SteveK

[quote name='maxrossell' post='694035' date='Dec 26 2009, 11:23 PM']What do you want to know? I don't have all the details, but as far as I know Ibanez were doing a bunch of artist showcases at the time (Korn had just put out the K7s and Ib were all about the nu-metal), which is how Japanese fans started to get into them. They weren't distributed or marketed in the Far East at all, but that all changed based on the response to Ibanez pushing their music.[/quote] Sounds to me that we are in the realms of promotion and sponsorship. I don't think that any artist entering into a "regular" endorsement deal can expect anything like that level of involvement. However, I am willing to accept that there [i]may[/i] be exceptions, and maybe your example is one of them. Anyway, I don't want to labour the point any further, so I'll duck out... for now.

[quote name='maxrossell' post='693958' date='Dec 26 2009, 08:22 PM']Okay, one example: A French band I used to hang out with called Pleymo, got signed to Epic. Their guitar players picked up Ibanez endorsements after a while. Through the Ibanez endorsement alone, their second record broke in Japan and they ended up touring out there and doing extremely well. Their second largest fanbase is still in Japan, and they wouldn't have achieved that without the support of Ibanez.[/quote] Any more info? Curious to know how that worked.

[quote name='maxrossell' post='693849' date='Dec 26 2009, 05:43 PM']I don't think that that's necessarily true. Unless you're Jimmy Page or Slash or someone like that, you'd have to be pretty naive to think that you wouldn't benefit from a major brand basically saying "this dude is a guitar player with enough talent and status that we want him to represent our gear". Fender are a good example of that, they have hundreds of endorsed artists, and most of them are guys who, while they no doubt enjoy getting gear at cut-prices, also benefit to a degree from the credibility that they gain from being a Fender-endorsed artist.[/quote] Of course, I can only speak from personal experience, and the experience of others that I work, and [i]have[/i] worked, with. It's a buzz being associated with a brand name, of course it is, but I can honestly say, that in all my years as a full time gigging musician, I have never heard the words "raised profile" or anything like in regards to an endorsement. Any benefit in that respect is pretty insignificant. It really isn't a consideration.

Ordered a SR 5: Candy red (matching head), Rosewood board, black scratchplate, HH, 3 eq, piezo, a couple of months ago. Haven't seen that configuration in the flesh, but hoping it looks a sexy as in my head. Hopefully take delivery in a couple of weeks

Blowtorch?

[quote]Not really, no. The term endorsement explicitly signifies to voice approval of something. An endorsement deal literally consists of an association between two people where one or both of them benefit from one or both of them lauding the merits of the other. In most of the cases we've discussed above, what we have is in effect a sales agreement. Not an endorsement deal.[/quote] Don't necessarily disagree with you there... [b]But,[/b] you said: [quote]Endorsement deals are supposed to be a collaboration between the artist and the manufacturer, to raise both profiles in a mutually beneficial way.[/quote] Most artists I know don't expect to have their profiles (significantly) raised as a result of an endorsement. They just expect to be supplied with gear FOC (or at a reduced price) in exchange for a photo with said gear and/or a quote, "I use Skank basses because...". As has been said, the OP didn't have an "Endorsement", but received goods at a pretty good (in my book) discount, a "sales agreement" if you like. Quite obviously there's a big difference. Having read through these posts though, I've decided that if anyone approaches me with a quality instrument, and dares to suggest that they are prepared to knock 30% off... they will get the sharp end of my boot... I know my rights!!

[quote]If a guitar maker tried to sell me an "endorsement" deal on the basis of nothing more than a discount on their high-end range, I'd tell 'em where to go.[/quote] And that would be the end of the story... no problem. [quote]Endorsement deals are supposed to be a collaboration between the artist and the manufacturer[/quote] An endorsement deal is whatever the artist and manufacturer decides it should be. [quote]I met a drummer a while ago who had just taken delivery of his new kit from some manufacturer or other on the basis of an endorsement deal. They'd given him a 20% discount (from RRP, not trade, so they weren't even spending any money). In exchange[i] [b]he agreed[/b][/i] to feature their logo on their myspace[/quote] Note highlighted text. In my formative years (musically speaking) if I was offered a 20% discount on a product that I liked, and maybe would have bought anyway, I would have snapped their hand off. And to use my name or picture [i]anywhere[/i] in their blurb would have been the icing on the cake. Unfortunately, if no one has heard of you, then, the chances are that you aren't going to be of much benefit to the manufacturer. The deal offered will reflect that. You either take it or leave it.

[quote]but even D (or Eb)is too hard!![/quote] Then what is wrong with C, B, Bb or A? There is no right or wrong key. As I said, choose whichever key feels/sounds best to you. BTW There is no "trick" as such, but if you're serious about singing, then you may want to consider a vocal coach. There are exercises that will increase your range.

[quote]any "tips" guys?[/quote] Yep! Change key. The most important thing is to find the key that allows you sing the song the best way that you can. I think most singers would have a problem singing Police/Stings songs in the original key.

[quote]everything sounds sweet on the A & E strings but when i go up top for some fills or mini riffs the sound kinda gets lost[/quote] Sounds to me like an EQ problem. Are you sure that you're not cutting too much of the mid/upper-mid frequencies to get your "VERY bassy" sound?

How do you improve on perfection? There's never been a sexier shape than the Strat, Precision or Jazz.

