Len_derby

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1318103001' post='1398198'] I agree and you don't see this so much now, but it was quite usual in the seventies, for example. I saw old footage of a TREX gig on TV recently and Bolan spent quite some time tuning up on stage before their set. Nowadays an extremely professional and co-ordinated show is expected as a bare minimum, even from unknown artists. [/quote] All part of the style of the times. We used to sit crossed-legged on the floor too, all polite and waiting to be enthralled Also, whatever the 'vintage' market may try and tell us, there was a lot of crappy instruments about then. I know, I used to own some of them.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1318102740' post='1398193'] I don't necessarily mean [i]way [/i]out of tune to the point where it's painfully obvious, but a more subtle effect... I have played in a band with a brass section consisting of trumpet, tenor/baritone sax and trombone and they would sometimes deliberately play (very slightly) out of tune with each other, which resulted in a much fatter overall sound. [/quote] Yes. This will be what is known as 'beats'. Where two or more soundwaves that are very close to each other in frequency create a throbbing effect when the waves cross over each other. It does sound very tasty in a horn section.

An interesting one. I think the mind-boggling dullness of some bands is nothing to do with the tuning. Out of tune they'd be even worse. Perfect, 'concert' tuning only takes you so far in pop/rock/blues/jazz. The micro-tonal subtleties of African music was adopted by jazz and blues and resulted in the bending and sluring of pitches that is now an accepted part of vocal and instrumental music. If you listen to Miles Davis he often plays sharp. I seem to recall Jack Bruce, in an interview, recomending playing slightly sharp in some circumstances to create a 'sense of urgency, and draw listeners in'. Of course, I might be talking Boll***s as I'm on my third bottle of Old Thumper.* I do think that having easy, cheap access to good quality digital tuners has de-skilled us for 'by ear' tuning. But that's another topic. * Does a brisk walk to 'Cheap Booze n' Fags' and back count as healthy exercise?

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1318081349' post='1397907'] I don't really understand this thread. If you think some of your band mates are numpties, then why are you playing in a band with them? Shame on them for being idiots. Shame on you too for putting up with it. [/quote] Maybe I'm out of step, but I thought this thread was quite funny. I think we all realise that we've been a pain in the whatsit ourselves sometimes. Stones and glass houses etc.

'You know those charts you'd written out for me, did you take them back again? Beause I can't find them'. No, I didn't take them back again. I gave them to you mate.... Happened to me this Wednesday.

Welcome Mr. Bisto. It sounds like you've got a wealth of brilliant experience. Hope you're ready to share it! Len

[quote name='spinynorman' timestamp='1317808614' post='1394728'] [url="http://www.therollband.com/"]http://www.therollband.com/[/url] I'm guessing the other Pyles listed are his kids. A while ago I saw Brian Auger, he was also[b] in a band with his kids[/b]. I'm sure it's very nice for them - and they are good performers - but it's all a [b]bit too cozy somehow[/b]. [/quote] I play with my two daughters as a trio, mostly for charity events. From my experience I can assure you it's not cozy! The amount of arguing, back-biting and general 'toys leaving pram' scenarios far outstrip any other band I've played with. Or maybe it's just my family

Welcome Simon. I guess that now the autumn is drawing in you'll be getting out the 'Evil Coat'.

Hi Matt, Welcome to Basschat. There's some amazing facial hair on your Facebook band photos. Why did you choose 'Dovedale' as part of your login name? Is it because your current band is a stepping stone to higher things? Have a good time here, and I hope you find the Ampeg you're looking for. Len

[quote name='Slipperydick' timestamp='1317576840' post='1391958'] Have'nt bothered to wade all through the thread, its gettin long now. Anybody else mentioned Andy Pyle. Apart from the Gary Moore stuff like Still Got The Blues etc. he's one of those players that just seems turn up an so many classic tracks. Just wish I had a laid back 'feel' like that. [/quote] Yes. One of my all-time favourite albums is Gary Moore's 'Blues for Greenie'. A lot of it is stripped-back guitar, bass and drums and Andy Pyle is on the money all the way through. I wonder what he's doing now that GM has gone upstairs to play with Phil Lynott again.

I like the ash body. If you've got some nice looking timber why cover it with paint

[quote name='Soliloquy' timestamp='1317559137' post='1391737'] I really used to hate getting back from a gig stinking of stale cigarette smoke. Then the following morning unpacking my gear to find that too stank of stale cigarette smoke. It's soooooo nice now it's banned in pubs etc. [/quote] Yes, in general and overall I agree but cigarette smoke did mask other smells Once the ban came along the smell of mouldy furnishings and other unsavoury things became apparent. Especially the band...

Oh no. I'd already got a pile of stuff I was trying to find time to listen to and you lot have given me even more to explore. It's a nice problem to have though.

I've had a clip-on for about a year. It cost about £7 from Amazon. As said above, it's not too good at tracking the lower frequencies but you can always tune a harmonic note. I've found it very useful for two situations. Firstly when I want to carry a minimum of gear with me. Secondly when I'm playing in a situation where I don't want stuff on the floor (i.e. a tuning pedal).

Welcome to the forum. It sounds like you're having fun making up for lost time.

Just took delivery of Alan's Gamma Pad. In mint condition, and packed up well in the original box. Fast, efficient service. Thanks Alan

Anyone ever been asked to play louder?

Welcome. Is that your band's keyboard rig to the right of the Thunderbird?

Personally, I would say cancellation is the last resort. I was in a very similar situation last December. We were support band at what was our biggest gig of the year, a Christmas special. This was in the Peak District, and our drummer was stuck in slow traffic because of snow. Luckily the drummer from the headliner act sat in for us. My reasons for not cancelling if at all possible would be - my character (I hate quitting), it sets a precedent for when things next get tough, people have (hopefully!) turned out to see you they want and deserve a show and in my experience from last year are also understanding if you come clean about it. Obviously it can be a bit rough with a last-minute stand-in, but as it's been said before, if you don't make a pantomime out if it audiences generally don't spot mistakes.

Welcome back to the light Mal. I'm sure you'll find plenty of interesting rigs for sale here.

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1316870041' post='1383870'] That's not quite what I meant. [/quote] Yes, I know. Like yourself I like a guitarist who isn't fazed. As a slight aside, I have no prejudice against the use of a capo (I do a bit of guitar myself). I think a capo, especially if it's past the third fret, alters the timbre of the instrument such that it can add a lot of extra interest to a song sonically. Particularly if there's another guitar played open-necked in the same band.

A lot of Chuck Berry's songs were originally recorded in 'horn' keys. And there's a man who, by all accounts, doesn't put himself much out for other people. My guitarist is quite happy to play in Eb. He just downtunes a semi...

Yes MM, drummer's footware... Maybe that's another thread. I did a bit with a drummer who played in wrestling boots. Very odd. I certainly made sure he didn't go anywhere near my daughters.

A interesting counter-argument I've had from a trumpet player is that if we play a stringed instrument with frets on the neck we're lazy too!

This has been a good thread, thanks guys. When I first started it off I thought there might me some anti-Jah Wobble snobbery that crept out. He's not the most technically flash player, but he knows the essence.