xilddx

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1384170754' post='2273421'] But in my experience, the creative people (good, bad, and indifferent) have an absolute, unchallengeable right to despise people who play covers. Apparently we're not really musicians, you see. [/quote]Oh Jack

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1384154998' post='2273208'] Going to have to miss this one I'm afraid, MrsC has a play and my attendance is compulsory... Anyone thinking about this, pop along if you get the chance, Kit is well worth seeing. See you at the next one. [/quote]No worries Rob, cheers man. Hope the play is brilliant! Wish her well for me.

[quote name='Chiliwailer' timestamp='1384155837' post='2273216'] Nice one! Crazy the difference makes isn't it?!! Haha, yes, metaphorically and literally! I'm really happy with my '66 P Bass, had a few pre '66 Fender P's in the past and only sold them due to cash issues, but this one is now here to stay and I wouldn't change a thing on it (though I did need to source an original pickup for it to get back the tone I desire in an old bass). My Custom Shop Jazz Bass felt and sounded just right instantly wjen I first played it, so no changes will be made to that one either. In the past I've customised a fair few basses, and sold loads of customised ones too when I was working in shops. I'm really pleased that for some people customising a bass makes it just right for them, though sadly for others it's an endless battle to make a bass something it's not. As for my real 'good woman', she's certainly a keeper and I won't be making any changes there [b]Have you found yours?[/b] [/quote] Indeed and in both respects One was born in '63 and one in '83, excellent years

[quote name='Chiliwailer' timestamp='1384013072' post='2271924'] It's a bit like finding a good woman for me. Find a great one that fits you straight off, don't find one that you'll always want to change. I reckon that if we're always 'looking for that sound' we'll never find it, cos we're too used to looking and will continue to do so out of habit. But tinkering with basses to see what we like and what's what, nothing wrong with that, reminds me of my fun teens and 20's experimenting with what to find in a good woman, (er I mean bass...) [/quote] Did you find your 'good woman'?

[quote name='owen' timestamp='1384125805' post='2273143'] "Hi BC, I fancy a new bass" "Nonononononono you don't NEED one" Have I wandered into a parallel universe or something? [/quote]One needs to examine the source of one's desires

[quote name='JamesBass' timestamp='1384124797' post='2273137'] So I've been in and out of bands now since pretty much day 1 of picking up a bass over 10 years ago now. The first few were your typical teenage lets make a lot of noise trying to replicate our favourite songs played badly! But as time went on and I learnt more and more I began to find better musicians to form bands with, however I've never had the luck of doing more than 25 gigs in a band, mostly over 2 or 3 years. Every band I've been in hasn't had anyone who has kids or a mortgage etc. but NEVER takes off!? Since the age of 14/15 I've always made certain, that my bands aren't cover bands, I despise playing someone else's music live and for a payment, I just don't like it, I have fun and enjoy playing the songs but just not live, it's just not me at all. I'm very creative and produce songs like clockwork, which is exactly what I want to be doing, expect with a band who are as serious as myself, as determined to make the most of a good thing and really push it on and try to make it our major source of income. Perhaps I'm too pushy or determined? Maybe I'm just a bad judge of character musically? I just don't know, all I know is, I want a band, I want a band who write and record and gig and allow me to have a creative outlet and some great fun with some good people. Rant over. [/quote] I suppose I'm very lucky in that I already had some good friends who founded professional bands who eventually asked me to play in their solo or satellite bands. I have creative freedom to a certain extent and it's a delight to be a part of the bands. I found Kit on here asking for a bassist. I knew I wanted to play for her immediately I heard her music. I had no idea what to expect from her as a person or musician, but an hour on the blower confirmed she totally had her head screwed on and a firm idea of what she wanted to do. I don't know if I'm a good judge of character either, but I think I'm ok, it was more instinct. I write most of the bass parts, sing backing vocal, free to make suggestions and speak freely, but Kit writes the songs, and we all know that it's Kit's band and her vision. We all work hard to support that, and we all have a great time knowing exactly where we stand but feel highly valued at the same time. It works pretty much perfectly. I've been in Kit's band for four and a half years and I'm very happy. The moral for me is that bands as democracy have the potential to lose drive and fizzle out like a cheap firework. None of the really good bands I've been in have been democratic. I think a band like RUSH is very rare. I have a firm belief that one needs a good bandleader, someone with talent and creativity, vision and drive, quality control and discipline, with a tangible level of confidence in the songs and the band's performance. These IME will usually be high calibre singer-songwriters. Unless you have all those qualities yourself and start your own band, I would try to get in an established band who sound like they know where they're going. Talk to them first and get a feel for them. There are never any guarantees with a band though. Hope you get there man. Good luck. And it will be mostly luck you need

