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EddiePlaysBass

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Everything posted by EddiePlaysBass

  1. Well, in short: we called it quits. Both the drummer and guitarist said they are not very actively pursuing music right now and want to focus on other things. Guess I will be looking for new musicians soon, then. But first, a bit of soul searching and woodshedding is in order. Let this sink in a bit, and see where I want to go next.
  2. The guitarist just opened the discussion via group app: "What're we gonna do, everyone still up for it?" Drummer replied that he likes the current low-stress, low-expectations setting. Singer replied with: "Good question..." I have yet to reply. Gonna think about this a bit first.
  3. A (long) while ago, I started a band with some friends. Initially we had our mind made up about playing hard rock and metal covers but it quickly morphed into bluesy americana with some rockabilly influences. There was a good bit of jamming within the songs we covered, and i enjoyed it immensely. We booked some small gigs to get our feet wet, and got good responses. Two things happened next: first our singer decided we should start playing his (boring) originals, which did nothing to broaden our audience. Then Covid, of course. The singer has started a different (originals) project, but despite a handful of rehearsals earlier this year, nothing has happened since the beginning of July. And I find myself not caring a lot. I don't miss the guys, don't miss the music, don't miss the non-existent gigs. While I still very much enjoy playing bass, I feel zero need to do it in that particular setting, and judging by the lack of action on our group chat, no one else seems keen on getting together again either.
  4. Very nice, thanks for sharing! A friend recently brought the Tiny Desk concerts to my attention. I love em!
  5. He is still active in music, and on Facebook. While I absolutely love Gary Thain, I think Paul's jazzy contributions to Heep's early sound is too often overlooked.
  6. Very sad to hear. I have many good memories of his stories and tips. We were not friends but he took the time to reply to my private messages and explain things (which he probably explained many times before). He was truly a legend, and will live on in our collective memories.
  7. No practical experience to offer, but I am tempted to get one myaelf, some day. Let us know if you bought it, and whether you like it!
  8. A belated happy birthday, and congrats re: the new bass!
  9. For years, I would put "learn Beatles songs" on this list. A few weeks ago I was approached by a guitarist, to start a Beatles cover (not tribute) band... I love the irony!! Been playing a lot of uke, lately. Love it. There's no yoga classes, but I try and maintain my 3x/week running schedule. Slowly building up to half-marathon distance again. I got time...
  10. Hi All!! In previous years I would link back to the earlier thread but it seems I broke my own tradition in 2020, so I will start afresh... What are your resolutions for 2021? Mine are diverse... So in no particular order: * focus on playing the blues - really, and I mean REALLY dive deep into it; * apply pentatonics in a musical way, and perhaps play a solo or two on bass; * start an additional band, preferably a blues trio where i will share vocal duties; * practice the ukulele more - I have so much fun playing it, it's a shame I don't do it more (or better). On the non-musical front, there's: * train for a full marathon (I ran 2 half-marathons in one week earlier this year, but training towards it was brutal and I overreached a bit, so I will rethink my training schedule and take it easier); * go to yoga class weekly / meditate more; * finalize a very specific event of which I best speak later - it is at the same time a sad event, and something which opens new opportunities. More on this once it u folds, I promise. Anyone wanna play?
  11. Ha! Just the other day I was thinking of TShakaz, and how he was once robbed of a (brand-new?) bass. Steinberger I believe? Things here are ... different. I will try and drop in more often, cos I do love this place for all it brought me
  12. I was gonna chime in with a "sorry for your loss" but I make it a point to always read the entire thread first. Good thing I did It reminds me that another rule has always been: "Check the date".
  13. Hm, that IS kind of spendy... Been focusing on bass again, lately. My teacher has me practicing walking bass, and in a way that I kind of understand where I am going with it (pun intended) but needless to say progress is slow. I do look forward to incorporating this style or playing into my upright playing, but wirh the second Covid wave hitting Belgium, there won't be any uke gatherings soon.
  14. @jcadmus, what is that thing? It's funny, I never actually practice on the upright, I just wing it and get by fine with this crew. But I think after the Covid lockdown I will incorporate upright into my schedule. Right now, I am having tons of fun playing the uke. Bought a book with uke arrangements of Beatles songs from one Fred Sokolow, and it's turning into one helluva ride!
