Marvin

For me it's either the drummer or the vocalist and it's not easy to decide between the two. In a purely instrumental context where there are no vocals then I'd say the drummer without doubt. However, in a band that has a vocalist, I'm always reminded of a band I saw recently where the instrumentalists (we shall for now assume the voice isn't a instrument as such, contentious I know but it makes things easier) were all really tight in the main due to a good drummer. Yet it all fell on its arse as soon as the singer opened his mouth, absolutely dreadful. Conversely I was talking to a guitarist recently who said that their vocalist was spot on and the drummer absolutely dire but the crowd absolutely loved the band. For me as the bass player it's the drummer and at the end of last year I practiced a couple of times with a really good drummer. The instant he started playing I had a huge smile on my face. As a member of an audience though then it's probably the singer.

[quote name='risingson' post='1116016' date='Feb 4 2011, 11:20 PM']Where's the piano/keys in all of this?? Anyway. They all rely on each other, I could probably hash together an argument for why the bass is the most important but it would only be as valid as someone else's argument that the guitar is more important. Realistically I'd require most of the choices to place together a good band (including the triangle), and what's more, good players behind the instruments (including the triangle).[/quote] Oh arse! I put keys in the first poll but it didn't appear when I posted the thread, I've forgotten to put them back in

[quote name='waynepunkdude' post='1115822' date='Feb 4 2011, 07:59 PM']I thought you had trouser area problems for a minute.[/quote] Work colleague after listening to a radio report turns to the rest of us and says " I'm taking up smoking! Apparently it makes you importent ." You had to be there really

Which member of a band is pivotol? Without this person the band may as well just pack up and go home. I'll admit I'm still undecided at the moment.

Just a casual question Say for example you play an open D then an open A then a fretted note on the E string - with me? Which method do you use to mute the D and A? Please don't be embarrassed there are no right or wrong answers, this is merely for research purposes

[quote name='jakesbass' post='1110861' date='Feb 1 2011, 12:22 PM']I'm so pleased a basschatter got this gig, because a success story is a success story despite some of the rather silly comments that have been made in this thread. I'm a working pro bass player and I really understand the need to network in a tough business so I find it rather ridiculous that some people can do nothing but sit at home and criticise someone else's efforts. Good Luck Mike and Good luck Skinny Machines I really hope you have success and even if you don't hit it big, I hope you have great fun trying. Jake[/quote] Brilliant post Jake. EDIT: sorry, all the best SkinnyMike.

[quote name='Truckstop' post='1115510' date='Feb 4 2011, 04:07 PM']Volume. Truckstop[/quote] Well quite. When was the last time someone complimented one us for having 'a nice quiet tone'

[quote name='waynepunkdude' post='1114491' date='Feb 3 2011, 08:49 PM']I was just noodling through the guitar part on my GS, I don't like the song but it's a nice warm up.[/quote] It's in my detest list. 70's blues rock is something I can't abide anymore. Can't really see where it's going to fit in a set that's got Greenday, Pink and Blink 182 in it. It'll sound out of place. Well it won't actually as it won't get played

[quote name='Johnston' post='1114475' date='Feb 3 2011, 08:38 PM']Cream Badge up next.[/quote] Another one that beats me. Not being an Eric Clapton/Cream fan doesn't help

I was trying to nail Layla, but it's just not clicking at all. Get midway through the verse and there's a slight rest and it just throws me completely. I'm not a Blues/Rock player and find it extremely frustrating when I can't nail a song that sounds so bloody simple.

He plays some real hidden gems, I really like his playing. I'd probably go as far to say he's my favourite bass player. I seem to remember reading that he's most musically trained out of REM, which would explain a lot. A really underrated player and musician in my opinion. Good to see others think the same.

[quote name='paul h' post='1112501' date='Feb 2 2011, 03:01 PM']Craig Martini. Or are we not doing serious answers any more? In that case please assume I have said something amusing.[/quote] He's so cool is surreal. A wicked player. I may have mentioned it before but Craig and I were born on exactly the same day - we are bass twins . Unfortunately for me Craig got all the talent on that day.

[quote name='ahpook' post='1111695' date='Feb 1 2011, 10:03 PM']i was very impressed when i found out who spoombung was[/quote] come on you can't leave that one hanging in the air like that

[quote name='bubinga5' post='1111670' date='Feb 1 2011, 09:38 PM']Just wondered if there has been any famous people on BC.. apart from Stuart Clayton.. Just spotted Sheldon Dingwall on here.. i wonder if Marcus Miller has ever taken a look, or Mark Kning.. hes bound to have surely.. i can understand why they dont, they would get too many PM's/Questions.. im sure Mr Dingwall doesnt mind though..[/quote] Stuart's an absolute top bloke. Knows his stuff and I've always found him approachable and helpful. Can I have that 5 quid now Stu?

