Twigman

We get a lot of queries on basschat about how to join a band etc and thought it might be interesting to see how people who are in bands got to join them. Did you meet your bandmates the traditional way, at school and go from there? Was it an invite through a mate? Answer an ad from the board in the rehearsal studio? Answer an ad in melody maker or its modern equivalent? After a drunken session in the pub? My story: I blame my Mum! - I'd been playing (badly) with a band in London but been forced to move to live with my Mum just outside Watford. It was 1985. I'd left the London band as commuting into the smoke was just too difficult. I was fed up. One day my Mum had a copy of the local paper, the Watford Observer, wherein there was an article about a local band . That band were looking for a bass player to record their next album. My Mum suggested I give them a ring. I suggested to my Mum that I didn't have the skills necessary. She told me to stop moping around and forced me to call them. I got an audition. The singer dropped a cassette of some material around my house and asked me to learn as much as I could in about 4 days. I managed to learn about one song LOL but went along to the audition. It was a bit of a disaster if I'm honest but I got a call about 3 months later asking me back! I went and, apart from a couple of years where I left to play keyboards in a sister band, I've been here ever since (OK so we did split up for a while but I was the 1st bassman to be called on reformation in 2009) What's your story?

Just jump in, join a band and learn as you go.

computer code my money's on computer code

Having checked out the facts: Tommy James and the Shondells had one number one hit in UK : Mony Mony Hanky panky reached #1 in the US but only #38 in UK I think we're alone now - did not chart in UK if it was ever released - Lene Lovich recorded it on the B-side of Lucky Number and Tiffany had 3 weeks at #1 with her version of it. Crimson and Clover reached #1 in US but did not chart in UK if it was ever released. One of my other bands did a cracking cover of it

I was going to nominate Tommy James and the Shondells - Crimson and Clover but then I realised they did the original of I think We're Alone Now - but was it a hit for them or was the cover version (Tiffany?) the only hit version?

Golden Earring - Radar Love I do have an album called Golden Earring's greatest hits but to be frank I don't rate much else and can see why they were one hit wonders. they have a surprisingly extensive discography!! https://www.discogs.com/artist/247009-Golden-Earring

We released our last album about a year ago on CD, vinyl and for download via all the usual outlets. The CD has been selling steadily, the vinyl seems to have stagnated after initial high demand but I still have half a pallet full to shift. I have no clue as to how many downloads have sold as I've not seen a royalty statement but the royalty rates are pathetic. We've started work on the next - I suspect that will get a CD and download release only.

To add: I was offered an operation years ago to release the pressure on the nerves in my neck. I was warned there was a 'not insignificant risk of quadriplegia as the surgeon would be working very very close to the spinal column' - I decided trying to live with patchy numbness, occasional muscle spasms (which last days), numb fingers and reduced strength in my hands was the better option. That was a few years ago - a friend, who is currently undergoing similar treatment tells me techniques have improved somewhat but i'm reluctant to risk it.

The disc problem in my neck has caused nerve damage in my arms and fingers which means I no longer have the grip strength to hold a plectrum. If I start using one I tend to drop it mid song. The 3rd and 4th fingers on my right hand are also permanently numb, luckily the main plucking fingers work OK. recently problems have developed in my left arm which is making fretting difficult. i suspect my bass playing days are numbered.

Welcome to the wallet emptier.

I built a black P-bass which has nickel Gotoh reso-lites and a (very limited edition) FCH Babicz nickel bridge and is developing a lovely patina which is far nicer than bright nickel imo Only when you have mixed fittings can I see a benefit in trying to keep nickel bright - it looks far nicer with a bit of patina

5 is too many. This what I have now:

https://www.discogs.com/artist/287983-Derek-Forbes

So are they mixing meat and potatoes into it now? Whatever next?

Well if it's 900W @ 4 ohms - it'll be about 450W @ 8ohm and around 300W @ 12ohm approx

The 210 is switchable 4ohm/12ohm - it'd be fine at 12 ohms with the Eich

I've a TecAmp Puma900 which is basically the same as the Eich900 before Eich left TecAmp and TecAmp got bought by the Americans. I use it with both a Barefaced Supermidget and with an old Super12T The Super12T can be very loud. The Supermidget is loud enough to live with an enthusiastically battered Ludwig drum kit Both leave plenty of headroom. HTH

Gutted for you Loz.......how are you going to fill your time now?

If I get one of them I'm going to tell them that I have arranged to be pickled in a jar of formaldehyde and stood in the corner of my son's living room. Perhaps I should ask them if they wish to tender for the job?

I had a Pedaltrain Volto for a while. I hated using it as I was always paranoid it would die mid set.

Not guilty

Now a passing ambulance siren

The rumble of the jet engine of what can only be flight KL1064 from Cardiff to Amsterdam although flightradar says it's at 33,000feet...it sounds lower to me.

Not if you're playing to a guitar delay

My money's on the same basses they've offered for the last 50 years, as always.