The thread about threads about setting up a bass.

[96tbird]

Just marvelling about our chosen instrument and what we all go through to keep them in top condition. What with ten feet of steel cable stressing one side of a long skinny stick of wood, which is further under the influence of the elements of temperature and humidity. Electric guitars problems with setup pale in comparison. It is no wonder we are so picky about getting the setup just right. Ain't it fun? Arguing and debating about it on the forum? Blessed be the the internet for when I began 32 years ago, I had to hunt down information in libraries and magazines. Today we can ask any of a number of luthiers live in realtime. Glorious.

[Turnaround]

I have to agree. It's so much easier to get bad information these days. In my youth I had to rely on word of mouth, lore and tradition until I discovered books. There was knowledge to be had.

Now there's instant enlightenment. Comes at a price though - some of it is junk and it's not easy to separate. Unfortunately the junk gets recycled on the 'net.

[202dy]

It is the myths and legends that so many revere. Good advice is debated, ignored, or labeled as wrong. That is, it is wrong until there are multiple posts of plus one to a million.

Frustrating.

On the positive side, anyone with access to the internet can find the right answer. It doesn't take much searching. And it is cheaper than buying all the books.

On the other hand, reading the books enables someone to begin thinking like a luthier. You can't get that from a how-to on the internet.