Musicman20

Hi chaps Thanks for all the encouragment, etc etc. Well, it went better than I hoped, which was in a way a good way of the gig turning out. Strange, I wasnt critical of the band as much as they were of themselves. The vocalist was quite hard on himself when he had actually done a pretty good job considering his time restrictions. They found it odd I didnt stress or criticise myself at the end. I was in fact the opposite, they all did pretty good considering it was our first outing. I knew the deal, a big gig, big professional PA, and a fairly large crowd full of the people we want to impress enough to come and see us play again. I think the other lads may not have realised just how packed that place was going to be. Our drummer did a sterling job, especially considering some of the parts he has to play. I would definitely like to take my own amp next time, and a cab of two as well. I loaned a Gallien Krueger 700RB, and it was VERY punchy and loud. Quite bright, with that modern 'mids sucked' tone but with a boatload of low end. Not sure what cabs they were, but the PA chaps did a great job. The band that played after us had some great bass gear. A HUGE Tecamp 6x10 or 6x12 (something like that) paired with an Aguilar DB750 or 751. The bass sounded great through that! Anyway, a good night. Boy Jumps Ship played amazingly well, and have come on massively in their short time of being a band. I quite enjoyed working with just one guitarist on stage. It made a massive difference to the 'space' not only in a physical sense, but in a musical sense. One thing I noted. All the band used passive Fender/Gibson type basses (I think) until Boy Jumps Ship came on and their bassist used a normal 3EQ Stingray. Made me realise exactly why I like Stingrays so much. Not only did it slice through the mix, it also provided that backing thump for the drums to work along to. Huge sound, and that distinctive tone just sounds even better in a live band.

After being dubious about the Big Al, after testing one for a weekend, I can definitely say the 'strat' style 3 single coils works very well on a bass, as long as they 'get it right' so to speak.

[quote name='mrtcat' post='1017242' date='Nov 9 2010, 09:55 AM']Hey, People have pretty much covered it I think. Personally I know how you feel I've been there before too but it's quite right that at some point you need to get out of the rehearsal rooms and see what happens. It's not easy as you clearly care about having a good product but as you already admit you are a perfectionist do you think you may not ever feel 110% ready? If it was me and I had some doubts I would be thinking about how much I could learn about my fellow band mates by getting on stage with them. They might really surprise you. I would however be concerned that my worries might be reflected in my performance. You know you're going to do the gig (and fair play to you for standing by your band) so do yourself justice by forcing the worries to the back of your mind and concentrate on enjoying it and let your band members see you being positive. This will probably count for more than a few extra months in the rehearsal room as they'll feed off your positivity - especially if you're more experienced cos they will look to you for inspiration. I wish you the very best with the gig and I'm sure it'll be great.[/quote] Thanks, much appreciated! I agree!

Weight/smeight its a heavy beast I agree, and it will need flightcasing, but get the drummer to lift it. What an amp!

I think its more me worrying about the vocals. Me and the guitarist can pretty much blag through it, and the drummer knows his stuff. Its just the vocals...bah! Ill let him worry about it. Maybe a drink or two will make things easier!

Agreed, being a perfectionist is annoying.

Nigel, I like this! It reminds me of the Big Al bodyshape. Cool instrument.

[quote name='Conan' post='1017154' date='Nov 9 2010, 08:14 AM']On the other hand, if you make the decision to switch full-time to a five string, go the whole hog and get the best one you can afford! That way, you are far less likely to find the change as challenging in that you are unlikely to be held back by the quality of the instrument.[/quote] Completely agree. I had a cheap 5 string years ago and I swore I wouldnt go back. Dont scrimp on a 5 string, IMO. You will probably hate the B, for a start.

The gig is close now. I cant get out of work early to go and warm up which is a massive shame and would put my mind at rest. Dave, thats exactly how I feel. Probably my age (im late 20s they are early to mid twenties) and my usual belief inbeing far too organised thats causing the worry! We shall see how it goes. The vocalist was going to have a few hours with the guitarist last night to polish things off, and didnt. Oh well, not my role to worry about. Before anyone thinks Im being far too picky, it was my girlfriend who raised the problem. Basically, she said 'whats the point of rushing it when the majority of the scene will be there to see the main band, and they will see you unprepared'. It wasnt aimed at me, it was aimed at the fact ive been there and done it before. Ah well, lets see how it goes. Might be bloomin brilliant.

