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rockbassist
Member
Username: rockbassist

Post Number: 67
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 8:03 pm:   Edit Post

I thought it might be fun for everyone to share what they are playing, what they are using for amplification, style of music, whether it is mainly original, covers or both, whether you are playing in a tribute band, size of venues, etc.
I am playing 2 1997 Epics 5 string, 1976 Fender Precision, all strung with Curt Mangan Strings, Gallien Krueger 1001RB-II running biamped through a GK 410 RBH and 115RBH cabs, Furman Power Conditioner, Sennheiser wireless. I am currently working on an original pop/rock recording project with country crossover possibilities. (Think Train meets Matchbox 20 meets Tim McGraw), I have also been asked to join a country artist on tour www.bobilly.com. He is getting airplay on over 300 radio stations. Whenever possible, I fill in with a blues band which plays original and covers. I play everything from small clubs to large outdoor festivals.
88persuader
Intermediate Member
Username: 88persuader

Post Number: 173
Registered: 5-2004
Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 11:31 pm:   Edit Post

Cool ....... I'm playing a Stanley Clark Standard 4 string, a Modulus Quantum 5 string fretless, a custom Fender style doubleneck P. bass/Tele. 6 string guitar through an Ampeg SVT-PRO5 amps and Ampeg bottoms. I'm in a 90% cover band (10% originals) and work part time about two weekends a month. We play everything from CRS to Lincoln Park. My band web site is www.onefinemess.com
If you look at my equipmemt list on the site it's TOTALLY different than what I just wrote. My BIO was written long before I discovered Alembics and like many here I suffer from GAS and like to constantly update and change my equipment. Oh and in the trio I play with we are all lead singers and also play acoustic gigs where the full time guitarist and myself both play 6 string acoustic guitars and do the coffee house/folk thing. It's a lot of fun for a change of pace.
keavin
Senior Member
Username: keavin

Post Number: 713
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 6:16 am:   Edit Post

serialnumber12
Advanced Member
Username: serialnumber12

Post Number: 366
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 6:22 am:   Edit Post

Im going back on the road next month & im taking OLD #12 with me, im doin the las vegas strip for a couple of weeks I'll be @ the 'ATLANTIS' Hotel /casino in reno nevada from mar 27 - april 2nd.on a six night gig. & i got some other stuff pending....
811952
Senior Member
Username: 811952

Post Number: 670
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 6:37 am:   Edit Post

'81 Alembic Series 1-1/2
Dean Rhapsody 12-string
Lakland Skyline 5-string
nameless 3/4 plywood upright bass, courtesy of the school corporation auction...
Yamaha DX-7 with a set of Fatar pedals
Any beer bottle to use as a slide (of course I must first empty it)

These days I'm playing through 2 Kustom 410H cabinets (which I love) and an Ampeg B5R head. I have access to a couple of folded horn cabinets, which sound wonderful for Jaco stuff.

Playing 98% covers, anywhere from 4 to 8 nights per month. Mostly rock (the Floyd, Grand Funk, Beatles, Badfinger, Jefferson Airplane, etcetera), funk (Sly, Parliament, AWB) and blues, with the occasional carribean or swing/big band gig thrown in to keep me humble. I can butcher a bassline at a moments' notice, and have been known to fit "Heart of the Sunrise" into "Polk Salad Annie" when the need arises. I'm the only member of the band who doesn't have a microphone, because my sense of humor *scares* the rest of the band. Really. ;)

John
crgaston
Member
Username: crgaston

Post Number: 99
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 8:02 am:   Edit Post

OK,
I play a Modulus Q5 as primary, with a G&L SB-2 and a G&L L-1000 as backups. A '99 Rogue should be on the way this week, so we'll see if the Q5 gets demoted. I have an F1-X which runs to a PLX2402. Cabinets are 2 Eden 12's and 2 Bergantino 12's and an old SWR 4x8. Just got the Berg's in a trade and used one each of the Eden and Bergantino at rehearshal yesterday. I like the blend of the two better than either one by itself. I'll be experimenting with the possible different configurations of running them, and will post a report soon.

Bandwise, I used to do regional (Southeastern US) touring with a couple of original acts (one country/rock, the other sort of the Indigo Girls on testosterone meets Widespread Panic) in the '90's, but over the past few years have been playing mostly for fun. The latter of the original bands has been getting together more often lately, and we plan to hit some of the cities where we had big draws just for fun. I am also involved in a new original project that is a classic country and rock band supporting a singer/songwriter who has been active in the area for the past 10 years or so. We plan on doing some support shows for the new CD at several clubs and then terrorizing the college scene in the area. Should be fun...

