Len_derby

Similar to Happy Jack, the bands I play with don't really clash and never frequent the same places. Sunday mornings and some Sunday evenings it's a church worship band. Midweek, Fridays and Saturdays a blues&roots duo/trio. Maybe 6 times a year, a ceilidh band. Usually on a Saturday night but they are booked months in advance so there's rarely a clash. Gigs trump rehearsals, but I rarely miss one for any other reason so bandmates are accommodating.

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1392222082' post='2366147'] the basses (and guitars) that I play most regularly are out on a variety of floor stands ready to be used. The ones that I don't currently play are stored in their cases. [/quote] Pretty much the same for me. The one which is out will change depending on what I'm up to gig or practise-wise. Having at least one out all the time means that it's easy to grab time for practice and 'fun'. I often grab a couple of minutes before leaving for work in the morning. I find having to unpack an instrument from its case or bag is a real barrier to any kind of regular playing.

Alternatively, if you don't want to go down the smartphone/tablet route the Tascam 'trainer' machines may be what you're looking for. They do come for sale on here quite often.

Another recommendation for Roqsolid here. I've had a couple made and wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again. Take a look the Gear Review section on BassChat.

I've got a Roland Micro-cube, which will run on 6 AA batteries. I've used it a few times for outdoor jobs playing bass guitar and it's done the job acceptably well. I don't know where you live, but you are very welcome to come and try mine.

Sounds like it's all 'meant to be'. Have fun, and let us know how things are going.

Just received a tuner pedal from Chris. Super-fast efficient service, all good. You can deal with this guy in confidence.

Welcome Lee. Swapping is great fun. I've found it can re-energise my playing and interest at no cost. You get to meet other lovely Basschatters too.

Various acoustic bass guitars.

You guys are doing great things up there. Well done.

Mmmm, I'm not sure about in-store but I'd be prepared to pay a reasonable amount for a take-out rental. For example,I've never touched a Warwick and paying for a weekend's rental would be an appealing idea. It might cause a bad attack of GAS though.

I've been very happy with mine. People might advise you to swop bits (e.g. put in new pickups), but that's not necessary, in my opinion. Of course, modding your bass might be part of the fun for you, as it is for lots for people.

Juba Dance by Guy Davis

I love the look of the Krappy stuff. I quite fancy a one-string bass. Did you have to buy and import from the States? I've never seen reference to a distributor in the UK. Are you going take it out and play in public?

Eva Cassidy was a fantastic singer. Her version of 'Wayfaring stranger' always gives me the goose-bumps. But of course, only a covers artist

[quote name='iriegnome' timestamp='1389198636' post='2331236'] We have not used a set list in about 14 years. I have been in my current band (yep) for 14 years. We have a master song list. When a song is starting to get to an area of transition, the next person who will be singing must choose a song or someone will choose it for them. The songs never stop. There is always some sort of jam/transition music between songs. Key changes and such are all part of that. For full beat/groove changes, the drummers (we have 2) will do some sort of cymbal wash fade kind of thing and the guitarists (we have 3) will start out the next tune. It is my job to fill in the gaps with the guitarists and drummers. Everything is done on the fly and to the audience reaction. If we are playing a certain type of tune that is really going well, we stick with another similar type tune, if the tune is a bomb, then we change it up. Worked for us for 14 years and counting. [/quote] This sounds like a good way of working. You must have all worked hard to become technically proficient and able to work in a slick way as a unit. Plus respecting each other.

[quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1389010632' post='2328656'] Usually have a set list but it is 'flexible', depending on the atmosphere. [/quote] This is pretty much how we approach it. We tend to put songs in blocks of three, either segueing between them or with absolutely minimal breaks. When we do deviate it's at the discretion of the singer, who takes the on-stage leadership role. There is no, repeat no, disagreement on stage. That can be sorted out later. With so much of the world appearing to be a petty shambles why would anyone want to see that in the name of entertainment? I know I don't.

Take a look at this book about McCartney. There's some of his best basslines as tab (and notation ). Plus, it's a fascinating read. [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Paul-McCartney-Bassmaster-%2522Beatles%2522-Basslines/dp/0879308842/ref=sr_1_18?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1388887559&sr=1-18&keywords=paul+mccartney"]http://www.amazon.co...=paul+McCartney[/url]

[quote name='DanEly' timestamp='1388796875' post='2326309'] I loved the tone of my AM special jazz. Leave her be I would say. I likes the greasebucket stuff! [/quote] Ditto. But then again, I have an irrational dislike of modifying any of my instruments. I've never changed anything from stock, unless it stopped working properly.

[quote name='Fab58' timestamp='1388819671' post='2326392'] I play Clawhammer style and am just starting to get into 2 finger thumb lead. I'm not fantastic but at the stage where I need to find other folks to play with. [/quote] I don't know where you're based, but trying out the local folk clubs is one suggestion. Most seem to operate 'open mic' type sessions, where anyone can join in. Alternatively, are you in a band already? I persuaded my band mates to let me play banjo on a couple of numbers and they've now become a fixed part of the set. We're a blues/roots band. Be prepared for some resistance - no one seems to have a neutral response to the banjo. Wandering off, Mrs Len bought me Guy Davis's latest CD for Christmas. Called 'Juba Dance'. Some superb banjo work, particularly on a storming version of 'See that my grave is kept clean'.

I do a lot of charity events, and I would endorse JTUK's comments on the whole. A suggestion I have is think laterally about a venue. A lot of organisations love the kudos of being involved in a charity event. Consider some of the things your mate did. Examples; if he was a serviceman ask the local British Legion. If he was a sportsman ask his old football or cricket team. His school, his old employers etc. But, most of all, don't try and do it all on your own. Good luck, and if it comes off, as I hope it will, make sure you let us know on here. Len

I've got a Yamaha BBN4F that I've been very happy with. Fretless Yamahas don't seem to come up for sale very often, but they're well worth a look in my experience.

I think It's sad that you find yourself in this situation. Instead of getting a new set of gear at your expense, why not tackle the root cause? It's totally unacceptable, in my book, for a punter to come and dick around with your 'tools of the trade'. It's your job, your livelihood. Would they do this with the tools of a plumber who'd come to fix their boiler? Have you got any ugly mates who would come and act as 'security'? I know the Doc does this. It's easy for me to say, at 6'2" with a shaven head and a face only a mother could love, but no one pisses about with my gear.