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tonewood experts

Info from the video:

"Staff Benda Bilili are like nothing you have ever seen or heard before. A group of paraplegic street musicians who live in and around the grounds of the zoo in Kinshasa, Congo, they make music of astonishing power and beauty. The band's mesmerising rumba-rooted grooves, overlaid with vibrant vocals, remind you at times of Cuban nonchalance, at other times of the Godfather of Soul himself. You can hear echoes of old-school rhythm and blues, then reggae, then no-holds barred funk. Four senior singer/guitarists sitting on spectacularly customized tricycles, occasionally dancing on the floor of the stage, arms raised in joyful supplication, are the core of the band, backed by a younger, all-acoustic, rhythm section pounding out tight beats. Over the top of this are weird, infectious guitar-like solos performed by young Roger Landu, (an ex-street kid the band took under their wing), who plays a one-string electric lute he designed and built himself out of a tin can."
 
young Roger Landu, (an ex-street kid the band took under their wing), who plays a one-string electric lute he designed and built himself out of a tin can."
Woah, that's dedication and talent. I'll have to look these folks up and "subscribe" somehow. Maybe if I listen enough, I'll finally find some groove in me. :)
 
How flipp'n cool was that !!! Wonder if they have access to the web and think "oh man, my homemade instrument sucks compared to guitar centers stock" :) One the best things that happened in my life over the last couple years is major reduction in gas. I'm so lucky to have a couple basses and not have to worry if one breaks or gets stolen. I would hate if my main player was gone but I could easily get by just fine. I love these kind of videos and how about the people off in the background getting down to the music, so cool.
 
I had to come back and watch again after another "is the Sire too cheap to gig?" discussion. :D
I think Sire would give just about any MIA bass a run for it's money in terms of tone. I really think it's a total waste for someone to buy a ten thousand dollar bass if they are not a professional giging musician. Keep in mind I am just peanut gallery and I'm not here to make anyone feel guilty. If ten grand is a drop in the bucket for someone then I think it's not a bad idea. If you have to make payments for several years and eat noodle then maybe not a good idea