(Message edited by crgaston on February 27, 2006)
byoung
Advanced Member
Username: byoung

Post Number: 221
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 8:07 am:   Edit Post

Keavin,

Dude! you need to stay in Vegas until the end of April so I can check it out.

Brad
keavin
Senior Member
Username: keavin

Post Number: 714
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 8:09 am:   Edit Post

I caint I'm on probation!
george_wright
Member
Username: george_wright

Post Number: 72
Registered: 3-2005
Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 8:38 am:   Edit Post

As many of you already know, I'm a ringer here. I play an early-30's-vintage Conn 12M baritone sax in Moodswings. We play about fifty gigs a year, mostly wedding receptions, corporate parties, and the winery circuit. We'll play whatever it takes :-).
keavin
Senior Member
Username: keavin

Post Number: 715
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 8:59 am:   Edit Post

george_wright
Member
Username: george_wright

Post Number: 73
Registered: 3-2005
Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 9:23 am:   Edit Post

Well, Keavin, close, but that's not I. The bari player there is Sam Fine, usually second alto. I didn't make that particular gig. (Sam looks ever so much older than I :-)!) I'm here.
keavin
Senior Member
Username: keavin

Post Number: 716
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 12:25 pm:   Edit Post

Oh shit! my badd dude!.
musikdept
Member
Username: musikdept

Post Number: 58
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 1:43 pm:   Edit Post

I am playing a 1986 Persuader with a G&L ASAT as backup through an Ashdown 300 head and Ashdown 4-10 cab. The only effect I use is a Boss Bass Chorus and I use a AT1400 wireless bass system.

I play in a "party" cover band...everything from Beatles to Grand Funk to Green Day with some Motown thrown in for good measure. We are weekend warriors (3-4 weekends per month) on the eastern shore of DE/MD/VA.
Here I'm playing my previous Rogue 5-string
daveo
Junior
Username: daveo

Post Number: 27
Registered: 12-2005
Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 7:04 pm:   Edit Post

I am playing my Tribute solely since I purchased it a few months ago. It is so much finer sounding, better made, and gorgeous looking guitar than any of my others. I also have a Heritage ES-335 copy, an Anderson Cobra, Anderson hollow T, an Andersen Streamline, a Carvin, and an early Klein (#69 I believe) that Steve Klein told me was signed by him using paint brush- before they put stickers on them. My main amp and gigging amp is a Mesa Nomad 100. It sounds creamy and can handle any size club. I wish I knew of a good solid-state back up amp that I could take to gigs in the event a tube goes bad, but so far just don't see anything likely on the market. I am a little interested in Alessandro's Working Dog amps that are all tube, lighter than most, and no frills good sounding amps. I've been playing around the CA bay area from Palo alto to San Francisco so far with the Shawn Evans Band (www.shawnevans.com), playing mostly his soulful, and introspective original tunes with the ocasional cover thrown in. Unfortunately we lost our awesome bassist to another cool band- Dave Stein's Bubhub recently, so if any of you Alembic thumping bassists live around here, please drop me a line. We are auditioning now, mostly through Craigslist.
bigredbass
Senior Member
Username: bigredbass

Post Number: 640
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 7:23 pm:   Edit Post

At this time the inventory includes

1979 Yamaha BB5000
1981 Yamaha BB5000A
1983 Yamaha BB5000AII
... all three in what I call 'TV White', a yellowed gloss white with gold and brass parts.
I'm not much for collecting guitars, but this trio is a sentimental treasure to me. Certainly not Alembics, but of course the Japanese worship Alembic and I never have to wonder why all three of these have MIGHTY familiar-looking MOP oval fingerboard markers! I played fourstring BB1200s, 1600s, and 3000s in my cover band heuday of the 80s and 90s and could NEVER get my hands on these. So I found these over the last two years, and they're more special as my wife bought them for me. P(3+2) and J pickups, Gotoh hardware, Yamaha pickups, all neckthrus, just like the Almighty intended.

1992 Spoiler Five, the inestimable BigRedBass. Standard Omega body, long scale, Crown 5 peghead, deluxe laminates, Quilt tops over mahogany in see thru RubyRed tint, w/AXY56's. May soon morph into BigRedFatBass, if I ever get around to retrofitting FatBoy 56's. My mother got this for me, and it changed my life. It inhabits me. I often joke that it owns me, instead of the other way 'round. If it was a piano, it would be a Bosendorfer, it's THAT good.

