Just started shopping for a DB

[CindyB]

Originally Posted by drurb

A message from the DB language and specs police:

Action:

String height:

Now, now drurb. Wingnut and I just defended you from the "Topic Drift Police". Don't make us do the "Language Police" dance on you!

It's just words and we all know what they mean. A lot of folks play in bands where terminology has to be interchangeable. Don't make people afraid to post because they might say the wrong thing. Maybe we need a "DB Terminology" forum where people can get their english teacher fix.

Cindy

[drurb]

Originally Posted by CindyB

Now, now drurb. Wingnut and I just defended you from the "Topic Drift Police". Don't make us do the "Language Police" dance on you!

It's just words and we all know what they mean. A lot of folks play in bands where terminology has to be interchangeable. Don't make people afraid to post because they might say the wrong thing. Maybe we need a "DB Terminology" forum where people can get their english teacher fix.

Cindy

Wow, you give a bunch of orders! I sure don't know who "us" is, newcomer! If you mean you and wingnut, I'd say, "You two and what army?"

In case the THREE winking faces at the end of my post were too subtle for you, then this should have sufficed:

Originally Posted by drurb

...and a reminder that this friendly user is a member of the light-hearted brigade! I don't really take any of the terminology stuff too seriously.

It's a pretty weak argument to say they're "just words." No, words have meanings and, with regard to specifications, precision can be quite valuable. Sure, we all know what is meant when someone says "action" with reference to a DB. We also know what is meant when terms like "fretboard" and "headstock" are used.

Then again, as I said...

Originally Posted by drurb

...and a reminder that this friendly user is a member of the light-hearted brigade! I don't really take any of the terminology stuff too seriously.

Paul W, where are you?

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Originally Posted by drurb

. ..... We also know what is meant when terms like "fretboard" and "headstock" are used.


Paul W, where are you?

Yea, it means some slabber doesn't know that a DB is not a fat, hollow bass guitar. It's a completely different instrument that deserves a little respect.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bassdiagram.jpg

Posting that link took about 30 seconds . I would expect anyone desiring to use a DB for anything more than a stage prop would invest a little bit of time. IF a stage prop is all they want, maybe they should change the name to 'C-bout stilts' or something.

Can't wait for PDUB to weigh in.

[CindyB]

Originally Posted by drurb

It's a pretty weak argument to say they're "just words." No, words have meanings and, with regard to specifications, precision can be quite valuable. Sure, we all know what is meant when someone says "action" with reference to a DB. We also know what is meant when terms like "fretboard" and "headstock" are used.

Originally Posted by clink

Yea, it means some slabber doesn't know that a DB is not a fat, hollow bass guitar. It's a completely different instrument that deserves a little respect.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bassdiagram.jpg

Posting that link took about 30 seconds . I would expect anyone desiring to use a DB for anything more than a stage prop would invest a little bit of time. IF a stage prop is all they want, maybe they should change the name to 'C-bout stilts' or something.

Maybe a newcomer has some insight? I hear the DB side of this forum slagged pretty much everywhere I go as a hangout for snobs, technical nit-pickers, and trolls. (Maybe that's because I hang with a lot of lowlifes - but most of those lowlifes are professional bass players.) I guess it's too much trouble to cook up a dictionary and get the mods to post it as a sticky. Put that link in your signature and you won't need to bag on folks anymore. Of course that takes all the fun out. The forum could be such an amazing resource for people who are new to this instrument if they weren't afraid to post. (Drurb, you of all people should know about this.) Remember folks, it's a big box with strings - not a Gutenberg Bible.

I think Gearhead was right. You guys LIKE it this way. Sorry it took me so long to figure it out. I've got better things to do.

Cindy

[drurb]

Originally Posted by CindyB

Maybe a newcomer has some insight?

Of course, but that wasn't the point! It was your pronouncements about what I need to do and that you would appoint yourself to do the tap dance.

Originally Posted by CindyB

I hear the DB side of this forum slagged pretty much everywhere I go as a hangout for snobs, technical nit-pickers, and trolls. (Maybe that's because I hang with a lot of lowlifes - but most of those lowlifes are professional bass players.)

Hmm. Most of us enjoy these forums (fora, for the "snobs").

Originally Posted by CindyB

I guess it's too much trouble to cook up a dictionary and get the mods to post it as a sticky. Put that link in your signature and you won't need to bag on folks anymore. Of course that takes all the fun out.

Bag on folks? It was light-hearted and not really critical.

Originally Posted by CindyB

The forum could be such an amazing resource for people who are new to this instrument if they weren't afraid to post. (Drurb, you of all people should know about this.) Remember folks, it's a big box with strings - not a Gutenberg Bible.

