blue

Great topic! 25 years ago, in terms of gigging, I would have said; [i]"What do I need effects for?"[/i] Well, things change. For me it's single pedals. IMO the digital multi effects are better for guitarists and for recording. The blue MXR Bass Octave gives a nice thick sound. I use it under guitar solos for a thick sound. Keep in mind some pedals are not going to track the low E string very well. And Humbuckers hit pedals completely different than single coil PUs. My board is nothing fancy, appropriate for what I do, 4 hour bar gigs, Fairs and Festivals. Give me old school stomp boxes. [u][b]My Board[/b][/u][list] [*]Line 6 G-30 Wireless Relay [*]Korg Pitch Black Tuner [*]MXR Bass Octave [*]Boss Over Drive ( love this for a groovy sustain ) [*]MXR Phase 90 ( Phase Shifter, new, ill try it out this weekend ) [*]Digitech Bass Synth ( I actually use it in my solo in "Them Changes" ) [*]TC Electronics Mini Flash Back, dedicated delay ( new, I try it out this weekend ) [*]EBS Multi Comp., Compression ( stays on all night ) [*]TC Electronics Hall Of Fame Reverb [/list] Soft Case with storage. The only effect I plan on adding to the board is a dedicated reverb.I am not sure how, when, or where I will apply it. Interesting , reverb seems to be one of the more expensive dedicated effects. [i][b]10/17 , Reverb and delay additions.[/b][/i] BTW, I highly recommend Voodoo Labs power brick for any pedal boards. Blue

[quote name='neepheid' timestamp='1413244036' post='2576383'] That's OK, I'm not really serious about any of it, but I just seem to muddle through anyway. [/quote] No problem, there's plenty of guys out there playing bass and it's more of a fun side thing, not really serious. Blue

I wish my phone was ringing like Willie's. Blue

[quote name='blamelouis' timestamp='1413122957' post='2575069'] Heard a story the solo was recorded on different nights and pasted together. Dunno how true that is. [/quote] Maybe, who knows. Regardless it's still "top shelf". Blue

[quote name='jakenewmanbass' timestamp='1413123305' post='2575073'] sublime... and yep Willie Weeks is dynamite on all of it, worth checking him out on Rickie Lee Jones first album too... [/quote] And over here you will always hear the ignorant ones on automatic pilot with that " I hate Country Music " response. Well Willie moved to Nashville just like Frampton and Walsh did. I'm sure these guys all had good reason for it. Blue

[quote name='Huge Hands' timestamp='1413072449' post='2574762'] His live album with Willie Weeks on bass is fantastic - and one of the best bass solos ever (IMHO) [/quote] That solo is already a huge part a rock and roll history. One of my favorite albums of all time. It's surreal. You can hear the whole album plus outtakes on Youtube. Blue

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1413189869' post='2575527'] I always thought it was a good deal for the bar owner the way the U.S run it... they could pay very low wages knowing that the culture of tipping would make the money up and more than worthwhile for the staff and the staff really have to work the 'tip' all on the basis of good service. The U/S is known for being more service orientated and this is just an extension of it. The culture here is more to price the job for the money you want and expect to walk away with that fee which you were happy with. Of course, no one will likely turn down a bonus but they tend to be rare. A pub might throw a tip if you have done exceptionally well for them but you then might expect that every time which is why they tend to be rare.. One-off gigs like parties, might generate a tip but again no on expects one if they have priced the gig well. [/quote] Great topic, if I say so myself. Let me ad this, there is a direct correlation between tips and a gig. I notice the nights when the band is hot and hitting on all 6 cylinders our tip jar is a direct reflection of that night and the reverse is also true. Ok, [b][i]Private Parties[/i][/b]. I'm not keen on the tip jar at private parties. I am not comfortable looking for tips from our clients personal guests. Blue

At my age and stage of playing in my life I come to my gigs prepared. That means I always have a plan B, I always have a back up bass, amp and all sorts of cords, batteries ect... I come in prepared to provide a service like any other professional. If your really serious about your craft, your business and music you will too. I've never had to use any of my back up gear ever,however I'm prepared if something fails. And I've never asked to use anyone's gear. Occasionally we will split a show with band and that's when the issue of amp sharing comes up. It took me many decades to be able to afford what I consider mid-range level bass guitars and amps. I take extreme care of all my gear. My answer is always a polite diplomatic decline. Now young kids ( teenagers), struggling to get into this rock business with less than marginal quirky 3rd tier gear, at that level and stage of your rock life, I say you should all be out there helping each other out. Cool? Blue

