james_guitar

Bump

Hi,

I'm a professional bass & guitar teacher covering the North Somerset, Bristol and London areas.

I have 10 years of teaching experience though schools, music shops and councils (including Tower Hamlets), as well as teaching privately. I am a CTLLS (City & Guilds) Qualified teacher, covering all styles of music and have prepared a wide range of lesson plans and resources.

Audio & video examples of my playing, as well as further information about my teaching work can be found on the following link...

[url="http://www.james-bennett.com"]http://www.james-bennett.com[/url]

As well as being a music teacher, I have a wide variety of performing experience; ranging from tribute and function band work (electric bass) to jazz, country & world music (upright bass).

For any information regarding lessons or general advice, feel free to contact me via the contact details on my site.

Best regards,

James

Bump!

I've been getting some interesting offers, but nothing really tempting so far...

I have the same folding trolley, although got mine from Maplins.

I was transporting my bass like this (with bungee) for a while until it damaged by endpin. I was wheeling my bass to a gig around christmas time, so there was ice and snow on the pavement. Not sure how it happened, but next thing I knew the part of the end-pin used to tighten it in to position had snapped off. :S

Just watch out for that, as I wasn't doing it any differently to you - might be less of a problem on flat ground though.

Thanks for the positive response (or at least not throwing rotten fruit at me - I'm wearing my best shirt and can't afford to dry clean it)!

[quote name='derrenleepoole' post='1351183' date='Aug 25 2011, 11:52 AM']That sounds great mate

I know what you mean about PJB gear, I have the Cub which I use for the NS Wav, and it sounds ace. I don't know how PJB do it, but even with little speakers, these amps work really well with uprights. I love the tone of the NS through the Cub more than the Promethean amp. The one thing that lets the Cub down is that it isn't a loud 100 watts compared with the Briefcase. Not sure why this is really. It will certainly cut it in a small trio, but it does need help for anything larger.[/quote]

Your feedback regarding the cub is great. I've been looking in to getting one and despite reading that it's physically a little quiter, I'm still very tempted by the Cub. If I get one then I'll still be using the briefcase, but the Cub is half the weight (meaning I can be even lazier for some gigs) and has 2 channels making it a portable, high-end solution for teaching. I also have a few venues that give me a room to lock equipment in - some times I just like having a different amp at each venue

I can't speak for the cub as I've yet to try one, but the Briefcase more than kept up with a loud trumpetist we work with, as well as a drummer playing reasonable levels with sticks (yes, they do exist!). We've got a loud one this weekend, which is with drums, trumpet and trombone and the material requires the drummer to lay in to the kit a bit more. Don't think I'll risk the briefcase for that one - should be perfect for your Rattlin' Bone tribute though.

As mentioned in a previous post, I've recently purchased a Phil Jones Briefcase for smaller gigs (as well as busking) and thought I'd share a little feedback regarding performance. Here's a video of it in action... (bearing in mind the camera's built-in mic is very basic)

[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8vGoZ3IZyc"]PJB Briefcase live - Caravan[/url]

Phil Jones M300 Head/8B Cab - Prior to making this purchase, I'd picked up a Phil Jones 8b cab (swapped with basswesty on this forum for my fender combo) and purchased a PJB M300 head accompany it (from Gareth, aka walbassist, also from this forum). I've been extremely happy with this set-up; it's powerful enough for big band gigs and reproduces my acoustic tone as naturally as possible. However, like most people on this forum, one purchase inevitably leads to another...

PJB Briefcase - not only does this amp sound great, but it can produce some serious volume. So much so that I've been using it for most of my trio gigs (which has been saving my back and drastically reducing set-up times). It keeps up with the drums for more laid back gigs and doesn't distort at all, even when cranked. In fact, it sounds great with pretty much any instrument going through it - so much so that my partner has been running her stage piano through it for solo piano gigs (playing classical, jazz & pop ballads), and prefers it to high-end PA speakers. I've yet to try it busking, so am looking forward to that.