Looking to add a PJ Elan Five, if I can ever run across the right one. Then I'd have two Alembic Fives, one with the humbuckers, one with Fender-ish Activators, and I'd rule the world with two axes. Can not possibly imagine the step up it must be to a Series, and I'm sure I don't want to know, would not want to feed THAT monkey on my back ! !

GHS Boomers, 45-135. Not nearly as sexy as some other strings, but I can find them anywhere cheap. Used them since the 70s. I would like to try the GHS Gary Willis Progressives set sometime, maybe the Markley Prestia roundwounds.

Monster Bass cables. I CAN hear the difference and you only buy them ONCE due to Monster's gracious warranty.

EDEN Metro + EDEN 115XLT extension cab: 600 watts, proper direct box, loud as hell, great tone, portable, and the nicest covers I've ever seen. Tried everything else, this was the best for me. Did NOT want more 10s in the extension cab, the 15 just fills out the bottom two octaves beautifully. The Metro would be OK alone if I only played 4 string, but not for the low Ds and Cs, that's just asking an awful lot from a cabinet about the size of a fat Twin Reverb.

Boss tuners. DBX160A compressor. TC M300 effects (chorus and reverb). Fender 355 heavy picks.

I am getting back to gigging and love cover bands. I like to play for people to dance and have a good time. Recording bores me to death.
Not much for originals unless they're REALLY good, usually aren't.

Love blues, rock, country, and soul music. Really dates me as a dinosaur, eh?

J o e y
crgaston
Member
Username: crgaston

Post Number: 100
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 8:55 pm:   Edit Post

Hey Daveo, As far as a backup goes, have you looked at the Line 6 amps? They have several different combos and heads which might fill the backup role nicely. I'm a bass player, but I had one as a "house" amp so my guitar buddies didn't have to bring an amp to jam. There was a bit of a learning curve, but I learned how to use it and kept the manual handy, so I could help them get 3 or four sounds pretty easy. They all thought it was darn good sounding, and their styles ranged from country to metal.

Charles
byoung
Advanced Member
Username: byoung

Post Number: 222
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 9:13 pm:   Edit Post

Waiting. Sometimes patiently, sometimes not. :-)
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 1032
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 12:19 am:   Edit Post

Dave:

I also play a Boogie (Mark III). For a backup I use a Crate Powerblock. I can plug it right into the Boogie speakers if the Mesa should fail. Nothing could be smaller and lighter, and only about $200 to boot! I use an Alesis Nanoverb (VERY small) in the effects loop (no reverb on the Crate - just basic amp). In front of the Crate, I use a Tech 21 Sansamp GT2. It ain't a Boogie, but as a backup it can't be beat. I've been thinking about leaving the Sansamp on all the time and trying my Tube screamer for leads.

Bill, tgo
jacko
Senior Member
Username: jacko

Post Number: 535
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 2:04 am:   Edit Post

I play either my fretless rogue 5 or my epic 5 depending on the song (we try to arrange the set so I'm not switching basses after every song). Rig is an Eden navigator preamp into a QSC PLX2402 powering EBS neodymium 4x10 and 2x12 cabs.
My Band - big tuna - is primarily covers although we have 5 or 6 originals. We play most eras from the stones through to the kaiser chiefs, gigging on average 3 times a month around central scotland although we're starting to get busier.
Up till a couple of weeks ago I was also in an alt-country band with Mike Pisanek but that's folded so we're looking at other options just now.

Graeme
worldfamousandy
Junior
Username: worldfamousandy

Post Number: 49
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 5:57 am:   Edit Post

I've got a '76 Series 1 fretted 4-string (purpleheart top), which I play 99% of the time. I also occasionally use a Kydd EUB. I have a Warwick Buzzard, which was given to me by Entwistle. It's a cool axe, but virtually unplayable, to me. It's got LEDs, a D-Tuner, gold hardware, and it came with gold strings. I pull it out a clinics once in a while, because kids dig it.

My "big rig" consists of an F-1X, a Korg rack tuner, and a QSC 1800, driving a Mesa Boogie 2X15 and a Mesa Boogie 2X10. I run lows to the 15s, and full range to the 10s. My pedalboard contains a bunch of EBS effects (distortion, auto wah, chorus, octave, compressor), along with an Akai Deep Impact synth pedal, Fishman EQ for the EUB, and an A/B box. The compressor is always on, and the Octave gets a fair amount of use. The others only get used occasionally.