[quote name='cameltoe' timestamp='1384088052' post='2272560'] No, the part about me 'just fancying a new bass' was entirely accurate! But then how many people who buy and sell on here really [i]need [/i]a new bass? I would also like to replace the 3 I currently have, with one really good one. I agree, it's probably better to play as many as I can til one speaks to me than rush a decision. [/quote] It's taken a while but when my 1983 USA Standard Jazz found me, it felt like a very special moment, it's a wonderful bass. But I do realise there are soft issues too, it's never all about practicality, more like a love affair.

[quote name='molan' timestamp='1384085949' post='2272527'] I've always thought that some older Peavey gear sounded good, especially the Black Widow equipped cabs. My issue with them is simply that they generally weigh so much [/quote] I used to have a little all-valve Peavey 1x12 guitar combo, it weighed a ton. Much heavier than my 2x12 Marshall JCM900, it was more the weight of my Fender DeVille 4x10. What the hell do they put in those things?!

[quote name='cameltoe' timestamp='1384085771' post='2272522'] I agree with most of what you said, except looks are not one of the main driving factors in my decision making, in fact I've repeatedly tried to draw the conversation away from looks. Yes I'm attracted to Bravewood etc because I've seen pictures of his basses and read his process for building on his site, but the purpose of this thread is to find out how they both feel and play in comparison to each other. Feel is what it's all about. When i bought my roadworn, I went into the local shop to buy a Classic 50's that had been brought in especially for me. I tried it, liked it, and hated the look of the same-but- beaten-up pink version sat in the rack. before I pulled the trigger though, the owner convinced me to have a go on the Roadworn- Ohh mama! That was that- deal done. I do think the relic'ing looks bad on some Nash basses, but the main reason I'm put off is the off-the shelf assembly of unknown parts. At least with Fender CS I know it's good fender parts, and the Bravewood is completely hand made, for less than both! [/quote] So why the need to replace your Roadworn?

[quote name='cameltoe' timestamp='1383777200' post='2269132'] I've started to dream about my next bass. After dabbling with mid-price instruments for the past few years (£500+) I'm ready to now spend some serious cash. Also, as I seem to be playing less and less, I feel one really good bass would be a better option for me than the current 3 mid-priced ones I have. I have played a few things over the years and the solid, dependable Precision Bass is what works for me. More specifically than that, I seem to prefer the older, vintage designed or inspired models. I like the way they look, but I just find they feel more comfortable and playable. I am looking, realistically, 6 months down the road before I am ready to order, but I like knowing what I am aspiring to! I find the GAS helps when it has a focus! I was dabbling with the idea of a JV series, but really, I want to push the boat out and buy my perfect bass. It will be a '57 style P bass. That's all I know at this point. I want it to be custom made, as I have a few specifics that I haven't found as available options on current off-the-shelf basses, and have narrowed it down at this point to Fender Custom Shop or Bravewood. Bravewood states he's not taking any more orders, but he is local to me. I love the way his guitars look, but I have never seen or played one in the flesh. I love the idea of the hand-crafted instrument, every part hand cut and finished. Custom Shop, I've played a '57 style and liked it, a lot, however it didn't feel like £1000 more guitar than my current precision. However I feel it's a safer option so to speak, as it's still Fender. If I felt like something wasn't right, or it didn't match my description perfectly, I'd have better comeback. So, any further opinions from CS and Bravewood owners would be gratefully received! [/quote] It seems to me like you just fancy a new bass And looks seem to be one of the main driving factors. If you really want to buy your 'perfect' bass, you need to PLAY a whole bunch of basses. Eventually you will find one that floats your rubber duck. It will attract your attention because it looks ace and you feel compelled to pick it up, then you will find it feels so lovely and gorgeous in your hands and magical notes and flowery phrases seem to flow from you, like this is the best you've ever played. You will get a sound that will make your belly tingle, a sound you've never had before. Anything else and it's not the perfect bass for you. Then give it 12 months to see if, really, you just fancied a new bass.