[quote name='Geek99' timestamp='1413098264' post='2574810'] Isn't tipping in the us just to subsidise lower pay ? Think beginning of reservoir dogs. You say this yourself whdn you observe the haircut pay situation [/quote] Well, I'm not sure. I really don't have a lot of hair to cut. she discounted the haircut price from $15.00 to $10.00. I figure she gave so I gave. Subsidize lower pay? I guess, never looked at it that way. I don't do it for everyone or every service. Blue

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1413108025' post='2574906'] Round here pubs pay upto £400 for a band... we can get £350 and I assume one or two do better. The bar will put their drinks up to cover for live music and generally it works. You can tell which pubs are good music pubs by the lenght of time they have been able to put on good music nights. Depends on the business model... some pubs stay with local bands which they can get cheaper, but then to fill 2 nights a week on a 3 month rota can get hard. If you ship in better bands, then they are more expensive and also want travel costs so it is a fine line that only the Pub can really navigate. The better bands have to accpet they may subsidise other nights and can't take everything they think they may be owed on their gig, and also the pub may put on a cheaper band at £150 so they have more money elsewhere. Not quite robbing Peter to pay Paul but you get the jist. Punters are sensitive to paying higher drink prices and some want free entertainment as well as drink at usual prices. Sometimes you can't win... I tend to play pubs that I would drink in.. so I will support the venue even if I am not fussed about the band on that night. Many bands will tell you there is nowhere to play... and moan about the local scene...but I don't always see them supporting venues or other bands. It should be give and take.. If you are getting good enough money... then passing round the hat/jar is maybe asking too much from the audience, certainly if they are paying extra on drinks that night.. [/quote] Getting [i][b]"Good Enough Money"[/b][/i]. For me, there's never enough "Good Enough Money" I like coming home with a feeling we had great performance and as much cash in my wallet as possible. It's a business. I say; [i]"Nothing Wrong with Asking"[/i] and there is absolutely no pressure to tip. As far as the off topic,[b] "[i]places to play"[/i][/b]. The clubs that do the work to establish themselves as a venue for live music and are true supporters of live music and draw in the few folks left that still understand and appreciate live rock music pay the going rate and and these are always cool places to play. Now we do still play those places that occasionally book a band, but it's not cool, mainly because their clientele is not there to see live music and they don't dig it when a band is playing. These gigs are, as expected a real drag. My opinion, you can't win over these folks that don't connect with or care about live music. Another off topic comment,[i][b] "supporting other bands"[/b][/i]. I make it a point to go out and see the competition and other local live bands when I'm not gigging. It's something I've always enjoyed. I do not understand my musician friends that won't go out to see other bands, but complain when their bands have poor attendance at their gigs. Much Respect, Blue

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1413062248' post='2574672'] 'Tipping', to me, is akin to busking, with the guitar case open on the ground. You're relying on the goodwill of the folks around. It's a half-step up from begging. If a restaurant owner wants decent staff, he should pay them decent money, and the healthcare contributions etc which go with it. Tipping as a revenue evades this. It has no place in a decent modern society, imo. Just my tuppence-worth. (...but if you could see your way clear to spare a copper or two, I'd be much obliged, sir...) [/quote] Cultural difference. my band is your typical $100.00 a man bar/club band. Over here people put money in the tip jar only because they really got off on the band. I don't think buskers are receiving a set fee. Blue

[quote name='TheSiberian' timestamp='1413060558' post='2574653'] I never understood why you have to tip and to pay in the same time?[/quote] I don't think you have to tip anywhere regardless of the service. It's not mandatory. Blue

[quote name='Protium' timestamp='1413056638' post='2574618'] If you passed a jar round the places we used to play it would almost certainly be launched at the stage at some point. If you're getting paid, it's a bit cheeky IMO and gives the wrong message. [/quote] Understood,and this cultural difference is really interesting. What is the message your giving when you put out a tip jar in the UK? Overall we have tip friendly culture in the USA. I think they know we aren't getting rich and I think we actually like tipping. For example , I had my hair cut, it was 10.00. Now, I know these salons don't pay these ladies squat, so I always leave a tip of $10.00. And I always leave a tip in the tip jar when I'm out checking out other bands. Blue