I have never heard a rig that I liked better than mine.

Unfortunately, it's tough to move around. I usually play something smaller. I use the same rack, but drive a pair of 2X10 cabs (I also have an SWR Goliath Jr.), or I just play a single 2X10. I use an SWR Rocket 50 for the really small stuff, as well as for my every-Saturday outdoor-totally-exposed-to-all-the-elements gig (don't worry: I borrow a Fender for this gig).

I'm in a wedding/special events band called the Soul Impressions. We pick up club gigs once in a while, but for the most part, we exist to make a lot of money. Good thing it's so much fun. We play soul, r&b, Motown, funk, disco, blues, etc. Our singer, Terry King, is a cousin of BB King's, so we choose our material to fit his strong suits.

I also play in an original rock band called Waist Deep. It's a blast, but we only do a few gigs a month. We released a cd, called "Ski Bum Music," about a year ago, and it is doing fairly well.

My latest project is Fat Albert, which does instumental organ-based jazz. That band is really picking up steam. We've got a couple regular gigs a week, and we pick up weekend stuff, too.

SuperSwag is a 50% original heavy metal band. It's fun, but we only get a gig or two a season.

Tram Jam plays outside every Saturday at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. We are uncovered and completely exposed to the elements. We've done many below-zero gigs, and we regularly get snowed upon. In return, we receive unlimited skiing priveledges at the mountain. For 2 hours a week of potential misery, it's worth it. We typically play to 4000+ people each week, for about 60 seconds at a time!

You can hear tunes on my website:

www.andycalderbass.com

Andy
ajdover
Advanced Member
Username: ajdover

Post Number: 319
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 8:25 am:   Edit Post

Well folks, I think the pic sums it up. I'm in Iraq right now, Baghdad. My sole axe is a 91 Essence. At home, I have a Europa, a Dragon's Wing, a Spyder, and another Essence. I have a Series II Entwistle replica Spyder on the way. Amplification here is a cheesy little Hartke A25 (it fits in my quarters here, and I can use headphones with it). On the occasions I get to play with the Baghdaddys, a local group of folks stationed/posted here, I use a small Fender Rumble 100 (can't say I care for it much, but it's all we've got). At home I've got:

Ampeg SVTIV Pro
Alembic SF-2
Korg DTR-1000 Rackmount Tuner
Furman AR-1215 Voltage Regulator
Ampeg BXT115HLF Cabinet
Ampeg BXT410HLF Cabinet

This rig is run biamped, with the lows going to the 115, and the 410 run in full range mode. I use the SF-2 for tone shaping, and what a unit it is.

Ampeg BA-115 Combo (for small gigs, rehearsals)

Alembics mentioned above
Gibson RD77 Artist
Gibson Ripper
Gibson Thunderbird
Fender Jazz Deluxe MIA
'73 Fender Jazz
'94 MIJ Fender Jazz
'76 Fender Precision
'76 Rickenbacker 4001
'77 Rickenbacker 4001
Pedulla MVP 4
Peavey Unity Series Dyna Bass with Kahler Tremelo
Musicman Bongo
'79 Musicman Stingray
Godin A4
Ovation CC074 Acoustic Electric

Sans Amp Programmable BBDI
Carl Martin Compressor
Ibanez Bass Chorus (old, but it works)
Morley Power Wah
Boss Tremelo

Strings are by DR and Rotosound, picks are Dunlop Tortex Standard, the purple ones.

At home I don't get to play much with a group - I live in musical hell, known as Fayetteville, NC. If one doesn't play blues, country, death metal, or beach, one doesn't play. I'm not knocking that stuff, it's just not my cup of tea. Since I don't have to play it for a living (and I can play it if I choose), I choose not to. It just isn't a whole lot of fun to me playing three to four sets a night of that stuff.

Alan


In Baghdad in front of the Palace
keavin
Senior Member
Username: keavin

Post Number: 727
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 8:37 am:   Edit Post

Dude, much thumbs-up from me!.......& i think ben-laden is hiding under some chick's skirt! keep lookin! get his ass for US!!!!...

