Marc Day

Oooh! Bit harsh that mate.

That's too weird for just a comment mate! You'll have a message shortly.

Very true and once you have the rhythm in your head there's no reason you can't work out some simple ideas for the melody on bass either. Mind you, without being over busy, I've always been one of those who likes to put a foot across the line into the 'forbidden zone' now and then with some songs and get a little involved with both the melody and rhythm. Even when that works well with the song, you'd be surprised at how many guitarists get the right hump about it. Can't think why.

That would do it!🤔

I make you right on just about all that. It's pretty much how I've done it myself. I played with a band a few years back and we all kind of did 'homework' between rehearsals and come to the next one with a few little ideas to bounce around. The majority got binned, but there were always a few that worked out. Our singer was a really good lyricist, but wasn't musical in the sense of an instrument, but there were times when he'd come in with the words and we'd start there. The mood or sentiment of the lyrics kind of dictated things like rhythm and tempo as well as the general feel and we'd work from that. I also agree with you about wasting time on it. As you say, songs that work generally come together quite quickly. Too often the band would hammer away at an idea for hours with no result. Shelving an idea for a few weeks then having a fresh look at it sometimes worked though.

Being fairly new here, I've probably done something wrong or we may just have our wires crossed. My comments were intended as a reply to Marvin's initial post on the thread, so I was talking more specifically about his questions than generally. As it happens, I'm more interested in original music than covers myself, but telling Marvin what we prefer isn't much of an answer to his question.

I've done a little of that myself and this is my view. As a bass player It isn't easy to write "whole songs" alone unless you play another instrument, as I don't, but it doesn't stop you having ideas for rhythms or riffs, which are often enough to get the ball rolling when the rest of the band hear them at rehearsal. It can sometimes work if you come up with something and have a clear idea in mind for the other instruments, but it can often seem to others that you're telling them what to do. Some people are okay with that, but others might not like it. I've been playing since 79 and have never written a song myself, but have collaborated in the writing of loads, sometimes with a complete band and at others with just one other guy. As long as you have someone to deal with the melody it all gets a lot easier. Personally, I found it better working with only one other and then taking it to the rest of the band to add their parts. Otherwise too many ideas can get thrown at it making things a bit messy and confusing. Here's something I'd definitely advise against, because I've tried it too often and never known it to work. If you decide as a band to go into the rehearsal studio cold with the idea of writing, you'll probably end up sitting around like a bunch of lemons and achieve nothing. Been there (too many times) and done that. As long as one of you comes in with even the smallest seed of an idea for everyone to work with it often works out better. The question of playing covers or original tunes often depends on the venues you're playing. If you show up at your average pub for the first time and play a set of original material they probably won't like it, unless you're really exceptional. They're usually just interested in hearing stuff they know. Play a 'proper' music venue and your audience will often expect and like hearing something new. Beginning with a set of covers is a good idea for a few reasons. For a start it will get you gigging faster, which seems to be what you want. It also gives you a chance to test the water with venues and audiences and possibly build up a bit of a following. That would be the time to start dropping the odd cover from the set and introducing some of your own stuff. Hope even some of this makes sense and helps, but good luck with it anyway.

I really didn't go for another black one on purpose, honest! It was Dad3353's fault for bringing it to my attention, so don't blame me. Mind you, they do look kind of mean together. Quite like that.

Just told her what you said. She was very amused and said 'So would I!' At least she knows I'm looking to sell the Ray right now, so my hole is not too deep yet!

Thanks. I'm lucky to have it.

Hi all, Just got my new(ish) fretless from a very nice man in Italy. Not only better than I'd hoped it would be, but it seems to have found the right new home. BTW. Didn't buy it for the colour match. That was just a happy accident.

I'll explain. I'm using an MP11 pre and an RA250 power amp. I'm not talking about much more than pub type venues and the RA250 is easily powerful enough to handle it, my only complaint is that it's just too big and heavy. I'm looking for a rack mounted power amp as powerful (maybe a little more) in a smaller package to basically do the same job.

