scrumpymike

This refers to the 'bass karaoke' set-up I mentioned earlier. The idea is that people can evaluate the kit they're interested in over one of the pre-recorded backing tracks that me and my buddy gig with.

Thanks for that y5s - very helpful. Re gear demo's, my idea is that the people requesting a demo of specific equipment will be the ones playing the bass line of their chosen song. As for celeb's, I'd really discounted that on the grounds that it would be a distraction from the main aim of meeting bass buddies and evaluating gear. I do agree about getting our sponsors to give a short presentation though; that was planned last time but somehow got forgotten about on the day (I think partly because 2 of our 3 sponsors were fairly absorbed in discussing the business deal that they announced shortly afterwards).

Greetings Steve - a bass-playing neighbour no less! I've added your name to the list so you'll have to come now . Let us know in due course what (if anything) you might be bringing.

Ahh, that's great! Thanks Wilco, didn't know that.

Perfect!

Yes, like last year I've hired the whole of the hall for the day and I think that arrangement worked well.

Great idea!! But we'll have to do it like in 'The Full Monty' to keep the costs down

+1

So, HOW CAN WE IMPROVE ON LAST YEAR? Don't get me wrong, if this year's bash is no better than 2017, nobody will be going home disappointed. However, on the basis that there's always room for improvement, I've been doing some thinking. The only thing I've come up with is something I already considered before the last, inaugural BFS-WBB. For me, the main point behind the bash is to explore different permutations of bass, amp and cabs and try and translate that into how it would sound in a gig situation. If we repeat last year's set up, we know there'll be no shortage of instruments and equipment (our own and sponsors'); we'll also have a decent-sized hall with some bodies in it and a stage. The only thing we won't know is how different stuff/settings will cut through in a live mix - which for many of us is the most important thing to know. So, here's my idea: one of my gigs is a two-piece covers band, where me and my buddy play (bass and guitar) and sing live to recorded backing tracks. If we set our kit up in a small space on stage, we can provide the missing mix. Anyone could choose a number they'd like to play along to using kit selected from what's available (i.e. their own and that of willing donors). Another option (rather than a free-for-all) but be to establish from the bashers what their most popular amp/cab combinations are and just demo those. If done properly, I think this could work really well and provide us with the 'missing link'. (It might also reduce the amount random, gratuitous noodling ) The trick would be to manage it (so it doesn't get too intrusive and tiresome for those who don't gig) by restricting sessions to certain times during the 10am-4pm core period AND/OR continuing for an hour or so afterwards for those who wanted to. We also need to think carefully about how to make it informative - and even entertaining! - for the 'audience'. I (and I'm guessing Rich) would be happy to 'MC-lite' this part of the bash to keep it all under control. I'd welcome your views on this suggestion together with any others (especially from those who attended last year). Thanks, Mike

Must confess I won't be rushing out to buy a B-Social - aka B-Antisocial Apologies to edstraker123 and others affected, I know it's no joke for you guys.

" I've updated the title to better reflect the content / sentiment of this thread." Ha-ha! Thanks Al, although I wasn't trying to whitewash Ashdown - just wanted to promote a balanced view

This thread really has taken the lid off a big can of worms! As someone who spent many happy years gigging the 'proper' TE stuff, it's not surprising that I have warm feelings towards their true 'spiritual' successor, Ashdown. My recent acquisition of the (IMHO) excellent ex-Lozz RM 500 EVO together with Ashdown's unsolicited offer via this forum to replace the fan FOC has only reinforced my positive feelings. Having said that, a few of the posts on here prove that there are others who have had negative experiences. On balance, I really do believe that Ashdown are an honest bunch of people doing a decent job given all the circumstances - as outlined in their frank explanation of the pressures/challenges typically faced by a small design and manufacturing company trying to offer quality products at affordable prices in a niche market.

That's brilliant Andy - list edited accordingly.

I'll pretend I didn't see that!

OK, that's the list updated with all of the above - which is already more than enough to keep me happy.

Or even 'skonns'

As expected, there's a happy ending to this story. I met up with Andy today and, having got back home and had a quick play, I can report that Rascal Mervyn-Lyte is an absolute joy. Andy's managed to retain the excellent features of the original Rascal (playability, sounds and controls) and make good the things I didn't like about it (weight and positioning on the strap); and that's without even mentioning the lovely walnut cut by my late buddy Merv. Andy's said a few times that he doesn't claim his stuff is perfect. All I can say is that this one's perfect for me.