The forum is an amazing resource! I don't think people are generally afraid to post. You seem to be on this kick that this place is too "ivory tower." You admitted you were wrong in making that judgment about folks before. The bias seems to be yours.

Originally Posted by CindyB

I think Gearhead was right. You guys LIKE it this way. Sorry it took me so long to figure it out.

It seems it will take you even longer because you still haven't figured it out. We do tend to like it "this way." By "this way," I mean a friendly exchange of ideas. What makes it less fun is when folks are critical of the regulars here based on their own insecurities or false assumptions. Look at the mess you've made over a light-hearted jab about terminology.

Originally Posted by CindyB

I've got better things to do.

Apparently not.

[mesmithnm]

Like so many threads, this one has veered way off course - but anyway, SevenYD, that's a good looking bass you got there and it should be a great instrument to learn on. Congrats! And I hope you found some of the advice on this thread useful.

Mark

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Originally Posted by CindyB

........ Put that link in your signature and you won't need to bag on folks anymore. Of course that takes all the fun out........

Cindy

Thank you for the suggestion.

[Treyzer]

Originally Posted by drurb

The forum is an amazing resource!......You admitted you were wrong in making that judgment about folks before. The bias seems to be yours........

What makes it less fun is when folks are critical of the regulars here based on their own insecurities or false assumptions. Look at the mess you've made over a light-hearted jab about terminology.

I for one am getting tired of the amazing sense of entitlement shown by people who are (1) New to this forum, (2) New to to the Double Bass and/or (3) Asking for help or information and are in turn unhappy,ungrateful or display amazingly bad manners when they either don't get the answers they want or they do not get immediate feedback to their questions.

Maybe it is the nature of the interweb, but the level of bad behavior is becoming appaling to me. Very few people would talk to me in person the way some people talk on this site. Bad things would happen very quickly!

It's been my experience in life that you earn your spot, you pay your dues and you prove yourself. Nobody owes you anything and nobody exits solely for your enjoyment and benefit.

There are threads noobies are encouraged to read but obviously in our "I want it and I want it now" world, many people new to this forum do not read any of these threads.

Truth be told, I'm beginning to miss many of the posters who have seemingly given up on this forum. Personally, getting advice from those more knowledgable than me has always been aprreciated and hopefully I've shown, and will continue to show respect to those who deserve it. You want respect, do something to earn it other than insulting others and/or complaining that life isn't fair!

Drurb, you're obviously a more patient man than myself. I don't have any answers but I'm sure getting tired of this "entitlement" syndrome.

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Well stated sir.

I speak only for myself the following:
I was blessed 30 years ago to pick up an old Kay DB in school and learn to play a few things. As a slabber, I had SOME technique that transferred and I was able to play in the orchestra in a couple of High School musicals. My studies continued in college as a DB major for two years, studying with the principal of the then Kansas City Philharmonic.
I was, about four years into it, a mediocre player at best.

As is an all too common story, wife, kids and career led me to give up playing for many years. I sorely missed playing, but just couldn't find the time, energy or money to play again. That changed over four years ago.

I bought a nice plywood bass and called the best teacher in town and began lessons. When he asked me what I wanted to learn, I told him I wanted to learn the fundamentals. I wanted to get back into jazz, but he taught me proper technique using Simandl fingering. He told me once during a lesson, 'If I didn't think you were serious; just looking to play the gig and take your money I wouldn't teach you.' Those who teach, honor and respect their profession and want to leave a legacy.

Talkbass was very, very helpful to me then and I read everything I could about all things DB. The Newbie links became very familiar. UncleToad, Fitz, Ken Smith, Arnold Schnitzer, Drurb and many, many other dedicated people helped me tremendously in acquiring the knowledge about the instrument, strings and equipment helpful in getting the most enjoyment from playing that I could. I probably lurked here for a year or so before posting and only later starting a thread. There is still much to learn.

Sadly, many of the more experienced here have been pushed out or just given up and left. What a loss.

If someone truly wants to enter a serious relationship with a DB and approach the instrument with the respect it deserves, I am very happy to share what knowledge and advice I have. Forgive me if I seem impatient with those I sense may not take the instrument as seriously as I and those who came before me do. I apologize if this sounds exclusive or elitist to Cindy or any other noob. Please try to see that learning is a two way street, a dialog. It isn't effective when approached as a drive-thru window.

