Skybone

Like Lozz, I bulk buy strings, but after trying the Red Label Stainless, I didn't like them. Started using Fender 7350m's, as they weren't that much more expensive, lasted a bit longer, and kept the brightness a bit longer as well. Plus the fact that they don't feel quite as harsh as the Red Labels either.

Line6 POD HD500x. It's a pre-amp and a multi-fx.

What I found useful when trying to get in to "singing" & playing with one band, was to record the music separately, then concentrate on the vocal separately. If you have a rehearsal recording, you can practice the bass line, then when you're happy with that, put your bass down and practice the vocal on its own. I found it helps, especially when you're trying to remember the words as well. Put them together in the rehearsal room.

Not bothered about his hair. His face is looking more like his old "Karloff" guitar graphic!

Whatever you decide, keep the Wal. Try out loads of different basses. Get the one that plays and sounds great. But keep the Wal.

Gig loan etiquette? Don't blow the amp up or any of the speakers!

Kirk is looking very old...

Saw the Stranglers the other week. JJB was superb.

Got to agree that Warwick Red's are pretty coarse. Used them for a while, but wasn't too happy with the feel or the sound. Changed to Fender 7350M's, not quite as cheap as the Red's, but cheaper than Roto's, decent quality and a nice sound.

Agreed. Nickels are a wee bit softer than Stainless, where Stainless are harder, and more abrasive because of it. You won't get a skin reaction with Stainless, but they are a bit harder on the fingers (and frets). I used to get a skin reaction from Nickels (dead skin on my fingertips), but since moving to Stainless, I've not had that. It did take a while to build up my fingertips, and it did hurt after playing, but it's a muscle / callous thing rather than a skin reaction. The solution? Play more bass!

I've owned a few Iceman guitars over the years, and only ever had a neck dive issue with one of them, which had a basswood body, instead of mahogany like the rest (owned 6, guitars, still own 2). The mahogany bodied IC's balanced superbly.

Wouldn't he be better using a multi-FX / modeller I stead of a laptop? He could then actually switch effects in real time, and not have to worry about its ruggedness, as they're designed to be used on stage. Something like the HD500x, Helix, Axe FX, Kemper etc. All more rugged than a laptop.

The kids kicking 10 shades of sh**e out of each other

Yup, did that as well... what an eye opener it was too! Ooops. Drastically reduced it over the last few years, but it's starting to creep back up again.

Time to dig out your platform boots Dave!

Nice

Very good documentary though

Salted or Dry Roasted?

Great story & a 'most excellent human being' award for Andy.

Saw The Stranglers the other night, JJB's still up there.