musicbassman

I changed from guitar to bass not long after I first started playing in the late 60's - because there was always a shortage of bass players and endless numbers of wannabe guitarists (only guitarists got the chicks, allegedly) Then Chris Squire and prog came along and demonstrated that bass could be a key feature in a band's compositions and overall sound - and bass was suddenly cool. Of course, later on with the benefit of maturity I realised that bass had always been cool, but maybe in a way much too subtle to grasp at 17 yrs old.

Nearly caught engaged in NSFW browsing......... .......................browsing for a Nine String Fretless Wal, of course - what were you thinking ?

Yup, schoolboys do most of their thinking below their waists. Or, put another way - eat first, then check ingredients later...................

That looks perfect. I have a JV P with identical finish (I think it's known as tobaccoburst) sporting it's original white scratchplate and I was thinking of treating my self to a decent tortoiseshell, but yours does look the biz. Where did you get the new one from? - looks like a decent 3ply.

Yeah - and just as important as the gospel chops is the advice he gives about breaking down a rehearsal into sub sections - so many people don't do this. Or maybe some bands simply find this impossible - because the guitarist will NOT STOP NOODLING while the rest of the band is trying to check something out !!

Those born in the 40’s - “The best music was in the 1950’s and 60’s” Those born in the 50’s - “The best music was in the 1960’s and 70’s” Those born in the 60’s - “The best music was in the 1970’s and 80’s” Those born in the 70’s - “The best music was in the 1980’s and 90’s” Those born in the 80’s - “The best music was in the 1990’s and 00’s” - Repeat ad lib till fade.................................

I've said this before, but BC is one of the most polite, friendly and supportive forums I've ever come across. Mind you, what would you expect? - we're bass players aren't we ?

Pleased to help.

Musical masturbation. Please do this in private, not on stage.

Couple of East London/Essex covers bands I worked with - when they turned up at a venue and realised that either they were slightly unsuitable for the booking, or the place was a dive, they'd talk about doing a Go Go Fo.......... Get on, Get off, F*** off.....................

The other 'guitarist' is not just 'laid back', he seems to be completely away with the fairies ! Never mind key changes, I think even chord changes might be beyond him And what happened to the supposed keyboard player ?

I never knew of the guy , but what an interesting character. Maybe I didn't quite follow this correctly, but was he gently hinting that the main theme of Stairway to Heaven was actually lifted from one of his compositions ?

Oh please, please tell us more....................................!!

For me, one of the most enjoyable songs to play on bass has to be 'Minute by Minute' Lovely rolling feel, accents, groove, - perfect.

Working in covers bands, I have one standard set up on stage but then use many different styles of playing - open pick, damped pick, fingers, staccato, legato etc etc to get the correct feel for the song - which I think is more important than trying to get an exact sound.. In any case, I think your sound is SO influenced by the type of stage and the room acoustics that micro attention to EQ is pretty pointless. You can have bass heaven on stage but you might be mortified if you heard what the punters are actually hearing.

Well done. That is very tight and very classy.

At 1.45, bass player has to turn round and stare at the ground due to sheer embarassment. I know that feeling, experienced it myself, when you just absolutely can't believe what you're hearing.

Blimey, they look like the boys down the local Quickfit tyres. Wheel balancing is extra, Sir.

"I think the main objective is to move people, make people think in their heart. I personally am not interested in appealing to other musicians. To me, it's more inspiring to move someone who doesn't know anything about music, but has a feel. They can say, 'I don't know what you're doing, but I just feel that's something there.' That to me is an incredible compliment, as opposed to, 'Well, you've just run up and down the fingerboard. That's wonderful, very fast.' All that means is I've just practiced the hell out of the guitar and I'm not really saying anything. I'm going from A to B, but not seeing anything on the way." Ritchie's right on this though. Especially applies to bass playing, methinks.

What a great picture, so much to look at. Love the drum kit. And it looks like quite a bit of 1940's style photoshopping going on there for the crowd to get the numbers up.

Dear Dan Dare, The word 'tribute' has nothing to do with 'fake'. A 'tribute' is actually what is correctly known as a 'paean' - meaning 'a creative work expressing enthusiastic praise' or ' an expression of praise or exultation' (Wikipedia) This may all sound a bit nancy noo, but that's the way it is. By the way, I personally am not a huge fan of tribute bands, but, hey..........................

Ha ha - well done HappyJack. I detect that your band's playing these numbers with tongues firmly in cheeks...... Great! - You've had a laugh playing them, the punters have enjoyed singing along, and everyone goes home happy. Job done

Well, I did play onstage with Robert Plant and John Bonham, but it's a long story.

Ditto here. At least I'm glad I had the sense to realise by then it wasn't likely to happen - I'm sure we all know of some band in our local area who are bunch of grizzled old rockers well into their 40's still trying to 'make it '

Most big power ballads. False sincerity, pomposity, masses of musical cliches...........................and punters love 'em! Special smelliest dogpoo award in this category goes to 'The Power of Love' - I remember playing this with several cover bands and wishing my life could end at that very moment the chorus started.............. "Cause I'm your lady"..............................Aaaaaaaaargh.........................................