(Message edited by keavin on February 28, 2006)
worldfamousandy
Junior
Username: worldfamousandy

Post Number: 50
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 9:25 am:   Edit Post

No one can top Allen's post. In response to the question, "What is everyone doing?" there are certain responses one might expect to read, and this ain't one of them! I'm glad to see that you could bring a bass with you, and I hope you have lots of time to play it.

What is your position in the military? From your gear list, I would have guessed you were a bass player, but you mentioned that you don't have to play bass for a living. Airborne?
jalevinemd
Advanced Member
Username: jalevinemd

Post Number: 348
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 9:34 am:   Edit Post

The "Baghdaddy's"...I love it! Keep safe Allen.
daveo
Junior
Username: daveo

Post Number: 29
Registered: 12-2005
Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 11:11 am:   Edit Post

Hey Charles, I've considered Line 6 but they seem a little techie and not so organic sounding to me. But I haven't had much time to try one. I think the Flextone III seemed like the best fit to me, for a tube lover.
Thanks,
Dave
daveo
Junior
Username: daveo

Post Number: 30
Registered: 12-2005
Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 11:15 am:   Edit Post

Hey Bill-
The Crate Powerblock, Nanoverb, GT2 combo sounds pretty sweet as far as size, weight and sound all taken together. I'm going to look into them more closely. Shoot, maybe I'll get a 12" speaker enclosure and leave my heavy-ass Boogie at home for some gigs!
Thanks for your recommendations-
Dave
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 1034
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 11:19 am:   Edit Post

Dave:

I hooked up this rig at home to a 1x12 Boogie cab. It sounded surprisingly good and my wife complained about the volume. How's that for an endorsement? LOL

Bill, tgo
ajdover
Advanced Member
Username: ajdover

Post Number: 320
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 11:21 am:   Edit Post

Andy,

I am Airborne. Not at the moment, mind you, but I am a graduate of both the U.S. Army Airborne School and the 82nd Airborne Division Jumpmaster course. I can't really go into what I do on a daily basis, but suffice to say it is interesting work. Especially here.

I actually didn't bring the bass with me. It came here via Ebay since my wife couldn't figure out how to get one of my basses at home here. I had it sent via the Post Office. It's my second Essence, and it is dubbed "the Burkha King" after the face and head covering devout Muslim women wear. To my knowledge it is the only Alembic in Iraq.

Alan
malthumb
Advanced Member
Username: malthumb

Post Number: 373
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 4:30 pm:   Edit Post

[double-post]

(Message edited by malthumb on February 28, 2006)
malthumb
Advanced Member
Username: malthumb

Post Number: 374
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 4:36 pm:   Edit Post

Right now I'm just playing at my church. We have a contemporary worship service at 8:30 Sunday mornings. We typically play a lot of Fred Hammond / Israel & The New Breed / Kurt Carr type of music. Think 70's and 80's funk with a different kind of "soul".

Add a blue Music Man Bongo 5 string and a GK-1001RB amp to the following picture and that's pretty much my setup. Don'tcha just love those bookends?



Peace,

James
daveo
Junior
Username: daveo

Post Number: 33
Registered: 12-2005
Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 5:19 pm:   Edit Post

James- that is such a beautiful assortment of basses. You spoil your church!

Dave
zn_bassman
Member
Username: zn_bassman

Post Number: 88
Registered: 4-2005
Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 11:48 pm:   Edit Post

Hey worldfamousandy,

Can you tell us about your friendship with Entwistle? And do you have a pic of the Warwick Buzzard he gave you?
worldfamousandy
Member
Username: worldfamousandy

Post Number: 51
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 9:00 am:   Edit Post

I met Entwistle once, a few years ago, at the Mangy Moose Saloon in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I used to book that club, and I had secured a date with the John Entwistle Band. They rolled in with several tour buses, and an unprecedented amount of gear for our 350-seat club. The saloon was (and is) decorated eclectically, with lots of interesting and unusual historical artifacts and curios.

I had dinner with John, and he was in a terrific mood. He was a collector of antiques and other peculiar items, and he was in Heaven in the Mangy Moose. He shared some great stories about the old days with the Who, and proceeded to deliver the most incredible performance anyone had ever heard at the Mangy Moose. The blistering volume of his bass was no bother to anyone in the audience, as his presence was far too powerful to allow anyone to notice.

During the show, John noticed a chain-saw carved wooden buzzard situated on a shelf above the stage. He had a thing for buzzards, as you know, and he wanted that one badly. He offered to swap me a "buzzard for a Buzzard," proposing that he send me one of his basses to place on the shelf where the wooden one sat. I checked with the club owner, and he gave me the ok.

