Len_derby

[quote name='Toasting' timestamp='1340717931' post='1708495'] Playing live is what it's all about [/quote] Amen to that Jamie. Welcome to the forum.

In its melodic and historical context I'd go for Sir Paul on 'Something'. Going further back, Willie Dixon's bass playing on Muddy Waters' Chess recordings. He pretty much defined the blues walking bass style (for better or worse )

[quote name='ThomBassmonkey' timestamp='1340668376' post='1708014'] And yeah, even if the person you're being an arse to doesn't intend to buy anything, word will spread quickly (even on a forum like this) about your attitude problem and you'll earn a bad rep for your shop. [/quote] When I worked at Boots the mantra was 'if customers have a good experience they [b]might[/b] tell other people. If customers have a bad experience they[b] will [/b]tell other people'.

Ah. Mr Cameron was ahead of me on pointing you to Victor W. If you're the reading kind, I can recommend his book 'The Music Lesson'. Fairly cheap in paperback from a certain Amazonian reseller. I've been playing 'live' for about 40 years now. Most of my work is now done in a church setting (average twice a week), but I still set myself high standards. I reckon that I've never played a set without making at least one mistake. But, the thing is, [i]generally no one apart from me notices.[/i] I sometimes think that the curse of recorded music is that it has made us all expect perfection. Don't despair - onwards and upwards!

Welcome Chilli, enjoy the forum. It's nice to hear a bit about what you've played and where you've played instead of the usual 'gear-diarrhoea'

Welcome Gonch. Are you that black panther that's often spotted in the Peak District?

Welcome to the forum. I'm not that interested in gear either, but I still seem to have aquired a massive amount!

Welcome Mr Grim! Are you one of the brothers? A lot of us on here will strongly advise you to start playing with other people. Nothing, repeat, nothing will bring you on as a musician faster than playing with other people. Apart from that, it can be just about the best fun you can have with your clothes on. Whatever your perceived standard of yourself, you will be able to find others to play with. There are a few Basschatters in Sussex, I'm sure they'll be in touch one way or another. Enjoy! Len

[quote name='bluejay' timestamp='1340215938' post='1701280'] I want a DB too, but I need to move to a bigger place first, which means a DB would end up costing me around £500,000*, give or take a few thousand... Edit: London W4 price of a not-too-upmarket, reasonably large flat. [/quote] Depending on where you move to BJ you could get a bigger place, a DB and some loose change left

[quote name='police squad' timestamp='1340211412' post='1701188'] shouldn't do. you'll hear if the bass drum is distorting anything. PA speakers are full range but use your ears [/quote] Agreed. We used an electric kit through a PA for a couple of years. No problems if you do it sensibly.

'The blues' covers quite a wide range of differing styles and feels. There's a whole lot more than just electic guitar based blues. Any of the artists mentioned above are worth a listen and the bass-playing worth a study (especially Ian Siegal's band, a personal favourite of mine). Whatever you may think of say, SRV, his bass player (Tommy Lee Shannon) is a class act. Anyway, here are two other things I heartily recommend. The 'Blues Bass' book by Ed Freidland. Includes a cd. Covers all the main progressions, turn-arounds, riffs etc. Listening to the Paul Jones show, Radio2 7pm-8pm on Mondays. Or on BBC Play-again. Last tip. Less is more.

[quote name='derrenleepoole' timestamp='1340103519' post='1699027'] Agreed. Just got that very album and it's incredible. Killer playing and grooves all round [/quote] B*gger. Every time I look at this thread I end up spending money.

When you're looking at changing cars the first thing you think of is fitting all the gear in.

[quote name='gary mac' timestamp='1339568131' post='1690535'] Man, what were you thinking? Please do not combine those strides and shirt ever again? Love the jazz though [/quote] Yeah, fashion disaster area. That's me. Thanks, I love that Jazz too. It's a CIJ '62 reissue. I bought it off JamesSent from this forum. I had a Badass bridge fitted and the tuners are not originals but it's a really nice passive Jazz. Nothing more, nothing less.

Welcome Lewis. Centered text. Love it. Len

[quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1339513344' post='1689619'] I can usually find the meaning of forum acronyms by googling them, so I'm guessing this isn't one of those. Still none the wiser, but thanks for the input Len. [/quote] It's used as a sarcastic response to what is considered as 'stating the obvious'. I heard it used by Americans when I was working for BASF. Don't know the origin though. Sounds like the sort of thing a character in Catch-22 would say.

[quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1339513031' post='1689609'] What's NSS? I googled it but couldn't find anything relevant [/quote] No S*** Sherlock

As I've been taking the mick out of others it seems only fair to stick my own head above the parapet. This was taken back when the sun shone (three weeks ago).

[quote name='BottomE' timestamp='1339344831' post='1687139'] [/quote] Can you please stop mincing around and just get on with that plastering job? Nice picture.

Welcome Rory. Len

I'd echo what EH says about having a custom guitar made. A guitarist friend of mine has a PRS. I don't know the model name, but it's a type of 'slimline' semi-acoustic. While it's good, I wouldn't say it's 'that good'. He thinks the same.

[quote name='oggiesnr' timestamp='1338930813' post='1681397'] Nice one Steve PS and it's a lot more satisfying than buying one isn't it? [/quote] You bet! I've been driving the family mad trying to find the 'sweet spot', while singing 'Postman's Knock' (saw Ashley Hutchings and Morris On do it at Southwell Folk Festival this last weekend)

Here is 'Herbert'. I've been testing with a crabby little 10watt practice combo but so far, so good. Thanks to Steve and others for their help and advice.

Welcome James. I like the photo. Where you meaning to look like a chemistry teacher? See my avatar photo. I have nothing to be smug about. Have fun, Len

Well, I've bought a cheap transducer. After rummaging aroung the garage I've located what I think will be a suitable box. It's one of the bits of junk I inherited from my dad, and as today would have been his 87th birthday I think I'll name the stomp-box 'Herbert' in his honour. I'll report back later on progress, with photos.