BassBunny

[quote name='GreeneKing' post='376287' date='Jan 10 2009, 05:29 PM']That piece of Amboyna burl is just so bass shaped it seems a great shame not to fulfill it's destiny. You'll be over the moon Stuart. All I need now is a lady in my life for my 60th Peter[/quote] I think Mrs BB is working on that as we speak Thanks again for the pics. Are you now the official ACG photographer?

Having just reached a milestone birthday, Mrs BB presented me with a tantalising choice to celibrate it. 1) A Cruise, ( great idea until some idiot booked a load of Gigs over Xmas and New Year) 2) A Party, (Would have ended up with a bunch of scroats I haven't seen since the last one, and wouldn't see until the next) 3) An ACG Bass. It took all on 1 nano second to decide and Wednesday 7th Jan found me at ACG HQ in Moffat. I have been thinking about an ACG for a while, (ever since Steve beat me to one Alan had For Sale last year by 10 mins):mad: I had pretty much decided on a Finn until I got there and fell for the alluring lines of the Recurve. The really hard part was deciding on the finish. again I had a rough idea, but after seeing Alan's current "Wood Stock", I knew I was in trouble. Some time later I had it down to 7 tops and 4 (or was it 5 or 6) fingerboards. Enter Pete and Dave who gave me their views and the result is: Amboyna Burl figured top, Black Limba body core and Ziracote finger board. The pickup combination will be the Dogs Bollox with an SB in bridge RFB neck and a Piezo Bridge. A truly amazing day and I now know why there is so much lusting over wood at the moment. All I have to do now is wait patiently, (some hope) until it is finished. The even better part is that i'm not paying for it

[quote name='misrule' post='375454' date='Jan 9 2009, 05:44 PM']Headline: Pub music noise ban to curb binge drinking Source: Mail on Sunday Issue Date: Sunday November 16, 2008 Byline: Tom Harper Page: 35 Word Count: 570 Edition: 1ST Story Text: THE Government's latest proposal to combat Britain's binge-drinking epidemic is to turn down the volume of music in pubs and bars. Landlords could be forced to outlaw all entertainment louder than 70 decibels - roughly the same as a hairdryer - to curb alcohol-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour. A Labour taskforce has been persuaded by research which showed that loud music in pubs made customers buy more alcohol and drink it faster. At present, there is no set noise level for licensed premises, the only stipulation being that if pubs want to host live bands, they must make a formal application to the local council. But researchers found that deafening music speeds up drinking patterns by drowning out conversation and arousing the brain. When sound levels were louder, the average number of drinks ordered by customers rose from 2.6 to 3.4. The time taken to drink a small beer also fell from 14 to 11 minutes, according to the study by France's University of South Brittany. But pubs claim a limit on noise would put an end to televised sports events and comedy nights and leave jukeboxes barely audible. Mark Hastings, of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: 'There is absolutely no evidence to suggest a link between music and binge-drinking. 'This move is akin to a sledgehammer cracking a nut - the Government already has the power to put whatever conditions it chooses on any individual licence. That would target the problem venues rather than banning music, dancing, comedy and entertainment for everyone.' The news follows a warning to a Commons select committee last week by Feargal Sharkey, frontman of Eighties band The Undertones and now chief executive of British Music Rights. He said stricter licensing laws are making it increasingly difficult for smaller venues to obtain live music licences. The taskforce also proposes meetings twice a year between licensees and the police. But the industry estimates this would run to 400,000 meetings a year and take up 33,000 police working days. The measures could either be enshrined in new legislation or used to amend the 2003 Licensing Act. The annual cost of hospital treatment for alcohol-related problems has now reached £2.7 billion and more than 40 per cent of all crime is linked to drink. Since the extension of drinking hours, the number of youngsters treated for alcohol abuse has soared by 40 per cent. Shadow Home Secretary Dominic Grieve said: 'This is a desperate attempt - the Government should concentrate on getting the basics right. Putting police on the street and enforcing the laws already in place would do more to combat alcohol-fuelled disorder.' The document makes no mention of minimum pricing for drink, despite Government-backed research showing that cheap supermarket deals are linked to binge-drinking. Last year, The Mail on Sunday revealed that some stores were selling beer more cheaply than water. Other moves being considered are a ban on pub promotions, such as free drinks for women, happy hours and the sale of cocktails with suggestive names such as Sex On The Beach. The draft code also proposes cigarette-style health warnings about the dangers of alcohol to be displayed in shops, bars and restaurants. The Home Office said: 'This document is a draft and should not be taken as an indication of Government policy. Ministers have yet to take any final decisions.' Cheers Mark[/quote] Cheers Mark, I knew it was Nov 16th as another band member posted on another forum after calling me to see if i had seen it. I have been searching for the article as I am sure I kept it, but don't matter now you have reproduced it here. Thought it was either MOS of Sunday Express as i tend to read either of them.

