niceguyhomer

Have to go back to 4 strings John - I have my grandchild to think about

[quote name='shaundav18' post='390972' date='Jan 25 2009, 02:36 PM']Alright man. I'm looking for a bass player at the moment. What sort of styles do you play?[/quote] Currently playing Soul / proper RnB etc in a busy and very much in demand band but I have Blues tendencies. For my own pleasure I play along to Steely Dan & Stevie Wonder. I love metal too but who wants someone who looks like their Dad in a metal band? Sheesh I have no chance.. Confused? So am I What sort of stuff dya do shaundav18?

[quote name='Buzz' post='390950' date='Jan 25 2009, 02:15 PM']£24 down to £19 for EB Slinkies? Bloody hell, that's still about a fiver more than you should be paying even if you like the sound they give.[/quote] Eggsackly Buzz.

Tried a few Sandbergs whilst I was out buying strings yesterday and I was well impressed. I tried a PM4 in droolsome white and a PM5 in sunburst. They both needed a set up but both sounded fantastic - nice build quality too and I mucho preferred 'em to the Musicmen (?) and Warwicks I also had a dabble on. What's the general concensus on Sandbergs? I have to admit I came away with some GAS fellas.

Went into a certain large music store in Salford yesterday for some desperation strings. They had one set of 45-130s and unfortunately they were EB Slinkys so I begrudgingly asked how much - the sales person scanned 'em and said £24.95. I burst out laughing at the price and suggested a good place where he could put them and not even the stocktaker would find them. He shuffled away and came back as I was heading for the door and said "19 quid mate". I bought them cos I needed 'em but I came away thinking ....bloody hell, what's that all about ? Some people would be daft enough to pay £24.95 and that's a rip off. Just thought I'd share that witcha.

Great gig last night - that's two this weekend but it nearly didn't happen. Guitarist has problems getting through sound checks without having a strop and last night was no exception. The singer stopped us half way through a song (we'd just played it right through once) when he was satisfied that the sound / balance was right .... just before the guitarist's solo. He began to act like a 5 year old so I told him loud enough for the audience to hear that if he was going to have one of his tantrums, I was off. He shut up. Band is having second thoughts about splitting up ....what to do...what to do

STICKER I'll donate a Tapco DI box - unused.

We did a thirtieth birthday bash about 300 yards from my house and it was a brilliant night. About 180 people there all up for a good time and we had lots of people coming up afterwards and saying what a great band we are. Pity we're splitting up really. I was expecting the mood in the band to be a bit solemn but in fact, it was quite the opposite and that was a bonus.

I love the names - you're gonna get a smacked bottom and I don't care who knows it

[quote name='Rayman' post='389034' date='Jan 22 2009, 09:22 PM']I have [i]got[/i] to see your ZZ top band Doc. Is Dr Blue involved in the Colne festival this year? Why don't you go in a new direction Al? Dub reggae? Metal? You could wear a wig.[/quote] I'm not fussy mate - I'll play any music so long as it's good music and....I AM wearing a wig

You're right Doc - I have been a bit disillusioned - nay...pee'd off of late and now I think I'm probably hoytin' enough to play the blues. I'd love to get on the blues circuit but knowing my luck, I'll probably end up in some sad classic rock embarassment but hey - at least it keeps me going.

Hey spineynorman - you're right, what matters is what works for you innit.

[quote name='wayne58' post='387898' date='Jan 21 2009, 07:23 PM']Sorry to hear that Al Email sent regarding Blues band, will keep my ears to the ground.[/quote] Thanks a million Cameron - I've been in touch with them already. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks solo4652 I'll have a look - not sure if scousers are allowed in Manchester...are they?

[quote name='Rayman' post='387650' date='Jan 21 2009, 04:06 PM']Oh cock, I was planning on seeing the band at some point. Hang on to your gear though Al, something else will turn up, it usually does. I've tried jacking it in a couple of times but missed it so bad I couldn't bring myself to flog me stuff. We need to meet for a pint mate, it's been too bloody long.[/quote] Never mind mate - I'll shoot over one night for a sherbet, maybe we could go to a gig (Stevie Williams?) or something. I want to carry on and already have a few feelers out. Retirement isn't an option.

[quote name='GreeneKing' post='387524' date='Jan 21 2009, 02:05 PM']Sorry to hear that Al. I was looking forward to 'Not so nice guy Eddie' moving into new musical territory. But you do know a fair few musicians I would think so I hope something turns up. Life just wouldn't be the same without you around. Peter[/quote] Thanks Pedro, TBH I feel a bit bereaved but I'll bounce back. It pisses me off that some people just don't appreciate what they've got and it's a bloody shame - it was a great little unit.

[quote name='Rich' post='387464' date='Jan 21 2009, 01:18 PM']Aww bugger... what happened to NGE, Al? 'Musical differences', or just one of them fings?[/quote] Hi Rich, It's been going downhill for a while TBH - we've had problems finding / keeping drummers and our latest temp has given notice as his own band is starting to gig again. We've not had a settled line up for well over a year and because we never rehearse, the set has remained unchanged and frankly, we're all pig sick of it and it shows. So once again, we find ourselves at the metaphorical crossroads and the guitarist and me want to start over and put some new material in the set but the singer doesn't. So we've agreed to honour the private functions & weddings and cancel the other 35 gigs we had booked in so far for 2009. Shame really but all good things come to an end.

Thanks Steve but I'd need a helicopter to get darn sarf on a Friday night. Hopefully, something else will turn up soon - I'm not ready to hang my boots up yet.

My band has split and I don't want to hang up my boots just yet - if anyone knows of a working band looking for a bassist, please let me know. Have good gear, fast car and all my own teeth. Further details by PM.

Thanks Pedro but it all looks a bit academical now - the band ist kaput.

Believe it or not I don't GAS for gear, to me it's just a means to an end and the day I stop gigging - which is the only motivation I have to play an instrument, is the day I sell everything and move on. I've gone through a lot of gear changes in the past 4 years not knowing what I liked or needed. Often I'd buy a bass or amp after a quick twang in a shop or whatever only to find it was absolutely useless to me in a live band situation and in those circumstances, I'd sell it straight away. Hence the rapid turnover of equipment in Springfield. Now, after 4 years of frenetic activity in the For Sale section I now know what I like / need - and I'm pretty sure I've got it. I started playing guitar in the early 60's and throughout my six string career, you wouldn't see me with anything much different from a Strat going straight into a 2x12 valve combo - that's what worked for me. Sure I look at gear and think wow that's nice but I don't feel compelled to get the wallet out any more.

I've probably done 150+ gigs with LMIIs ranging from tiny pubs to the Tower Ballroom at Blackpool - they're loud enough, sound great and they've never let me down. I recently tried and would recommend an R500 - basically a LMII with a valve in the preamp and that sounded fantastic although it's a bit more expensive. From experience, I would recommend pairing a LMII with one or preferably two Aguilar 112 cabs and the same goes for Bergantino cabs. I also used mine with an Epifani UL310 and that was a superb rig. I've never tried the 2x10 MB combo but everyone I know who's had one swears by them.

I got really good results using an EBS Microbass II powered by a s/h Yamaha amplifier - total cost to me: £450. I dunno if the bass made a difference but it was a Bongo 5HS (high output) and the cab was an Epifani UL310 (very efficient). There will be a way deaver.

I like the stock conclusions to gear reviews...erm...."...a fine addition to the range and one I'd recommend you try out" type stuff.