Conan

I joined/formed a "blues" band many years ago - https://www.facebook.com/The-Lounge-Lizards-UK-129062863824521/?fref=ts, despite never having really listened to much blues music. I actually found that an advantage as I could put my own stamp/interpretation on the music instead of slavishly copying the (in many cases) plodding twelve bar original bass lines. A lot of classic rock is rooted in the blues anyway, so you will probably be more familiar with the style than you think!

[quote name='Fisheth' timestamp='1479824233' post='3179563'] That is a gorgeous colour, my band would hate it if I played one like that though [/quote] It is a bit on the "pink" side... I'd prefer something more like the "purple flake" Modulus, but without the flake. G&L do a lovely purple as an option...

[quote name='bubinga5' timestamp='1479822420' post='3179543'] Not EMG,s they are way too glassy for a jazz bass imo [/quote] Dunno... I used to own a Geddy Lee J bass with EMGs in it, and it could certainly growl...

[quote name='bubinga5' timestamp='1479817507' post='3179483'] What was the spec Conan? [/quote] I hadn't quite got as far as exact details, but the main one would be colour: purple with matching headstock! Passive, maple board with pearl blocks, probably his own pickups (as I've heard very good reports about them) or EMGs... I'm still pondering! Oh, and four string. A bit like this one.....

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1479818631' post='3179496'] IME deps are simply too much hard work for an originals band. From personal experience you have to limit your set to songs you have decent recorded versions of, so unless you are promoting your latest album, it's going to mean digging up material that you'd stopped playing ages ago. And unless you actually manage to get a rehearsal or two in with them before hand, you have to trust that they have learnt all the right nuances. Finally, just getting them to look the part image-wise for the band is generally an exercise in futility. Even a simple instruction like, wear black, no visible band or brand logos and no trainers is too difficult for some. [/quote] Always try to stay on good terms with ex-members (assuming you have any of course!).

How do you feel on rehearsal/practice days? Is it "Get in - I can't wait!" or "Oh bollocks, how can I get out of it?"? I usually find that is a good indicator of how much you enjoy a band...

A great player who makes great instruments! Sadly , recent currency fluctuations have put my custom specced Elwood a bit beyond my reach though... One day...

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1479807345' post='3179359'] The problem with bands is that they contain other people... [/quote] [quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1479807523' post='3179363'] That's also their greatest strength. [/quote] Yes. Truly the best of times and the worst of times!

I use these on my J basses - http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_valuestrings_bassguitar_medium.htm Stupidly cheap and really surprisingly good! I've used most other manufacturers in the past - DR, D'Addario, Fender, Lakland, Rotosound, Newtone, Picato, Ernie Ball.... but now I buy these and haven't had a single duff string. You just can't go wrong at this price! ((Nice gold silks too!)

[quote name='RockfordStone' timestamp='1479732546' post='3178777'] if i wanted to spend my spare time getting paid for something no one appreciates, i'd get a second job stacking shelves at sainsburys. [/quote] What an excellent analogy!

[quote name='interpol52' timestamp='1479586877' post='3177720'] £30 and a good night, otherwise its a waste of time. I have a full time job that supports me so gigs are extra. If gigging was my main source of income though I would give a different answer. [/quote] For me, this. In fact I have Just left a band for exactly this reason - fed up of spending an entire evening in a bar that can't be bothered to promote gigs, to play to a dozen people, most of whom came with us anyway. I sucks the enjoyment out of it - whether you are paid or not (and we usually weren't!). I get the whole "paid rehearsal" thing, but you only need to do so many of them. When almost every gig is like that, it's clear that something is wrong. If the band "soviet" aren't prepared to try something new then (for me, after seven years) it's time to move on to something else.

