Stingray5

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1344164010' post='1760507'] For the benefit of those who haven't been before, the SE BassBash is held in a school. There's loads of free parking. The main foyer area is used for:[list] [*]making your donation to the running costs of the event (a fiver each, as I recall), [*]provision of refreshments (Mrs. Hamster does a nice line in cakes & biscuits), [*]a "quiet room" where no one is allowed to slap (ever, at all, not a bit, banned, enforced with extreme prejudice), [*]a "sale room" where you can lay out anything you fancy offering, [*]a teaching space for workshops on various subjects, [*]a venue for the holding of the Raffle at the end of proceedings. [/list] The school has a large hall, and a separate theatre. Usually the theatre is where people set up their kit if they have brought some. Typically, there will be over a dozen rigs and maybe 40 or 50 basses to play through them. Volume levels can get fairly high but are rarely outrageous. Except when people slap. The hall can be used for really loud demonstrations of specific rigs and basses. And slapping. At the end of a corridor, and away from the other three spaces, there's usually a jam room with a band's worth of gear and a real drummer with a real drumkit. There's no real volume restriction, and the space is there to be used for anything you fancy. Even slapping. Turn-out over the last few years has been maybe 50 or so Basschatters at each event, but the venue is way large enough to take double that number and then some, so there's no restriction at all on how many turn up. It's a face-to-face event that's every bit as friendly as Basschat itself. No surpise there then. [/quote] Yep - what he said...!

[quote name='jcater' timestamp='1343994706' post='1758342'] [i]i've never been to one of these. Do you just turn up on the day and make donations or do you need to book? Not sure that i have anything worth bringing along but would like to come[/i] [i]jeff[/i] [/quote] [quote name='bluejay' timestamp='1343995636' post='1758373'] I would also love to know more. My intention would be to attend but mostly spectate. I've got a couple of items that could go in the raffle, and I could probably bring my NXT 5 if any other lefty is going to attend and would like to have a look at it. [/quote] I totally recommend it. It's a very friendly get-together and great to meet up with fellow bassists and play or just chat. I've got a gig in Stevenage for that same evening, but as the bass bash is a daytime thing, I'll probably go off to the gig from there. Just means I may not have as much stuff with me as previously. (Not that there won't be plenty of other goodies there! ) [quote name='urb' timestamp='1343995019' post='1758356'] You know what - I will try and be there for this - I just fancy hanging out with some bass nerds... like me - I don't want to do any workshops but if anyone wants to talk technique, music or jounralism for that matter then I'd be very happy to - jazzy jamming is also good! Hope that sounds cool Mike [/quote] Sounds like a plan, Mike.

[quote name='silddx' timestamp='1341500880' post='1720120'] Very sadly, I won't be able to make this due to gig commitments I'd love to be there, and to anyone who's not been, and is a bit nervous about going for whatever reason, don't be. It's the friendliest musical gathering I've ever been to, great fun, GAS inducing, knowledge increasing, and you have total freedom to geek-watch or geek out Superbly organised too. Hope you all have a great one. [/quote] [quote name='Clarky' timestamp='1341503692' post='1720187'] Reverse true for me (re fixture gods). Its Arsenal v Chelski and my boy is ultra-keen to go. So I'm afraid i won't be attending this BassBash. Wil have a dig around though and see if there's anything I can lob in to the charity raffle [/quote] Sorry to hear that, you guys. Hopefully the one after... [quote name='seashell' timestamp='1341503632' post='1720185'] Noooo!! It won't be the same without you! Last time, you tempted me into the jam room like a frightened rabbit. I was so looking forward to showing you my increased repetoire! I can play at least 4 notes now, lol I would definitely second what you say about going along if even if you are a bit nervous or feeling awkward for any reason. Everyone there will be lovely [/quote] 'Shell... happy to continue where we left off in the jam room, if you so wish...

Yep, I saw the 'Cloud' message last night, too. Now there's a small puddle under my chair! Well done to the BC team for keeping the nasties at bay.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1340063813' post='1698695'] White bass thread? Great, yet another opportunity to post pics of my Custom Precision! Built by The Bass Doc. [b] [/b] [/quote] Absolutely Gooor-geous!!!

See you there.

Excellent!