[quote]I should have a wiring diagram based on the original configuration. If I can fish it out I'll PM you the mod (very simple, but off the top of my head I can't remember what wires you have to cut & move, failing that I'll hoy the back off the fretless & send a pic).[/quote] Thanks Pete, I would very much appreciate that...if it's not too much trouble. Cheers, Steve

[quote name='Shaggy' post='652258' date='Nov 12 2009, 08:29 AM']There was a time when if you watched TOPTP almost every bassist had one of these...... Love that double-neck! [/quote] You mean, rather like this...[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPKDS5QP0Tc"]TOTP[/url] That's one devilishly handsome bass player, don't you think? Still got the bass. Anyone know where I can get the electrics looked at?

I am embarrassed to say, it's been 30 years since I actually [i]bought[/i] a bass (Aria SB1000). Been fortunate enough to have been given a few in that time though. To ease my embarrassment, I should add that I have a Stingray 5 on order (3 months to deliver )

My basses have been in more aircraft holds than I care to remember. Not once have I loosened the strings - Not once have I had a problem. More important to use heavy duty, well padded flight cases.

[quote name='beerdragon' post='637936' date='Oct 27 2009, 02:17 PM']Nah i'll go with Manfred Manns Earthband.[/quote] Aww, shucks! I saw this thread yesterday, but didn't feel that I had any worthwhile advice. I started playing bass full-time in 1974. But, didn't really consider myself as being professional until about 1980, when I got my first "proper" gig with Hazel O'Connor, touring the UK, Europe, the US. Since then I've been lucky enough to have rarely been out of a gig. As beerdragon rightly says, I'm with Manfred Mann's Earth Band, and have been since 1985 . Even after 24 years with MMEB I still consider it a privilege to work with such great musicians and singers. During those 24 years I've played with some other artists, even doing a couple of weeks (depping) with Bucks Fizz (about 1994). Re: getting on in the business. Aside from the obvious, the most important thing is; you do need to be able to get along with people. I would prefer to work with a slightly less accomplished musician who was easy to get along with than a better musician who was a pita. Steve

Watching Top of the Pops religiously, as a child, every Thursday, through the 60s and 70s. Listening and watching the bands, thinking "that's what I want to do"... So, I gotta say, doing TOTP for the first time...ambition fulfilled! And, receiving my first paycheck...for playing music.

Not interested in the "He's better than him" BS... But, interestingly, it wasn't till the Flea clip that my foot started tapping.

I'm not a big fan of encores, either as a performer or as a punter. It's something that we (the band) have discussed, agonised and argued about for many years. We've tried not doing encores with no explanation (think we only tried that once ); Not doing encores and explaining that this really is the end of the show (tried that several times). The problem is, everyone expects it. If you don't play the (encore) game it can create bad vibes and turn, what was, a fun and enjoyable event, into something unpleasant.

This thread reads like "spot the deliberate mistake" [quote]I,II,III,V,IV so in D you would have D,E,Fsharp,A,B[/quote] Doddy, I'm sure you're in the process of correcting this as I type

[quote name='beerdragon' post='609987' date='Sep 27 2009, 01:47 PM']Hey Steve, if you don't mind me asking what made a pro player in a pretty well known band come on Basschat.(your the only one on here as far as i know) i've always wondered if they have any interest in what the rest of the bass playing community are doing and playing.[/quote] Hi beerdragon, I can't remember how I found BC, probably just stumbled upon it Googling for something or other. Anyhow, it looked interesting, and initially, I thought, as I've been around the block a few times, that maybe I could offer some advice to anyone new to the business. The reality is, that I've actually picked up a few bits n bobs myself, and now I try to check in regularly to see who/what's new, and occasionally I'll add my 2 bobsworth to any interesting debate or discussion I have a view on. BC is a great resource that, unfortunately, wasn't around in my formative years. BTW I think that there are a few pros here. Jakesbass I know, from reading some of his posts, is a full timer, Who, I think, does quite a lot of session work - on the road and in the studio (sorry Jake if I've got that wrong). And there are others, whose names I can't remember offhand.

I have quite strong views on this. If a band can't produce a totally "live" live album then they shouldn't do one. It rankles me when bands/artists pull the wool over peoples eyes just so they can pretend to be better than they really are. Mind you, it's not as bad as going to a "live" show and not getting a "live" show... Here's a LIVE album I played on...and guess what...It's [b]all live. [/b] [url="http://www.manfredmann.co.uk/music/malive.html"]mp3 samples[/url]

[quote name='barneyg42' post='603034' date='Sep 19 2009, 06:01 PM']Went to Go West in the midlands with an ex who was a big fan especially of Peter Cox. Stopped at services on the way back and Peter and Richard Drummie turn up just as shes using the coffee machine. Cue Peter to go over and help her press ONE button she had to press to get the drink while she gawped at him. Speechless and melted on the floor was how it looked.[/quote] I think your ex may well be interested in PC's next venture - tba in the next couple of weeks. She doesn't live near Southampton by any chance, does she?

[quote]I used to get the odd day or two in the first 6 months of playing when I got frustrated that I couldnt do something and thought about quitting. But I rode it thru and ive been playing 4-5 years now and ive only just realised that im in no way musical. I dont understand music, I dont understand theory, [b]I dont listen to much music[/b] and I do not have any sence of rythem.[/quote] [b]Simon Cowell mode: ON[/b] [u]"I dont listen to much music"[/u] Why do you want to be a musician? Judging by your post it seems to me that you're not really into music. To get any enjoyment out of [i]playing[/i] music - you've, at the very least, got to enjoy [i]listening[/i] to it... preferably, loads of it. I really don't mean to sound harsh, but, perhaps music is not for you. [b]Simon Cowell mode: OFF[/b]

Yeah, saw a DVD of this guy a year or so ago. Very impressive and very talented.