AndyTravis

https://gofund.me/d05da7af just in case anyone missed the link x

Had a great chat with our man last night. i must say the urge to get in the car was huge x

Just a quick bump for this. it will continue to run until 01/07/25. hope this is ok? X

Ah well. It’s been on the cards for a good while. I haven’t been in the trade for a massive 11 years. But there was always a rumble towards the 2010’s - us or them, etc. I’ve said all of this before - but unless you have a USP, it’s a race to the bottom. Crap margins, massive overheads and having to pay people who knew what they were on about a decent living wage… Fender and Gibson are retailing from their own sites. Pointless really - the days of drooling over Les Paul’s or Precision basses on a Saturday Morning…on the whole…seem to be pretty numbered. We live in a world where the next generation of guitar and bass buyers are buying online and deciding online. Best wishes to all affected. It’s shite when these things happen. I do think Andertons seem to have the podcast come shop approach pretty much nailed on. I notice BD are doing the same type of thing. Normans and Chicago Music Exchange have been doing it well for years in the US. I tried to get my lot (Dawsons) into social media early doors - but in typical fashion, they got someone totally disconnected from the punters to do it…so it flopped… After I left, there were various ham fisted attempts - too little too late

Yeah - heard the same. Reps who were instructed to fetch gear out were told to bugger off by administration team…

Magical well done all xx

You’re ace mate - we’ll catch up soon x

I won’t share the details (as it’s not my place to). But as my desperate sale thread a while ago lead to a (frankly overwhelming) response…There will be an update on that soon hopefully as legal teams are progressing for Iris. I’d hope we could help a good friend of Basschat @lee650 He’s gone from messaging me “that’s it Trav, I’ve got everything I need bass wise” to having to sell some/most of his collection. I’m hoping we can raise enough so he can at least keep one of the 3 basses he’s has for sale. If you know Lee, you know he’s a gorgeous human being; he’d give you his last quid for the bus home and walk himself…he’s got a heart of gold. He’s helped me through so many dark times, he’s taught me so much - a phenomenal musician. as per @Clarky’s lead for me - I want us to give it a go for Lee. https://gofund.me/d05da7af

Will add more as I go…

In progress…

my 2 🤗

Whenever you need me mate x

If that was the ruse to move you on, that’s heinous

A proper mate sticks with you - “nah, I think he’s onto something” not “I think you’re on a different page to him” bullet dodged as far as I’m concerned. The guitarist/songwriter guy was an odd personality…it wouldn’t have lasted.

I had a really odd experience recently. To me it was a side project and I was invited along. Things were going well, I was encouraged to play more, be louder “the bass needs to drive this song” etc. We got to the point of booking a studio and recording, we decided to maximise value for money by tracking guides at the guitarists place. All good. Then it’s decided a song should be slowed right down and it loses (to me) it’s dynamic and ultimately is quite boring to play, and listen to. I make my feelings known. I’ve been around a bit and had varying levels of success…but I know from a listeners point of view what works and what doesn’t. I had no hand in writing the songs, just the bass parts so wasn’t overly attached to them. Anyhow - the drummer who’d invited me and the singer/guitarist/songwriter obviously had a chat and decided my opinion wasn’t needed. a very first for me - I got sacked… At the time I was very angry. I didn’t actually ever feel comfortable with the singer guy…really not my kind of guy. So overall I’m not arsed. The songs were a bit meh but I enjoyed the parts I did… I can incorporate some ideas into new stuff. but the drummer I really liked - I’ve been in 2 bands with him before. but how he handled his business now means I’ll most likely never speak to him again - a shame, but I haven’t got time for people who act like he did. Life is too short. And I haven’t a band I’m happier in now we’re actually doing something - I admit I had my head turned in a lull. Anyhow - I can do whatever I want in this band so, that suits me. Being given absolute freedom means I’m much happier playing root notes on the whole 😆

Will try and get back in for June. Some ace stuff here - just ran out of time…

We’re in our 6th year nearly… It will be ace though. My back is counting on it.

Yeah - it’s so long…it’s going to be its own thread. the incompetence is off the scale. OFF the scale.

No. I’m on a pure ban now. Just awaiting the legal team at the bank signing some documents and the builders move in…

I’d get it to Dave Wilson in Hexham. he did a miller jazz for me - I went OTT on pickups and a Pre in it - should’ve kept it stock apart from the paint