Dood

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1467985884' post='3087836'] It all depends on the type of music being played, but for any music that has it roots in "rock" it's a good idea to avoid things that get in the way of your performance and the audience. Even something as innocuous as the simple mic stand can do this. I've seen several performers with an "energetic" stage presence during songs spend an inordinate amount of time between songs fiddling with the mic stand to get it back to a suitable position which IMO can completely kill the energy that they've just been building up. Either get something that will stand up to the abuse, modify your performance so you don't have to rebuilt the stand after every song, or learn to live with it and make sure that you practice coping with it. [/quote] Indeed and I agree with this hence my other comment about a 'psychological barrier'. Definitely agree with making sure that everything works properly (ehem, adequately!!! - Venue provided kit) before a show too. My post was more questioning those who dismissed a performance at the sight of such hardware, good gig or otherwise.

[quote name='PaulGibsonBass' timestamp='1467975369' post='3087699'] For me, yes. Using a tablet or a music stand is a complete no-no; unless you have a medical condition that prevents you remembering songs (as someone posted earlier) just learn your part and leave the prompts at home. [/quote] So, the assumption is that if musicians are using that kit on stage then they are somehow unprofessional or medically incapable? (edit to include a smiley!) Pretty much all of the bands that I've worked with recently that have used laptops, tablets and music stands have not been using them for music, crib sheets or prompts. I'm wondering if there are those who see that kit on stage are jumping to conclusions before the band has started? Laptops for running backing tracks, or some sort of automation, tablets for running applications such as Positive Grid's BIAS or Jam Up and Music stands? Well my friend keeps all her capos, plectrums, mouth organ, tuner and hand wipes on hers.

[quote name='paul h' timestamp='1467974387' post='3087675'] @dood I think anything that creates a barrier, physical or otherwise between the performer and the audience can be a bad thing. However, if the band you're in isn't particularly showy or doesn't rely on a lot of stagecraft, then it probably doesn't matter too much. [/quote] Ah-ha! Someone who can read between the lines of my question - I really wanted to know why people had a problem with music stands and maybe not other kit. My main issue is the subliminal or psychological barrier that is between performer and audience. Ok, so some installations/art pieces uses this as a device on purpose and I find that interesting, but a rock band I wouldn't want to see hiding behind and staring at screens all night. I have worked quite extensively with students of complex needs in nature and it has been very fruitful to study what happens when you start using equipment such as ipads and screens when you are looking for focus and attention. That's a discussion for another day though.

So, is it still a problem if an artist has a laptop, tablet or screen of some sort in front of them? I'm interested in views.

Big Ben. I think he's probably got it with a single note.

*Apparently.

It's ok for a classical quintet to use music stands. The likes of SikTh, Periphery, Meshuggah and other bands that are playing arguably as complex music, not so.

Sounds good - I like the Dry Low pass control. Nice addition.

I never di d get on with the two separately, but the way that I used the Sansamp was to run it in parallel with the distortion I was using at the time rather than in series. - I used a signal splitter to do so. The sound ended up being so much better than one in to the other. Maybe something to try?

[quote name='Machines' timestamp='1467790365' post='3086192'] They're totally different instruments - you need to know what you actually want first, but you can try both at BassDirect anyway so asking us for opinions won't help you. [/quote] Definitely this The only thing I have against Sandberg - and it's almost silly... I just don't find the headstock pleasing in design. Everything else about the VMs model is superb!

I'm surprised you haven't! There's loads of bands where I live that cover 80's stuff! A mate of mine plays in a function band that pretty much specialise in the 'genre'.

Great reading, all input welcomed, thank you! I don't necessarily need millions of inputs but latency is something I want to keep down. Whilst my current interface is fine, I'm starting to get glitches in my recording which I need to find the source. I will be doing all the usual stuff anyway, but it has also got me thinking about upgrading my interface to include some functionality that I currently don't have.

[quote name='Bobthedog' timestamp='1467743815' post='3085857'] If you can stretch to this, highly recommended. I have one and love it. The service from Smooth-Hound is first class too. [/quote] +1 for superb service from Chris!

[quote name='mybass' timestamp='1467733016' post='3085740'] I have used these for years and years, still my favourite though the new ones are slightly thinner leather. Look up on Amazon for the GSL5 Jimmy Page strap, about 3.25" wide. Expensive now, maybe cheaper elsewhere. The belt webbing length adjusted by individual 'webs'. [/quote] That's getting on in the right direction yes! Lots of spaces to allow a bit of air flow!

[quote name='Twincam' timestamp='1467745455' post='3085886'] Why only British made. Don't get me wrong I also like the idea of having a British amp but there's so many great foreign amps about. [/quote] Not only that, there's plenty of brands from afar that have an absolutely superb Uk distributor/service network that could easily match the 'repairability factor' of those brands manufactured closer to home. Oh..wait... most kit is manufactured in China anyway.

Anyone been using a Thunderbolt Audio Interface for any amount of time and would like to comment on performance? I'm thinking about trying one with my Apple products. Any advice or useful information would be received appreciatively!

They don't build to spec? - I mean, if you wanted a "70's A neck" for example?

Hi all, I'm really used to the usual hefty leather bass straps. I prefer and am looking for something at least 4" wide to spread as much of the weight evenly over my shoulder. Now that the summer is here again and we, bass playing fraternity will no doubt be playing all sorts of sweat boxes up and down the country - does anyone have any ideas for bass straps that are made of a breathable material? I know Planet Waves do a webbing strap; I guess something like that. Any ideas? Last gig I ended up with a bit sweat stripe all the way around my shirt using my heavy leather bass strap which has a suede underneath.

[quote name='sammybee' timestamp='1467376713' post='3083220'] Isn't Dood of this parish based in Norfolk? Never had a lesson with him, but I think he's very well respected in that regard. [/quote] Thank you for the kind words SammyBee! I've been booked up with other work on top of teaching recently so haven't been able to help I'm afraid. Such it is to be in demand! I appreciate the mention! Dan

Right then, Head on over to www.iguitarmag.com and read (for free) the current issue which will tell you exactly what I think about the TC Electronic K-Cabs. I've reviewed the BH heads too, back in issue 31 (back issues)