northstreet

I think it's important to remember that, unless you're playing professionally, you play bass for fun. So if it stops being fun, why not just stop doing it, and do something else that is more enjoyable. But - and I can say this from experience - even if you decide to get rid of your gear, keep your favourite bass (and a practise amp if possible). Because one day - could be weeks, months, even years - you'll hear a song with a interesting bassline, and a little voice will say "wonder how that goes?". And it all starts again.

This month is a bit of a milestone for me as it marks 50 years since I first picked up a bass. For a while before I’d being trying to find a musical instrument that I actually enjoyed playing. But for Christmas 2023 I acquired the albums ‘Quadrophenia’, ‘Band on the Run’ and ‘Innervisions’, and with John Entwhistle, Paul McCartney and Stevie’s left hand for inspiration, for my 16th birthday I got a bass, an amp and a ‘how to’ book and never looked back. For a while I was very serious indeed, but then motorbikes, and then family, came along, and my bass sat unloved in a corner of the spare room for many years. But about 15 years or so ago, I got the bug again, and I’ve been in your typical dozen-gigs-a-year dad-rock pub covers bands ever since. And loving (almost) every minute. I guess that there are many others on Basschat who could tell a similar story. Think I’ve a couple of years left before I’ll have to quit regular gigging as age catches up on me, but I plan to make the most of it!

Just bought tickets to The War on Drugs gig at the Royal Albert Hall in July. One of my favourite bands, saw them at the Alexandra Palace a couple of years ago, they were brilliant. Really looking forward to it.

15 years ago I was given a Gator hard case. 15 years later it's largely unmarked and the basses I've carried in it have been properly protected. Most of the time the case is stuffed between other kit in the back of a car, and I don't think a soft case would have survived anywhere near as well.

Bought a Quilter Bass Block from Josh (ReeV0) yesterday. It was a straightforward transaction as you could want, great comms, the amp is exactly as described, and it all went very smoothly. A pleasure doing business with him. Thanks Josh,

PM sent.

We do the same two songs, so we have a consistent baseline (no pun intended) to work to. I go out front and do a line check of each input. Then the rest of the band does You Really Got Me while I get the vocals, guitar and drums balanced. Then me and the lead vox swap places, and we play the song again just long enough to get the bass level right. Then we do That's Entertainment (which our backing singer leads on) to get their vocal sorted. Barring any major technical issues, all done in 5 mins.

On 06/05/2023 at 13:06, TimR said:

...suspect a lot of audiences are musically illiterate to anything pre 1990

We must be playing to different audiences, because one of our challenges is finding current songs that get any sort of response other than indifference! 

11 hours ago, megallica said:

Your current setlist looks really interesting and it's inspiring that you are playing together after 10 years. 

Thanks @megallica not quite sure how we've managed to stay together for so long, but I do feel quite fortunate when I read some of the tales of woe on this forum. I think one thing that has helped is the fact that we have evolved, and we've always trying new songs in different styles, and that keeps it interesting and fresh. 

I'm very fortunate to have (happily!) been in my covers band, with the same three people. for nigh on 10 years. In a couple of weeks we're playing a small festival that we've played at a few times in the past, and been it's interesting - well, to me at least! - to compare our set lists over the years. Because we only get 45 minutes or so we tend to play our favourite songs, on the basis that if we're having fun, then that gets the audience involved and we all have a good time. And they keep asking us back, so it must be working.

Anyway, this is what we played in 2015: 

Black horse and the cherry tree

Monkey man

Don’t stop

Tears dry on their own

Feeling good

Upside down

Love foolosophy

Crash

Maria

Black eyed boy

Need you now

I only want to be with you

Ready to go

My favourite game

and this is what we'll be playing this year:

Cum on feel the noize

Are you gonna be my girl

One way or another

Call me

Heatwave

Feeling good

Gimme shelter

Titanium

Bad romance

Whole lotta love

Vertigo

I predict a riot

I bet you look good on the dance floor

Chelsea dagger

Saturday night’s alright for fighting

Tainted love

Feeling Good has stayed, but the rest of the set has changed considerably. And that's not because we don't play those other songs any more (we'll be doing most of them at a social club gig, along with a bunch of Abba and Beatles songs, at the end of the month). It's more that our preferred style of song has definitely taken on more of an 'edge'. It's not been a conscious decision, but more of a gradual evolution over the years, and I'm not sure why that is. Anyone else been on a similar journey? 