What a perfect day you had for it! I'll do my best to make the next one. Gigs depending...

Good point, Dave. I just realized they have a 'James Bond' theme for my gig so I may well be sweating buckets in a tux. What's the betting they don't throw in free Martini's though!?

[quote name='dave_bass5' timestamp='1337865727' post='1666640'] Spot on Steve, small world eh? As you know the back stage area is nice if there's only one band, but with three on (and one all women) its going to force us to sit out front so no chance of a kip. Nice club though, shame its not busier when we are there. We always seem to get told "oh, it was heaving here last night", Thats probably your lot lol. Hope your gig goes well. Hopefully we will meet at some point soon. [/quote] Haha, yes, maybe it was us! Mind you, we've had one or two 'club' nights ourselves, in the past, where attendance was a bit thin. But as they do put on quite a number of 'cabaret' type shows, I guess people can't make every night, especially where there may be an extra cover charge, even for members. We did a gig there once with the 'American Drifters' (one original member left!) and I have to say it was a very good night attendance-wise with a good sound man to drive the PA too. They also seem to book quite a few solo's/duo's with backing tracks to pad things out. That said, even the Drifters were singing to b/tracks. Boo!! Yep, I'm sure we'll meet up some time soon.

[quote name='dave_bass5' timestamp='1337859044' post='1666451'] I dont know much about the Diva's but im pretty sure both acts are just singing to backing tracks. Considering this is a social club gig im really not looking forward to it, especially the very early sound check. Our first set is at 8.05 for 1 hour then not back on until 12.35. Best load up the iPad with some Inbetweeners i suppose. I'd much rather be out in the sun with you lot late afternoon [/quote] Dave, sounds like you're playing Hayes WMC. I've also been playing this one for a few years and by koinkidink, I'm playing a cabaret night there on the next Bank Holiday Monday. It's a Jubilee celebration though I'm not sure who else is booked. Like you, we'll be doing the early then late spot to close the show so defo a late night. have a good one yourself and don't forget the matchsticks for your eyelids!

[quote name='seashell' timestamp='1337854528' post='1666327'] Looking forward to it now, should be fun I reckon we should have a BC drinking game, based on whenever someone mentions the following: pre-amp = 1 sip truss rod = 2 sips clutterbuck = 3 sips impedance = 4 sips That's what I'll be doing anyway, if you all start going all 'techie' !! [/quote] [quote name='bluejay' timestamp='1337855244' post='1666341'] I'll be on H2O (I'm teetotal!), so I'll happily mention, and add to the list: Low/high action - 3 sips Intonation/saddles - 4 sips Pickup height - 2 sips Nut adjustment (only on Warwicks and a few other clever basses!) - 3 sips [/quote] And how many sips for anyone who mentions the 'S' word - slapping!! I'm afraid I still can't make this one as my gig is a charity event in Gravesend, Kent, and we have to be there for around 3/3.30. You guys have picked a great location, especially with the weather on the day looking to be warm and sunny. Have a good one, Hopefully, I'll catch the next one. Steve

Count me in: Stingray5 - Musicman Stingray5 and Stingray(4) fretless; Tune TWB-6; Trace Elliot GP12SMX; Boss GT6B; other stuff.

[quote name='Mathew Piotrowski' timestamp='1336895066' post='1652301'] big lacquer crack, but i don't care:) I own this bas for over 5 years and nothng is happening. I bought it with this crack. [/quote] Ah, thanks for clarifying. Mind you, it's not as though it will seriously affect the sound of what is a superb bass. I should also say my own SR5 is far from perfect with it's own share of digs and blemishes. As far as I'm concerned, it all adds to the mojo... I have a couple of digs at the bottom end and a black "stain" on the back... (possibly a result of years of wearing dark shirts at sweaty gigs!! ) [url="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sgee/3366639585/"][/url] [url="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sgee/3367462858/"][/url]

[quote name='Mathew Piotrowski' timestamp='1336848788' post='1651978'] MMSR5 1993:) [/quote] Nice to see another 'whitey'. Mine's an '89 model but I changed the guard for a white pearl one. I was just wondering, is that a hair-line crack in the body - or (hopefully) just a hair on the photo?! Steve

Hi Tony, yeah, I have to say it was a great night and a very good turnout, especially given it was a midweek(-ish) night - and a very wet one, at that! It was nice to meet and work with Ben and the guys from Indigo Child, too. They played a good set, even minus two members of the band who couldn't make it. Steve

Yeah, not to worry. I'll keep an eye out for future gatherings.