Conclusion - the briefcase is easily one of the best purchases I've made and I couldn't be any happier with it. It's light, doesn't take up much space on stage, is loud enough for most gigs and sounds fantastic.

Bump.

SWR Super Redhead = the original and the best. £550 is a real bargain - I would have sold a kidney for this a few years ago.

[quote name='james_guitar' post='1305155' date='Jul 15 2011, 08:53 PM']Would you prefer it if it was an 8x15?


It's still for sale or trade - feel free to make any offers [/quote]

I had someon every interested in this, so kept it on hold for a while. Haven't heard back from them since, so it's back up for sale again...

Come on guys - this literally puts all other reverbs to shame. Definately worth a slot in any rack...

How's Moondance coming along? I'm not going to enter a debate about whether it's Jazz/Swing or not, but the Michael Buble version is a great big band arrangement and the original is in the Real Book of Jazz.

I'd also recommend getting a lead sheet for Fly Me To The Moon. It's a good tune to work with as it's largely cycle of 5ths and the changes aren't too fast.

First practice the chart playing 2 per bar you could use root, 3rd, 5th and 7th of each chord as a starting point. Then practice going through the chart walking with 4 to the bar. (listen to Diana Krall's 'live in Paris' version to hear what I mean).

If you enjoy playing this one, then get a copy of the Real Book from your local music shop (there are different versions of this, each with many jazz gems).

Best of luck,

James

Scotland sounds tempting, but it's quite a trek for me. Not sure if it would be worth it after the train fair

I decided before I got the article in the paper that I wasn't going to compromise my music in just to be allowed to busk. If being allowed to do it means playing my instruments aggressively and shouting instead of singing softly, then I'm not interested (I'm not a rockabilly bassist/Oasis strummer and I play quiet classical pieces like Cavatina and sing finger-picking ballads like 'Vincent' by Don Mclean). Plus I've already invensted in high-end battery amps.

This weeks local paper had a lot of local responses in my favour and people are still adding comments on the online version of the article, so I'm biding my time on this one. Once I've got a bit more support, I'll contact the TCP again and see if they have a change of heart. If not then I have other ideas.

Incidentally, the Peruvian Flute Band were on the high street today with their unique brand of new-age, pan-pipe karaoke. They had the full PA set-up and were loud as usual. The council/Police must have turned a blind eye as I saw them on my way to a lunchtime gig and they were still at it when I'd finished a couple of hours later...

[quote name='TheRev' post='1320239' date='Jul 29 2011, 11:30 AM']I'm in RedLemon, we were last there about a month ago. I completely agree about the patrons, The Raglan is the only venue where we get cheering for playing Robert Wyatt and Leonard Cohen songs. Hope that they're back on their feet soon.[/quote]

Hey Rev - just found your RedLemon Myspace page via the Raglan one and am digging your version of 'A Change Is Gonna Come'. What is it with Bristol producing such good soul singers/bands? You're spot on with your point about the Raglan encouraging more left-field song choice; I even know a couple of very commercial singers that play there who really have to go out of their way to find less obvious/commercial material when they gig there.

[quote name='zero9' post='1033863' date='Nov 23 2010, 02:41 PM']The double bass. It's too bulky, doesn't stay in tune and needs to be amplified.[/quote]

This made me laugh - although I think both the electric bass and acoustic bass also need to be amplified

[quote name='Chris2112' post='1035734' date='Nov 24 2010, 11:57 PM']Yeah, they may have been good back in the day but they're just pointless now, and they sound crap.[/quote]

This is ignorance in the extreme.

(assuming you have a background in electric bass, so have some technique...)

