Len_derby

Sorry if this sounds negative, but we have exactly the same problem in my church band and we've never found a solution apart from switching off the hearing loop during songs. The induction loop system does look like it's pretty old, so it is possible newer equipment may be more tolerant.

Had a very pleasant meeting with Graham and his wife at Woodhall Services on the M1. We put the world to rights over a coffee and I bought his stunning acoustic bass. The bass got some admiring comments from a member of staff, so it's all looking good so far! A lovely Basschatter and a pleasure to do business with.

[quote name='spinynorman' timestamp='1422725499' post='2676147'] I wasn't wild about the standard strings on my Kala Ubass, so I tried a set of Silver Rumblers. They seemed very sticky and if anything I liked them less. Now I've seen Strings Direct are selling [url="http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/search/bass-ukulele#page1:infscr8867"]Pyramid Black Tape Nylon[/url] strings for Ubass. Has anyone tried these? They're expensive, but I wonder if they would feel more like "normal" strings. [/quote] Thanks for the heads-up on this. I've been trying a set of white Aquila thunderguts but they feel like cold spaghetti.

Bought a nice Mono strap off Iain. Super-fast efficient service. A man to deal with.

Sold my Squier Vintage Modern Jazz bass to Martin. All excellent. A pain-free transaction with a genuine guy. Good communications and a pleasure to do business with. Deal with in confidence.

Some very wise words here, and I agree with pretty much all of it. My experience is that if any member of the band when offered a gig habitually says along the lines of ' I need to check with the wife/girlfriend/work to see if I can do it' things are going to get strained very quickly.

[quote name='SpaceChick' timestamp='1422826559' post='2677308'] I do get asked out at more gigs than I don't, for some unknown reason as I'm hardly a hottie! It would seem that men find a female bassist quite an alluring concept. I always reply that I am flattered but happily married. [/quote] I was going to make a crude joke about the allure of women with bassplayer's hand strength, but maybe not... Anyway one of the most memorable for me was when a youngish chap came up and said 'my dad would really love your music'. I know he meant well, but it was a bit deflating!

[quote name='darren' timestamp='1422826961' post='2677315'] Great gig on Friday night. Coincided with my 40th birthday. Genuinely wasn't expecting a cake -a very nice surprise. The venue was full and everybody, strangers an all, sang happy birthday to me. Brilliant! [/quote] Brilliant Darren, and a belated happy birthday. Nice to see my old P Bass in joyous action! Careful of those flames though!

1. Si600 - GK MB500 Fusion, GK MB212 (house rig), Fender P V. 2: Roland Rock - Avalon U5, Crown power amp, BF STwin. W&T Ergon and 78P if I get the refin done in time. Some pedals. 3. tauzero - perm a few from Sei Original, Status Series 1, Antoniotsai, Dean 10-string, Warwick Thumb, Mrs Zero. 4. Dread Bass - Lefties - ACG 6 and 7 string Recurve S Types, ACG Krell Fretless If Ready, Alembic Epic, Warwick Fortress, Letts 6. Aguilar rig if needed. 5. seashell - MIM Fender P 6. Prime_BASS - whatever bass is the flavour at the time, ACG 33" graft J type. 7. Len Derby - Yamaha Bex semi acoustic, Roland micocube battery powered practise/busking combo 8. Bottle - Modded Ibanez GSR-180, some pedals, Line-6 Combo and the 1x12 + Amp rack 9. Marillionred - Warwick Streamer $$5, Warwick Dolphin SN5, Letts fretless 5, Michael Kelly Acoustic 5, Warwick LWA1000, Barefaced Big Baby 2 - and some headphones. 10. Jabba_the_gut - some of the stuff below....if it's finished in time.. Updated to add the stuff I'll bring. Sorry the photo thumbnail has gone Jabba.

