Thurbs

Well done... I have had a few of those gigs when you turn up expecting one thing and get given a completely different set with different keys... as it happens also when I was new to the DB. I also had a superb keys player who saved the day.

Either get a 5 string or play the octave higher. If you play with brass & Woodwind then expect lots of songs to be in Eb and Bb.

I think a rhythm guitarist adds value in a 4 piece if the lead is singing as well. Did a dep gig once with a 6 piece (2 x guitars, keys, singer etc)... no space at all for anything there, it was quite relaxing sitting back and enjoying the grove.

I would go for it... yes it won't be the best gig you did but if you are a pro player as long as someone shows you how to fret (nothing like a guitar), your left shoulder / elbow position, how you pizz with your right (again nothing like a guitar), then you will be fine. Don't forget that finger position is all important and you may need to re-learn some of the progressions you normally do on a guitar on the DB to make life easier. Open strings are most definitely your friend for many reasons. Finally, there should be no need for blisters if you play the right technique no matter how long you play for.

Well done on the longer gigs... sounds like you have some fans! I wouldn't worry about playing songs for longer than the usual 3-4 minutes to tend to find most bands stick to. As long as you have musicians that can improvise well (and I don't just mean a guitarist going up and down pentatonics) then there is no reason why one song couldn't be a whole set, or more realistically 6+ minutes as you say. I don't know if you play much Jazz? You could look at how some Jazz songs are structured... play the song through, take it in turns to improvise (sometimes the whole song, sometimes just a section) have a go around again improvising if you want to and then when everyone is done, play the song again and end. You can easily turn a 3 minute song in to 10 minutes...

I am in Huntingdon if you are really desperate?

Matt regularly used one for Ned's, you can see it on the head stock here: [url="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/Mat_cheslin_neds_atomic_dustbin_shep_bush_dec_2009_1.jpg"]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/Mat_cheslin_neds_atomic_dustbin_shep_bush_dec_2009_1.jpg[/url]

It has been about a year since I played with a great band. At the moment I am with a sh*t / volume war / don't practice at home / ego tastic / etc band just to keep the practice up playing with people. I have an audition tomorrow which fingers crossed will mean I can tell the other band to foxtrot oscar.

I wouldn't get your knickers in a twist about transcriptions... the editor has already said it is shed loads of money so probably wont happen.

[quote name='Rayman' timestamp='1343046982' post='1744181']Yes.[/quote]I [i]strongly[/i] disagree, especially when you consider other parties like staff.

[quote name='Rayman' timestamp='1343042127' post='1744069'] I [i]strongly[/i] disagree about the question of playing too loud.[/quote]Do you feel the audience should be subjected to hearing damaging dB levels in order to receive an 'authentic' tribute experience?

If you go on the East Coast give them a call before and they can sort you out an area to put it. I take the DB on buses, trains, underground all the time... expect lots of attention!

I agree. Too many bands use volume either to massage their egos or cover up sloppy playing. There is no reason why 90dB is not a reasonable volume level for any band to play within. Any louder and the band is inflicting damage on themselves and the audience. Oh, and drums can be played quietly, you just need a decent drummer. I'll get my coat!

I have T3s and find them great. I use mine mostly for help with singing so am not usually listening to the bass much other than the usual buff notes.

Rehearsed with a Midget T in a sizeable empty warehouse with no gain from any walls and guitards with 4x12 blackstar rigs turned up to 10. The Midget was loud, clear, deep and filled the room with whatever noise I wanted. Just tweak up the bass knob on the guitar a bit is all it needed.

Best £250 I have ever spent on any music gear. That and the iRealB phone app.

Something must be loading your policy and it is hard to tell what it is. Big factors are: age, sex, accident history, convictions, location, mileage, type of use, profession, car, value etc... Have you checked out www.police.uk?

Lots of Peavey IPR 1600 love here. Use mine for both PA and Bass duties depending on the gig.

I posted here a while ago that a Midget-T is a one cab solution to all situations and was roundly dismissed! Good to see others agree and if you need more from a bass cab, get a decent PA.

[quote name='dmccombe7' timestamp='1341490866' post='1719903']I wasn't aware that what i carried in my car was relevant to an insurance company. Don't see that it is relevant.[/quote]It is not unless it is loaded in a unsafe manor, takes the vehicle overweight and/or is evidence of insurance fronting.

[quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1341445208' post='1719346']On other side of the fence, if you were involved in an incident where a claim was involved, unless you were daft enough to disclose that you were a professional musician that travels all over the country for work, then I don't think it is something that is likely to come to light. [/quote]This is called insurance 'fronting' and if found out ("why is there a bass in your car?" "why are you rehearsing so far from home?" "what is the number of one of your band members / rehearsal space?") you will get 5 points + fine for no insurance (as will the registered keeper if not the same person). Then getting proper insurance will be pretty tricky and pretty expensive. As an aside, I believe that even if you are a "hobbiest" player and get paid for a gig then you would also need business insurance (plus filing in a self assessment of course!).

It is really good news you have found a band and you are happy with it. One slight note of caution, I have always found it best for me musically when I join a band and every member is miles better than me. Yes it is daunting and you feel uncomfortable but ultimately you will pull you socks up harder, practice for longer and make the journey to their level much quicker. I guess it depends on your ambition and goals.

Fab, loved it! When I dream about bands, it is about being in one as good as this...

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1340271955' post='1701934']The fruit machines only pay out 10% so every £10 they payout the landlord gets £90.[/quote]It is published on the machine now next to the coin slot. Usual payout is more like 70 to 80%. I would imagine the landlord gets a small cut of the rest.