KingPrawn

For me, it's about what my income and expenditure allow. I don't have a huge amount of indulgent money. Like many i/I/we have to plan and save. I have spent a lot on a bass, as I've treated them like investments. I have 2 what I would class as expensive basses. My Fender Jazz custom shop cost a fair amount. However, I've gigged with it for years, and it's never given me a problem. It's consistent and reliable. I've probably earned a fair few grand from it each year I've had it. It has paid for itself several times over. So yes, expensive, but in my opinion, a good investment in a workhorse of an instrument.

My heart goes out to his 2 young lads. Their dad was an important player.

Stop it Donald

A timely thread. I'm about where you are. Playing live for over 40 years. I find I'm pushing myself as I don't want to let others down. Two gigs this weekend, and if they were both cancelled, I'd be quite happy. Hadn't thought of a reset, but maybe finding something that suits me. I also think I should give the gig to someone else and not be selfish. I'm going to think about a reset for sure.

I'm lucky the bands I play in have the same process. 1. Agree on songs that are vocally and playing ability workable 2. Practice at home and nail your part 3. learn the form of each song ( agree which version and key) 4. Rehearse and see if it works if there's an element of doubt bin it

Great vibe, is it 'Captain Scarlet' inspired?

Good for you, man. As long as you're happy and enjoying your music on whatever instrument

Evening all. I'm posting this question as I am genuinely interested in your experience of booking gigs and how you feel the current climate is. I am essentially a weekend warrior, so I'm not talking about you cats who have the cream gigs. I play in a few bands, locally in the Midlands and have noticed a huge change in venues' attitude towards booking live bands. It used to be that we could go out as a 4/ 5-piece or more, depending on the style of music and get plenty of gigs and maybe £100 a head. Over the last few years, I have experienced more and more venues that are booking solo artists with backing tracks for a sub £200 fee, above a full band. We played a festival in the summer, and all the acts before us were solo with backing tracks. I get why the promoter does it, as it's cheaper for the venue/festival. I felt it looked awful as an audience member. A lone individual with a music stand and an iPad on a stage the size of an articulated lorry. I just worry about the live band experience and what will happen to it. I'm not against backing tracks; they have their place. It just feels a bit poo

I can't be around people with views that are hurtful or marginalise others. Happy to have differences and others present their opinion in an informed way. If you're uninformed and following the herd, I'm not interested. I also can't work with people who are so angry and bitter that their view of 'others' can't be shifted.

That's an incredibly tough first gig, given the circumstances. I really admire and respect you for even attempting this. I think what will get you through is the fact that you're paying respect to your brother. Maybe think about how proud he would be of you to remember him in that way. What anyone else thinks is irrelevant. They are all there to celebrate your brother's life. Visualise you playing on point and just practise until it's second nature. I hope it goes well for you.

Oh i'm in Anyone that works in a music shop and insists in engaging in a conversation with me. When all i want to do is try something i will never buy Basses with the headstock that matches the body. When did interior design take over the bass world Jeff Berlin because he has a signature Cort bass and i fell for it. They will only ever sound good on fire!! Amps with sh*t loads of buttons. Just fook off Rehersal studios Any bass over £500. Ive had them all and none were keepers. Not worth a tos* Hardcase gig bags. unless your on a plane. Your only driving up the road you muppet

Bought a set of Flats from Simon. No issues, as described a hassle free transaction Take Care simon

It was brilliant. Played the Swan in Stourport on severn. A local gig with the best energy and crowd.