Thanks for all the suggestions. Please add yours! Off to a gig shortly so will do a bit more internetery in the morning and check out the ones not on my shortlist.

2 minutes ago, BassAdder27 said:

What about the new Mark Bass IV ? 

If you mean this one https://www.andertons.co.uk/markbass-little-mark-iv-500w-bass-head-10009296 then yes that's on my list. Have you played through one?

I'm looking to replace my Hartke LH500 - I'm really happy with the tone and the volume but it's a heavy old beast and I'd prefer something more portable. Sticking with what works for me (and my TC Electronics 2x12 cab), I'm looking for 500W into 4 Ohms. Budget sub-£600 if poss. Had a quick look online but noticed (i) there aren't many amps that fit the bill, (ii) supply of those is quite limited, and (iii) none of my local shops have anything suitable. So I'm after canvassing some opinions on the options available, which seem to be: Fender Rumble, Ampeg PF-500 Portaflex, Orange Little Bass Thing, Markbass Little Mark and Hartke LX5500. The Hartke appeals on the basis that it could be a like-for-like swap, but I heard bad things about their previous Class D offering. But any views/thoughts/other suggestions would be appreciated.

My band Indigo Star is playing at the same venue, at 5:00pm. If I get a chance I'll come by and say hello.

2011 or thereabouts.

My local rehearsal room has an Ampeg 8x10 bass rig. Playing my Jazz through that is like listening to a tiger purring.

First proper gig of the year. Played at the Captain's Day do at a golf club in the depths of the Essex countryside. We're not really a functions band but we spent a bit of time on presentation and thought we looked the part. The guests were a bit older than we expected, so much rearranging of the set list on the fly to focus on 60's and 70's numbers, but we had a good number dancing from the off and some nice comments at the end. So a great start to the gigging year.

Peter bought a bass case from me today. Had a good chat as well! A very easy transaction with decent guy. Hope our paths cross again in the future.

American Standard P, Geddy Lee Jazz, Warwick Corvette fretless, SX acoustic bass, cheapie Ibanez for 'dodgy' gigs, and a very lovely 35 year old Yamaha acoustic.

Warwick RockCase Soft-Light Bass Case suitable for most bass guitars. Described by Warwick as:
Very lightweight; Solid, water-resistant RokTex® surface material; Black finish; Shorthair plush inside lining; 8 mm foam padding; 10 mm wide zipper; 1 cushioned carrier twin-handle; outside pocket with zip; 2 inside compartments with lid; Metal feet and PVC-protection at bottom and side; Embossed RockCase logo.
Good condition, no rips or tears, one slight scuff on the outside which I've shown in the photos. The liners for the inside compartments are cracked but work fine. The shoulder strap is missing but the D rings are still attached so could easily be replaced.

Due to it's size I'm not keen on posting it, so for that reason selling here for what I hope is a proper (now even more!) bargain price! If you're interested please let me know, and we can either arrange collection, or we can meet up - or I'll even deliver locally (I'm located right by J26 of the M25) if needs must.  

Now sold!

2 hours ago, ezbass said:

 

I found this in account settings

 

 

Seems to sort the issue.

@Paul S might want to see this too.

Thank you!

10 minutes ago, nilebodgers said:

I haven’t tried it on anything but an iPad since the update, but when I look at a thread with a few replies that I have been following it goes to the first post despite appearing to know which was the last post I looked at (it shows a line with new replies below when I jump to the last page).

Same issue here. Using Chrome on an Android phone. 

"Though my leather’s worn and my cuffs in tatters

My head’s on straight and that’s all that matters

If I lose a few moves it ain’t no loss

Cause there’s only one border left for me to cross

And I’ll take my sweet time on that one"

Boz Scaggs - King of El Paso

Aged 60+ I can certainly relate to that sentiment!  

Bought a very nice Warwick Covette fretless from Jean last night. He'd been very accommodating and flexible in arranging our meet up. Unfortunately didn't have time for a long chat, but he was very friendly, very laid back about me trying the bass out for as long as I wanted, and if anything he underdescribed the bass. I'd be very happy to do business with him again. 

PM sent.