(Pop/Swing) - The Love Cats - The Cure

(Swing/Jazz) - Moondance - Van Morrison (or Michael Buble arrangement)

(Country) - Folson Prison Blues - Johnny Cash (I love playing these root and 5th 2-step tunes on the upright)

[quote name='Jag_Bassist' post='1318649' date='Jul 27 2011, 08:36 PM']Hi Everyone !


i have learnt the basics of upright from a teacher ( how to hold the bass how to finger the board how to pluck and holding a bow)

aswel as practising finding the notes


i am now looking for a simple songs to get me started


any genre will do dont mind classical, country or anything else!

Please leave me some suggested songs i can learn :]


Thanks[/quote]

[quote name='Monckyman' post='1317969' date='Jul 27 2011, 09:41 AM']Sounds like a lazy way to police decibel limits to me.
Manchester allows amplifiers, but limits the Db.
Pretty sure Leeds allows amps too,and they have serious busker plague.[/quote]

That's what I thought. A lot of acoustic instruments like drums and bagpipes are naturally harsh and very loud, so why allow them but make it difficult for quiter, more pleasant sounding instruments? With the ammount the charge each busker per day, they should just allow you to amplify within reason and randomly check on you once or twice during the day. They're wasting so much time moving people on that they'd be better off doing it this way.

Speaking of karaoke, there's one guy that busks next to the high street with his karaoke set-up and 1000 watt PA (which is facing the high steet). I spoke to both him and the council about it and apprently he's allowed to because he has a 'street trading license'.

I'm not a big fan of the Peruvian flute bands either. The ones that do it in our area don't have licenses; they just chance it and get moved on eventually. They don't get equipment confiscated and earn a lot of money, so there's no reson for them to stop. The council should just let them pay for a license as they're missing out on the busking fee and wasting time by moving them each day.

In response to Beedster's comment; the Town Centre Partnership wouldn't otherwise be 'stopping muggers'; their sole responsabilities include busking in the town centre and organising the high street's christmas lights. I'm not a big supporter of 'opera karaoke' either. I just think reasonable amplification should be allowed if your instrument is inaudable without it. Why allow drummers and bagpipes to busk, but make it impossible for fingerstyle guitarists and double bassists etc? As for busking unplugged, I'm not going to make my partner bring a full-size/grand piano every time she wants to busk. I'm also not willing to strum my classical guitar hard whilst shouting the lyrics Streets Of London as an alternative to playing classical pieces.

I've tried busking in Bath, but there's a lot more people doing it there (meaning you get less tips). It does costs a bit on the train though and a few of their regular buskers (including a tooth-less violinist) don't like new buskers and get quite aggressive towards you. On the plus, Bath are very organised with it; they have a website with sensible rules and regulations, and hold daily meetings. Because they monitor it and have sensible rules in place, the standard of busking is far better (and doesn't upset any locals).

[url="http://www.bathbuskers.co.uk/"]www.bathbuskers.co.uk/[/url]

I think I might have to go with Dannybuoys first suggestion and disguise the amp as a dog. Either that or I'll keep trying other areas until the TCP revise their rules. (maybe even move to Aylesbury)

Thanks,

James

P.S. to 'Bassace'; Incidentally, it was £160 I'd spent, not £170 - I joined the Musicians Union as the insurance quotes I was getting were around £300 per year. The instrument insurance and other perks were a nice bonus.

P.P.S. to 'the Rev' - which band do you play the Raglan Arms with? It's not a great payer, but one of my favourite venues as a lot of musos go there and they appreciate quirkier bands. They had a fire a few days ago, so will be out of action for a while

P.P.P.S. to 'Balcro' - that's a lot of interesting information you've found. I'm going to try to reason with the T.C.P. as there's been some local support. If not then I may go over their heads and contact some members of North Somerset Council.

I'm fortunate enough to make a living out of teaching and gigs, but have recently purchased an AER Compact Mobile (battery powered) amplifier for busking with my classical guitar. I have also purchased a Phil Jones Briefcase (also battery powered) for busking with my double bass, as my partner plays jazz piano and we do a duo.

