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I use JMB with mixed results over the years but then again I've always kept it non- political... https://www.joinmyband.co.uk/classifieds/is-everyone-here-a-time-waster--t1132863.html

Can anyone tell me what Nathan Navarro has got strapped to his thumb in this clip? It might be unrelated but I'm fascinated by how he makes that incredible swooping wah sound that is commonly used in dubstep music

Don't forget Long Train Running. There is a lot of conservatism at open mic nights. The good thing about them is being able to meet other local musos but in my experience it is mainly rock and blues covers. Not really much potential for meeting people to produce original stuff I think but definitely better than sitting at home looking at bass porn on this forum.

Totally sublime. Thanks for posting, Love Mark, love Nik, didn't know about this collaboration. Will definitely buy this album.

This is an outstanding pop song. Classy retro feel, elite musicianship, no cow poop. Superb. Neck now suffering from bobbing.

That is a wonderful instrument. I played it a couple of times in the shop and was very close to buying it myself were it not for the fact I've got too many basses. It had flats on it when I tried it but a superb instrument. Enjoy!

Hi Al, No I haven't but I only discovered Markbass by chance. I do love the simplicity of the EQ controls on the amp. If I ever need to buy some bigger gear I would definitely check out Markbass simply because of the lightweight aspect of it but I will be aware of the high end issue that you mention.

I use a Markbass Alain Caron combo: 500W 1x12+horn. Light as a feather but really moves the air and I've had many compliments and enquiries about it. People really can't believe how powerful it is compared to its size. Highly recommended.

This is a great discussion and timely for me as I am finally starting to contribute backing vocals in my pub rock covers band. I love singing bass players such as Geddy and Mark K and deeply aspire to sing lead vocals while playing bass one day. My biggest fear really is singing with my wife in the audience, for some reason I just seem to shrivel up and lose it knowing that she can hear me despite the fact that she is 100% supportive of me and I nail it in the rehearsal room - why is this?

I returned from a long hiatus from music and started attending local open mic nights with my bass. I quickly made some new friends and musical contacts from this however as I am not a lead singer I have been seriously constrained and unable to do much beyond busking along to Beatles songs and a few others. I never get to really say what I play, just follow others which is quite soul-destroying to be honest. I have never been on the receiving end of the type of 'banter' above but I think open mics are generally very conservative affairs so I only go along nowadays in order to run through new additions to my band's set which is very useful.

Thanks for the post, thoroughly enjoyed that.

I have worked on the buses and the railway my whole life and have had to work shifts since day one. Shiftwork has a massive effect on your life and your family's. Not only do shift workers suffer specific health problems as a result of their varying hours and lack of sleep but they find it more difficult to commit to activities outside of work which are vital to a fulfilled life, whether it is playing music or football etc. I am very fortunate and had the opportunity to switch to part-time hours and it has made a massive difference. Now I am able to commit to rehearsals on a particular night and gigs whenever. I sympathise with musicians who struggle to develop their musical projects as a result of work. I don't think work should have such a big impact on life outside of it and I salute the NHS workers, bus drivers and all the others who we rely on.

Afternoon all, Anyone else catch Thundercat on the 6 Music Festival highlights programme Sunday night? I admit I'd never heard of him but I was blown away. I sat there tapping my foot with my biggest, smuggest bass face ever. Who else haven't I heard of who I should have?! Please, if you haven't seen or heard of him have a watch, 42 mins in... http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b08kvtrw/the-6-music-festival-2017-highlights

Marcus Miller at Birmingham Town Hall last month: superb show, the cream of Birmingham's bass guitar fraternity in the audience as far as I could see (well, myself and Steve Lawson were there 😎) Before that it was Primus and before that Death from above 1979