dadofsix

Until the guitarists agree to actively work with you to "lock in" on a good practice sound and an even better live sound, and be disciplined about not noodling with their sound, you may be wasting your time. It sounds like when you get a good sound, the guitarists are hearing room for a change in their sounds and the muddiness cycle begins again. The guitarists may not even be aware that they are causing the sonic problem. It's going to require a "team effort" to lock into a "team sound." Good luck

I left live music in 1984 to raise a family and build a career. I came back to it quite by accident in 2006 when a friend, who was starting a group to play contemporary Christian music at our church, asked me if I could fill in on bass for a couple of weeks for the regular bass player. I did and liked it. The kiddies by then were pretty much grown and headed to college so I played for quite a while in that group while I attended that church. Then I got an invite to play bass in a local southern rock/country group. Had a laughable audition (that was NOT the music I was brought up on -- I cut my teeth on British rock!) but they were really patient with me and were genuinely good people. I'm still with them years later and work with two other groups as side projects.

Some brave soul should start a poll with about a hundred "classics" on it. Each person who participates in the poll would then get twenty votes. Over time, and it could takes months, it might become clear what the most covered "classics" are. The results might be a surprise. lol And, no, I'm not volunteering!!! Over and out! lol

Play well, but don't obsess on it. Have fun, and LOOK like you're having fun. Remember, you're auditioning them, as well. <><Peace

I'm still playing enough to enjoy having a variety on necks to play on, and sounds to hear when playing. It looks like you've already made up your mind as to "downsizing" so best of luck whatever you decide. As for me, I'll just happily continue playing my children's inheritance! lol

Congrats. It's a beauty!

Does this count??? lol [attachment=185180:IMG_0309.JPG]

[quote name='gary mac' timestamp='1424940497' post='2702070'] I have heard of this very rare condition but a little further research reveals that it is easily rectified. For Gods sake man, pull yourself together and don't let any of our wives/girlfriends/partners know that this condition exists. [/quote] Not just the BEST answer . . . the ONLY answer!! lol

I'm guessing that Elvis would have approved. Well done Mr. McCartney. Well done indeed!

Geez Louise! Guys, where in blue blazes do you find these basses?? Some of them are so outlandish I'm almost feeling pangs of GAS! Well, to be honest, it may be the chili I had for lunch, but STILL, those are some great basses!

I agree that some studio time (and time with a good producer) may give the singer time to hone his craft. Some of my favorite vocalists of all time have had, shall we say, less than perfect voices. But it's what they did with that imperfect voice that made the impact on me. Is the singer "teachable," I wonder? Or is he, in his own mind, a "finished work?" I hope he's open to learning ways to expand his vocal abilities. Regards and a sincere best of luck!

There's this thing in criminal cases here on this side of the pond called restitution. If the police recovered the bass and have charged the person with the theft, he or she should also be charged with the theft of the unrecovered items. Then, when a judge finds the person guilty, prompt payment of the restitution amount of the unrecovered items is often added as a condition to the guilty person not serving an active sentence behind bars. If it's not paid promptly, then off to jail he or she goes. Best of luck to you. <><Peace

[quote name='thebrig' timestamp='1422379150' post='2671919'] I got myself a Comfort Strapp which does help a bit, I will use it every day at home for a week or two, and will then start using at gigs and rehearsals. [/quote] A big +1 for the Comfort Strapp padded pro bass strap! I now use them on my Warwick and the Precision when playing live. What a difference!!! :-)

My GAS seems to be under control (though there is that Guild 12 string that is oh, so sweet! lol) My children, who are themselves musicians, know that I'm "playing their inheritance." They're cool with that. :-)

[quote name='Wooks79' timestamp='1424693985' post='2699159'] I can't imagine I would very nice to live with if I had no chance to get out a bit and let off some steam... [/quote] I think that's the problem that the OPs girlfriend is suffering with having to spend so much time alone with two tiny children. Just sayin

I enjoyed it with one small caveat: in addition to being a bass player, I'm also a singer. I've fronted for many a band over the years. You guys have an exciting and vibrant stage appearance, but you need a different vocalist. Frankly, the stage show might become the stuff of legend if you add a good front-man who's got a good voice AND who's NOT a pr*ck. Not an easy task, I know, but one worthy of putting some time into. <><Peace

Small children can make any relationship rocky, at times. Without knowing more of your situation, I can only generalize. Forgive me if I offend in any way. Look, from your perspective, you're working hard, doing what you love, and getting paid to do it. From her perspective, you're out having fun WITH ADULTS, while she's trapped at home with two teeny weenies with all the responsibilities of a single mother when you're away. I'm not saying that it's fair that she's feeling this way but, when push comes to shove, I'm guessing she's feeling trapped in her situation without you there. Deep down, I don't think she wants you to change. What I DO think she wants is for you to recognize her sacrifice, for you to find appropriate and genuine ways of showing her how much you appreciate that sacrifice, for you to support her willingly and happily when she needs time to herself, or when she needs time with you. Marriage is hard work, to be sure. But it is infinitely easier if both partners feel that the other is pulling their weight in the responsibilities department. She's already had time to build up resentment. It will take time for that resentment to cool -- but it will. One last thing before I end this missive, never forget that she's the one who is answering your children's question: "Where is daddy tonight?" Do you want them to hear their mother tell them that: "Daddy is off working hard for us. He really wishes he could be here with us now but he can't, so make him feel extra special when you see him tomorrow." OR, do you want them to hear: "Your father is off with his friends having fun. He doesn't have any time for us." Daughters and sons learn from their father what it means to be the "man of the house." Just what are they learning from you? Make her feel appreciated. Go more than the extra mile in sacrificing your free time so she can remember what it's like being an adult without having children grabbing at her leg or feeling that she needs to immediately respond to a whiney voice. You married this woman knowing what was expected of you. You brought children into this world knowing how much would be demanded of you. I'm not saying you shouldn't pursue your dream. What I am saying is that you should do everything you can to show her how much you appreciate what she is sacrificing of her own dreams while you pursue yours. Best of luck to you and your family. <><Peace

i used a GK 400rb III for years. I even had a old GK400rb for a backup. I'm now using a GK 1001rb II for the larger shows. I've found that my GK amps have given me everything I want -- and more!! <><Peace

To those of you making reference to the Paice/Glover rhythm section, you reminded me that my brother's favorite drummer was Ian Paice. He and I spent many an hour working out their arrangements on Deep Purple songs. Roger Glover is an outstanding bass player. I had completely forgotten about that! :-)

And people wonder why so many of us suffer from tinnitus! lol

I was probably around twelve the first time I heard Paul McCartney play and realized that a bass guitar could do more that just "thunk" "thunk" "thunk!" I was hooked. I got to where I thought I was pretty good. Then, I heard Entwistle play. Oh my!

That's pretty much why I practice with the fretless. With an amp or without an amp, the focus is on the production of well defined notes. <><Peace

1 hour 17 minutes on tis mood music to be sure. Unfortunately, I'm not in the mood. :-)

[quote name='Nicko' timestamp='1423654818' post='2687422'] I missed rehearsals yesterday and just got a text saying the next song on our playlist will be "Knocking on Heavens Door", G&R version. So no, I my set list is no longer my playlist. I think they're punishing me for not turning up. Surely this is against the Geneva convention? [/quote] I missed a band practice one time back in the 70s and came to find out that I had been "fired" as the bass player and elected to front the band as the lead vocalist. lol

Not enough "bang for the buck."