I invested in this gear as I liked the idea of being able to generate income from busking should my students cancel or gigs fall through. Anyway, once I got the amps I contacted my local council who charge you £5 per day to busk on the high street (in Weston-Super-Mare - don't laugh!). Not only that, but they only allow you to do so if you have public liability insurance (I'm not sure how my classical guitar could be a danger to anyone, but I played the game and spent £170 on the insurance). Incidentally, there are no U.K. laws against busking; however, a few councils have introduced busking fees to generate extra income.

Here's what happened...

Having paid for both public liability insurance and a weeks worth of busking fees, I took my classical guitar and amp on to the high street and tried it out. Financially it was great; I got £60 within an hour and the elderly people that are usually the most likely to complain against this sort of thing really enjoyed the classical and jazz pieces and were very generous with tips. This was great until a local counciller told me that I wasn't allowed to busk with an amplifer and told me to go.

I went back to the councillers who had issued my licence and they agreed that I wasn't allowed to busk with an amplifier. They also confirmed that it's okay for bagpipes, brass instruments or even drum kits to busk as they are unamplified, but classical guitars, double basses or other quiet instruments that require it to be heard are not allowed to use amplification.

In summary, I've invested a lot of money in to my double bass and classical guitar busking gear and my local council have now made it impossible for me to use this gear for its purpose. I've just had an article printed in the local paper about it, but it probably won't change anything unless there's some public interest...

[url="http://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/news/musician_highlights_busking_red_tape_1_970917"]Weston Mercury Busking Article[/url]

Have any other members of this forum encountered this problem? I can't work out how anyone benefits from this red tape in any way...

[quote name='EddyGlee' post='1315034' date='Jul 24 2011, 07:41 PM'][b][u]TC Electronic D-Two[/u][/b]

19" rack delay unit form TC Electronic .. a totally awesome bit of gear.
currently selling at GAK, SoundsLive etc for £499
[url="http://www.gak.co.uk/en/tc-electronic-d-two/7056"]http://www.gak.co.uk/en/tc-electronic-d-two/7056[/url]
[url="http://www.soundslive.co.uk/product~name~TC-Electronic-D-Two~ID~902.asp"]http://www.soundslive.co.uk/product~name~T...-Two~ID~902.asp[/url]

in excellent condition .. will sell for [b]£295[/b]

heres all the tech from TC Electronic site: [url="http://www.tcelectronic.com/d-twotechspecs.asp"]http://www.tcelectronic.com/d-twotechspecs.asp[/url][/quote]

Beautiful piece of kit. It's the best reverb you'll find for under £1000 (as well as some tasty delay). If you're using it through a PA, then you've got 2 independant channels which is very handy.

Mine has died, so I'm missing it a lot. Really must get it fixed!

[quote name='gafbass02' post='1316340' date='Jul 25 2011, 09:36 PM']Near offers welcome[/quote]

I've got one of these myself. It's very early digital guitar modelling technology, but the tuner is okay.

It's ideal if you just want to learn about and experiment with different effects, including wah and whammy/pitch-shifting. With a bit of creativity it can even create some soft synth-type textures when recording.

[quote name='chrisd24' post='1314978' date='Jul 24 2011, 06:34 PM']With the sort of battery they recommend you get about an hour and a half, but if you were to get a deep cycle 12v battery rated at 20Ah then you will get about 4 hours......probably a bit longer if i remember right,as far as leads go to connect it to the rear of the amp you can make one up from bits from maplins for about a fiver, and i got the battery from ebay for about £40.[/quote]

Thanks for the battery tips - I'd heard the inbuilt batteries only last 1 - 1/12 hours, so had been wondering which external options lasted longer. Looks like a trip to Maplins is on the cards.

