One thing JB said.

kreider204 · #1 01-12-2009, 03:11 PM

I really liked when Jeff Berlin pointed out that his main (only!) bass didn't cost more than $700, and that there was no need to spend outrageous amounts on an instrument.

I think a lot of us forget that many of our heroes played off-the-assembly-line, factory made instruments. It makes my occasional lust for one of those outrageously expensive instruments seem a bit silly to me . . .

bassist15 · #2 01-12-2009, 03:33 PM

Amen!

JmJ · #3 01-12-2009, 03:36 PM

Jeff Berlin always has something to say.......

**barebones** · #4 01-12-2009, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JmJ

Jeff Berlin always has something to say.......

Whereas I have absolutely nothing to say.

mwiles30 · #5 01-12-2009, 03:41 PM

I couldn't justify buying an outrageously priced instrument.

I mean, come on, you could have a Ritter, and Alembic, etc.

...or you could get a car or make payments on a house or apartment...

kesslari · #6 01-12-2009, 03:47 PM

Quote:

I think a lot of us forget that many of our heroes played off-the-assembly-line, factory made instruments. It makes my occasional lust for one of those outrageously expensive instruments seem a bit silly to me . . .

You don't need a superlative instrument to make great music, especially if you're an extraordinary player.

You don't need a Porsche or a Ferrari to drive to work. Even if your commute is on the Autobahn.

But for those who can afford it, can enjoy it, and appreciate the difference, it's nice to own and drive a Porsche or Ferrari.
Same is true with basses.

dmusic148 · #7 01-12-2009, 03:47 PM

True dat.
Another thing he said is he only uses the bridge pickup. Ever. So why does his signature bass have a neck pickup? Just wondering.

LaughingGroove · #8 01-12-2009, 03:51 PM

and he is right. Spending alot of money on a bass or on gear doesn't make someone a good bassist. I agree with what you are saying though, it is nice to see pros using average gear.

I have posted this story once before, but I will do it again as its one of my favorites.

I was at a blues club that I go to regularly. On Sunday nights they have the main band play, but it is also an open jam, however you kinda have to know someone that knows somone to actually play if you know what I mean.

Anyway one night a guy walked in, he looked homeless, wore out clothes, dirty ect. his guitar looked the same way I think there was even duct tape holding it together. He asked if he could do a song or two but the band blew him off and said maybe later. He waited awhile then asked again, well maybe later they said, he asked again a third time, same thing, maybe later. Well the band went on a break, so the guy plugged into his little 10 maybe 15 watt amp and started playing and singing. He blew everyone away, inculding me. He sounded alot like BB King, he and his guitar sounded amazing. So the band quickly came up to him and were like wow that is great we would love to have you do a few songs with us. His response was "you wouldn't give me the time of day before you knew I could play" then he unplugged his guitar and left, never saw him agian after that.

Just wanted to share on of my favorite stories.

**davidjbass** · #9 01-12-2009, 03:53 PM

What happened to the original thread? I was really looking forward to reading it over again and now it's gone. Anyone know?

kreider204 · #10 01-12-2009, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmusic148

True dat.
Another thing he said is he only uses the bridge pickup. Ever. So why does his signature bass have a neck pickup? Just wondering.

Ha, I was thinking the same thing!

greenboy · #11 01-12-2009, 04:03 PM

Here's a bit I liked that somewhat echoed statements I've read in interviews of other greats on various instruments:

"My most sincere suggestion is that you forget tempo, forget technique, forget speed, even don't worry about accuracy. All this will come if you learn music first because music requires different tempos, accuracy, technique. If you learn how to read, how to solo, how to function in a musical manner, then you will have a need for all the things that you listed here today."

Hi from Jeff Berlin

That links to the thread, which is at the top of the page ; }

greenboy · #12 01-12-2009, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kreider204

Ha, I was thinking the same thing!

Because he and the manufacturer realize that others might like also to have a neck pickup?

kreider204 · #13 01-12-2009, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenboy

Because he and the manufacturer realize that others might like also to have a neck pickup?

Right, but it's true of the one he himself plays, isn't it?

kreider204 · #14 01-12-2009, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidjbass

What happened to the original thread? I was really looking forward to reading it over again and now it's gone. Anyone know?

I thought it got stickied? Maybe it's being cleaned up.

dmusic148 · #15 01-12-2009, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kreider204

Right, but it's true of the one he himself plays, isn't it?

Nope.

dmusic148 · #16 01-12-2009, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kreider204

I thought it got stickied? Maybe it's being cleaned up.

It's stickied in 'Bassists.'

Formula7 · #17 01-12-2009, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaughingGroove

and he is right. Spending alot of money on a bass or on gear doesn't make someone a good bassist. I agree with what you are saying though, it is nice to see pros using average gear.

I have posted this story once before, but I will do it again as its one of my favorites.

I was at a blues club that I go to regularly. On Sunday nights they have the main band play, but it is also an open jam, however you kinda have to know someone that knows somone to actually play if you know what I mean.

Anyway one night a guy walked in, he looked homeless, wore out clothes, dirty ect. his guitar looked the same way I think there was even duct tape holding it together. He asked if he could do a song or two but the band blew him off and said maybe later. He waited awhile then asked again, well maybe later they said, he asked again a third time, same thing, maybe later. Well the band went on a break, so the guy plugged into his little 10 maybe 15 watt amp and started playing and singing. He blew everyone away, inculding me. He sounded alot like BB King, he and his guitar sounded amazing. So the band quickly came up to him and were like wow that is great we would love to have you do a few songs with us. His response was "you wouldn't give me the time of day before you knew I could play" then he unplugged his guitar and left, never saw him agian after that.

Just wanted to share on of my favorite stories.

One word: PWNED!!!

Hamrhed · #18 01-12-2009, 09:03 PM

I completely agree- Ive never spent more than that on a Bass and never will

Quote:

Originally Posted by JmJ

Jeff Berlin always has something to say.......

yep... and he is usually spot-on when he does. I think its refreshing to see a world class player who will lower himself to help others on an internet forum, trolls be damned

kreider204 · #19 01-12-2009, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmusic148

Nope.

Sure looks like it on his own website, recent CD cover, etc.

kreider204 · #20 01-12-2009, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kesslari

You don't need a superlative instrument to make great music, especially if you're an extraordinary player.

You don't need a Porsche or a Ferrari to drive to work. Even if your commute is on the Autobahn.

But for those who can afford it, can enjoy it, and appreciate the difference, it's nice to own and drive a Porsche or Ferrari.
Same is true with basses.

Except, apparently, for Jeff Berlin.