promote and advertise our music whatever the circumstance. I try to always carry some business cards for the band and also some flyers if we have some for an up and coming gig. As an example, I had an electrician around last year to install some lighting. I chatted to him about music the result is that he now comes to most of our gigs and usually brings some mates. I do three different jobs and have a wide social circle and I do most of my band promotion through personal contact. I've always been happy to talk to strangers, but I know that's not the case for everyone. A lot of musicians, bass players in particular, seem to be sociopaths, which must make promoting what you're doing hard work.

I was in a similar position to you, all be it with less money, and I went for an EUB. The key decider was that I couldn't afford a double bass and a new car too. There are people who seem to manage a DB in the smallest of cars but I usually have to transport some PA and other band members as well as me and my stuff. So, as well as other things, don't forget transportation (and storage) issues.

[quote name='lojo' timestamp='1414674135' post='2592085'] , there was no one in the pub either on a saturday night. [/quote] As a working business model, it looks like the old-style British pub is dead in the water. However, as musicians we don't have to let it drag us down with it. In my experience there are more opportunities to play live than there has ever been. For example private party gigs seem to have greatly increased in the last few years. I've done a few 'unplugged' gigs in suburban back gardens for birthdays and family celebrations. That sort of thing has really grown. I don't think communal music is going to end anytime soon. It's just increasingly going to happen at different places in different ways. We adapt.

Thanks Erik, I'll give the local dealer a try.

Hi chaps, I'm looking for a bit of advice on improving the fitting for the body rests on my Stagg. My model has the push-on metal rests. The bigger one, which rests against the players torso, has a habit of pinging out of its holes. I've seen someone at a BC bass bash who had superior screw-in fittings for the rests. Maybe his was a later model. Has anyone else had a similar problem and found a solution? Perhaps buying the fittings for a later model and fitting them.

There's a couple of mentions on this thread of storing instruments upright. I'm interested to know why that's better than keeping them horizontal, or any other angle for that matter. After all, they are made to be played in a pretty much horizontal plane.

[quote name='bassace' timestamp='1412320368' post='2567729'] Len, It's Sunday. Pl let us know if you can/can't do that day. Otherwise no problem. [/quote] Sorry, I did mean Sunday. That's when I'll be working.

Hi guys, Sorry to say that I won't be able to make it on Saturday. I've volunteered to cover a shift for s sick workmate. I know there's a cost for these events, so if you send me a PM with the appropriate details I'm very happy to pay my share. I hope you all have a great time.

I've just met Paul on his home territory and bought his nicely mojo-ed Squier Precision. A top transaction and a top guy. Another one of those Basschaters that you could spend all day happily talking to. Paul's patient wife was with us, so we had to make do with a brief chat today. You can deal with Paul in confidence.

I've met you Chris, on a Basschat Relay baton hand-over. You came across as a steady and thoughtful guy. I don't think you'd be writing this post unless things had got to a sticky position. Time to move on, I think. Best of luck.

My little advice is, don't just try the 'flat wounds/thump' string route. There are alternatives. I play in a duo of acoustic guitar and electric bass (sometimes with the addition of a cajon player). Himself plays a standard steel strung 6 string or a resonator and we've found that what works best for our sound is me playing a passive Jazz with light gauge round wounds. The combination of sounds seems to work best for us. I can recommend searching out a couple of master duos to listen to. Eric Bibb with Dave Bronze on bass. They did a live cd/DVD called 'an evening with Eric Bibb'. It's a master class in acoustic guitar/electric bass duo work. Secondly, anything you can get to hear of Alexis Korner with Colin Hodgkinson on electric bass.

I think you've nailed it there already Andy. Maybe the question is, how much do you want the gig? Is it worth ditching your principles for?

I like listening to the radio. I've come across lots of interesting music i would probably never have heard otherwise.

