martthebass

Personally I've always considered that the electronics package and construction has more bearing than the tonewood. I generally look for something reasonably lightweight but not so lightweight that blowing on it causes a dent.

Nice little gig at a wmc just outside Barnsley last night. Nice audience but numbers were a bit down, this was our first visit so hopefully it’ll be higher on a return next year based on the favourable comments. That’s it for 4 weeks as we always take a break at this time of year to recharge and get ready for the pre silly season stuff. Normal gear set up, Markbass with the EBMM shorty Ray which I’m now managing to tame sound wise with a few eq adjustments. Footwear - silver converse.

Is this a full conversion over to the 'Short Side' now mate?

Sure he’ll fettle it, he’s my go to for all things bass fettling.

It’s taken over 40 years but, as I now almost exclusively play shorties on gigs, does this make me ‘down with the kids’?

Thought you was retired! lol.

Did a fund raiser for the local tennis club last night, it was interesting….id originally volunteered to play bass in a 70s covers set but ended up playing in a Lizzy tribute, Dr Feelgood tribute, and a 70s glam thing as well. But of a work out but thoroughly enjoyable. It was a pleasure to meet Alan Jones, Shadows bass player who played on a Shadows tribute - really nice guy and awesome talent. He used my MarkBass set up and he had loads of stories from his time in the industry. A more normal night out in Sheffield with Glam Viva! tonight.

The 'OMG' setting on some of the basses has a great sound, but I agree with you that there's probably not enough players out there for the sound to become distinctive.

A shame. I had a US Fallout as my main gigging bass for a couple of years and sound wise it was up there/better than most shorties I'd played (the build was up there with my EBMM shortscale Ray). I only parted with it as I decided to move onto lighter basses for gigging and it was above 9lb.

Can't wait to see them in Sheffield tonight. Bonus of it being at the city hall which was always one of my favourite venues.

love ‘the cubes of doom’ I’ll have to remember that 🤣 Had a guy come up to me mid song at last nights gig telling me my cubes of doom were popping - possible blown unit….said ‘nah, wax in the ears mate’.

A fairly long trip to Bridlington in god awful storm weather last night for Glam Viva. A great venue, the Black Lion in the old town, first visit for us. A great venue with a small theatre type arrangement. Unfortunately the weather had put off a fair few punters so it was only about half full, fortunately those that braved the onslaught were up for it and danced the night away. Only negative of the night was the outside door that let water through due the the storm and wet my clothes through in the changing room so had to drive home in 70s glam wear…… Footwear….red silver and blue sequinned converse.

Once had a Lakland DJ5, mainly used for home use, it had awful hum so I took it back to the dealer. He played with it all day, couldn't find a problem with it so I took it back and said I'd give it another go. Turned out to be a particular light fitting in my bedroom..........d'oh.

Problem I have is that dressing like a tart in a Glam band means most punters think I’m a roadie once out of stage wear so I never get the hero worship I deserve 🤣🤣🤣

I'm sure he appreciates all that you have done for him Steve. My current band has stood by me while I've undergone cancer treatment over the last 4 years, I have to admit that it kept me going through the dark times. I looked to quit but they wouldn't hear of it. I have always stated they should use a dep though to avoid missing a good gig or venue but so far I've generally soldiered on. Maybe one option would be to look at a more part time/smaller scale situation for him to participate in? As said, whatever you decide I'm sure he'll appreciate your friendship and efforts over the years; good luck going forward.

2 Starry Night Stingrays…….

Lovely gig at the Victory Club in Barton (on Humber) last night. Didn’t expect a packed house at this time of year so was shocked at the great attendance. Up and dancing from the second number in the first spot which was appreciated and made the gig fly by. The motorway gods were reasonably kind also as a threatened M180 closure failed to materialise - bonus. We’re continuing the East of England theme next week with an outdoor gig in Withernsea, hope the weather is compliant.

This one is locked for the moment to enable a period of calm reflection by all interested parties…..

I had the 'pleasure' of using this very same studio a couple of weeks back. I was helping out a mates band when their bass player cried off. The PA was a shitshow, only one of the mic inputs worked and the speaker was blown on the bass rig. Glad I wasn't paying for it....

I've had a fair few over the years. I love playing them at home and there's been the occasional band where they've had an outing. However I generally find they end up stashed in a case relatively unused and get 'recycled'. On the odd occasion where I get asked to play a fretless line I use effects and the audience is generally none the wiser.

Watched most of it on Saturday......I must have lost a few neurons as I couldn't remember some of the bands/performances at all despite the fact that I know I watched it in it's entirety. Bowie and Queen made it for me also but I'd forgotten the nice tinkling of the ivories by Howard Jones and the great stage sound Pino had.