John used the phone in my office to call his son, who put the bass in the mail the next day. I got it about a month later.

John called me a week or so later, to make sure I got the instrument.

"Is it up on the wall in the bar?" he asked.

I replied, "Not exactly. I assumed you would send me a beater of a bass. This bass should be played! I have actually been using it at gigs!"

He laughed and said, "I knew that's what you would do! That bass is no beater, and it has seen time on stage with the Who. I just don't use it anymore, as it's been redesigned a little bit. It's a bass I have used though, and I hope you continue to enjoy it!"Entwistle's former bass (now mine)
jalevinemd
Advanced Member
Username: jalevinemd

Post Number: 364
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 9:26 am:   Edit Post

That could be the best celeb-related story I've ever heard!
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 1110
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 9:31 am:   Edit Post

Sure beats running into Phil Lesh in the bathroom!

Bill, tgo
jalevinemd
Advanced Member
Username: jalevinemd

Post Number: 365
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 10:38 am:   Edit Post

Bill,

I was just gonna say that!!!
olieoliver
Member
Username: olieoliver

Post Number: 78
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 11:00 am:   Edit Post

My main rig is at church .It is an SWR 750 head ran through a 2x10 cab and 1-15 cab both SWR. I also have a Dave Eden Metro combo at home. I used to use a rack unit with all the bells and whistles/ EQ, SPX90, Alesis 3630comp, Sonic MAx.....but have since simplified things alot.
I played Kubickis EX factors for years then about 2 years ago I switched to Warwicks. I have a 4,5,& 6 Bolt on and neck thru Thumb basses. I also have a Dolphin Pro 5.
I have several other axes but don't really play them much.
I have been semi-retired (playing only at church) the last couple years but am looking for a Christian band to work with in the Dallas area. This is why I finally decided to break down and buy my life long dream bass, an Alembic. But I got carried away and have purchased two, both MK models. I have photos of both at the links below.
http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/26220.html?1142351574
http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/25982.html?1141997439
If I get my digital camera fixed I'll post a photo of my "babies". Some are pretty cool.
zn_bassman
Member
Username: zn_bassman

Post Number: 97
Registered: 4-2005
Posted on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 11:50 am:   Edit Post

Andy, thanks much for sharing that with us! Did you ever find out *exactly* when John used that bass onstage with The Who? Would have had to have been at the British Music Awards in '88 or the '89 North American and UK mega-tour. He might also have used it on his solo CD The Rock and on his '87 solo tour.
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 3464
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 4:31 pm:   Edit Post

Great story Andy!!
2400wattman
Member
Username: 2400wattman

Post Number: 63
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 4:50 pm:   Edit Post

Hey Andy, is the Sidewinder still open up there? My band played there back in '99 &'00. Small place but loved the people 7 seeing all that beautiful country side. Excuse me, MOUNTAIN SIDES!
worldfamousandy
Member
Username: worldfamousandy

Post Number: 53
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 10:25 pm:   Edit Post

Zvi: I don't know when he would have used this bass with the Who. I only know that he said he did. For all I know, he used it 1 song somewhere along the way, or maybe a whole tour. I wish I had asked...

It has side LED's, a 26 fret neck, gold hardware, a D-tuner set to C#, and it EATS 4 9-Volt batteries at a time. It is HEAVY, and neck dive is a bit of an issue. Overall, it's in great shape, but it is interesting to see such even fret wear all the way up to the 26th fret! He obviously played the whole neck!

Adam: Sidewinders is still there, but they moved accross the street into a new building. The old place is now a bank.

Were you in the Led Zep tribute band back then? If so, I saw you guys. I remember it being about 6 years ago. Great show! We had a blast that night. I remember thinking how much I wished I had been the bass player, because it looked like such a fun gig! You sounded great! Come back sometime. It's still beautiful!