[quote name='uncle psychosis' timestamp='1383833566' post='2269743'] This is almost word for word exactly what I was going to post. [/quote] Yeah, it's bang on.

Christ, the remixed Vapor Trails is like having a brand new album, amazing difference.

This coming Tuesday's launch is going to be good New songs, new arrangements, four of us on backing vocals - just got back from a lovely 6 hour rehearsal and it's all sounding splendid. We are very excited! There's an ace support band 'Automatic Writing' https://www.facebook.com/automaticwriting?directed_target_id=174777212711155 and it should all kick off at 8pm. Love to see you there x

Feeling slightly ashamed I didn't know who Paul Carrack is

[quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1383995701' post='2271625'] I couldn't watch the vid as it was removed by the copyright holder, but I checked out her version of Get Lucky. Plodding and uninspiring I'm afraid. I'm genuinely baffled how this girl in hot pants could get 300k hits. [/quote] Cus she luk pretty init.

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1383936664' post='2271102'] Get the new one. Seriously! Buy it on Amazon for sick squid and it is instantly available on your SoundCloud player! It is SO much better than the original... [/quote] I just did this, thank you! It does sound a lot better than that totally rank previous version.

[quote name='DiMarco' timestamp='1383995144' post='2271615'] Haven't clicked the link but you must be talking about Marta. I like her vids because you can see she's having a good time playing bass. To me that is a lot better then most of those showoff hey-I-can-play-like-wooten vids out there. [/quote] Marta is great, this ain't a patch on Marta.

I was going to say something like 'love is blind', but you told us not to She's a decent player, but there's something in the timing and articulation that leaves me feeling completely unmoved. She's ahead of the beat in much of the phrasing and that makes it sound anxious, and there's little dynamics or finesse. Sorry Andrew.

Gorgeous in every way.

Scars tell stories mate.

[quote name='jmchich' timestamp='1383525161' post='2265570'] xildx, are you sure it's not for a michael jackson costume? [/quote] No, I just wear a oven glove on my left hand for that.

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1383810989' post='2269283'] Talent has never been the main route to commercial success in pop and rock music. You'd have thought that by now with 60 years of historical evidence for this people would have realised... [/quote] Exactly. And what is talent anyway? Pete Doherty was/is very talented but many people hated him for his behaviour. Gangnam geezer was not at all talented (as a musician) but was massively popular for a short time.

[quote name='Count Bassy' timestamp='1383783716' post='2269219'] And I thought talking bollocks was my speciality! [/quote] Like I said, I have no issue with cover bands. I certainly could not be in one, I couldn't learn 150 songs of other bands, partly ability, partly motivation. There are specific skills and motivations required for either type of band. But I am disappointed in the attitude from some quarters towards original bands. Those who have not been in an original band may not appreciate how much work is involved, and how hard it is to build an audience and keep reinventing the band to keep it fresh.

Just sold Ash a Fender bridge. Totally cool, top man.

That's a really well deserved and accurate review, Clarky, great to read it!