Done - who knows, you might leave with more than that

Tried the active Elwood / Mesa thru the One10s again today, but this time stacked the cabs on their ends with the round ports at the bottom rather than at the side. Tried this as I remembered Alex at BF saying the cabs are more bassy on their sides. He's right - this way round the sounds are noticeably in the cleaner/more focussed SC direction. So many variables - don't you just love it?!

That's done Pete - we're up and running!

Ooops! Just got a telling off from Mrs. Scrumpy for not showing the cakes she baked

Not sure why, but these fell off the end of the last post: http:// http:// http:// http://

OK boys and girls, we've all been thru the festive black hole and it's time to get this show properly on the road! To kick things off, here's a list of those who have posted their interest so far (some of whom have already paid): 0175westwood29 - Full rig and a few basses; Andyjr1515 - Kert's Camphor Single Cut, Pete's EB3 Tribute' Pete's Piccolo bass, my 6-string electric version of the piccolo (which will be finished by then) BreadBin - Fender MIJ Jazz Bass Special (which isn't really a Jazz!); Allen Eden Jazz (which is); a Hutchins Thunderbolt Tele; Hohner B bass IV; a Cort Curbow; a Freya P51 rep; my BC Rich Zombie (so anyone that wants to can experience the horror!); Hartke HA3500 amp; Behringer cabs; and some effects if it helps? Chienmortbb ChunkyMunky - Genz Benz ShuttleMax 9.2 + Greenboy/fEarful 1x12 and lots of pedals. derreybass Dino G (Stew's mate) Evil Undead fiatcoupe432 fordbass GrahamT Jabba the gut - S-scale and fretless semi hollow basses built since the last bash plus the medium scale WIP should be done. Maybe also 5 String spalted beech bass, TC RS112 cabs and/or PJB Cub. JapanAxe Jimrs2k2 Josh LewisK1975 Mike Gillett MoJoKe Norm - Trace Elliot v4, Barefaced Vintage 2x15, some pedals, Squier VM P5, Squier VM J5, Musicman Stingray 4, Roland Microbass cube with Headphones. olipaulo - Status Empathy 5, TC BH800 & Schroeder 1515L paddy109 Pea Turgh - Squier JV P; Squier '90s P with a narrow neck; Ampeg pf350; Barefaced One10 tweedy. Phil Starr Pinball - I can bring a bass or two from....Ibby BTB1805, ATK 805, BC SB335 or G&L SB2. Rich - SWR Bass Monitor 12, if the 1x12 shootout happens. Genz-Benz Shuttle 6 and EBS Neo 212 (for anyone curious as to how their own bass might sound through a G-B or a neo 2x12). Will see what I can dig out for the raffle -- might have a spare set of nickel D'Adds hanging around. Scrumpymike - Maruszczyk Elwood 4a (s-s); Mensinger Caspar 4p (s-s); Rascal Mervyn-Lyte (s-s); Hohner The Jack; Mesa Subway 800; Eden WTX264; Ashdown RM 500 EVO; TC Electronic BH550 + footswitch Sean - MJW Taranis 200 all-valve UK built amp; various Gen 3 Barefaced cabs; Laney Nexus Tube 400; Mesa 400+; and some of my basses. stewblack - Home-made shoulder-saver system; MIJ bass styled after 'the one we dare not name' and a couple of Westones (all '80s). TheRev - upright bass plus a couple of Arnapol cab's Woodinblack - I will bring the Maruszczyk elwood (5), my sr1605, and maybe the iceman for a laugh! yorks5stringer - 72 Fender Telecaster Bass; 51 notafender Precision Bass; notafender 75 Jazz Bass (if not sold); Minimark 802; floral Fender Tele-style "understated one trick pony". Could also bring a Squier Jaguar 5 if anyone is interested too. As last time, I'll edit the list on a regular basis to show additional names and what gear everyone is planning to bring, with items for sale in bold/underlined (see Scrumpymike example above). So, over to you to start posting what you're bringing. Don't worry if you're not sure - it's all a moveable feast up to the last minute so just give me your best guess now and update it later! Three months and counting Mike PS For the newbies on the list, here's a flavour from last year: http:// http:// http://

PMs sent to Pea Turgh and paddy109 - thanks guys!