GreeneKing

Unfortunately CK the band is made up of 3 'friends' who all live in the same area and I came in as an outsider via an ad on Mad Monks board. Their original bassist had already left to join another band (surprise). However much his commitment must be questioned he is probably at least half of the band in terms of organisational, social, practice venue and equipment issues. I've emailed all the band and said we need to be clear about what we're doing and where we're going and mentioned the commitment thing. Sadly I've never gigged and I thought it was going to happen so I suppose I'm particularly disappointed and angry. On the plus side my ability and confidence have shot up over the past 6 months. I just think he wants to play at being a 'rock star' but doesn't have the necessary balls to get up there and actually do it. I've not given up yet (not quite) but the signs aren't good. I don't want to lose my momentum and I just want to get up there and perform. Lap dancing anyone?

It kinda gets worse, just when I thought we were making progress. We had a song discussion about possible new numbers the other day. We firmly told the 'plonker' of the band that 'Wish you were here' was a no-go. It requires 2 acoustics and the bass and drums don't even come in till bar 27. It's just him wanting to sit and strum unaccompanied for a song. A great song but not in a pub. We agreed, well I thought we did, on a more modern 'pop' number not blues or rock, something for the younger audience. So I email him several links, BRMC, Travis, Killers etc. He comes back with some snide comments about it all being 'dire' and not doing 'teenage angst' and maybe we should do 'Wish you were here'. FFS! He really is a complete stuck record, only good for shaping into a flowerpot. He's out climbing today and the weather is glorious up here. We're looking at a get together later for some practice and I'm really wanting to get gigging soonest (the rest of the band feel this way too) as it's coming together nicely. I'm not available next weekend either. Plonker comes back today to say 'Not sure how the neighbours will appreciate having their peace disturbed in this nice weather, everyone sitting in their gardens.'. Realising this is a pathetic excuse I text him 'That might mean no practice for most of the Summer '. I just get a reply 'Certainly this weather makes you think.' What a tosser! So he's had his little play at being in a band and now he's bored. He can't get his way with the songlist despite whining and sulking. So all the time and money invested can now go down the drain. What a knob!

Is it just me or is that BIN very high? Peter

I'm not even bothering to enter this one. Full Naval pension in August though

With a week to go I'm really looking to this. Going up on Saturday and stopping over for a curry/bevie or two.

Hiya John. Have you tried posting on the Ernie Ball forum? They are a helpful bunch, if a little bit blind to EBMM's alternatives. The boss of EB and several of his staff visit and pontificate [url="http://www.ernieball.com/forums/"]http://www.ernieball.com/forums/[/url] Peter

You're welcome to try my G&L 2k Tribute any time. I'm quite impressed, I even use it passive most of the time - who'd a thought it

I swapped out one of my Aguilars for a cheap Hartke 410TP and it really does add some drive and crispness that I like. So I do see where you're coming from about some missing sizzle with two Aggies.

[quote]perhaps it's time to re-evaluate your expectations a little?[/quote] I think that's a very valid point. A lot in life is I find about reality vs expectations

It's what Michael wants of course Mark and I know that. I suppose I have a bit of a 'mojo' bee under my bonnet at times I not only think the TF sounds better as a P but the added versatility of the J pup is immense to my ears. The whole lived in, worn in wood thing? It's only 'common 'a' garden wood' that's a few years old. I'm not averse to a bit of genuine ageing and the odd knock breeding familiarity and comfort like an old shoe but don't get me going on relic'ing False aging is just false to me, if I owned a relic'd bass I'd feel like they saw me coming and that I bought something that was a pure fashion statement, like a faded and torn pair of 'new' jeans. But, different we all are.

For what it's worth, in my opinion of course there's maybe some rose tinted specs stuff maybe entering into the discussion here. I know that a lot of you will disagree though But then again I don't fall for the 'old Fender trap'. I think the TF really does sound better and give it a few years and it'll look the 'part' and everyone on basschat will say 'keep it' how could you possibly sell it etc.

The pickguard puts me off a little. However:

Indeed it is Steve. The finish is Alan's standard recommendation. I've forgotten the relative percentages. It worked really well with both my Harlots. I don't think I've seen a better looking neck and the profiling that's Alan's speciality works really well. Of course non of this would matter one iota if they didn't do their job as musical instruments well. Which is why it's a brilliant bass. Peter

That neck is going to look lovely Steve. My flamed maple is quite stunning.

Stick or Twist? Heart or Head more like methinks. TF for me all the way.

I was looking for cheaper alternatives when mine went screwy but found none. A reboot and format sorted mine out. Some things are similar but I don't think anything else is a pure MP3 playing trainer.

Nice work. Was this really painted from new? Seems a little odd. Brave call to invest in the bass this way but well worthwhile once that woodwork was exposed.

[quote name='Happy Jack' post='458064' date='Apr 9 2009, 08:09 AM']They're NOT in the UK, but I've had a couple of plates for my Laklands from Jeannie's in the States. They're good and the prices are reasonable too. You can usually find them through eBay as well as Google.[/quote] +1

That is interesting. I was wondering if the 5ers would outnumber the 4ers. Give it a couple of years and maybe they will.

A Bump to try and get a greater participation and sample group.