A great day last year. 1. Si600 - GK MB500 Fusion, GK MB212 (house rig), Fender P V. 2: Roland Rock - Avalon U5, Crown power amp, BF STwin. W&T Ergon and 78P if I get the refin done in time. Some pedals. 3. tauzero - perm a few from Sei Original, Status Series 1, Antoniotsai, Dean 10-string, Warwick Thumb, Mrs Zero. 4. Dread Bass - Lefties - ACG 6 and 7 string Recurve S Types, ACG Krell Fretless If Ready, Alembic Epic, Warwick Fortress, Letts 6. Aguilar rig if needed. 5. seashell - MIM Fender P 6. Prime_BASS - whatever bass is the flavour at the time, ACG 33" graft J type. 7. Len Derby

I agree with Gary's ideas,. In addition you could try some of the moisture trap crystals that are available from Wilkos and Lakeland. The Wilkos ones are called Damp Clear. It removes moisture from the air in a couple of condenstion prone cupboards I have. In my experience there's no need to buy a special container. Best keep it away from children and pets though. Nasty stuff if you get it in your eyes.

In my experience the only song that's a must across all genres and venues is 'Happy Birthday to You'. I reckon I've played it, often at the drop of a hat, at every type of occasion except a wake. There's always a first time for everything though.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1421012088' post='2656239'] I wouldn't quit because of a bad keyboard player - I'd quit because of ANY keyboard player. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure there are great keyboard players out there, but I've not been lucky enough to be in a band with any of 'em. There's nothing worse than a keys player with a heavy left hand, and they all have them. IMHO, the best keys players are those who are not necessarily keys players but add texture and depth in a subtle and creative way. A keys player who is essentially a pianist is a nightmare. He will imagine he is the one everybody's come to see and the rest of the band are just supporting him in concert. They are NOT team players! [/quote] This what I really wanted to say. But I was trying to be diplomatic, not that it's ever got me anywhere.

You've tried to broach the subject but it hasn't worked. It sounds as if he must be at least middle-aged, so what are the chances of him changing now? Unless you really need the money, I'd say go now before you become more bitter. Maybe line another band up before you go.

Cheers to all those that have helped the Daz Kelly Band get past the 100 likes. As far as I know I'm up to date with liking all the pages listed, and have listened to some superb music on the way. Viva Basschat! Neil Fox

[quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1420199644' post='2646566'] Our 500th liker seems to be BCs own Len Derby! Consequently he can expect a UJahm treat in the post! Thanks again everyone for helping us hit the monkey [/quote] Right on time brother, right on time.

I'd agree with the previous post. I have a Yamaha Bex semi and it's only slightly louder when unplugged than a solid. Someone is selling a Vox headphone amp on the miscellaneous page. This might be a good solution if you're not able to practise unplugged. I'm lucky to live in a very quiet house.

[quote name='Dave_the_bass' timestamp='1420124738' post='2645819'] If every member of the bass chat community liked every other members bands would we have the most popular pages on Facebook? If so, would one post by one band cause the entirety of Facebook to crash? [/quote] Worth a try Dave. I've liked your Electric Vipers, I hope to catch you soon as I'm Derby based. I shall be going through the list, in return here's mine. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Daz-Kelly-Band/1378156655741386

Just took delivery of a bridge from Paul. Another perfect transaction from a top Basschatter.

[quote name='steve-bbb' timestamp='1418555500' post='2631074'] shame i didnt realise until packing my gear down that my 115 cab had come unplugged and was only the 410 working all night [/quote] On the other hand if you, and presumably the audience, didn't notice you can save yourself some gear-lugging for the next gig!

I have flats on my American Special Jazz. It gives a nice smooth sound that suits the folk dance band I play with.

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1416140056' post='2607217'] you can get jaded...IME. [/quote] This, for me is an important point. If you're not in a position to be discerning about which gigs you take, in my opinion, you've got to make sure the 'batteries get recharged'. That might be through taking a break, shaking up the set list, changing the gear around etc. What works for me is going to see an act that inspires. A couple of us went to see Ian Siegal and Jimbo Mathus last week and we were buzzing for days about it. I think you've got to go back and dip the bucket in the well now and again.