  15. Wow, suddenly it hits home, in a way. I didn't know Orlando, and I don't really know you, Flem, but do know I am baffled and sad to read this. My condolences to all concerned.
  16. We had 3 gigs booked this year (yeah, we're THAT popular), two of which weren due in March... This band is on its last legs as is, and I guess this will end up being the last straw for some members.
  17. I always wanted to learn to play the drums ... it's probably my favourite instrument, over bass In fact, a few nights ago I dreamt that I was playing drums in a jam and halfway through the song I realized I didn't actually know how to play the damned thing I am moving out of the house and into an apartment in a few weeks, so my dreams of playing drums will be shelved for a good few years to come, I guess. But I will, at some point, get round to it.
  18. I quite like the look of these. Got no band where this would fit visually but then I never did mind such trivialities...
  19. I may have posted before that I started learning the ukelele. At one point I took some group lessons, and once those ended I figured that was it. But I sent a message on the group's whatsapp and that spurred a get-together. After a handful of those I decided we could do with one less uke, in favor of an electric upright. So I've been playing that ever since. Mostly, we'd get together once a month and run through some songs someone printed out. Lately, some roles have been developing. Some of the ladies picked lead vocals, one of the members has started fingerpicking (and became damn proficient REAL quick) and the other gentleman has started playing more lead / melodies. In other words... There's a group sound slowly emerging! I find myself remembering what lines I played in certain songs, as opposed to rooting and improvising my way through them every time. The picker has started suggesting (in her limited musical vocabulary kind of way) that we work out some fixed arrangements and really work on the songs. There's no drums, so all this has a bit of a bluegrass vibe to it. I remember dreading the very first get together, but now I look forward to those monthly gatherings. At 39 I think I am the youngest (with one possible exception) but truthfully, it's more fun than my cover/originals band which is nearing its end. Thing is, I really want to play uke in a band setting, too Guess I need to find a bunch of bassists, so I can join on the uke...
  20. It sure is a purdy bass, but I wonder what need or use I would personally have for the 8-string sound. On the other hand, I play fretless and never really wondered if it would fit in with my band. Any soundbites, Mark?
  21. I am, every now and then. But musically, I am not too active. And on a personal level, my significant other and I decided after a 20-year run, that the time has come to go solo. Interesting times ahead...
  22. Bumping an old thread of mine! I bought a fretless Tony Franklin a while back, and love it to death. Today being Christmas, it was a family day with my ex's family (it's complicated) and I was talking with her second cousin, who is 14 and into metal. He mentioned he wanted to save up for a bass, but hadn't got far yet, budget-wise. So I told him I have a cheap fretless at home, and he's welcome to have it. So he is now the proud and enthousiastic owner of a Palmer FB05 I told him it needs new strings and I am more than happy to help him set it up once he gets a set. It's a shame I sold my Peavey amp a few years back, or I would have thrown that in with the bass.
  23. Yeah, just now realized for the first time since April (apparently) that I have not visited the LDLD in ages. Lots of changes... Or well, two for me. New job, and my relationship of 20 years came to a natural conclusion. I amhappy with one of these developments.... Musicwise, lots of ukulele, not a lot of bass. More electric upright than I imagined, though... Which is not saying a lot...
  24. Last weekend I attended a bass camp - I try and do those about twice a year, just to reinvigorate my interest in playing. One of the upsides is getting to play other people's basses Two in particular really struck my fancy: 1. Sire V8 (4-string): incredible neck, bit on the heavy side but what a load of bang for the buck!!! 2. Squier VM Jaguar: this one really, REALLY impressed me. The Squier was a beater bass, complete with a "producer switch" and chopsticks taped to it by way of a Gary Willis ramp. But I'll be damned, it was an impressive bass. Especially through the all-tube preamp which our teacher had brought along. I was riffing on Sabbath and early Uriah Heep for about ten minutes before I realized where I was and why I was there. Which was NOT to riff on Sabbath and Heepsongs Anyway, needless to say I now want one of those Jags. I definitely do not need it. Which basses are on your want-but-don't-need list?
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