[quote name='Stylon Pilson' post='375218' date='Jan 9 2009, 02:55 PM']I think so. I'm wondering where the "70dB" figure came from, because I can't even find anything remotely pertinent if I search just for that. S.P.[/quote] The 70DB figure came from the original study conducted in France. The details of this were published in one of the Sunday Papers last November.

[quote name='bassicinstinct' post='375203' date='Jan 9 2009, 02:43 PM']IMHO, it would be much quicker to just sign the darned petition, rather than spend ages on research in an attempt to prove that it isn't worth signing. But that's just me. I've signed it.[/quote] Agreed, I will be absolutely delighted if there is no substance to the proposal. Equally I would be really hacked off if it is true and I just sat an my hands and did nothing. It took no more than a minute to sign it....... Nuff said.

[quote name='Stewart' post='375118' date='Jan 9 2009, 01:58 PM']Done - very few signatures though, and not long to go...[/quote] Agreed, but there have been 100 additional sigs in the last 30 mins.

[quote name='Stylon Pilson' post='375082' date='Jan 9 2009, 01:39 PM']Agreed. I'd like to see the actual law before I sign a petition stating that I disagree with it. S.P.[/quote] At which point it will be too late.

[quote name='bremen' post='375072' date='Jan 9 2009, 01:29 PM']I'd sign this but can you say where you heard it? Are you sure it's not a hoax? I haven't been able to find anything online and wouldn't want to sign a petition against a non-existent issue.[/quote] There was an article in one of the Sunday Papers last November where the government had got hold of a study that was completed in a French University. Apparently said study highlighted a link between loud music and increased levels of drinking. The louder the music, the higher the consuption. At that stage they were "considering" the implications and the link with Binge Drinking. How many laws have been passed without any prior knowledge. Personally if it IS a hoax, and I don't think it is, it doesn't bother me. If it isn't and becomes Law then I haven't done a damn thing about it and can't complain when Live music dies. At the end of the day it is your choice and I have merely highlighted what I know and the presence of petition on the Government web-site.

Another piece of proposed legislation that will adversely affect live music in the UK: It appears that the government wish to consider, (for consider read "implement"), it a legal requirement in the new tax year to introduce laws insisting anyone applying or re-applying for an entertainment license must have a noise control device fitted to the venue. This will be the final NAIL for ALL entertainment in the UK as the level at which these devices CUT you off is dreadfully low and damaging. I read an article about this in November and the proposed level mentioned then was 70Db. About the same as a hair dryer. Someone has organised a petition on the Government Petition Site. I urge you ALL to sign it. Not only will this law affect musicians but the whole musical instrument industry, fans, venues....... Just imagine that vast stock of gear you have would become worthless. PLEASE DON'T DISMISS THIS. Spread the word and get everyone you know who loves live music to sign the petition. Bands, family, pets, venues, fans just get everyone you know to sign it. No one is saying it will make a difference, but if you don't try, you don't know. PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION HERE: [url="http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/NoNoiseControl/"]http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/NoNoiseControl/[/url]

[quote name='niceguyhomer' post='374524' date='Jan 8 2009, 10:14 PM']Spiffnifficent Pedro - I'm going to have to take the plunge methinks.[/quote] Well AL i've pulled the trigger on one and I will guarentee you WILL get the sound you want out of one of Alan's creations. Best part is I'm not paying for it either. Happy days.

