Scooby

[quote name='bluejay' timestamp='1393846456' post='2384872'] Yes to all you say. My point was that, in the absence of something more attuned to our needs, this LBGS is better than no LBGS. [/quote] Agreed, I would hate to see a show disappear. However, I really do think the organisers need to do some serious thinking to make the show a success. Everyone I spoke to, and certainly there are lots of comments here as in previous years, that the noise levels were stupid. I'll repeat what I said in an earlier post, insist that exhibitors use headphones for folk wanting to try out their gear. Quite a simple improvement but a huge one.

[quote name='bluejay' timestamp='1393845450' post='2384856'] Any event that allows people to check out gear you wouldn't find even at large specialised bass stores, and mingle/network with like-minded companies, buyers and sellers is worth saving. [/quote] I agree in some respects that having several 'brands' under on roof is a great idea but, and it is a huge 'but', it was virtually impossible to try out any bass simply because of the stupid noise levels. I did try out one bass where the luthier kept turning up the volume on the amp as it was obvious I was having difficulty hearing the bass. After a minute I gave up as it was pointless. The show has great potential for small luthiers such as Eve, ACG, Rikkers etc where trying out their basses before purchase is almost impossible but the main show stalwarts of Promenade Music, Bass Gear and Bass Direct have showrooms where it is far better to go and try out their basses in a sane environment. I can't see that having a show consisting of small, niche bass brands is worth it. Most of the larger brands are already well known for what they produce and sound like - and although it may have been done in good humour - the Eden/Hartke sound-off was pathetic. With basses and bass amps/cabs it is their tone, nuance, subtlety and flexibility that you want to hear not how loud they can go! I agree that any show is a good place to network but most of the networking I saw took place outside of the main area over a coffee. I think the London Bass Show needs some serious rethinking. If ten previously regular exhibitors decided not to turn up this year it makes a significant statement and one that the organisers must take on board.

[quote name='deepbass5' timestamp='1393785383' post='2384355'] I'm with ezbass on the show summary. I was hoping to get some strings and new guitar lead, but no real choice on offer. Noise was down but still exhausting. I also noticed that Bernie Goodfellow looked somewhat pissed with noise from his neighbours, trying a bass is one thing but organised bass duet sessions on a stand ?? he should have a refund. [/quote] Have to agree wholeheartedly on this. Placing Bernie within a couple of feet of Anaconda (?) basses was stupidity in the extreme. Added to that was a pair of slappers (!!) - one on each stand - belching out a ridiculous amount of crud was awful. There again, virtually every stand had its overdose of moronic plank thwackers. This was my first visit to the bass show and on entering the 'room' my young son looked around and said "you paid for this?" After thirty minutes I'd seen enough and certainly heard more than I wanted! The saving grace of the 'event' was having a long chat with Rob Elrick - really nice guy - and Adrian of MARUSZCZYK Instruments. Again, a really nice guy with some great basses. The Ernie Ball stand had the whole thing sorted. Want to hear yourself play a bass? Pop on the headphones and do t disturb the neighbours. I appreciate they were based 'outside' of the main room - fortunately for them - but why couldn't every exhibitor adopt the same approach? Not particularly good value for money and hardly an opportunity to try out any gear properly purely because you couldn't hear a damn thing. A first and last for me I'm afraid.

For the first time I'll be at the show on Saturday. I'll be the one not wearing a hat

Liam bought a set of Elixir strings from me. Top guy to deal with and made for a very smooth transaction. Thanks, Liam.