[quote name='farmer61' post='1016315' date='Nov 8 2010, 01:24 PM']Cheer up, Jeez you might actually enjoy it. If you've got such a downer on the rest of the band, don't bother and leave them, better not to do a gig than do it half heartedly. Maybe I've read your post wrong, but I found it really quite depressing, there are people on here who'd kill for an opportunity to gig, you have one and aren't happy.[/quote] Well, its my band, as I started it if I think back. Myself and the drummer met up and it basically took 6 months to find people who fit in or could keep up. I think If I left they wouldnt be able to gig, so thats even worse! I didnt suggest not doing it, just not having the same positive thoughts about these things recently. If you'd been through what Id been through with bands in the last 6-9 months, you'd be wound up and pretty negative. Ive never had this much bad luck finding something right or getting a band off the ground. It is depressing, lol. I already realise that.

Oh Im definitely doing it, without a doubt. I need to show Im around playing and have the ability etc! I wouldnt leave these chaps, as they are decent lads, and we help each other out, I just sometimes think I expect too much. I see other bands progressing VERY fast, and its taken our band so long to even get a strong lineup. The headlining band are really decent guys, and have basically said we can ether use their entire backline or bring our own, but because we only have a short 'hey we are new' set, there is no point in me taking all my gear. Itll be a nice bass, plus cables and tuner, so an easy gig to setup for! Yes, it would be nice to have my sound, but unfortunately the changes between sets wont allow soundchecks (well, very short ones) so Im using their bass amp/cab. I know Im not in this for money or any kind of career (my actual career is a massive part of my life anyway), I just want a really professional originals band that has a good following. No money, no label support (if thats exists anymore!) just good fun!

My new band in Newcastle has its first gig tomorrow night. I have had a frustrating and rather rubbish start in a thriving music scene such as this. I dont understand something. Im not excited. In fact, I dont think the band is ready, even though I almost am on top of it all. Its a bit disappointing. Ive been here for 9 months now, and as yet I still havent been wowwed by any local band offers. All of them have involved either something which is a step down for me, or a hectic covers schedule, which Im not as yet wanting to try, (eg 2 gigs a week and rehearsals on top of full time work and trying to have a normal life!). Other than that, the rest of the people have been unfriendly or untrustworthy, which is a heck of a shock after how decent most folk are up north. I think its bad luck myself. Anyway, this band has taken a long time to get right. Im a perfectionist, so guess what...Im not happy with how tight we are. The vocalist isnt ready through no fault of his own (fairly new to us) and overall we just dont seem to be at that decent stage. Me? Im in no rush. Id have rather pulled out a month ago and just waiting til we were ready. But, the other 3 thought I was being too cautious. I think I was right! This gig is going to be quite big. 02 Academy supporting a good local band who have sucess ahead of them. All younger than me as well! Me? Im just wound up that Ive started at the bottom of the pile after playing for years and years and knowing exactly how to 'do it right' with this type of music. Ill stop moaning. It might actually be really good! What do I crave? Joining a band thats already had some recognition, that needs me to chip in with decent harmonies as well as playing. Ill keep looking.

I did these years back. I went upto 5, then I found my A Levels needed my attention, and then my degree, etc. I enjoyed learning, and the scales/etc really get your fingers working! I say they are a good idea, and have helped my technique from day 1.

Damn you cab gas! I still want one of these!

Has Aguilar released the speaker spec and model then? Personally, I'd like them, but by no means need them. The DB tone really is it for me, so these cabs have competition! The weight saving is nice, but not essential for me. I definitely want to try a pair out! If it has that Aguilar quality build, and the tone is near to what they say, these will fly off the shelves!

I'll reserve judgement til I hear it or get to gig them.

Jees big change! Nice though!

[quote name='machinehead' post='1013478' date='Nov 5 2010, 04:29 PM']Would you mind asking Darren if he has any specs on the driver being fitted to these beauties?[/quote] Hi Ill see what I can find out