Alembic Guitars Club

Connecting => Community => Gigs => Topic started by: jacko on June 10, 2007, 04:45:05 PM

Title: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on June 10, 2007, 04:45:05 PM

My new Signature will get her first outing this Saturday at 'Behind the Wall' in Falkirk. I'm expecting Georgie Boy to be there at the very least ;-)
Following that, We'll be at Walkabout in Edinburgh on the 29th then on June 14th at Brennans irish bar in Perth.
 
Graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on June 29, 2007, 02:09:21 AM

We're playing at Walkabout, an Australian themed bar in Edinburgh tonight. I think someone is videoing the show so I'll try to get him to take some stills too.
 
Graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jazzyvee on June 29, 2007, 09:57:31 AM

Excellent , it will be good to see that new bass of yours.
Jazzyvee

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: David Houck on June 29, 2007, 11:17:45 AM

Have him post the video to YouTube.

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on July 02, 2007, 04:57:34 AM

Sadly the vidoe guy didn't materialise so all we got were a couple of shots on a tiny kodak digital..  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/65124/41710.jpg)
  I've started singing..
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/65124/41711.jpg)
  and just to prove people do come to hear us...
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/65124/41712.jpg)
  We played from 9:30 till midnight with a 1/4 hour break. the place was packed out for the whole night. I got quite a few nice comments about both my basses.  Graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: georgie_boy on July 02, 2007, 06:54:58 AM

Nice pics Graeme
One day we WIL get together to play the beasts
Hope it's soon
 
G

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jazzyvee on July 02, 2007, 09:40:35 AM

Looks like you had  a ball of a time there.  Long gigs like that are good but tiring. I think the longest I've done is about 3.5 hours non stop.
 
I see your guitarist uses a  jackson/Charvel. I have one I want to sell. I bought it about 6 months ago off ebay because it had Alembic pickups on. I've now put them on my strat.
 
The guitar now just body and neck with all the hardware except pickups. Is your guitarist interested in it, It's not really my kind of guitar to be  honest.
 
Let me know.
All the best with the new Alembic.
Jazzyvee

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on July 03, 2007, 12:54:16 AM

jazzy.
I'll ask him but I doubt if he'll be interested as he's saving for an SG. (I tried to get him to save for a further but he's not as keen as me to spend huge sums of money on his hobby).
 
graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jazzyvee on July 03, 2007, 10:46:10 AM

SG's are damn fine sounding guitars but I find them Butt Ugly to look at. I just hope I'm never put in a situation where I can get one for a song.  lol
 
I may just have to stop being lazy and wire up the Jacxkson and put it on ebay.
 
Jazzyvee

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: David Houck on July 03, 2007, 07:22:51 PM

Nice pics!
Great shot of the bass!
And nice rig!
What's the Eden unit on the floor?

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on July 04, 2007, 12:31:42 AM

That's the navigator preamp footswitch Dave. Controls the Mute, Compression, Enhance and turbo boost. I also have an Aphex 'big bottom' and EBS chorus and distortion pedals.  
 
Graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: zn_bassman on July 04, 2007, 02:29:57 AM

Graeme, looking good with that custom MK. Keep on rockin' Scotland!

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: David Houck on July 04, 2007, 08:14:22 AM

Thanks Graeme!

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on July 26, 2007, 12:45:24 PM

This Friday 27th we're playing Bar Itza in Kirkcaldy from around 9pm. After this we're taking a month break for holidays. In the unlikely event you're in centrel Scotland tomorrow, stop by and say hello;-)
 
Graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on September 20, 2007, 04:40:46 AM

Bar Itza in kirkcaldy again this sunday - 4pm BST. i'll try and someone to take some pics this time.
here's (http://www.baritza.com/) their website.
 
graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on September 25, 2007, 12:43:28 PM

No Gig pics but here's one taken during set up. Please try to ignore the guitarist, like most of his ilk he's always trying to hog the limelight;-)
Notice the Orange 'tiny terror' just above the white strat? That'sour rythm player's new toy. 14watts of class A tube and it's louder than anything I've ever heard (playing through the marshall cab.
I'm set up across the fire exit. God forbid there's ever an emergency. It's bad enough that the punters have to use the upstairs loo;-)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/65124/44413.jpg)
 
Graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on October 08, 2007, 04:58:54 AM

This Saturday we're playing at Brennans irish Bar in Perth. Always a good fun gig, we get alot of pleasure from bypassing the sound level meter circuit. If anyone is out in the southern highlands this weekend, drop in and say hi.
 
Graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on October 30, 2007, 05:24:41 AM

Saturday sees Big Tuna return to PJ Molloys bar in Dunfermline - home of the mighty Nazareth! Again, anyone visiting central scotland should drop in. Alternatively, there's a rumour we might be able to get a recording from the in-house video system. I've heard this many times before but you never know. If anything works out I'll post a link.  
 
graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: bracheen on October 30, 2007, 08:23:18 AM

Nazareth, that was my first concert in 1969. Nazareth, Grand Funk Railroad, & Johnny Winter.  Good stuff.  Does Big Tuna do any Nazareth songs?

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on October 30, 2007, 08:30:03 AM

I'm working on it Sam. The rest of the band perfer to keep things modern but I've managed to slide a few oldies in there. I've suggested several songs such as hair of the dog, this flight tonight, broken down angel and even my white bicycle to no avail.  
They're touring scotland next februaury. Something to look forward to. Especially Pete Agnew and his lovely series 1.
 
Graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on November 22, 2007, 11:10:10 AM

We'll be laying at 'Behind the Wall' in Falkirk this friday - 23rd. It's a strange venue for live music; they have a huge dance floor but it's covered with tables to within 2 feet of the sage so no-one can bop. Very wierd. We've been told they're closing for refurbishment after hogmanay so maybe they'll put some thought into the entertainment area.
With a bit of luck Georgieboy will make it out this time.
 
Graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: 5stringho on November 30, 2007, 07:21:39 PM

Hey, Graeme!
 
I Apoligize. I've not been on the ball lately! I didn't even see this thread till now! The Bass looks great. Bet she sounds killer with the Navigator. My MarkBass took a dump, is still in the shop, and I bought a WT550 to get me through, but I think I'll be using it full-time now. I love the Eden Stuff. Glad you enjoy the Signature and are giving her the life she deserves. You guys have any soundbytes? I'd love to hear what she sounds like. I'll try to pay a little better attention in the future. Good luck on the gigs...
 
TTY, Mike, Tho

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on December 06, 2007, 05:07:29 AM

Thanks for the comments Mike. That last gig we played ended up a bit strange. After we finished 9at around 1:30 am) we were asked to hang around in their other bar so the staff could strip naked to do a charity calendar shot using our instruments as props. Hopefully there'll be some 'tasteful' shots of my rogue to put up once the calendar comes out;-)
We're hoping to get some video clips onto the website (http://www.bigtuna.co.uk) sometime soon but the sound won't be much good until I can get a Zoom H2 recorder.
 
We're playing at Walkabout in Glasgow this coming wednesday - 12th december. I'm hoping to meet up with John 'whitecloud' as he lives reasonably near.
 
Graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: white_cloud on December 06, 2007, 05:57:52 AM

Will be there Graeme, look forward to hearing the MK and maybe having a quick chat!!!!

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on December 13, 2007, 04:31:35 AM

Great to meet you last night John. Hope you enjoyed the show. At least you didn't have to fight for a seat;-) We'll have to try to organise a scottish get together with the other scottish forum members.
 
Graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: white_cloud on December 13, 2007, 04:40:21 AM

Very enjoyable BIG TUNA gig last night at Glasgow,  
 
meeting up with Graeme Jacko was really nice..what a top guy! It was also nice to get up close and personal to Graeme's gorgeous Alembics, both his Mk balance and Rogue turning out to be totally stunning in the flesh folks!!
 
Big Tuna turned out to be a really tight unit, playing a variety of material from across the musical spectrum. Great vocals (lead and backing!)combined with a punchy sound made for a great night out! Both of the Alembics on show provided a wonderful tone at the heart of this gig, cutting through the mix with the unmistakable Alembic sound..perfect blend of deep clear bottom end, punchy mids and crisp highs!!
 