[quote name='chris_b' post='1111448' date='Feb 1 2011, 06:56 PM']Why do we keep getting these questions? They are always asked by hobbyists about professional playing situations and include typically unrealistic views. Do you hobbyists go to work at any time not liking the journey/boss/co-workers/job/office/clients? I bet you do. Have you lot no integrity? Ah, hold on, I've got to go, Gary's on the phone about a gig.[/quote] But, music is something that people can be enthused by, be creative, indulged in and enjoy, hence it can be a hobby, as well as make a living out of it. I've yet to meet someone that lists stuffing envelopes through letterboxes as their hobby

[quote name='Doddy' post='1111092' date='Feb 1 2011, 03:02 PM']But what about if you have to deliver BNP (or whoever)promo material? Would you flat out refuse to deliver it,or just get on with it and do your job?[/quote] I don't have a choice. I and my employer are legally bound through the Representation of the Peoples Act and the Postal Services Act to deliver such material. I don't like delivering it and thankfully this issue only arises at General Elections (they don't seem to bother with others around here) but to refuse would be breaking the law. It is something I cannot control and is out of my hands. However, if I was asked to play bass as part of a band for the benefit of the BNP for example then that is something I can control and can refuse - there aren't any statutes that say I'd have to play. So two different scenarios.

[quote name='Soliloquy' post='1111073' date='Feb 1 2011, 02:45 PM']Sure, as long as the money was worth it, ie after travelling expenses etc. I'd rather be at a gig earning £50 than at home earning nothing. Isn't it like any job ? If you're a postman or milkman for example, you may not want to get up if it's raining or snowing. I've played at venues that I haven't particularly wanted to play at. I just turn up, set up, do the gig and go home afterwards. I'd happily play with Gary Glitter, why not ? Same as I'd love to have played with Michael Jackson. Does anyone really get to choose who they work with ?[/quote] Being a postman, I'd say that not wanting to get up because it's raining is far removed from being asked to do a benefit gig for say the BNP, in my case. One is a pain in the proverbial the other is a matter of conscience imo

[quote name='Conan' post='1111068' date='Feb 1 2011, 02:41 PM']The OP stated that you had to be a pro. I'm not and never have been (although I guess being paid for gigs as part of a band makes me a semi-pro?). Most of us amateurs would only do gigs that we wanted to, but if it was my only (or even main) source of income I would take whatever I could get. You never know what it could lead to, and after all I have three kids to feed and a mortgage to pay![/quote] Sorry I'm lazy and never read much more than 2 sentences If I were a pro? Still no. I'm someone who despite loving Shredded Wheat, won't eat them because they're made by Nestle and I don't like some of what Nestle get up to. My morals and principles come before cash. I'd probably look to get a different job if it meant playing for people I disliked.

No. Music is my hobby. I don't seek to make money, if I were to it would be a bonus. I'm not even sure I'd want it to be my work. So I can be as picky as I want

[quote name='bubinga5' post='1109501' date='Jan 31 2011, 02:35 PM']Blimey Icastle your organised.. i thought i carried alot of stuff in my gig bag... First Aid kit though? where do you play? this is pretty much mine.. Batteries Tool Kit Tuner Olive oil Rag Mac Book Headphones Spare Cable Spare Strap Stand Ginsters Cheese and Onion pasty Packet of Cheese Doritos A copy of Razzle[/quote] I wouldn't admit to a Ginsters Pasty, a copy of Razzle maybe but not the Ginsters :)

It's a 2x10 - Fender Rumble 350. Only had it for about 3 weeks so can't really give any insight into reliability. I did a fair bit of research before buying and reliability problems didn't come up as an issue. Build quality is very good. I've taken it to 2 practices and the guitarist has been impressed - he's been playing for 30+years. First time I played it in 'anger' I didn't adjust the eq, played it flat, bass was flat and I was very happy with the tone. I'm usually a twiddler. Although obviously I've only had it a little while, given my experiences thus far, if I'd had more money then I'd would go for the 2x8 and matching head.

No experience of the cabs I'm afraid. Great price for a lightweight cab. I've got a Rumble combo which sounds very good. But that's probably not a lot of help

[quote name='Johnston' post='1108182' date='Jan 30 2011, 02:45 PM']I typed personal recommendations for Marvin into Amazon I got [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bass-Anthology-Authentic-Tab/dp/0739040685/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1296398462&sr=1-2"]this[/url][/quote] Thank you for your help

[quote name='ped' post='1108048' date='Jan 30 2011, 12:37 PM']This will give you some idea of what the new version of the software looks like [url="http://community.invisionpower.com/"]http://community.invisionpower.com/[/url] ped[/quote] ooooeeer! How posh is that? Ta, I'll spend some time familiarising myself with the style and stuff

[quote name='charic' post='1108058' date='Jan 30 2011, 12:42 PM']Busted! [/quote] [quote name='TimR' post='1108076' date='Jan 30 2011, 12:54 PM']ROTFPMSL You've made my day. Although I will admit I'm easily pleased. You can never have too much Gaffa tape, too many spare strings or 9v batteries. But it is a very personal thing so I tend to ask my wife for specifics or I end up with some very nice well meant things but I would have bought different ones. So maybe I'm not that easily pleased [/quote] That'll teach me to remain logged and leave the computer unattended To her credited Mrs M did buy me my ZoomB2.1u which was very nice of her - useful but not essential : Gaffa tape maybe an idea. Mrs M has been mixing with a basschat member on FaceBook - she may be a bad influence, you know who you are