Hi All, I'm an experienced bass player getting back into it after a lay off and am looking to join or start a band (preferably rock based) in my area. I'd be happy enough to play covers or original material having done both. I enjoy writing in collaboration would have something to offer there. I also have BV's I have too many likes and influences to go into, but I like aggressive, edgy and interesting. I'm not keen on HM or thrashy stuff though. I have top gear, transport and good availability. Drop me a line if you'd like to know more. Marc.

Maybe not predictable so much as missing the point a bit. I'm not really looking for a bass head, but rather a power amp to run with my MP11. I have spoken to Bass Direct and frankly they weren't much help. I was clear about what I was looking for and why, but in spite of this they were more interested trying to sell me a whole new rig, stating that what I'm using is too old tech. At the risk of sounding cynical, they would say that wouldn't they.

Thanks, I Appreciate the input, especially as it kind of confirms what I first thought and had heard from a few others. With the RA250 being big (4 units) as well as heavy, both are a bit of an issue. Heavy is far less of a problem if it isn't big and awkward as well, as it is now. I had considered simply using a class D bass head as a power amp as a waste of money, but thinking about it in another way, that also has it's merits. It couldn't hurt to have some backup ready if the MP11 decided to die at the wrong moment. Knowing more about what my options are is a great help, so thanks again for that. The next thing is where to look. Finding used stuff is just a question of shopping around, but I've struggled to find a store that offers many choices for buying new. Can you suggest anyone that carries a decent range? Happy new year! Marc.

Hi Al(hope that's right) Quite right about the choices, which is part of my problem. I bought virtually all my stuff around the time it came out, so it's all old, but because it's good I've never wanted to change any of it before now.. Also, I've had a lay off for a few years and have lost touch with the tech side of things. Here's some more info. I'll include the things I don't want, which is probably just as useful. This amp would be to replace the TE RA250 I have now. More power would be fine, but I wouldn't want less. I like my sound and want to stay as close to it as possible. This might rule out valves. I use an MP11 pre through an old ART effects processor to give me that, so I'm looking for a true sound from the power amp. From the little I've learned, class D's seem to be the way to go for that. Basically, I'm looking for a smaller/lighter power amp to do the same thing (or better) as the RA250. I use one Hartke XL 4 x 10 cab and have no plans to add more, so it doesn't need to be stereo, but it looks like most are. As for budget, this may sound vague, but it's more about what I'm prepared to pay than what I can. However, the sky is not the limit. As long as it does the job, the less it costs the better. As an idea, I'd look at anything up to £1000. It's definitely for band use rather than bedroom. I learned to play back in the early 80's and played with working bands ever since. The reason I'm getting into it again is that I miss that aspect too much to stop altogether. What I like and have always played is rock based. Big fan of both Rush and Killing Joke, but like loads of others stuff. I already found and like my sound, so changing it as little as possible is my priority. Unless something else is required, my sound is usually similar to Geddy Lee's. I expect to be playing and gigging with a rock band in mostly pub type venues, so something to handle that. Sorry for the life story, but at least you know what I'm looking for. Thanks for the help. Marc.

Hi Guys, Can anyone recommend a class d power amp to match up with my TE MP11 and Hartke 4 x 10 cab? Either that or point me in the right direction to buy one. Cheers. Marc.

Hi Ricky, I know what you mean about the last thing you said. Very easy to get carried away when you see all the goodies that are around. As for the Stingray, I think you could look at it another way. I think you're dead right about doing some research first, and I get what you mean about being tempted because it's there, but I'd go and check this local one out as part of that research. If you look around, it should be easy enough to find out if it's a bit pricey and could well turn out not to be, but unless you've tried one before, you still don't know if you'd get on with it. Before I got mine, like you I'd fancied one for a while, but never tried one out. I hadn't seen mine, but was told about it being for sale and asked if I'd like to check it out. This was also when I was told that it was green, which I didn't like the sound of at all. I tried it out anyway, but was quite prepared to give it a swerve even if it was only because I didn't like the colour. As it turned out I really liked the colour and found great to play so I bought it. The point is that if I hadn't, I'd learned what they played and sounded like, which is the real important bit. Not much point shopping around for one in a colour I liked or in your case a better price before you know that first. Marc.