[quote name='seashell' timestamp='1408952526' post='2534754'] We played at a pub yesterday where they do a sort of local talent showcase once a month. It'ts a mixture of open mic and invited bands, of which we were one. It was a bit shambolic to begin with. Kicked off very late and there was a bit of a misunderstanding with how much of a drum kit they were providing. The stage was a bit small, so to create more space they had set up the mic stands on beer crates in front of the stage. We start off with Bohemian Like You, on which I do BVs. As soon as I stepped up to the mic to sing, the stand fell through a hole in the beer crate and the whole thing toppled over. I just stepoed back znd carried on playing, while sound guy ran up and reassambled it in a rather 'School of Rock' moment. Audience loved it. After that it all went very well. No bum notes (well not so's you'd notice!). Great reception from the marvelous assortment of Brummie characters who made up the audience . I had a friend in - a rampant old thespian who can be very critical and waspish. He said we were really tight! The last band on were an all female band who do some quirky original stuff. They were great and also really friendly. Mutual admiration all round. And two firsts. First time I have used my own combo (I keep calling it a 'combi' , but that's a boiler isn't it? ). And first time a punter has bought me a drink cos he liked my playing! Rock n roll! [/quote] Excellent Shell, sounds like you had a great time. I bet you were really buzzing. We played at a multi-band all-dayer on Saturday in a pub a few miles north. This was a fundraiser for the 2015 Ripley Music Festival. We only got 35 minutes, but all went well and we made some new friends and useful contacts. The pub had a full PA and back line that we used. However I did take my 'combi' wth me as back-up insurance.

Cheers Gary, you've just given me one more thing to fret about.........

I'm facing a very similar situation today. Playing at a all-day multi-band event where I've been assured there will be a full PA, I can play through it any everything will be just dandy. My combo, DI box and all necessary cables will be coming with me in the car as insurance. It's belt and double braces, but I am a bass player after all.

1. Bassace - Upton and Bryant basses, Clarus amp and Crazy 8 speaker. 2. Owen - 5 string DB, NS5 EUB, Clarus/Acme rig, Fdeck/Berg rig and some bass uke things. 3. Zero9 - Gedo 'Blonde' 4/4 hybrid DB with Thomastik Solo strings, KK Rockabilly and AI Coda R combo 4. StingrayPete1977 - Gedo 3/4 half carved 'antique' with Thomastik Spirocore weichs ebony board/tail, Yitamusic carbon fibre french bow. 5. Geoffbassist - German trade bass with Evah regulars 6. Sarah Thomas - German flatback, Superlight EUB, Nemesis 50w amp 7. Oggiesnr - worked upon Antoni plywood bass (see what a bit of money can do ) 8. Len Derby - coming along to gorp and say hello.

Thinking back over the years....(but that's a different thread), what's worked for me is spending time hanging out where other musicians hang out. Open-mics, jam nights, gigs, music shops, trade shows etc. . Through networking with people I've met great new friends and got involved with some great music projects. I'm confident at talking to strangers but I know that's not the case for everyone. On the mobile version I can't see where you live or your age, these are factors that might make it easier or harder to find a band. Although, since you posted at 7:24am I'm guessing you're not a teenager.

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1406795055' post='2514708'] It's got nothing to do with being pro, it's just a question of having the right attitude. If you don't have it then you probably shouldn't be playing in a gigging band. You never know who's in the audience. There may only be 5 people there but they might be the 5 most important people that you will ever be playing too. [/quote] I agree with this one, particularly the second point. It's a powerful argument and one I've used on grumbling band mates.

Some Enchanted Evening from South Pacific. In 1973, aged 15. Trying to read the dots and playing a borrowed Hofner violin bass.

[quote name='fumps' timestamp='1405346384' post='2501029'] God I miss my stagg hard times sometimes sting ! [/quote] If you're ever down my way Daisy is always available for a cuddle Gav.

I've been on the same bill as her a couple of times in North Derbyshire. She's a mighty talent on the guitar, but I know what you mean about her parents Dr. I tried to have a chat to her about music and her dad was a total PITA. I hope for her sake she's been able to move on from that situation. Samantha Fish I've seen once live at The Flowerpot, Derby. Very impressive guitarist and singer. I think she may be touring the UK again later this year. Kev, I've never warmed to Joanne Shaw Taylor's music. I'm ready to be proved wrong though!