[quote name='GreeneKing' post='373672' date='Jan 7 2009, 11:27 PM']IMO the only way to buy an ACG is to call in and spend 3 hrs going through his stock and talking about your needs. Therapy in it's purest sense Peter[/quote] Couldn't agree more. I spent that time and more on Tuesday picking the woods for the first ever Recurve 5 String. I met up with Peter and "our kid", Dave Perry. I went there with what I thought was a clear idea of what I wanted and came away ordering something completely different, (not in a Monty Python way). Thought I wanted a Finn and ended up falling in love with the Recurve. Even the pick-up configuration will be different to what I originally envisaged. There are so many different variables that it is easy to get lost and some may even find it all too much, but there is indeed something therapeutic about laying pieces of wood on the floor and admiring them in all their glory. Alan has an uncanny knack of being supportive in your choice without making it for you. Thanks to Peter and Dave for confirming my choice. Oh. nearly forgot, having seen the bass in the flesh it is indeed a thing of beauty and those pick-ups are something else.

Hi Scop. Say your "wood" when i went to see Alan yesterday to order my ACG. Will put some pics of the facings as soon as Peter sends them to me.

Reverb are selling Crate BT220's for £149 and free delivery. Thats 66% off retail. Anyone looking for a cheap Combo, it's a steal.

[quote name='niceguyhomer' post='357005' date='Dec 17 2008, 02:39 PM']Oy cetera! Have you any comments re; other preamps?[/quote] Hi Al, I am off to see Alan, (ACG), tomorrow to order a bass and will be discussing the ACG pre option for my Spector. I cannot get on with the 2 Vol arrangement, (or the bloody bridge for that matter), but it is so playable I might look at putting an AGC pre in it before throwing the towel in. If I do, you is more than welcome to "give it a go". There may be an issue as the pick-ups are active and need a 9V supply that is partly fed by the actual pick-up leads. Must admit I am also a bit hacked off at the thought of filing the bridge to get my choice of strings on it.

Another +1 for Martin, (sorry for the dealy in feedback). He came over just before Xmas and bought my Aria Bass. Great guy, nice player and time just drifts away when you start talking with him. A fellow Manc as well. It just gets better........

[quote name='ednaplate' post='369466' date='Jan 3 2009, 06:21 PM']Hope it works. Cheers[/quote] Works for me. Brilliant thanks.

[quote name='ednaplate' post='369345' date='Jan 3 2009, 04:30 PM']I have a bass and bassless backing track for this if you are interested.[/quote] Could you stick them on here or if not e-mail please.

[quote name='Beedster' post='368917' date='Jan 2 2009, 10:23 PM']I'd love to give it a go - used to read when I played cello but that was about 30 years ago [/quote] Chris, a switched on BassChatter has suggested posting the transcription here for all to have a go at. Guess what.... it includes the tab. I didn't spot that as I was reading the dots. [attachment=18030:Rhythm_Stick_1.jpg] [attachment=18031:Rhythm_Stick_2.jpg] [attachment=18032:Rhythm_Stick_3.jpg]

[quote name='Beedster' post='368917' date='Jan 2 2009, 10:23 PM']I'd love to give it a go - used to read when I played cello but that was about 30 years ago [/quote] If you PM me your address I'll copy it and send it.

[quote name='solo4652' post='366908' date='Dec 31 2008, 10:38 AM']Some really useful advice here. I'm pretty much a beginner, and I'm struggling with my timing. Playing along to Youtube videos at home, I'm not too bad. However, when I play with a drummer and guitarist, it often falls apart. This mainly because I'm concentrating on keeping the beat, but then find it really hard to count the bars to start, stop, just play roots, play the bridge, etc at the right points. We don't have a singer yet, and I'm hoping that this will be the missing link. That said, I'm fully aware that it's me and the drummmer who should be the core of the song. Any advice to stop my irritation growing, please? Steve[/quote] Steve, The CD I sent you has both a Metronome and Drum Machine in the software package. Get it loaded on your lap-top and off you go.