Huw Foster

Dodgy solo/face/posture from this summer.

Good to see some encouraging responses. I'm almost definitely going to do it. I've just started rehearsing with a new covers band - we're doing a fair bit of Chic (definitely using the Stingray for that), as well as some modern R&B which I find surprisingly bearable (maybe actually playing some of the lines has made me realise how fun it is), a few MJ tracks and other assorted late 70s/80s synthy goodness. Some of the tunes are just crying out for proper synth (or VST in my case). I've also been involved with a MJ tribute that began as a final performance for my degree (which we started working on [i]before[/i] he died - ahead of the curve? ). The demo of that is almost done... what happens afterwards is anybody's guess. We'd love to tour it though. Incidentally, I found the demo of 'Workin' Day and Night' on Spotify. [url="http://open.spotify.com/track/0t8L9CR2p7jQkxkgYZjMKp"]The beginning is hilarious.[/url]

OK, so this might not be as controversial as I believe it to be, but I can only ask to find out opinions on the matter. For a little while now I've been toying with the idea of using a hybrid set-up for certain gigs. In fact, I can pinpoint the moment when I realised I wanted to give it a go - watching Michael Jackson's 'This Is It', plus [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t55J6Op_5oE"]other live videos[/url], and falling in love with the absolutely massive synth bass tone. Ever heard the demo version of 'Workin' Day and Night'? [b]DIS-GUS-TING[/b]. No, I don't want a keytar like the one in that video, haha. Nor do I want to install a MIDI pick-up in any of my basses - to my ears there seems to be a difference in feel that is nigh on impossible to achieve on a bass guitar. Rather than fork out for a self-contained module, I've been trying to think of relatively inexpensive solutions. I already have a 2 year-old MacBook Pro that would probably manage OK with running Ableton or Mainstage (or maybe even Logic, as I hear Mainstage has reliability issues?) in a live situation. I already have a USB MIDI keyboard that has assignable controls (although I could probably do with getting one with a larger keyboard), but what I suppose I need now is a USB audio interface that I can run the whole thing through. Has anyone else tried this, or something similar? Should I get an A/B switch so I can run them both through my amp? Anyway, I guess the main question I'm asking is, can anyone recommend me a decent (yet not too pricey) USB audio interface? I'd like to use it for home recording as well. Thoughts, etc?

Well, I daresay I have learned something... thanks! Although I've taken an interest in music production (I even started a degree in it, which I quickly realised was a mistake, but that's another story for another time), I've never really thought to apply the widely accepted approaches to EQ (i.e., cutting is usually better than boosting, only adjust in small amounts, if it sounds good then it's 'right') to my bass. I guess that area of my brain was in conflict with the juvenile side that demands that everything be AS LOUD AS POSSIBLE I MUST DROWN EVERYONE OUT... EVER. In fact, I'm pretty sure that's one of the reasons why I wanted an active bass when I was 14, haha. Now I've come to the conclusion that active electronics are, for the most part, too complex for my simple brain, and all I want now is a decent vintage jazz, then a precision with flats. Ahh, bass as it should be.

Yaaaaay I'm not going insane! (Well, I probably am, but not over this issue) Thanks for the swift responses. I have an additional question now - my other bass (5 string Schecter) has a 2-band EQ... however, I've found that setting the EQ pots to flat on that one equals a very mid-centric sound, at least to my ears... I'm taking a very simplistic approach to equalisation here, but surely that's just down to the character of the bass, isn't it? When I'm flattening the bass and treble, I'm not still boosting the mid-range am I? Haha, that sounds so ridiculous when I think about it. Don't even bother answering that one, I'm actually being an idiot this time...

...I have some very basic questions about onboard EQ in active basses. This mostly concerns my 4 string Stingray. I don't know whether this is pertinent to all Stingrays (well, 4 strings at least, as I think I'm right in believing the 5 string models have a different preamp), but I have found that my one is really, really bright. And I'm not as satisfied with my tone as I once was. I know strings will have something to do with this, and I'm going to give some other brands a go (I've been using ProSteels and I complain about how bright my bass is DUHHHH what an IDIOTHOLE. Gonna try some Hi-Beams I think - on another note, anyone got any links to order them online?). But seriously, I've not really given much thought to onboard EQ until fairly recently. I've found that, particularly on recording sessions when I'm D.I.'ed, the signal is stupidly high-gain; I can hear so much fret noise etc. However, if I set all the EQ pots to the middle notch (which I assume means the EQ is flat), the overall sound is much smoother. Am I just being an idiot? Is this the optimum setting for all situations with Stingrays/active basses in general? Should the onboard EQ be treated like the EQ on an amp (i.e. mostly flat, then tweak to reach desired sound)? Or, is there just something wrong with the preamp on my particular bass? I hope this makes sense. Additionally, I hope this is actually worthy of a response hahaha. Ta

