leschirons

There's a possibility that within the next 3 months, we will have moved back to the UK, permanently, unless of course after about a year we think we have made a serious mistake in doing so. Reading all the posts in this thread, it sounds absolutely dire and depressing, which has not really been the case here in France. I've played the last three weekends and that has only come to an end because it's the end of the public gig season. My pro mates in Blighty are all suicidal due to no gigging and are dreading when the government stop the financial help. It's going to be weird coming back to all this. Fortunately, I think I was coming to the end of my gigging days anyway as I can't really hack the late nights and humping gear any more. Not on a regular basis anyway. I've just officially left my band here in France which was probably the busiest band in the whole department but deep down, I suspect I'm looking forward to gig retirement and getting into home recording. (Unless of course I start chatting to another couple of old lags in the Dog and Partridge who just fancy dusting off the gear for a couple of village fete gigs) 😂

Got white nylon flats on my Status 5 string. Got them on here, used. Really comfortable under the fingers. Great tone too. Coupled with a 7lb 10oz bass, makes for the perfect second set instrument at my age.

Weird that things here are not the same as in the UK. The French government are taking things seriously but maybe it's the attitude of the venue owners and punters. Last night was the third gig for me in 8 days albeit that they were all outside and dependent on weather. The attached picture gives a clue to the farce that was to unfold 40 mins before starting last night's first set. So, if you add together, a stage right 500 ltr rainwater tank, a protruding tap, an inattentive french lead guitarist, I'm sure you'll figure out what happened. Took approximately 40 mins with towels and a hairdryer to dry the entire drum kit, the WIFI mixer and his pedal board😆

Ha ha, gig update. Back home with double espresso in front of the telly by 10.15. Rained off after 5 numbers, headliners never even got to play. Not bad, got paid so, 30€ per song👍 Felt really sorry for the organisers though.

Got a gig at 7.30 tonight at a 3 day mini music fest. Love a gig where there's a supplied P.A and engineer. Normal fee so lucky there but could be a few problems as I'm one of two deps in a 4 piece band and the singer and guitarist are bricking it😆. At least the two deps are me and the drummer and I've played with him before a couple of times.

All you need to know is that Dm is the saddest of all keys. Nigel Tufnel 1984

Totally agree. 000 wire wool and it'll be like glass.

He would be my first choice. I'm seeing our guitarist tomorrow so will ask what he plans to do. I agree, Christophe's work is second to none. Thanks for info about his holidays.

Yup, this one is now officially a genuine Les Paul.

Re the Les Paul, he has OCD anyway with constant retuning on stage, changing guitars 15 times in each set, constantly checking connections on stuff that's working perfectly and wearing white gloves for the set up as it apparently tells him how grubby our equipment is 😳?? So, I'm hoping he wants nothing to do with the guitar now it's busted and he'll ask me if I want it for 400€😅

Ah, the old ones are the best.

He'd only had the Les Paul for 7 months, paid 2,800€ He won't be happy with a repair although yes, it would be fine. Chris Leduc would be able to fix it easily and yes, the arm stings like hell. Especially when the antiseptic spray goes on😆

Managed to take a slice of flesh out of my left arm by falling onto a sharp dry wall rail. The red bit is actually missing. Thought l was having a bad day until the other pic arrived from our guitarist 😳

I say, "the only down-side" however, I had no idea until just now that my wife had taken a pic of the annoying pillock who'd found a tambourine hanging on the wall inside an decided to join in..sadly, in front of me😂

Yes, it did feel a little weird. We'd managed one rehearsal two weeks ago and the singer's other band played a week ago so she'd had a chance to blow the dust off. Great seeing people turn up eager to listen to live music again. Felt really good to interact with great band mates again. Only down side was all that f@#$%*g equipment they insist on bringing😆 I just hope that enough venues will get to survive.

There have been gigs in France since last week. We were booked for last Friday (26th) It was cancelled, but only due to impending bad weather.

Started again, at 9.00pm Last night. (Friday) Just got in. Resaurant/bar gig, outside, about half as many as we usually pull in there so punters being hesitant. Went down well, got fed, got paid. Not back to normal, but it's a start.

Mine has a wooden neck. Fab profile. Love it.

It's a Status Energy. The 5 string one I have is 7lbs 8oz. The 4s even lighter. Wooden neck with graphite rods. Great active electronics, pick one up for £500 or less.

These represent great value and probably have everything (ish) on your list. About the right price too.

Well, it appears I'm back to gigging on 26th June. Usually an outdoor gig so hopefully the weather will hold up. Owner is not sure how many, if any will turn up. We usually pack it out but folks are hesitant so who knows?

It's a CB radio. Breaker break, one- four for a copy, over.