SteveK

Memory's a funny old thing, innit? I honestly have the world's worst memory for names, faces, facts, lists, situations etc. You name it - I'm crap at remembering it. I even went to a hypnotherapist many years ago in a desperate attempt to improve it... fortunately, I did remember to go😉 but, It didn't help! However, I can remember trivia and... song arrangements (thankfully). To the point: As has already been mentioned, "repetition" is the key! Record your rehearsal and then go through the songs at your leisure, at home. You'll be amazed at how quickly the arrangements will be etched in your brain. Personally, I wouldn't rely on charts - you may find yourself over reliant on them... a kind of psychological crutch. But, use whatever method gets you confidently through the gig.

As well as age related hearing loss, after 55 years of playing in bands I now suffer quite bad tinnitus. In order to protect what's left of my hearing, for the last 2 years I've had to resort to IEMs. There were a few things that I had to overcome: 1. It took me quite some time to get used to performing at a vastly reduced monitoring level - it was initially difficult to "rock out" at transistor radio volume levels. Took about 12 months to properly get used to it. 2. I had issues with the moulds for my IEMs. I had to have my ears moulds taken 3 times before they had a good fit. Insist on "Open jaw" moulds! 3. As you're using amp and speakers on stage, you'll need someone who can tell you if you're playing too loud, or not loud enough. You won't have a clue how loud your amp/speakers are. 4. If your bass is DI into your IEMs via a monitor mixer, your amp EQ won't affect what you hear. I found a significant mid boost really helped with the definition and being able to hear exactly what I was playing. You'll need to sweep through the frequencies to find exactly where, and how much, to boost for your needs. 5. As my band still use full backline, and I'm the only one using IEMs, there is still a significant onstage volume - this means I have no need for guitars, vox, keys in my IEMs, just a good mix of drums and bass. PS. I should've gone the IEMs route many years ago🙄

My only real gripe with the repair of Dave Greenfield's old keyboard was that coat of varnish. They've done this before with old furniture when the owner wants to keep the scrapes and knocks, the character - but out comes the varnish! As soon as I see a brush and pot of varnish, I'm internally shouting, "NOOOOOOOO!"

It's my Life and Colour of Spring are two fabulous albums: Great songs, superb arrangements, and immaculate production. The albums were often recommended by hifi enthusiasts and magazines for checking out systems. Also used in professional studios for A/B referencing.

Thanks guys, I appreciate the replies. Just to update: I've ordered some silicon finger protectors which seem to be mostly designed for beginners who are bothered by sore fingers - I don't hold out much hope for them. After doing some research and reading in one article that a possible symptom of Vit B deficiency is "electric shock" type pain in fingertips (exactly as I described in my original post). I've taken a trip to Holland & Barrett and am now taking Vit B complex, as suggested by Hellzero. In case anyone in future suffers the same problem, I'll update this thread.

I don't think it's that, but wouldn't rule it out 100% Thanks for the tip - I'll look into vit B I've been trying to adapt my playing. It's not so bad when playing down the neck. But when I go above the 12th fret it's quite bad as the finger is more perpendicular to the string. Part of my playing style includes, for example, I'll often play phrases above the 12th fret starting on D string, instead of playing 5 frets lower on the G string (I prefer the tone and slight increase in power). I'll have to change this for the time being. The protectors that I've seen on line are ridiculously cheap, so will try 3 or 4 different types to see how I get on with them. Cheers gang.

I've been a gigging bass player for about 50 years, and have generally been ache and pain free in my fingers. Unfortunately, I've recently been getting a sharp pain in the tip of my index finger of my fretting hand when playing. The pain is similar to an electric shock. This is likely some kind of nerve damage, which I'm assuming is temporary and will improve by not playing for a while. Not playing is not an option! Starting 7th Jan I'm back on the road after the Christmas break and have a pretty busy year. My question: Has anyone tried any of the various fingertip protectors for guitarists that are on the market? If so - any recommendations, or those to avoid. I'm hoping that the extra bit of cushioning will reduce the pressure on my finger resulting in less pain. I want to try this option first before seeking professional help. Cheers

"Phalic Bass Move" Gotta be one of the best band names I've heard in a long time!

Assuming that there's no major issues with the neck - MusicNomad do a great (if a little overpriced) little setup tool kit for accurate truss rod, nut, action adjustments, with an easy to follow "how to" booklet. While it may seem overpriced (around £70)- it's a whole lot cheaper than a professional luthier setup and should last a lifetime. Kit can be used with all 6 string electrics, acoustics and basses. Don't want to breach BC's Ts&Cs so won't add link. FYI Fretting E string, 1st fret (using capo or similar)and 12th fret - gap at 6th fret between fret and string should be about 0.2mm. If gap too big, tighten truss rod (very slightly). If no gap, truss rod needs loosening. Of course, your playing style will affect your final setup adjustment.

Just to update: I tried the Chordbot Lite app yesterday evening, it's exactly what I needed. I've now paid the £4.99 for the full featured version. Thanks again, Bix.

Thanks Bix. That looks to be the kind of thing I'm after. I've installed it on my phone, I'll give it a go for a day or two, If it fulfils my needs I may pay the £4.99 for the full version😉. Cheers.

Thanks alibabu, I'll take a look at that, although It does sound a little more complex than I need.

I've taken a look in the Android app store, but can't really find what I need. I'm looking for a simple "play along" app: Just tap in the chords, select keyboard type, set tempo, repeat, and off we go. All the apps I've tried seem more about teaching piano and are overly complicated. Anyone got any recommendations? Cheers.

A quick update: Even though the moulds are technically past their 3 month warranty ACS have agreed to make new IEMs using new impressions at no cost to myself. I have an appointment at their London office on Friday 21st.

This morning I received a reply from ACS. They say that "the next step is to remake the plug from new Open Jaw impressions in order to resolve this". Hopefully, this will require bite blocks. They also suggested that I go to their London or Banbury offices for the impressions to be taken. I note on the ACS website that "ACS warrants the fit of its custom-made products for 60 days from the date of delivery." So, technically out of warranty. I would argue that the impressions weren't correctly taken in the first place. I should say that the few communications that I've had with ACS over the years has always been helpful, fair and productive. I'll post any further updates here.