Franticsmurf

Hi Colin. I'd second the classic BBC Formula 1 theme ('The Chain' by Fleetwood Mac). The first bassline I played (before I even had a bass of my own - it was borrowed) was 'Flash' by Queen 😃. More seriously, go on Youtube and learn about the simple 12 bar blues progression. With that under your belt a number of songs will be available to play along to. There's a great techniques section on this forum, too.

Hi OOG, welcome to the site.

Welcome Videoangelus

Hi Steve.

Hi Kate.

Welcome Peter.

Hi Benavente.

Hi Aleksandra.

Welcome to the site.

Congratulations! (On the 'paternity' bit, not the 'first gig back'. 😃)

For me, I usually have spare leads (instrument, patch and mains), relevant batteries and strap buttons. A set of strings and a small passive DI box is in the bag with the bass. For the band, I usually have fuses and the inevitable gaffa tape. I'll sometimes take the TCE BAM200 head as a backup but the DI box enables me to go into the desk in the event of an amp or cab failure (the rig is usually 2 cabs anyway so there should always be one working). I would consider a spare bass for big/key gigs but if I'm honest, when I've taken two basses to a gig it's usually to spice up the stage a bit (the three piece band I was in didn't take up much room and could get lost even on medium sized stages). I've had an instrument lead go on me just before we went on, and the battery of my instrument radio transmitter died at the end of the first set once. I've never broken a string or had a bass fail for some reason that couldn't be fixed on the spot. As an occasional FOH sound engineer, I have fixed other people's instruments (loose jack socket, dead or buzzing instrument leads, loose strap buttons) which tends to influence my spares bag.

Hi Mike.

Hi Martin. There is no remedy for GAS, just distraction techniques and delaying tactics. 😃

We've all done it - haven't we? Soundcheck at a big outdoor gig with a new FOH guy. My Laney RB7 was sounding good. I finished setting my on stage levels and the sound guy plugged in his XLR DI cable. Went back to the amp a few minutes later for his soundcheck and while he was getting a nice signal and sound out front, the Laney was silent. Went to have a polite conversation with him to see what he'd done to my amp. Didn't want to make a big deal as he was doing the band's sound and we all know a disgruntled FOH engineer can make a difference. I left him with a mildly annoyed 'well it was working before you plugged your XLR in'. I went back to the amp. Noticed the volume control was at zero. Used it for its intended purpose and there was my on stage sound again. For some reason I'd turned it down after my stage check, something I don't normally do. Went back to the sound guy like a small school child and apologised. I think the gig was ok (we got asked back) but my memory is clouded by that one incident.

I acquired an Ultra Octaver late last year. It's not made the final board yet (it's bigger than the mini pedal it is going to replace) but I like the sound I'm getting from it.

Hi Rob.

Hi Leroy. welcome to the site.

May I suggest an alternative title 'When Slap Bass Goes Wrong' for the C5 market with guaranteed repeats on YesterDave. Slap goes wrong all the time for me, which makes me a truly talented bad good slap player. I think. 🤔

As a bass player, it seems logical that you want the SE to hear a representation of what you'll be playing. So a run across the fretboard makes sense. I would also demonstrate any specific effects that may alter the tone and/or volume (I'm talking synth or filter effects primarily) so the SE isn't trying to fix a problem that doesn't exist. I'm fortunate enough to never have come across such a beast, but I can picture the fun to be had by, say, playing with the bass volume turned down and insisting it's a problem with the FOH. 😃

I usually just play pentatonic scales or whatever song the band plays as a general sound check. We went through a period a few years ago where it seemed that at every club gig we played, the last song the DJ played before we went on was 'Simply the Best' so got into the habit of playing that bassline. I like the idea of playing Money - on of my favourite Floyd songs and one we occasionally play.

Every day I ask myself that question. 😃

EHX Electric Mistress. Took me ages to get a sound I liked that wasn't too over the top and didn't boost the bass excessively through the flange cycle (I have it on a slow rate). Then I got a one-off gig for an Eagles tribute and had to get a decent OTT flange sound for 'that bit' in Life in the Fast Lane. I ended up finding that sound in my MS60b. I don't use flange often (I'm more of a phaser phan.... er fan) but the Electric Mistress sits on the board just in case.

Nah, they rip open too easily. 😂

Yes.

I have a BAM200 and I bought a Gnome 10/8 to go with it. The Gnome has a volume control for the tweeter which adds some top end but the control and sockets are on the top. When putting a bigger amp on top of the cab, or for stacking two cabs, the sockets are obscured. I use it in rehearsals (it's left in the hall we use) and the sound is ok. In the photo, I have the Gnome and a TE cab stacked and you can see the size difference. For gigs I now use 2 1x10 Trace Elliot cabs with a Peavey Minimax amp. The TE cab is smaller and lighter (I had to go as light as possible after getting a hernia). I prefer the sound of the Trace Elliots, either with the BAM200 or Peavey, as they have more punch.