Darn and double darn!!! I really need to find a bit more time to get on BC more frequently again. I only just spotted this thread and unfortunately I'm playing a Masonic Ladies Night in Gravesend on 26th May. Woulda been great to meet up. If I survive the ladies night thingy I'll hopefully make the next one. I did at least see the thread asking about the next SE Bass Bash which I'd also certainly be up for (...gigs notwithstanding!). Have fun, anyway, and break out an extra tinnie for me - and don't eat all the pies!!!

Hi Tony, Yep, same band. Dave and I have been the rhythm section of Landmarq from the beginning (eek, that's 22 years ago!). I've seen MTWA a few times myself, since Dave became involved (though must say I was a massive fan of the original band too). I do love the way Ray and Danny work together. I'm afraid I don't know the guys from Indigo Child though am looking forward to meeting and doing the gig with them at Riga on Thursday. In fact, I believe they will also be with us (and others) at 'DanFest 2' in Leicester in November. Sorry you can't make the Riga gig - I appreciate this is not around the corner for you...! Maybe we'll see you at a future date elsewhere. Cheers, Steve

If you're in the London/Essex/Southend area, [url="http://www.landmarq.net"]Landmarq[/url] play [url="http://www.rigalivemusic.co.uk/"]Club Riga[/url] on Thursday 10th May 2012. The band will be playing songs from their brand new album "[url="http://www.entertainingangels.info"]Entertaining Angels[/url]". Also at this gig will be artist-designer [url="http://www.alanwinterflood.com"]Alan Winterflood[/url] who was responsible for the album cover artwork. Support band: Indigo Child. Come and say hello... Thur 10/05/2012 - 8:00pm Tickets: £8 advance / £10 on door Address: 228 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 7JG (adjacent to The Cricketers Inn)

[quote name='Gust0o' timestamp='1335036511' post='1625133'] Today would have been Oldgit's birthday - I do think we're poorer for not having the old bugger to keep us out of mischief Happy birthday Si - still missed, chief. [/quote] +1 and well remembered.

[quote name='cocco' timestamp='1332703370' post='1591925'] I'm thinking of having a dabble with a fretless bass. There's a tidy looking thunder fretless on eBay, anyone got any experience? Also would I be better off with a lined neck to start with? [/quote] I was also introduced to Westone's back in the '80s and still have a pair of Thunder IIA's - one fretted, one fretless (click on my signature pic below). The fretless (owned since about 1984) is lined though, as has been said, once you get used to the neck you may find you don't need to be looking down so much. I've also had a Thunder 1A fretless (unlined) plus a Thunder Jet which I had for a short time and traded in for the 1A. They're excellent basses though the longer 2-octave necked Thunder 2 and 3 models are a little neck heavy. But finding the right playing position will pay off and you will have a very useable instrument with bags of tonal range. The active/passive switch is also very handy if you happen to find yourself with dead batteries (requires 2 x PP3 9v).

Rats! I'd been looking forward to the LBGS but gig and rehearsal duties got in the way. Hope to make it to the next one. I like the sound of a BC stand - finances allowing, of course.

[quote name='Chris Horton' timestamp='1326957000' post='1504157'] That is true porn right there ! Your SR5 looks totally amazing , Can you tell us a bit more about it please ? I think I have just had an accident [/quote] Hi Chris - thanks for your interest in my 'Ray. It's an original, born December 1989, with Alnico magnets and maple neck. I bought it around 1997/98 and the only mod was when I swapped out the original white guard some years ago for the white pearl that is still fitted. It's been my main go-to bass since day one and I love it. I'll let the bass do the talking though [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSGlrrPPcPU"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSGlrrPPcPU[/url] Steve

Haven't posted here in a little while though try and drop in when I'm in need of a "funk fix". Well done to bubinga5 for (at times almost single-handedly) keeping this thread going! Here's a late-night groove from Donald Fagen... [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeDf9rUqjG4[/media]