[quote name='MoonBassAlpha' timestamp='1413017473' post='2574135'] Used to see it years ago, in places where the audience got in for nowt. Not seen this for years, but I think it's a really nice idea, if you've had a really great time. Show a little extra appreciation, after all, it's not mandatory, like door fees. [/quote] Interesting, for the most part the venues that hire bar bands never charge a cover. It's only the originals clubs that have the back room where the band plays that charge a cover. Usually $5.00. And you don't need your man at the door because there's never enough money to argue over. Milwaukee is a challenging city for the originals bands. Another interesting note. When I've seen originals bands, they are usually playing for free and they never use tip jars and you would think they could really use some extra cash. 4 hour bar gigs are not easy for any of us, It's a lot of work, especially when you provide sound and lighting.It takes us well over an hour to get the band ready for the stage and over an hour to tear down. Blue

There are a myriad of reasons guys decide to put playing bass guitar and working with bands on hold. The reason, I think, that hurts the most are when guys live in tiny market areas and there are just not enough opportunities to make playing and gigging realistic. Blue

Interesting, there is a definitive cultural difference here. I would say 90% of the 4 hour bar bands use a tip jar at paid gigs. Blue

[quote name='Tdw' timestamp='1412981471' post='2573940'] I think in the uk this is pretty rare, maybe at free gigs but its not something ive eve done or seen many times [/quote] Free gigs? Blue

Position or placement of my amp doesn't matter. I rarely hear my amp, I make sure I have a strong signal coming through the stage monitors in front of me. If you are relying on your amp to hear yourself and are not using stage monitors there are to many variables from venue to venue. Blue

[quote name='moonbass' timestamp='1412847897' post='2572573'] I've just bought tickets for this show: [url="http://london.brooklynbowl.com/event/557137-maceo-parker-london/"]http://london.brookl...-parker-london/[/url] And have to say I'm pretty excited! Has anyone been to this venue before? It seems to get some poor reviews, so fairly surprised he's playing there. Or has anyone seen Maceo play recently? I'm trying not to build my expectations up too high, but failing miserably! Andy [/quote] Why is Maceo playing at the Brooklyn Bowl? Us locals are not the only ones struggling for bookings. It's tough at all levels right now. Here in Milwaukee, we had one of the double bill shows scheduled, I think it was Heart & Foreigner. The show was canceled, guess why. Yup, poor ticket sales. Blue

I'm lucky, life circumstances have never positioned me to stop playing and gigging. I know that at some point I'll have to cut back, I' not getting any younger. I would love to break out from the 4 hour bar shows to the better paying 90 minute show case gigs. Blue

Do you guys in the UK put out a tip jar at your gigs. I think it's pretty common in the USA. In addition to our fee we always put out our tip jar. On a good night it can mean an extra 20 bucks in everyone's pocket. I'm not to proud or above the tip jar. I can always use a 20. I remember on 2 separate gigs an unknown couple gave everyone in the band $100.00 including our sound guy. What is the protocol in the UK? Comments or views on the "tip jar". Blue

I'm not going to lie, getting into gigging at 39 is not going to be easy. It's not easy at 29 or 19. Finding a solid and stable band with gigs is hard. Don't give up, stay out there, look at all opportunities not just the perfect opportunities.Above all be prepared when something comes up. Blue

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1412513705' post='2569464'] I don't understand people taking basses to open mic nights to be honest, as they very much tend to be places for singer/songwriters to play their stuff. If I was playing any of my acoustic stuff at an open mic night the last thing I'd want is a bassist with no experience of the material being played trying to bluff their way along with it. Jam nights are a different thing altogether. In my experience all these sorts of things tend to be incredibly cliquey & as a result I tend not to bother with them anymore - spent too many evenings waiting to play whilst the organisers & their friends turn it into a big buddy club circle jerk. [/quote] I agree with your point about bass players at open mics. Again, these open mics around here are nothing like the jam sessions I remember from the late 60s and 70s. Blue

For me it's;[list] [*]Were a start up project [*]Where are all the good bass players? ( when it's a start up project with nothing to offer and they want everything from you ) [*]We plan on gigging no more than once a month [/list] Blue

If you were the right age, Paul Revere & The Raiders were one of the few groups we could see on TV everyday. They were on Dick Clark's "Where The Action Is" at 4:30 everyday. Blue