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Music student bassist newbie HAAAAI


Huw Foster
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Hi thar. My name is Huw, I'm a music student based in Leeds (although originally from London). I've been playing bass since December 2000, before that I was taught piano and trumpet.

I'm currently in my third and final year on the Popular Music Studies (BA) at Leeds College of Music, trying not to think about the 'real world' that awaits when I'm done in the summer.

I've had plenty of playing experience - I had my own band back home which was active from 2002 until 2006, although we still gig occasionally. Upon the move to Leeds I almost immediately found myself playing trio/quartet jazz in a lapdancing club til 3am two nights a week, which was an interesting departure to say the least. These days most of my income is sourced from a 9-piece soul/funk/pop covers band, although it's still early days and we don't do nearly as many functions as we'd like. I'm also involved with countless ensembles in and around college as there's not many bassists at LCM, so the competition isn't too tough!

Before I tell you my life story, I'll simply leave you with some of my gear.

My main bass is a MM Stingray in sunburst with black pickguard, rosewood fretboard. I love it to bits. I'm not sure exactly how old it is (there's probably a serial no. somewhere on it but I haven't bothered looking), but the fella who sold it to me said he bought it new 12 or so years ago (that was in 2006). He also told me he'd played it on a Peel session, which isn't bad!

I recently got a Schecter Stiletto Custom-5, as I needed something with more variation in sounds to the Stingray, as well as the fifth string. I quite like it!

I don't have nearly as many effects as I'd like. Mostly I use a Boss bass distortion (which is OK), and occasionally I get to bring out my EHX Micro Synth, but only very occasionally as it's a bit unhinged and doesn't have many applications. I also have a slightly broken Russian Big Muff which is great for pure dirt.

As for amplification, I've got a Peavey 1x15 combo which I dislike more and more with each gig. I really want a MarkBass rig since using one at a gig, although I think I'd just have to get the head for now (probably a LMII). And that's partially why I registered here!

I'll stop talking now.

Huw

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[quote name='Huwberry' post='392801' date='Jan 27 2009, 03:13 PM']I'm currently in my third and final year on the Popular Music Studies (BA) at Leeds College of Music, trying not to think about the 'real world' that awaits when I'm done in the summer.[/quote]

It’s all doom and gloom for music graduates my friend, it’s all doom and gloom…

Welcome to the forum BTW ;)

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[quote name='timloudon' post='392873' date='Jan 27 2009, 04:24 PM']Ha! You suck Huw, I'm the best competition you ever had![/quote]
I'm not sure what to make of this Loudon. I didn't say it was a matter of ability, it's just market saturation, or lack thereof.

[quote name='bilbo230763' post='392883' date='Jan 27 2009, 04:33 PM']He plays jazz, he plays jazz.....(sweating)...[/quote]
Ooer. Is that positive sweating? I hope you're not getting too excited.

Besides, I don't play that much jazz. I'm much more interested in pop/rock/funk/prog/metal/klezmer.

THANKS FOR THE WELCOMES GUYS! I'm excited to be here.

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[quote name='josh3184' post='393833' date='Jan 28 2009, 05:10 PM']what the hell is klezmer?[/quote]
It's traditional Jewish music. Was trying to make a joke, albeit a very bad one. Although I would like to try playing a bit, it seems like a good laugh, what with all the accelerando and ting.

[quote name='rOB' post='393959' date='Jan 28 2009, 07:17 PM']welcome, Leeds does indeed rule, I agree with Josh.

Which lap dancing club has jazz in it? that sounds like a combination of 2 awesome things.[/quote]
It was quite a sw***y place. However, we lost the residency quite suddenly when we turned up at the club one night to find it closed, with a notice on the door saying it was being repossessed for lack of rent payment. I think they sorted that out, but they wouldn't answer our calls after that and we gave up chasing after them. Shame, it was a neat £50 a night.

EDIT: Haha, I tried to say s-w-a-n-k-y and the profanity filter got it.

Edited by Huwberry
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[quote name='liamcapleton' post='397466' date='Feb 2 2009, 01:24 AM']Mate I'm over in LIPA in Liverpool doing Music in my second year. I know one or two people over in LCM. Hows your course going?[/quote]
Hi Liam. I also know one or two people at LIPA, not doing music though. The course is going well! Like I said, I'm in the final year - the route I have taken means I have two majors in performance and a minor in composition. Basically, by this point I get to play bass a hell of a lot, and it's great!

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