Andy Calder
www.andycalderbass.com
2400wattman
Member
Username: 2400wattman

Post Number: 65
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 10:45 pm:   Edit Post

Andy, Yes that was me in the band back then and still here 3 guitar players and one drummer later.The first time we played there, we were late as hell because we got stuck near the top of the Teton Mt. range w/our trailer(we were'nt suppose to be up there hauling a trailer in that weather).A couple of guys towed us to the top of the mt., told them we were playing at Sidewinders & they towed our trailer down the Mt. to get us to the gig! Almost missed that one. We would like to come back, it's just that with touring out west, cities are further apart which is indicative of the pay. We play a lot of the S.& N. East, midwest but I want to get back out that way, I do miss it. Take care,& stay warm.
bumhucker
New
Username: bumhucker

Post Number: 9
Registered: 3-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 - 2:34 pm:   Edit Post

I am new to this board. I play in about 6 bands here in Madison. The cash box kings (50's-60's chicago blues)
the hometown sweethearts (covers)
Lorenzo's Music (originals, tom waits-ish),
Catfish Stephenson (old-time blues)
The World's Greatest Lovers (honky tonk)
Beggar's Tune (covers-originals, beatles neil young etc...)
Sid Frenchman (mostly improvised "custom music"-jazz, funk soundtrack-ish--with pedal steel!).

I also do studio work, I have played on loop libraries like Apple's Garageband and Jam Pack 3, and tons of albums in town. I did 5 or 6 tracks for Kate Pierson's solo album (B-52's vocalist-album is still in the works).

I do fill-in work too with different bands in many genres.

I am a new Dad and I stay with my kid during the days and Gig at night. Last year I probably did about 250 shows and my band The Cash Box Kings got to tour in France and Belgium!!

I found this site as I was doing some Alembic research-I used to have an Essence-short scale-wenge top. I miss it dearly now. I was listening to some old recordings and heard it again.... It was such an organic tone.

I play a Fender P, a 77 stingray and my upright mostly. I have a 79 Guild Starfire that I love too. I do alot of upright work. I play tiny bars and big festivals. hell, i'll play anywhere...

I actually run direct for many gigs and use a cheapo Peavey microbass with my upright as a personal monitor. I use my Yamaha powered mixer for an amp when I need an amp instead of running direct.

I also played a part in a low budget comedy that has done really well-it's actually on Netflix now. It's NBT: Never Been Thawed. It's about people who collect frozen entrees. Greg Behrendt is in it (he's the "He's not really that into you" Author) He's funny as hell.

that's most of my story. I am also looking into in-ear monitors as my ears are cashed from all these shows. I actually pulled back from booking to give my ears a break because I was in so much pain I was starting to not have fun playing. If anyone has any tips on that lemme know!!!!

thanks for listening to me rattle on and on!
chris boeger

www.lorenzosmusic.com
www.cashboxkings.com
www.neverbeenthawed.com
www.hometownsweethearts.com
www.welcomewill.blogspot.com
lg71
Junior
Username: lg71

Post Number: 17
Registered: 3-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 - 4:43 pm:   Edit Post

I have a persuader PJ and three Aria SBs (two of them are being fixed/repaired), at the moment I play thru a Korg PX4D and a pair of Koss headphones, I plug an iPod on the Aux input of the Korg to get backing tracks... I close my eyes and enjoy myself, oh, and I forget, sometimes with a nice chilled beer. Well, I am not complaining, it could be worse;)
bassdr
Member
Username: bassdr

Post Number: 53
Registered: 10-2004
Posted on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 2:48 pm:   Edit Post

As long as you're playing your bass it cannot be better- except maybe sex and at 54 I can play alot longer than I can do that :-) Michael
olieoliver
Intermediate Member
Username: olieoliver

Post Number: 102
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 2:54 pm:   Edit Post

Make mine a ROOT Beer would Ya'.
lg71
Junior
Username: lg71

Post Number: 30
Registered: 3-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 3:17 pm:   Edit Post

have you tried while playing the bass? it might help:-)
You know, I heard J. Morison was having blow dry while singing...:-)
grynchin
Junior
Username: grynchin

Post Number: 23
Registered: 1-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 8:13 pm:   Edit Post

Chris,
I have the Shure PSM200 wireless personal monitor system. I bought it for two reasons.

The first reason is because we practice in a small room and it is loud, and earplugs being earplugs, they protect my ears, but I can only hear a muffled version of the band. And, I get splitting headaches if I don't wear something.

The next reason I wanted them is because I sing a lot of harmony with another band member and our voices sound identical alot, and it is very difficult to tell who is who while we are singing. If I'm off key I'll actually think its him sometimes and vice versa.

Price is the issue that held me back for so long it getting something. That and some bad past experiences with wireless gear. But I found a price that I couldn't pass up. The PSM 200 usually sells for $599 and that is a good price, but I was in VA beach at a local music store(Alpha), and they had the PSM for $499! I don't know if that was an error or that good of a deal, but I have not seen them anywhere under $599. So I got it.

