The Thrill Is Gone

[Ron Plichta]

I've definitely hit a low spot in playing. Primarily, I'm just not motivated to pick up an instrument. I'm in a band and really only play when we rehearse. If we don't have new material to learn, I won't touch a bass. That could be weeks at a stretch. I play well enough to keep the material going when we get together, but we don't get together as a band as often as I'd like due to other things in life. We don't gig much and I don't know if that's part of the problem. Our goal was to play once a month or once every two months because we all have families and jobs to balance. However, the local club scene is abysmal and a bunch of 40 year olds playing cover music doesn't go over too well all the time around here. Schlepping gear is a pain at times, too.

I have lots of notes from a past instructor and all kinds of books and DVDs to look over, but I don't touch them. I know my skills have slipped and I don't really care. It seems like there are other things in life I'd rather do than play. The wife now rides a motorcycle and we get out every weekend we can. The kids need help with homework periodically and I have redeveloped my interest in model railroading, so I've started construction on a small layout.

Bottom line is I don't look forward to playing. I'm going to sell my gear anytime soon because the urge could always return, but I'm not feeling it right now. Anyone have any thoughts?

[BluesWalker]

The music scene in SE Michigan is also pretty bad. Previously established bands dominate the local bar offerings put even their shows are sparsley attended. The bars offering music are decreasing and those that offer live music are cutting back on the number of nights such music is offered. It is very difficult for a new band to break in. I can understand your frustration.

However, I would keep all your stuff. You never know when the desire will return or situations will change. It is easier to pick up what you have in storage than to go out and buy new stuff, unless you are in deperate need for the money.

[Minotauros]

I'm feeling the same way right now, and I'm quite not sure why, other than being in a several-days-long depression. It may be the weather and the season. You are only a few hours south of me (I'm in central coastal NJ) and have probably gotten hit hard by the recent storms.

I'm bipolar (type 2, hypomanic) and may be affected by the low levels of sunlight. I know I am sick of winter; I am sick of the snow and ice. I don't want to go outside to do anything, like get in the truck to drive to work or errands!

I have my bass, my 2 acoustics, 6- and 12-strings, and my electric 6-string (I'm a guitardist also, or trying to become one ); plenty of material to play and practice; I have a 9+ year old gym membership (was powerlifting) I used last Sunday for the first time in 6 months. And I don't want to do any of it.

Sometimes when I get like this I want to pack up my gear in its cases and boxes, and my books and notebooks and put it all away. I don't have an eBay or craigslist account, so that's a good thing.

I don't have any words of wisdom other than I feel yer pain bruthuh. I think it will pass.

[bassplayer8953]

To the OP:
When I get to feeling that way (it happens to many, if not all of us, at some time, and to varying degrees) I throw on an album by that band in your avatar (Perfect Strangers would be a great example: Perfect Strangers, Gypsy's Kiss, Knockin...etc.) grab the bass, and have at it. Usually more than enough to put a smile back on my face, & re-kindle the flame that made me return to playing/gigging, after more than a decade away.

BTW, the band/gigging situation in Chicagoland area is nothing to write home about, either.

[76Dub]

I know how you feel bro.. About 3 months ago I stopped playing in bands and just got bored with playing the bass by myself. I on the other hand sold all and I mean all of my gear and don't regret it at all. I am now back to playing lacrosse and spending a lot more time with my family and friends and couldn't be happier. Not to mention the 3-4 hours a day I used to spend on talkbass when i could of be doing more productive things. Not bashing anyone or Anything but I am much happier now that I am not playing or on talkbass. Good luck with whatever you decide to do... I know I am a lot happier now.

[shaboda]

I am in a funk too.... bad...... must be the ****** weather draggin' me down.

[shaboda]

...then why are you on here now??
Just askin'...

Originally Posted by 76Dub

I know how you feel bro.. About 3 months ago I stopped playing in bands and just got bored with playing the bass by myself. I on the other hand sold all and I mean all of my gear and don't regret it at all. I am now back to playing lacrosse and spending a lot more time with my family and friends and couldn't be happier. Not to mention the 3-4 hours a day I used to spend on talkbass when i could of be doing more productive things. Not bashing anyone or Anything but I am much happier now that I am not playing or on talkbass. Good luck with whatever you decide to do... I know I am a lot happier now.

[76Dub]

I haven't been on here in a couple of months.. It's funny I logged in and this was the first post I had seen and then I had to put my 2 cents in... Which just put the nail in the coffin on my decision.

[Dr Funk]

So what kind of equipment are you guys going to sell???

[Ron Plichta]

Originally Posted by Dr Funk

So what kind of equipment are you guys going to sell???

None so far unless you're in the market for a 6-string bass.

[Youngspanion]

Take a break. Let go. Sometimes you have to just let go of something for it to settle down again. If your fighting the idea of not playing, it may be harder. If you just let everything rest for a while, who knows how long, you may just re-emerge a new person with a new perspective.

Let life take its course. It will be exactly the way it is supposed to be.