Well done Graeme, nice playing mate! Im so glad I made it, taking the time to show me your rig and Alembics was very good of you..its appreciated!
 
Next time Big Tuna are in town I will be there

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: white_cloud on December 13, 2007, 04:44:20 AM

A scottish forum member get together sounds great Graeme. When it comes off we should make the effort to get our Alembics to it as well..it would make for some good pics for the forum

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on December 13, 2007, 04:57:51 AM

Thanks for the review john. I'm glad the sound out front was good. The levels on stage were mediocre at best, the sound guy put too much lead guitar through my monitor so consequently I was too loud onstage in the first set. Also, the drummer didn't have a monitor at all so he was getting bass and not much else.
The conversation we had about tone controls was interesting and thinking back, I hardly touched the tone controls throughout the set. For older songs like Brown sugar I'll knock the Q switch off and back the treble off a little, and some songs i push the treble filter up a bit but in the main I leave the controls be. I do stomp the chorus and distortion pedals a fair bit though. Odd really as I've only been using pedals for about a year.
I'll start talking to the other guys about getting our instruments together sometime in the new year. it'll probably need to be somewhere near falkirk to accomodate georgie-boy as I don't believe he drives.
 
Graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: white_cloud on December 13, 2007, 05:17:08 AM

Yes Graeme, if we could find a suitable venue to amass the beasts (the Alembics..not us!) on the east coast somewhere that would suit me fine! It is a day out after all! Would make for some nice pics hopefully!
 
the problems that you guys had with the on stage sound last night will sound all too familiar to most of the members out there Im sure. The only consolation is that although you had problems ON the stage, we, the audience, had NO problems off it drinking cold beer and digging the GOOD side of the sound

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: David Houck on December 13, 2007, 06:49:33 AM

Nice review, John!

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on January 09, 2008, 04:47:34 AM

Big Tuna will be at P.J.Molloys in Dunfermline this friday from 10.30pm then at bar Itza, Kirkcaldy next friday from 9pm.
 
meanwhile here's a picture from a side project I have playing country-rock and rock'n'roll from last friday.
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/65124/47451.jpg)
 
Graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: white_cloud on January 09, 2008, 11:53:50 AM

Ah.....such a handsome devil! Your not bad either Graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: David Houck on January 09, 2008, 08:53:08 PM

That's such a nice bass!

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on January 10, 2008, 01:11:46 AM

Thanks Dave, She's a joy to play.
And thanks john (I think) ;-)
I've just ordered a set of DR Black Beauties for her. I prefer the slightly lower tension of the DRs and I think the black is going to make her look really sexy.
 
Graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on February 06, 2008, 04:38:59 AM

We've a gig at Scruffy Murphy's in Edinburgh this friday. If you're thinking of turning up, come early as it's a pretty small pub and fills up quickly.
 
Graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on February 06, 2008, 04:47:42 AM

oops, meant to post this pic of all three headstocks showing their true colours..
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/65124/48309.jpg)
 
I love the look of the black Beauties, you can hardly tell they're there on a dark stage.
 
graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on February 09, 2008, 11:41:19 AM

Intersting gig. During soundcheck we had complaints from a couple of regulars about the noise so we turned down a notch. they kept on complaining, saying that all this live music was attracting tourists to 'their' pub and it was all the new managers fault - This is a city centre pub in Edinburgh so it pretty much dpends on tourism! Once we got started though, they either left or moved out of sight and we had a rocking night. I was surprised when one guy came up during the break to talk about my Alembics. He'd recognised the MK by the headstock and was wondering who made the rogue as he didn't realise they made different designs.
On a less pleasant note, while carrying my 4x10 out to the car I tripped on a step, dropped the cab and landed heavily on my knees on concrete. They still hurt but at least my cabinet works.
 
Graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: David Houck on February 09, 2008, 12:01:10 PM

Get a hand truck!

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on February 09, 2008, 12:02:51 PM

Dave, they had a flight of steps to carry up.
 
graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: David Houck on February 09, 2008, 12:09:44 PM

With a 4x10, I think I would still rather strap it to a good hand truck and pull it up the stairs.  But it does depend on the step elevation, tire size, handle length, etc.  At the very least, get the drummer to help you.

