Burns-bass

Its called being a double bass player!

I know I always moan here, but I got my 1971 Martin D35 back this week and there is no modern guitar I’ve ever heard (or owned) that sounds as good.

I paid £3000 for ours, including boxing in pipes, flushing the old system, and a boiler big enough to provide the water pressure needed for our 3 story house. Some of the best money I've ever spent!

Double bass and 60s Burns bass action yesterday in Bristol. Good fun, but played 3 x 50 minute sets and my hands are hurting!

There’s very little that makes a pre-CBS jazz better than a new one. I wouldn’t attempt to apply logic here.

Looks glorious!

I have a brand new gig bag I’m selling. Will list tomorrow.

Always worth joining the MU.

This is depressing, but reflects the truth.

Back to the original question… where are you based? Im guessing one of us might have a case in a cupboard somewhere you can have. Alternatively you can get a cheap case on Amazon or Temu. Send me a PM if you need any help finding one. For a bass around £100 I’d not bother with a hard case (I used to cycle with my 66 jazz bass in a soft case, that was pretty mad looking back).

I’d register as self employed which means you can claim up to £1000 in expenses (without needing to provide receipts). You can then record the payments incoming legally and will need to complete a self assessment tax return. I work with companies all across the world and declare tax this way (alongside a VAT registered business). But as Steve says, some promoters may have their own requirements on paying you. So worth asking.

We have a shared Spotify list where we put songs. All of us listen to the list for a few weeks and we decide what we like and don’t like. Sometimes you can have a negative reaction to a song (few from the Blues Brothers, for me), which I actually liked and agreed to play after listening to them. This only works with covers!

I know someone who is a record producer and works with Sade. Apparently she has a habit of fixating on takes, and loses motivation if it’s not captured. So he has to record everything. Literally every second of every session on multiple mics. There is no logic to music sometimes, it’s how you feel. I’d see if I could get another bespoke build that you can invest emotionally in it.

Jack is right. The scroll is removable and he’s put it on the wrong way as a bit of fun. Worked!

Not persevering with DB 18 years ago when I started.

These are £2 on Temu. I bought one and it’s the same as the D’Addario one.

Yeah the “E” serial thing comes up from time to time. Looks legitimate to me (and you have to ask why anyone would go to such lengths to fake a Japanese bass when a US one would make more cash?)

A sturdy plastic transparent crate. I never turn up to a gig without two of everything. I can see everything is in there (and replace if not). It looks professional and is easy to store and I can put my wallet, keys, and phone it it.

Flat wound strings! I just use the amp EQ and don’t bother with effects. Had no complaints in recent years as I play in retro bands. Makes setup simple too!

Today I went to a lunchtime concert at St George’s in Bristol by an amazingly talented chap called Will Duerden. He did some contemporary pieces and a few from the DB repertoire. A quite wonderful player and engaging young man. I was embarrassed when someone in my group mentioned I played DB (with all my years left on the earth I couldn’t do it). Thoroughly recommend checking him out if he’s playing anywhere near you. https://www.willduerden.com