JimmySims

Speaking as someone who used to work in a bass shop, I've experienced both sides of trying basses out in shops. Yes, it can be intimidating while you're in there, but don't think that the staff will be listening out for every note you play and judging you. Generally when people played in the shop that I worked in, it just went in one ear and out of the other. That is of course with a few exceptions. Those who try to show off; whether you can play machine gun triplets or you just think you can, all its going to do is serve to annoy the staff and fellow customers. Imagine someone going into a clothes shop, trying on some trousers and then running around screaming "LOOK AT ME!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE HOW GOOD I LOOK!??! I BET YOU WOULDN'T LOOK THIS GOOD IN THESE TROUSERS!!!" ... It's never going to go down well. That said, if that's how you play, then you should check that the instrument is good for that sort of thing, but just keep it to a minimum. I'm reminded of something that (I think) John Entwhistle said (I'm paraphrasing) "Jazz Fusion is like the smell of your own farts; it's alright alone in your bedroom, but you shouldn't enforce it on anyone else", I think that applies for slap/tap/solos in guitar shops too. Those who bring their girlfriend/boyfriend into the shop and try to show off to them. This happened a lot more than you might believe. You may not be able to avoid bringing your partner into the shop, but personally, I'd check with them first whether they're actually interested. There's nothing more bile inducing than witnessing an impromptu bass serenade, nothing more funny than when the partner yawns and looks away, nothing more sad than witnessing someone realising that they no longer want to be in that relationship set to a bad version of "Dune Tune". Also, NEVER sing along with yourself. Talking of singing along, there was a short trend for people to start scatting along with themselves. Just. Don't. Staff may mistake you for having a seizure. I agree with people that have said "Just play what you'd normally play", take a deep breath and start playing some notes. Any shop staff that are worth their salt are not going to lose patience with you for just playing some simple bass lines and most staff won't bat an eyelid. Personally, I don't think playing the instrument unplugged has that much merit unless that's how you're used to playing that way. I've noticed with my own playing, that if I can't hear myself very well then I start playing harder and harder, which has given me pretty bad wrist tweeks in the past. Plug in, but turn to a level that you're comfortable with, don't be afraid to turn the volume down on the amp, no one will complain about that. Also, when they plug you in, make sure you use a similar amp to the one you have at home. Now, staff might get the arse about having to plug something else in, but f**k 'em, they're there to work. I always fall foul of the amazing old Portaflex they have at Vintage and Rare in Denmark Street, It's just soooo lovely! Also, asking the staff to play the instrument for you is a great idea if you want to get a demo of the controls and maybe some sounds that you can get from the bass, but remember that a lot of the sound of the bass comes from your fingers, so it's going to sound very different when you start playing it yourself. This then brings me to another point. Just because they work in a guitar shop, doesn't actually mean they're any good. I've known a lot of shop staff in the 5 years I worked there, and I can name probably 2 that were really that good at playing, and many more that couldn't play at all (I'm leaving myself out of that little story, I'm not always sure whether I can play or not). I think it's important to remember that sort of questioning philosophy when trying out basses too, just because it's a USA bass, doesn't mean its good, just because it's expensive doesn't mean it's good, and just because it's vintage, doesn't mean it's good. Even if you're dead set on getting the one that you've seen, try some other stuff too. You may love the other things, but more importantly it may demonstrate just how lovely the one you've fallen in love with is. Apologies if this is a bit of a rant. Jimmy Sims

Anyone at all want to come and get this from me? Its going in the recycling bin next week if not.

[quote name='MB1' timestamp='1327970038' post='1519842'] MB1. I could meet you at the Lowrey Jimmy! BUMP! [/quote] Always happy to meet at the Lowrey! Are you coming to the show in March?

Just to confirm, I do still have this speaker, but it is a local pickup only kinda thing.

Hi Ant, Yes I still have it. Send me a message if you're interested. Jimmy [quote name='barklama' timestamp='1327773543' post='1516617'] Hi do you still have your aguilar speaker? thanks ant [/quote]

Hi guys and girls, I've got an Aguilar JDK15 (8 ohm 15 inch speaker) that I removed from my DB115 when I blew it. The lovely folks at Aguilar made it easier for me to get a new speaker sent over rather than re-cone this one, but I'm told that with a re-cone (by wembley loud speakers or whoever) would have it working as good as new. I don't know about these things exactly, which is why I'm giving the thing away. Free to the first person who's into it and wants to come and pick it up from Willesden Green in North West London. Anyone interested? Jimmy Sims

I see. Thanks very much

Hi All, I've had speakers repaired before when the cone has gone and needs re-coning, but I have a speaker with a broken coil; is it possible to repair that, or am I holding on to scrap metal for no good reason? Jimmy Sims

[quote name='hairyhaw' timestamp='1320676913' post='1429780'] Name and shame!!! [/quote] Certainly not. Karma and all that.

And thus, let this be a lesson to all of us when it comes to doing people favours if you don't really know them.

[quote name='BottomE' timestamp='1320674946' post='1429740'] I'd tell the guy to dissapear up his own bumhole [/quote] Not my exact words, but words to that effect, yes.

Thanks for the feedback gents. I thought this was the case, but just wanted to double check that I'm not going crazy! Having told me that I was good to go at the end of the day and that he was "very happy" with what we'd done, he then called me the next day and asked me to come back free of charge to make up for the fact that I didn't bring a di box... All most unpleasant!

I recently did a recording as a favour for a friend in a very well stocked studio in North London. When I say very well stocked, I mean they had a massive SSL desk, 5 drawmer compressors, 2 telefunken U48s, a couple of 1176 compressors, and much much more outboard gear than I've seen in a lot of big studios. I generally speaking bring a DI box (either an Avalon U5 or a Ridge Farms Gas Cooker) to record with, but on this occasion I hadn't, thinking that I'd just use something that was there... But they didn't have any... ANY DI's at all. Is it just me or is that a little odd? I'm certainly not claiming to be the most experienced bass player around, but I have been to a few studios before and have never encountered one without DIs. I've since been contacted by the producer and told that I should have supplied one and it's my responsibility. What is your experience of this? Have I just been really lucky finding places that have got DI boxes?