grumpyguts

Was gig number 5 as a returned bass player. A long drive for a dep gig at a big pub in Crowborough. Its a pub we played a few months ago (was gig number 1)and they asked us back.

Did ok, now starting to relax a bit more and enjoying the job. Now the thought of playing for two hours isn't such a big deal. Would have been quite happy to carry on a bit longer.

Some well oiled sorts were having fun which was entertaining to watch, plus good feedback from the punters and the landlord, made a good night.

I don't see what's wrong with a band churning out a set of old stuff if people are happy to pay to see it. I am sure that the vast majority who have seen ACDC on the current tour had a great time. Is there any reason why a band should stop touring just because they have been around for 40 years?

What I object to is the rip off ticket agencies that make tours like this nearly impossible to get to see without paying double the price. That's a whole different matter.

Ok so they are past their best but I enjoyed their Wembley gig last year. Nothing wrong with a bit of senseless noise and nonsense. When bands like ACDC stop the world will be a less entertaining place.

That is a lovely thing (except for pu guard) but.. Somewhat more expensive.

After much deliberation I ordered a Marcus Miller V7 Vintage Alder-5 AWH. Thomann had stock when I placed the order.

Oh dear, I get an email telling me it wont be available till Jan 17.

So what to do? The Swamp Ash one is apparently available but is about £60 more.

What would you do, wait or spend the extra?

I got Flea.

Did it again thinking that I was giving Sid Vicious type answers - got Entwistle.

My next bass will be a 5 string Jazz. I played a Squire VM Olympic White - liked it a lot @ £316 from GAK it looks a decent buy. However for £460 from Thomann I can have a red one of these. What to do?

I was happy with the neck profile on the Squire, anyone know how the Miller bass compares?

It was a wedding gig a very happy and chilled vibe. We did our stuff, guests were grooving. All went rather well.

Its not a stage fright thing, its just stupid doubts enter the mind. I'll just ignore them in future.

That's what I'm doing. Why do I start to think that stuff I have played countless times will just somehow go all wrong. Only third gig as a returned bass player.

What does your brain do to you at these times? Or are you a grizzled old pro who just turns up and bashes it out?

How very dare you!

Perhaps it's a no win situation. I use light 40-90 strings, anything substantially heavier doesn't feel right. So it's possible to dismiss a bass simply due to the wrong strings. Should I spend + £500 on the chance that it would sound and play "right" when I change the strings?

I am sure that this has happened to us all. Convince yourself you want or need something, have the good sense to try it and find that it's not right.

Guitar Village in Farnham have an Ibanez SR755-NTF @ £568, off I go this morning to try it out. Well of course it's new - that is an unexpected problem. Not familiar looking down on a pristine bass, seems wrong for a chap of my limited abilities to be playing such a thing. It's the first 5 string I have played, the sting spacing seems a lot tighter than I expected, I know that this is a characteristic of the Ibanez range but didn't expect it to be so alien. Plus the neck pickup is closer to the neck than I like.

Spend a few mins farting around and leave happy not to have spent any money. Back to my beaten up Thunder 1A and OLP.

I brought my Hartke LH500 never having seen one, that turned out ok. To buy a bass unless it's something inexpensive, without having played it risks expensive disappointment.

I don't have the knowledge to understand why I should dislike it.

Ok, so what's the problem with it? I have to play it for a regular dep job; hasn't done me any harm.

I have an LH500.. Wot is the valve upgrade?

I have one, the Warwick info on it states 400w @ 8 ohms. Used with a Hartke LH500 + Warwick 1x15 or soon a TC 2x10

I paid £150 last year - it was "as new" so £130 looks ok

Good, cos the 1x15 is looking surplus, I think I need another 2x10. Maybe finally buy a new bass, something with 5 strings.

Oh well, actually got a gig tomorrow and in the words of Brian Johnson I'll have an arse like a rabbits nose. Probably want to sell the lot after..

Back in the same room tonight. Didn't plug in the 1x15, with just the 2x10 the sound / tone was 100% better.

Ah.. Yes the compressor has helped. I don't use it so it had been consigned to the spares box.

Too Young To Die - Jamiroquai; no prob playing the line but I can't get the right sound. Having listened to this a lot I have decided it's a sound I could use a lot - I like it.

Within my setup:- Hartke LH500 + Bass Attack preamp + Thunder 1a with added jazz pup something approaching the right noise must be in there somewhere but I haven't got close enough.

So should I try different strings - currently D'Addario Pro Steel - poss to bright?

Any help and guidance greatly appreciated.

And... yes I know its a rather poor ancient old tool but the Thunder has been with me since 1984 and I am a sentimental fool - gotta give it a chance to do the business.

Looks like a learning curve ahead.. Thanks for the advice.

So I cant use this as an excuse to buy a load of new kit?

It was swervjam - room 1. We usually go to Jamspace in Winchester.

We normally use a small practice room, just enough space for Drums, Bass, Guitar, Keys and vocals + the occasional sax; very little room to move around. I'm generally happy with my sound in this space - tight and clear. But we tend to be a bit too loud.

Today we were in a room at least three time the size - I could go for a walk. However I was not at all happy with my sound - much less definition than usual.

I don't have years of experience to call on, yet to play a gig with this band - June 25th will be the first for many years. Is this the sound I can expect when moving into bigger rooms / venues?

Kit used: Hartke LH500 with Warwick WCA 1x15 & 2x10 cabs. Bass Thunder 1a with added Jazz bridge pu.

It was Jagz; a very enjoyable evening.

No probs with the Hartke, loud / clean / simple - all good.

I can't really compare it to anything else; as a "returning" bass player it's the first amp I have had since a 1985 Carlsbro Cobra 90...