BassTool

[attachment=39655:156.jpg] My mate Baz introduced me to this bloke after a gig they'd done together, he said we had the same thing in common - our initials are the same apparently . After one or two beers he rather kindly gave me his plectrum too

[quote name='biskitbass' post='688753' date='Dec 18 2009, 10:06 PM']My latest rig.... [/quote] And I can vouch how good this sounds........

Yes, I certainly do try to make some sort of tuneful racket to accompany the lyrics As I am am our main singer amongst my fellow musician/singers - two guitarists and a drummist. The two guitarists sing a song apiece and the drummer chips in with backing vocals to make up four part harmony, but in the main I am the frontman/bassist/showoff. Although I started band life as just a basic singer, when I was 14 and our first bassplayer got the sack (oh yes we were serious teenagers )I was told I had to make myself more useful and pick up the bass and sing as well... Guitarists sheesh, easy life man, they had too many pedals to press apparently Anyway that was thirty four years ago and I'm still trying to marry those two totally counterpoint skills together and make some sort of coherent racket with my voice and my bass at the same time............ It's a neat trick when it can be pulled off, and the two most complex songs I think I have ever done are Rat Trap (Boomtown Rats) and Lonely Boy(Andrew Gold). The vocals and bass line in each song are absolutely miles apart and took me ages to crack. For me, McCartney was very underrated in his skills at doubling the two, Sting as well did some clever stuff and made it look effortless. Mark King got the recognition he deserved, I've seen him live and his ability to sing over complex bass lines is truly incredible, and his bass virtuosity is a bonus Johna

Got mine, our drummer kindly bought them for the Sage Gateshead in October, we are 5 from the front! GERRIN! Seen them four times in the last twenty five years or so, I thought the best time was my first when 'Hot water' charted. Check out the bloke on the bass who sings a bit, he's worth watching out for

[quote name='biskitbass' post='672554' date='Dec 2 2009, 10:01 PM']+1 !!![/quote] Didn't take you long to change your gear listing I see......... Biskitbass has a Hartke for sale, and I can vouch it's mint

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='671709' date='Dec 1 2009, 11:19 PM']Chuffin hell mate; not only did you bust your amp but you snapped the headstock off that fender... come to think of it, there's something wrong with the body as well! [/quote] I thought he may put a dent in his Fender credentials being spotted with one of these on, he was grinning for a while needs the strap heightening though........ Gotta say it sounded class through the Markbass head and Bergantino 4x10 cab, that Gaz Howe is one fortunate man

Big thanks to WaterofTyne and all the basschat members who made this a great afternoon out. I've never seen so much expensive gear in one place .... .......and I had a bit of a result in the raffle........ahem Now got enough strings to last 'til I'm 53. Gaz Howe I want that Status ....... and the new amp and cab Gota dash.....Copt Hill tonight

[quote name='BigRedX' post='658609' date='Nov 18 2009, 09:47 PM']On full (it sounds better) all of the time. Only used to fade out ringing notes at the end of songs. That's it.[/quote] +1 exactly the same

[quote name='gazhowe' post='657637' date='Nov 17 2009, 11:19 PM']Lol. That's because I've got half size ears! Rgds, Gaz[/quote] ............. never noticed until you flashed them, but at least you have a perfectly formed Status

[quote name='gazhowe' post='657562' date='Nov 17 2009, 10:24 PM']That's good to hear. I'm currently playing through a Trace AH400SMX with Mesa Boogie 1x15 & 2x10 cabs but I'm heading down to Bass Direct on Friday to try this rig out along with some other, more compact, stuff. It's always reassurring to hear positive feedback from someone who has actually gigged a potential new purchase for a while. Cheers Gaz[/quote] Get yersel some IEM's man Gaz, I keep tellin' ya but yer not listening.....

[quote name='boab' post='657488' date='Nov 17 2009, 09:07 PM']I have a 1969 P bass with original pickups and would like to upgrade them. I play with a good solid bottom end and plenty of string presence. You can hear and see the bass on[url="http://www.vimeo.com/nutbros"] www.vimeo.com/nutbro[/url]s if you listen to the last verse you may hear what sound I like (this also has a synth under it though) I play through a Roost 250w valve head with a Music man 4x12" bass cab and sometimes with a 15" or 18" under it. Im looking at dimarzio model P, EMG PHZ, wizard Pickups and kent armstrong (I put a pair of these on my Tokai Jazz and enjoy the sound) Any suggestions? Thanks in advance Boab[/quote] Try 'Wizard Pickups'. Andy Blake makes any pickup to your spec, excellent bloke and superb service. Highly recommend him, he made me two pickups to go with my Nordy preamp that I fitted in my main bass (pictured).

Just to add my slant on what's been said ; I have used IEM's for nearly two years now and I am absolutely hooked . Our drummer does the sound for our band and got us all converted. He has used two IEM's for years and has a totally confined mix of his own, whereas the other three of us use only one IEM and monitor the live sound of the band with the other ear. I go from my bass(es) through a DI box straight into our Yamaha O1V desk. As I am the main singer, I have my vocal [i]and[/i] bass in my ear, and the other members vocals set back in my own mix - we do up to four part harmony so it's important we can all hear each other. I pick up the kit and two guitars ambiently with my free ear, and the rest of the band get my bass and vox through their own IEM at a level they want. And without the need for other monitors we always have lots of space on stage. It works brilliantly, the sound I hear is perfect and the overall volume is adjustable by me. Admittedly it takes a bit of getting used to, not having the thump behind you from an amp but no longer having an amp to lug around any more is more than worth it.. I can hear the purists wailing but when you're getting close to fifty, it doesn't half make a difference every weekend I can thoroughly recommend anyone who may be wavering to give the IEM route a try - I know it won't suit everyone, but I think it may well be the future for a lot of us So, technically speaking, if anyone asks what gear I use, my rig is our JBL VRX line array PA system!

[quote name='GreeneKing' post='655177' date='Nov 15 2009, 02:02 PM']A bass built as cheap as possible with readily available materials that has become an icon. Realistic price £35 Likely price £3500 Funny old world. [/quote] Haha! Spot on! Looks absolutely dreadful to me...

I bought replacement pups from Wizard Pickups, hand made, how you want them - brilliant service from Andy Blake.