The band perform soul/funk originals, and have been established for quite some time. I didn't want to patronise the bassist by explaining my rig to him, as I assumed that he would know how to use it. I can't remember what he normally uses, but I seem to recall seeing a moderately sized Fender rig on previous gigs. I find it hard to believe that he could plead ignorance though. As mentioned previously, he might have been drunk, but that's no excuse. As for conversing with the band, I'm going to talk to another member who I understand also takes on the role of manager. I've been waiting a little while to do this so I can compose myself a little and think through how I'm going to explain the situation without coming across all accusatory. I've also met him on one previous occasion where he depped in the very band I played with on Friday, and he lectures at the college of music I attend, so I'm hoping he will be sympathetic - as you suggested I won't really be able to afford replacing the speaker, being that I am a poor student (although, come Monday I'll just be a poor freelance musician). Ironically, I was considering splashing out on an extension cab in time for the gig... If I had, I expect I wouldn't have this problem! Thanks for the informed response Alex.

Yeah, the fact that it died a little while after said abuse does breed some uncertainty. However, I am still convinced it was the reason for the speaker failure, or whatever the eventual diagnosis turns out to be. I am pretty sure they will understand the situation, and be reasonable. If the bassist does realise how much of a dick he was being, all the better!

Right then, let's try to make this as short as possible. On Friday night I played a gig for my uni's end of year party, it was a great night, etc etc. My band had agreed to provide the backline (amps, drums) for the occasion, so brought along my LMII and my Aguilar 1x12. There was decent monitoring and PA support at the venue, so although my rig itself isn't particularly weighty, I thought it would do fine with these factors in mind. The headlining act was a respected Leeds-based band, and to be fair they played a great set as usual. However, I noticed towards the end of their set that the 'clip' light on the amp was almost constantly illuminated. As we packed up afterwards, I was quite disturbed to find that both the gain and the master volume had been turned all the way up. I didn't get a chance to talk to the bassist, but despite my worries I thought it would most probably be OK. Last night, which was the night following the gig, I was playing a function. In soundcheck I made sure everything was OK, and it seemed so then. However, we were barely into the second song of the set and the speaker on my cab suddenly died - it just fizzled out. Fortunately I had an XLR going into front of house, so I managed to keep going with a few monitoring adjustments. I daresay my night was ruined though - I was f***ing [i]livid[/i]. Honestly, I don't think I've ever been as angry as I was last night. I worked hard to get that rig, and I've barely had it for 2 months - I bought the cab brand new from Bass Merchant. I was simply baffled as to how the other bassist could be so disrespectful of somebody else's gear. I have reason to believe some of the band were very drunk, but regardless of that, [i]anyone[/i] should know that pushing the gain like that is big fat no-no, let alone an experienced player such as him. It's a massive shame too, as I previously had a lot of respect for him as a bassist. I've calmed down a bit since then - i.e., I don't have quite an immediate urge to kill someone. Anyway, I would firstly like to know if anyone else agrees that the two incidents are correlated. I can't think of any other reason, as the cab is new and I've looked after it well. Secondly, does anyone have any suggestions as to how to get it fixed? I've been given a contact number for the band, and obviously I'm going to explain the situation to them. Hopefully they will understand and agree to cover any subsequent costs. If I were to send the cab back from the dealer, would it be covered by warranty? If not, what else could I do? By the way, I have double-checked and triple-checked that it is indeed a problem with the main speaker. It just seems completely dead - the only audible sound is emitted by the tweeter. Thanks in advance for your suggestions. I'm getting worked again just talking about it, as I've not had a chance to properly vent my anger over this since last night - it's not entirely appropriate to smash things up at a function, as much as I wanted to. Incidentally, if anyone can recommend any decent outlets of rage, please feel free to add them to your replies. Yours indignantly, Huw

Another new one... 'Living in the future'. In my mind it sounds a bit Eno circa [i]Another Green World[/i] if he'd had an 808 and gated reverb.

I didn't go, but I saw him last year at Leeds Uni. Funkiest, tightest band ever... ...probably.

Well, my first experience of the basschat marketplace was a good 'un, and thanks to Kalim I am now the happy owner of a Little Mark II. I couldn't find a feedback page for him, so here it is! He is a pleasure to deal with - had no problems directing me to his house when the directions off Google got a bit misleading (well, they probably weren't that bad, but my sense of direction is mediocre at best), and his rig was set up for me to try out when I got there. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending this fella!

[attachment=24729:Image182.jpg] My new rig - Kalim sold me the Little Mark II earlier this week, and when the Aguilar GS 112 arrived on Friday afternoon I was like a kid at Christmas. A massive upgrade (well, in terms of quality rather than size) from my 1x15 Peavey combo that had been my workhorse for however many years. I'm in love!

[quote name='RhysP' post='474270' date='Apr 28 2009, 03:32 PM']My attitude has always been "If you want me in your band you can bloody well come & pick me up". I haven't been in a band for a while now....... [/quote]

80s-tastic. It'll be a crime if you wear them any lower than north of bellybutton.