It sounds amazing. The unit has 2 seperate inputs and 2 seperate outputs, with individual level controls on each one. So you can run your bass straight through it and a feed off of the p.a. and get the perfect volume in your ear of the mix, and crank your instrument a little higher to really hear yourself. Both channels also have the Lo and Hi Z dual fittings to accept 1/4 or XLR. Very well thought out.

The only complaint I have about it is that the battery doesn't last an extremely long time, maybe 6 or 8 hours. But thats more than plenty for a gig of course, I'm just speaking of practice nights when I let it go until it dies.

I like the ear pieces that come with the set, but you can buy even higher quality ones seperate. You can even buy different inserts to fit your earpieces(foam, rubber), and replacement inserts very cheap. They feel just like earplugs.

Hope this helps,

Brandon
bumhucker
Junior
Username: bumhucker

Post Number: 11
Registered: 3-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 10:50 pm:   Edit Post

cool,
thanks brandon! i think i'll end up with something like that eventually. I really want a single earpiece and then use a plug in the other. i'll look into that model

thanks again
Cb
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 3495
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Friday, March 17, 2006 - 6:52 am:   Edit Post

Nice review Brandon, thanks!!
ox_junior
Advanced Member
Username: ox_junior

Post Number: 332
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Friday, March 17, 2006 - 2:34 pm:   Edit Post

I recently played some shows using in-ear monitors. After a few hours of disorientation and some very patient tweaking by the monitor guy, the difference between in-ears and traditional monitors is astounding. You're able to play at a much lower stage volume (unless you and/or your guitarist need volume to deliver your desired tone) and each musician hears exactly what they want to hear. You can also still hear the ambient sounds of the instruments/amplifiers, which gives it body and doesn't make it sound tinny or one-dimensional in your ears. Much more individualized and less mayhem than a traditional monitor system, although it's good to have both, just in case.
ox_junior
Advanced Member
Username: ox_junior

Post Number: 333
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Friday, March 17, 2006 - 2:54 pm:   Edit Post

Oh, and since we're talking about what we do:

Primarily, I portray John Entwistle in a tribute to The Who called The Who Show. When gigging with this group, I use primarily my Alembic Spyder bass, which has some custom modifications as some of you know. My back-up bass is a hybrid "Fenderbird" constructed out of Fender, Gibson, and Epiphone parts.

I use exclusively Trace Elliot Amps and cabinets. For the Who Show I use a AH600SMX bi-amped into 4x10 and 2x15 cabinets.

For other gigs I can choose from:

* '84 Alembic Spoiler/Exploiter
* '75 Fender Precision
* '62 Fender Jazz reissue, hotrodded with EMGs
* Danelectro Longhorn reissue (year unknown)

All are strung with Rotosound RS66s, except the Jazz which has Rotosound Jazz flatwounds.

I use a Fulltone Bass Driver pedal with The Who Show. I also use Dunlop Tortex picks, the heavy-gauge purple ones (1.14mm).

I occasionally play with local acoustic singer/songwriters. I usually use the Jazz bass with the flatwounds for these gigs, through a Trace Elliot BLX-80 combo amp with a "folded" 1x10.

Fun stuff!

Mike
bigredbass
Senior Member
Username: bigredbass

Post Number: 693
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Friday, March 17, 2006 - 10:45 pm:   Edit Post

Let's hear it for root beer!! I love the stuff (IBC whenever possible!). A+W, et al are missing a fortune for lack of a few commercials:

"Have a beer at work"
"Drink and Drive!"
"More Filling, Tastes Great"

...you get the idea.

J o e y
olieoliver
Intermediate Member
Username: olieoliver

Post Number: 115
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 8:22 am:   Edit Post

Joey, "FROSTY" root beer is making a come back in Texas!
We also have a drive in Dallas called "The Dairyette", that makes it's own root beer and serves it in a frozen mug, on tap straight from the wooden keg they make it in.
Man now I've made myself hungry...give me a DBL cheese burger, large fries, and cold one ...
bigredbass
Senior Member
Username: bigredbass

Post Number: 697
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 1:51 pm:   Edit Post

Now if they wrap those CBs in white paper with the toothpick through it . . ya got the world on a string and I'm QUITE jealous, Olie.

Geez I miss Texas!

J o e y

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