CHW

I've never gigged with a bass of any value- though in fairness I've never owned a bass of any value. I had a pro drummer seek me out after a gig and comment of the decent tone of my borrowed (from my daughter) Epiphone EB-0, I've also had a lot of positive comments from other players about the sound of a cheap Wesley 5 string, which looks quite expensive from a distance, bit in reality is a bit of a tree to lug about, and a dog to play, but I too like the sound. I started out (20+ years ago) with an Encore P, and my first half a dozen gigs would have been played on that. I've recently treated myself to a modern player jazz bass- which is the most expensive bass I've ever owned, and am looking forward to its first gig.

I can't comment on the playability, but I find the whole relicing idea very silly. I love the fact that on one of my older gigging basses, the finish is starting to go a little thin where my forearm rests on the top edge of the body- I bought this bass new, and every inch of wear has been through my playing, gigs and practices. Every ding, or scratch has been at my hands. To go out and buy a faked, aged guitar makes no sense to me at all

Don't know if this fits your thoughts as it's a bit of a repeated groove (but what a groove) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAgd9Ijw6WI (diamonds on the soles of her shoes)

I bought a very cheap acoustic bass on ebay for about £35 iirc, it was totally unplayable and rattled and buzzed everywhere despite my best efforts at an amateur set up. Cue 45 minutes with a chisel, a hammer and a pair of pliers and it plays a hell of a lot better as a fretless. Possibly not recommended for anything of any value.

I sat and watched the set on the Beeb last night and thoroughly enjoyed it tbh, not hugely memorable song wise, but great energy and a few good hooks. I'm not sure I'd bother buying anything, but definately would try to get a look if I happened to be at a festival they were playing at. Nowhere near the league of Bellowhead though- all superb musicians giving drive and lift to pretty basic old folk/morris tunes

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1371384551' post='2113148'] This. I can't even remember what I had for breakfast this morning. Edit: Pizza from last night. Hawaiian. [/quote] If you want to mention it, mention it like the above- Tell him you've listened to it, don't remember playing that well, and don't even remember playing some of those fills. Ask him whether you are just being a dozy bugger or has it been re done at a later date and see what he says- keep it light hearted and then at least you might find out the truth..

Once you dabble in ceilidh it can be hard to go back- simple driving rhythm that's all about pulse and lift, added to having 100 people up dancing at each and every gig. Viking hats are optional- cowboy hats are an abomination

2 good mates who played guitar. Drums were too expensive thought it would be easier than guitar. I was a bit of a rocker when I started out and bass has given me a love of funk, soul, pop, jazz, folk and most importantly, the groove... Thank you bass

Coming back to bass as a main instrument after several years on guitar and having to steal a bass from my daughter- I was pleasantly surprised at the sound that comes out of her Epi EB0, It's nice enough to play and I've always received good feedback on the tone. I still desparately want to spend the very high 3 figures or early 4 figures on a bass though- I just cannot afford that kind of outlay.

Hi all I'm a member of a pretty active guitar forum too, but there's not much bass related activity there and as bass remains my first love, I thought I'd register here and say hello. I'm in my mid 30's and have been playing for 20 odd years and 10 years ago had built up a decent array of kit, I then found myself asked to play a lot more guitar than bass and ended up selling on my bass stuff bar odd bits and pieces. When I joined a classic rock covers band last summer I found myself back on Bass (and loving it). Am currently stealing my daughter's 4 string Epi EB0 (It's the short scale budget one) or playing a cheap Wesley 5 string (which is a beast to play and lug about but sounds surprisingly good) through a 1x15 300W Laney cab and head. I'm not the most technically gifted player but get by as I pick things up pretty quickly which has always meant that I've got gigs- I've played in live originals and covers bands and have done a fair number of functions playing with a couple of ceilidh and barn dance bands.