Al Krow

You'll be an asset to any band that you're part of, if you're doing that! The life blood of any gigging band is quite simply gigs and, as you noted, if the gigs dry up the band can easily come to an end. In my experience getting gigs often goes hand in hand with the skill set of being band leader, but it absolutely doesn't need to be and I've always really appreciated bandmates who are prepared to roll up their sleeves and put something back into the gig pot, as well as benefitting from what others are putting into it. I'd definitely mention in your ad that you have had quite a lot of success in finding gig venues for previous bands, and would be happy to be involved in supporting the band in that way if you came on board. I guess it's the same as applying for any role: if someone can set themselves apart from the pack by bringing something extra, that can only help?

Once you've got your foot in the door, though, be great if you can also put something into the gig pot as well as just taking out from it? And I suspect that sort of contribution won't go unnoticed as well as being really positive for the band you're part of?

Is the fact that you're feeling a bit stale a key reason you're leaving your band? Hope your final gig goes well!

Definitely a fan of trying to keep things fresh for both audiences, particularly where we have residencies, and equally importantly for us. One thing we did a few months back was to organise all our material (currently about 80 cover songs) into 3 full sets, which allows to us to cycle through all our material and also keep everything up to gig standard.

So in terms of tips for the OP (and, indeed, the rest of us!), what would you say were the key ingredients for your success since turning 50?

They certainly do in Moscow and the USA 😅

Being content with your gear and sound is surely a good thing (ok heresy on Basschat, haha)? But do you still get a buzz from gigging and look forward to it, or does it feel like any another job now?

Yes the colour touchscreen on the GX is well...a very nice touch! I suspect the "better sound", if discernable, is going to be down to the higher processing power of the GT 1000, but not sure having 24 vs 14 blocks or 3 (vs 2) path parallel processing will be something we'd miss, although the GT1000 does have midi which could come in handy? I guess "better sound" is probably going to be key as to whether the extra is worth the spend, and if that feeds through into particular fx eg pitch shift, which a lot of multis struggle with.

Given a choice, would there be much benefit in spending an extra £50 or so and getting a used GT 1000 Core as an alternative?

But doesn't that just shut down the conversation - for some folk asking the question, your age may not be a deal breaker? Maybe using a variation of @BassAdder60's suggestion, how about "no longer in my 50s" - and that's actually factually correct too 😊

Should I be surprised that we're both into Ibanez as well as Spector?...or that the quality of your herd definitely out does mine for both! 😅

This is great advice! Although the OP did mention he got "the impression that a lot of the people just want to join an established band, or even just like the idea of being in a band again rather than the reality, without having to put too much (or any) work in." Which I can totally understand and sympathise with. I'd recommend "Join my Band" as another good place to put an ad / look for opportunities, although @BassAdder60 didn't find it so good in his area. I guess for me - I've often been far too guilty of letting my hopes and musical ambitions run ahead of my bass playing ability. A reality check can be tough to face up to as we all get older, but I feel leaves us wiser and better placed to make the most of our talents in the end. But also... 100% !

Best not to read the above posts from @tauzero and @Chienmortbb, then, re use of UHF in the UK 😅

So what proportion of the dull ones do you think: "would have given that one a miss if we'd known in advance?" I'm guessing ropey = sub par on the musicianship side and therefore actually quite useful in pointing out where things need to be tighter? Or is it the case you're glad you did them all cos it's an evening making music with a band who are also mates?

What makes one gig truly memorable and another dull or ropey for you?

Thanks gents. My current 9V are 1,300 mAh And I have found some on Amazon that look realistic at 1,500 mAh (ie 13,500 mWh) - I'll go with those.

SSCYHT 9V Lithium Battery High Capacity 28000mAh Rechargeable 9 V Anyone come across these? No reviews and little online about them as far as I can see. But 28,000 mAh seems huge - it's 20x the capacity of my rechargeable 9V batteries

Oh nice, that's high praise from you, indeed! There was some mention that only 15 each of the 4 and 5 string Premium editions were made available in the USA, so no idea what that number would have been in the UK? Guess I just struck lucky to find one, particularly in such good condition!

If you like a broad strap - these 4" Minotaur bass straps were recommended to me by Mark at Talking Bass and I'd happily recommend them.

I landed a replacement Ibanez SR Premium bass, which arrived today. I do remember not being able to get my old Smoothhound wireless transmitter into the recessed jack socket on my previous Ibby. The Nux however slots in a treat - that's an additional unexpected bonus!

NBD - Ibanez 30TH5PE Just arrived via an ex band mate now living up in Edinburgh - was collection only from there, which would have ruled it out for me, but a stroke of luck that I had a former bandmate who has relocated to that same city, and is also often back down in London with work.

Sure thing, here you go: NUX C-5RC Rechargeable Wireless Guitar Bug Set 5.8GHz (includes the recharge pack/case)

Useful to know, thanks @ped Are you tempted to give the Nux with its ability to angle the transmitter/receiver a try?

How old is your set up? Is it now out of warranty? (1 year or maybe up to 3 years?)

Sadly its arrival is too soon for a function gig on Wed and then I've got a bit of annual leave coming up when I won't be gigging, so we will need to be sticking to the old analogue desk for a little while yet. You may have a bit more immediate joy from the chaps over on @warwickhunt's CQ desk thread 😊