Hi Ricky, Had a look at that link and it looks nice and probably worth looking at if it's close to you. It could be because of the limited edition thing, but my only worry (assuming it's in good shape) would be the price. It could be why it's been there for a while, so I'd look into that. I can't help much about the model either. It may sound strange, but I don't even know which model mine is. I paid £750 (used) for mine about 5 years ago, which I thought was a good price. It was immaculate, looked and sounded great and was lovely to play, which was the clincher, so I didn't give it much thought at the time, but I have no regrets about buying it. As you can see, I'm no Stingray expert and can only speak as I find based on mine. You could pay a bit more for custom this or limited that, but I doubt it would play or sound much better than a bog standard one. My advice would be, if there's one about in good shape for the right price, check it out. You'll probably like it. I know I did. BTW what are you playing now? Marc.

Hi Ricky, Thanks, I like it too. Even though I was told it was green before I saw it, my first impression was blue. I almost didn't bother going to look at it because of that, but I'm glad I did now. According to Music Man it's actually called teal green. I had a look around recently and apparently it was one of a few custom colours they did to order, but is now unavailable. I don't know if it's all that rare, but it would be kind of cool if it is. Marc

Being new to the site, there were a few things I wasn't aware of, but I did note what Douglas said and we've spoken since. He now understands that I have no plans to sell any of my basses and was simply trying to get an idea of values to ensure them, which I've now done. I'm thinking I should have been a bit clearer about that in the post.

Hi All, Thanks for your comments and glad you like my basses. I'm pleased that most of you think I should stick with the old MP11, not that I would change it anyway. As I mentioned in my first post, what I do want to change (hopefully without changing my sound too much) is my old RA200 my power amp,which is just too big and heavy. Not easy for me having been out of things for a few years and I'm not sure what's available or what to go for. I've shopped around a bit and most dealers I've spoken to seem more interested in trying to flog me a whole new rig than helping me to find what I'm after. Again, any suggestions would be welcome. Marc.

Hi All, Just signed up and this is my first post. I've played for years, but have been out of the loop for a while and am just getting back to playing again. I'm hoping some of you can give me some help and advice to get me up to speed again regarding gear. Hope you like my little bass collection BTW, more about them later. First I have a question about amps. Right now I use a Trace MP11 digital pre-amp through an ART effects processor and a Trace RA 250 power amp into a Hartke 4 x 10 cab. Yeah stone age I know, but I love the sound. The only thing I want to change is the power amp, because of size and weight. Everything seems to have gone pocket sized these days and I'm struggling to find a single, unit rack mounted power amp to replace it with without spending a fortune. Suggestions anyone? On to the guitars. I bought my Wal custom (used) back in the mid 90's and thought it a bit pricey at £1500, but I had to have it (there was no choice). As I'm getting into playing again I thought I should find out what it and the others are worth for insurance purposes. I looked around and eventually spoke to the nice people at Wal. Since they are not that common, they suggested the best option would be to insure for the price of a new replacement. I won't say much how much that is, but it may well be worth more than my house! The Stingray was easy enough to value. The third is another matter altogether. It was made for me in the mid 80's by Doug Binskin, who lived near me here in Kent. I hope not, but I think he may have passed now. Doug's guitars generally had his Erskine logo on the head, but for some reason it didn't go onto mine. Obviously, being custom and a complete one off, it will be hard to value and impossible to replace. Maybe someone could give me an idea of what it might cost to have something similar made to the same spec, which is: Single piece American walnut body, birds eye maple neck, ebony fingerboard, Schaller machines, Seymour Duncan pickups and Schecter bridge. Sorry for the essay guys. I'll try to be more brief in future and I'd value any good advice or opinions about any of this stuff. All the best. Marc. made to the same spec, which is: .