Marvin

We didn't practice this week, we started auditioning a new guitarist. It's the first time I've been the other side of the fence, and I was actually quite nervous. Lovely guy, lovely playing. We all found it easy to play with him. Good music theory knowledge (way, way better than my basic understanding). Great sound, he knows how to use the effects he has. I was a little apprehensive when I saw a 212 cab, a Marshall tube power and separate preamp, I thought my hearing was in for a bashing. But no, great tone but at sensible volume... apparently he doesn't do loud. Think we found a keeper.

I'd see this as a sideways move. I've got my coat and out the door...

Weeks like this week are a struggle. One member of the band, their circumstances had changed meaning we couldn't practice for the foreseeable future and we couldn't book gigs. However, they didn't see the problem and ultimately it was decided to part ways. So here I am again, trying to find a replacement. It's frustrating to say the least.

I absolutely hate AI. It's theft.

A lot of it is about contact and connecting with people. My band did a charity gig last weekend. It was a great gig, we were buzzing. It was really good to see some people I hadn't seen in a long time, made some new friends and we raised several hundred quid. It was better than a lot of the paid gigs we've done.

BEST. I'd have to say the Genz Benz NX212t I bought on here... and the Bugera Veyron M1001. MOST DISAPPOINTING: A used Ashdown RT500 head from G4M. It was packaged in just a cardboard box, with nothing to protect it. It was supposedly a MK2 but was actually a MK1. And to top it all it didn't work. I did get my money back fairly promptly and an apology. WORST: A brand new tuner pedal from Andertons that worked powered by battery but not from 9v mains power from my pedalboard. Returning it was a pain. If it was picked up from the house the return was free, however I'd have to pay postage if I wanted to return it myself. Anderton apparently don't provide returns labels. Also their returns procedure is naff. If I hadn't asked where the returns labels were a collection wouldn't have been arranged. Luckily one of my sons was home.

We did a ticketed charity gig last night at a local music venue. It was our gig, our singer organised it all (the venue also helped masses). As we're still a newish band, this was our 6th gig, it was a bit squeaky butt timeas to how many would turn up. In the end we were absolutely chuffed to get a decent number there. And a great crowd they were as well. It was a really cracking night and we raised several hundred £s in the end. We had support from a former band mate of mine, who did a great solo set and went down a storm. We're all still buzzing I think.

Someone's got to pay U2's taxes.

Firstly, this is a cab I wanted when Genz Benz still existed. I never had enough bass tokens for one though. I'd not even heard one though. 2 12in drivers with a tweeter. 4ohm. 600w. 23kg. I bought this from @wavydavy Dave on here, and it was a great transaction (prompt and well packaged etc). I was going to buy a new bass, but I saw this and thought... let's get it. I used it for the first time last night at practice. I am really happy with it, especially in combination with the Bugera Veyron I bought recently. The lows are really tight and focused. It sounded really punchy . It's quite 'sparkly' even without the tweeter in use. I'm really looking forward to using at the weekend, especially as our drummer is using his Gretcsh kit not his electric 😁

Definitely not.

I'm probably going to go for the Squier. One thing I have noticed with the Vintera is the truss rod is at the heel which, although period correct, is irritating.

We played at a village hall last night. It was a ticketed beer and cider festival. We had great fun. Everything went well. We set up quickly, got the sound right, played really tight and we performed really well. It was a good confidence booster as we've had a couple of wobbles lately, but we were on it last night. I'm absolutely done in though 🤣

Would it be fair to say the Vintera is quite a bit of money to have a Fender decal on the headstock?

I'm looking to buy another Jazz bass and the 2 candidates (the only candidates) are first version of the Fender Vintera 60s Jazz or the Squier CV 60s Jazz. I'd just be interested in opinions on either, especially what the necks are like. Thanks