I got to try the briefcase out properly last night during a jazz/latin trio set. We did the gig as upright bass/vocals, trumpet and piano and played just over 2 hours. We were playing quite loud and the the pianist (who also plays bass in bands) liked the sound even more than my bigger Phil Jones rig (8x5 cab with M300 head). I think the briefcase will handle a louder set-up including drums, but I'm very pleased with the bigger rig so will continue with that those occassions.

[quote name='Happy Jack' post='1315793' date='Jul 25 2011, 02:57 PM']Nice piece of kit, but I'd hesitate to buy anything that features a [i][b]Quik-N-EZ Adaptor [/b]for instant microphone attachment[/i].

lolz, simples, cu l8r m8.[/quote]

I'm not sure if you should pay too much attention to a products marketing language. I got to try the stand out at PMT which was a quick and easy sale. It was a display model, so I didn't get the box/marketing blurb.

Why is it handy to adjust the height during a performance? - I run a few jazz sessions and ocassionally get guest singers up, so the option to adjust the stand height for others without putting my bass down. It's also just handy to tweak it if you're not completely happy with the mic placement once you've started your gig.

As far as stands go, Hercules make great products. I've already got the guitar wall hangers (which also have the automatic-locking system) as I used to teach through a music shop and recall many guitars falling victim to damage. I'm also about to buy the Hercules Double Bass stand, as from what I can tell it's cheaper than most stands and far safer.

[url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/hercules_hc_ds_590b_double_bass_stand.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/hercules_hc_ds_59..._bass_stand.htm[/url]

I'd be intrigued to see if you have any issues with Hercules products other than their markering (and whether slogans like 'Im lovin' it' have exclusively caused you to boycott McDonalds or any other companies that use them).

[quote name='thisnameistaken' post='1314403' date='Jul 24 2011, 01:29 AM']I just use a 58 on a boom stand, just like I do when I'm playing bass guitar.

I don't think I could use a straight stand at all to be honest.[/quote]

I have a 58 as a backup - it's good, but a little box-ey for my liking.

As for the boom stand v.s. straight stand thing the vintage mics look horrendous on boom stands.

Punters really dig the vintage mics, especially when you're doing jazz or any other throwback gigs. They're going to notice and appreciate that kind of touch far more than a £500 double bass pickup or super-expensive, top-of-the-range bass amp.

I've recently picked up an AER Compact Mobile and have been making fantastic money from busking with the classical guitar (and vocals), so thought it might be worth doing something similar with the double bass.

I've just picked up a Phil Jones Briefcase from PMT as I love the sound I'm getting for gigs with the PJB M300 head and 8x5 cabinet and thought it would also be handy for quiter jazz/acoustic gigs where I don'[t need as much volume. I haven't got a battery for it yet though, so need to look in to that.

Is any one else on the forum using this amp for gigs and/or busking? If so, what battery would you recommend?

These amps rarely seem to come up on ebay or the sale section in this forum which is a good sign IMO.

Thanks,

James

(This post is a little niche, but then I can't be the only upright bassist here that also sings...)

I've been having problems with mic stands at gigs as they're not the easiest of things to adjust whilst your holding your double bass. Most of them require bending down and using two hands. They're also often quite hard to untighten.

I was looking in PMT in Birmingham today for straight stands (which are the only decent choice for old vintage-style microphones) and came across the MS20!B. It's a fantastically engineered piece of kit as you just need the one hand to adjust the height, and it only requires quick and gentle pressure from your thumb to get the job done.

[url="http://www.herculesstands.com/mics/MS201B.html"]Hercules MS201B Straight Mic Stand[/url]

Admittedly a straight stand takes a bit of getting used to (with a big double bass in front of you), but it's more than worth it for the style and kudos of a vintage microphone.

[quote name='stoker' post='1297662' date='Jul 8 2011, 08:54 PM']Shame it's only a single 15 or I would be interested.[/quote]

Would you prefer it if it was an 8x15?


It's still for sale or trade - feel free to make any offers

Feel free to make any offers...