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: 5stringho on February 09, 2008, 01:05:51 PM

Come on, Dave. Get a DRUMMER to help MOVE something? It's a chore just to get them to show up on time!
 
 Hope you get to feeling better Graeme, but you'll heal, you have to PAY to get equiptment fixed ;)
 
 
Have fun, Mike =]

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on February 18, 2008, 05:06:49 AM

PJ Molloy's bar in Dunfermline this coming Friday. They have lots of steps to cope with ;-(
 
Graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on March 13, 2008, 05:36:14 AM

back in Scruffy Murphy's this saturday. I'm going to be very careful with their steps this time. My knees took weeks to feel right after the last time.
 
graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on March 25, 2008, 06:13:09 AM

This saturday we played our first 'wedding' - both parties were girls. The venue was built under the oldest part of edinburgh. Called 'The Caves', it has a very gothic feel, having high vaulted ceilings and minimal decor. I recorded the gig on my new Zoom H2 but the offstage sound was pretty boomy so the recording isn't good enough to publish. Next time we're at PJ Molloys I'll be able to get a better one. here are a couple of pics from the night..  first, one of the band  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/65124/49994.jpg)
  and here's one of us posing with the brides..  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/65124/49995.jpg)
  Our next gig is a more conventional wedding;-)  Graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: David Houck on March 25, 2008, 05:52:52 PM

I haven't acquired a zoom yet, so I'm wondering where you positioned the h2, and did you have it set for two mics or four?

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on March 26, 2008, 01:54:02 AM

I had it set up on a balcony around 20feet upand 30 feet ahead of the stage, pointing slightly downward but pretty much central. I was using it with the 2 rear mics facing forwards in a 120 degree arc. That's what the manual suggests for a stereo recording of a band. The front mics are set at 90 degrees which they say is better if you're recording a soloist. I only bought it on the friday so we'll be experimenting with all the modes at our next rehearsal. The mics are pretty sensitive - I had them set to Low and the VU was still peaking.
 
Graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: David Houck on March 28, 2008, 09:12:38 PM

Thanks for the details!

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on April 29, 2008, 04:20:13 AM

After a pretty inspiring gig last friday in Dunfermline, We'll be playing our most prestigious gig of the year tomorrow (wednesday) at Jolls Holland's Jam House in Edinburgh. The band kicks off at 8.30 which is a pretty early start for us.
 
Graeme
 
p.s. I now have a folding sack barrow to further save my back.
p.p.s. I recorded friday's gig on my Zoom H2 and I'm really impressed with the quality of the recording. For once, my basses are actually audible in the recording. We videoed the night too so with a bit of luck these may appear on youtube or myspace sometime.

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: bracheen on May 09, 2008, 08:39:35 AM

Is Jam House a club in Edinburgh? If so it's definitly on my list of sights to see.
 
Sam

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on May 09, 2008, 11:00:42 AM

Hi Sam.
Yes, it's a club of sorts. They do meals (although pretty uninspiring) and they cater for corporate nights out. you can find them at www.thejamhouse.com (http://www.thejamhouse.com)    click on Edinburgh then navigate your way around to see what's on when you're here.  
We're looking forward to seeing you - have you made any arrangements with George yet? I'm pretty sure we are free every evening of that week so we could easily meet up in Edinburgh or perhaps you'd like to come out to Broxburn - about 15 miles from the city centre. I've spoken to Mike Pisanek recently and he is also keen to meet up. Perhaps I can arrange a meal at my house. Mail me if you have any ideas.
 
Graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: flaxattack on May 14, 2008, 01:29:25 PM

wheres my kilt?
i need my kilt?
has anyone seen my kilt?

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: jacko on May 15, 2008, 04:12:52 AM

Perhaps you can borrow this one from Rod - he was the groom at the last wedding we played. He married Eloise - very attractive young lady but a very sharp tongue ;-)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/65124/51887.jpg)
 
Graeme

Title: Re: Big Tuna
Post by: georgie_boy on May 15, 2008, 11:16:12 AM

Graeme
ALL women have very sharp tongues!!!!!