[sevenyearsdown]

Originally Posted by Treyzer

I for one am getting tired of the amazing sense of entitlement shown by people who are (1) New to this forum, (2) New to to the Double Bass and/or (3) Asking for help or information and are in turn unhappy,ungrateful or display amazingly bad manners when they either don't get the answers they want or they do not get immediate feedback to their questions.

Maybe it is the nature of the interweb, but the level of bad behavior is becoming appaling to me. Very few people would talk to me in person the way some people talk on this site. Bad things would happen very quickly!

It's been my experience in life that you earn your spot, you pay your dues and you prove yourself. Nobody owes you anything and nobody exits solely for your enjoyment and benefit.

There are threads noobies are encouraged to read but obviously in our "I want it and I want it now" world, many people new to this forum do not read any of these threads.

Truth be told, I'm beginning to miss many of the posters who have seemingly given up on this forum. Personally, getting advice from those more knowledgable than me has always been aprreciated and hopefully I've shown, and will continue to show respect to those who deserve it. You want respect, do something to earn it other than insulting others and/or complaining that life isn't fair!

Drurb, you're obviously a more patient man than myself. I don't have any answers but I'm sure getting tired of this "entitlement" syndrome.

Well I hope that your rant is in no way directed at me, 'cause I've been nothing but thankful to the people giving advice here.

This topic really was about my options locally, and my experience in obtaining a decent deal for a starter. Double bass is something I've approached very seriously, and I did read through a lot of newbie threads. The problem with some of those topics is that it's a like the size of a public library...but with no dewey decimal system.

I'm never offended on the bass guitar side of things when kids ask questions that have been discussed a thousand times already, because we were all there at one point...as I am now at that point with double bass.



And why are people even taking the time to argue about terms and such here. If I'm a n00b, and I am not refering to parts, procedures, etc. correctly, than by all means correct me. To me it doesn't come off as snobery, but an experienced player giving a little insight. If knew what I was talking about, I wouldn't be asking so many questions.

[Treyzer]

Originally Posted by sevenyearsdown

Well I hope that your rant is in no way directed at me, 'cause I've been nothing but thankful to the people giving advice here.
Double bass is something I've approached very seriously, and I did read through a lot of newbie threads. The problem with some of those topics is that it's a like the size of a public library...but with no dewey decimal system.

I'm never offended on the bass guitar side...when kids ask questions that have been discussed a thousand times already, because we were all there at one point...as I am now at that point with double bass.

To me it doesn't come off as snobery, but an experienced player giving a little insight. If knew what I was talking about, I wouldn't be asking so many questions.

OK sevenyearsdown... just to clarify a few things; What I wrote would be more accurately decribed as an opinion. Please notice that there was no name calling, no put downs and no derision. Furthermore, what I wrote was not directed at anyone who has a legitimate question and displays some civility.

This forum is for all things Double Bass. We are supposed to be able to share knowledge in a hopefully affable or, at the very least, civil manner of discourse. Kidding, joking and good natured ribbing is encouraged. These are ways of showing affection and friendship.

What I am objecting to is bad manners, name calling, a lack of respect direceted at those that know what they are talking about and a general sense of "entitlement" that some posters exhibit. What I wrote is certainly not directed at those that have legitimate questions, or those that genuinely wish to learn something. Heck, that's how I found this forum and I'm sure most of us found for similar reasons.

Let me see if I can approach this from another perspective. Please note, this illustration is not intended to be directed at any one specific person.

Let me ask you a hypothetical question; How would you feel is someone you barely knew came into your house, opened your refrigerator, grabbed a beer, sat in your favorite chair, picked up your remote started flipping through the channels and then yelled at you becuase you didn't have the cable channels he wanted to watch? This is how many Hawaiians feel towards visitors who do not "malama" respect the islands (our aina).

In Hawaii respect is huge. It is earned and not bestowed on everyone. If you are a visitor, it is a very good idea to display good manners. Those that do, enjoy much aloha, those that don't usually have an unhappy vacation experience.

I hope this little story at least make some people think about how they present themselves on this forum!

All The Best

T

P.S. Thanks Clink!

[Jake deVilliers]

Thanks Trey and Clink!

You have both been able to articulate my feelings on the new posters in an appropriate way. I too spent a couple of years lurking before I even joined, reading every post that might increase my knowledge of this amazing instrument ie most of them.
Since then I've been privileged to be allowed to share some of my small store of wisdom with some world class builders, players and repair people.

Thanks everybody.

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Seven,
You are the perfect noob in my book. Sleep well tonight.

One more thing. I may be more passionate about the DB than some; I don't know. Having lost the joy of playing music for so long, I now realize what a gift it is and don't want anyone to treat it lightly.

Nuff said.