Plus one for Karl's advice. Most BC members are very decent chaps and will even provide refreshments as well as a chance to fiddle on with their gear

"When love breaks down" is one of my favourite bass lines (and tones) It's a Rick in the video, but sounds very much like a Musicman to me... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeZkLV3ZjeI Yes - Cutlass-tastic! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0PkIO1SmO8

[quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1479305740' post='3175476'][b]Definition[/b] [i]Gentleman[/i] 2. a man who is sufficiently competent to perform a solo or lead bass passage but out of respect for the sensibilities of his audience chooses not to do so [/quote]

[quote name='gareth' timestamp='1479308519' post='3175511']many squires... [/quote]

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1479294312' post='3175361'] I thought I didn't need to worry about solo's and never made the leap to constructing a well crafted, intelligent bass solo and I know I've lost gigs as a result. These days, being a good meat and potatoes player can leave you on the back foot when you're up against some of these Uni educated players.[/quote] True. The thought of playing a bass solo brings me out in a cold sweat. I wouldn't ever want to play one, but if i was put on the spot I think I would clam up. I just hate the idea of me playing a bass solo. I don't hate solos [i]per se[/i]... I just don't wish to play one myself.

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1479301671' post='3175426'] Well in truth, on the Internet it's usually Squire anyway ... [/quote] I was just going to say that...

[quote name='Bolo' timestamp='1479282952' post='3175239'] There is a Peavey 1x18 + 2x10 cab too isn't there? [/quote] I seem to recall that Trace did a similar one but with only one 10" speaker. It went with the AH350 amp IIRC... I had one for a while. Rather weighty Here's one - http://basschat.co.uk/topic/26862-sold-trace-elliot-1818x-cabwheeled-flightcase-in-leeds-sold/

Bloody hell. Next time I start a thread of this nature I will call it something like "Have a listen to this piece of music. It is new to me and I really like it, but tell me what you all think (beware: prominent bass playing and/or folky music content)".

[quote name='obbm' timestamp='1479202125' post='3174641'] Nik Kershaw recorded at The Water Rats with Paul Geary on bass. Freeview‎: ‎Channel 82‎ Sky‎: ‎Channel 369‎ Virgin Media‎: ‎Channel 343‎ Freesat‎: ‎Channel 505‎ [/quote] Recorded

[quote name='FinnDave' timestamp='1479122262' post='3174036'] I also own two of each, but haven't found a scenario in the last god knows how many years in which the Js work better than the Ps. Which is basically what prompted me to start this thread! [/quote] Exactly. In my current band it is the Js that work, but I still would want to hang on to a P on a "just in case" basis!

Own both. Play both. Use whichever one works best in that particular scenario I'm kind of the other way round. I have three jazzes and one P bass. My band mates even have preferences for [i][b]which[/b][/i] J sounds best in certain songs! For our overall sound, the P bass just sounds a bit too full most of the time, and needs taming with a bit of mid-cut. I don't understand this "don't let others tell you what to do" stance. The OP wasn't saying that anyway. If you play in a band (particularly an originals band) and that band has (or tries to have) a certain sound - then why shouldn't your colleagues help you make a choice about which instrument or sound best suits? As long as it is done in a friendly and sensitive manner I have no problem with that at all. In fact, I would miss it if it wasn't there! Being in a band is being part of a team - or at least it should be... Sorry - LukeFRC said pretty much what I was saying!

[quote name='JapanAxe' timestamp='1478849906' post='3172048'] +1 to KiOgon for wiring looms. A friend was round trying out my basses, and when he played the one with a KiOgon control set in it, he remarked on the smoothness of its operation. Plus they are easy to install and swap around. [/quote] Another plus one! They really make a difference. Have a look at [url="http://www.guitarfetish.com/GFS-Pro-Series-HOT-P-Bass-Pickup-Pickup-OUR-BEST-_p_10978.html"]GFS[/url] pickups too. Nice and cheap (although not as cheap as they were due to dollar/pound fluctuations). I put one of their overwound P pickups in a Squier a few years ago and it was great!

Damn. RIP Mr Cohen

[quote name='ambient' timestamp='1478823200' post='3172006'] I much rather hear bass playing solo material, by a player with proficient skills and artistry like Michael Manring or Steve Lawson, than someone belting out dull old bass lines on a P bass strung with flats, no matter how 'locked' in they are with the drummer. . [/quote] There is a place for both in my philosophy - and all things in between. As long as it is done well