One thing JB said. - Page 2

kesslari · #21 01-12-2009, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Except, apparently, for Jeff Berlin.

I disagree, based on what he said.
Not that he can't *tell* the difference, but that the difference isn't appreciable to him, and he doesn't *enjoy* playing a boutique bass more than playing his Dean (which is not boutique, but is definitely a good, playable instrument).

Even if I have good driving skills, I might choose a Subaru STI over a Porsche - still a great driving car that I can absolutely hammer at speed, but that doesn't have a high end leather interior and tiptronic shifting, etc. etc.

And in fact, with cars I can and have made that exact choice. Spending $80K on a car to get slightly better performance and nicer interior appointments is not worth it to me. It obviously is to other people, given the number of Porsches (and other high end cars) on the road.

dmusic148 · #22 01-12-2009, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kreider204

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

www.jeffberlinmusic.com/gear.htm

Dave R · #23 01-12-2009, 09:25 PM

Jamerson played a stock P.

Joe Osborn played a stock J.

OTOH, Entwistle played some pretty custom stuff later in his career. (But he started out on stock gear.)

shoot-r · #24 01-12-2009, 10:36 PM

I agree with Jeff....
I'm keeping my jazz....
My 8 month old Lakland Skyline 44-02 is for sale!
One bass is enough.

XavierG · #25 01-12-2009, 10:41 PM

I've said the same thing many times (on TB), but nobody listens to me 'cause I'm just XG, not JB .

kreider204 · #26 01-12-2009, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmusic148

www.jeffberlinmusic.com/gear.htm

Right, two pickups. I don't think we're disagreeing.

JmJ · #27 01-12-2009, 10:50 PM

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Originally Posted by Hamrhed

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

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

I'd still rather hear him play than talk. There is more than one way to skin a cat & an expert is only an expert until he is not. Implying that no one should play an expensive instrument is very small minded. It takes all kinds to make a world. If we all shared Mr. Berlins opinions there would be no need for TalkBass. Or more than a bridge pickup...... following Mr. Berlins train of thought, should all "high class luthiers" be out of business?
Is there no room in the conversationfor a differing opinion? thats what the experts want you to think. We are here on this earth to find our own way. I agree with a lot Jeff Berlins stances as well I'm just not sure why I am aware of so many of them. He needs to shut up & play his bass a little more often.

kreider204 · #28 01-12-2009, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kesslari

I disagree, based on what he said.
Not that he can't *tell* the difference, but that the difference isn't appreciable to him, and he doesn't *enjoy* playing a boutique bass more than playing his Dean (which is not boutique, but is definitely a good, playable instrument).

Yup, I agree -- that's what I was trying to say.

NWB · #29 01-13-2009, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JmJ

I'd still rather hear him play than talk. There is more than one way to skin a cat & an expert is only an expert until he is not. Implying that no one should play an expensive instrument is very small minded. It takes all kinds to make a world. If we all shared Mr. Berlins opinions there would be no need for TalkBass. Or more than a bridge pickup...... following Mr. Berlins train of thought, should all "high class luthiers" be out of business?
Is there no room in the conversationfor a differing opinion? thats what the experts want you to think. We are here on this earth to find our own way. I agree with a lot Jeff Berlins stances as well I'm just not sure why I am aware of so many of them. He needs to shut up & play his bass a little more often.

I somehow doubt that Mr. Berlin is suggesting that nobody should play higher-end instruments or more than one bass. I think his point is that he can accomplish what he wants to do musically with one mid-priced bass, not suggesting that everyone should be doing the same thing as him.

I believe he's just setting an example of a particular way of doing things that works for him. Nothing more or nothing less.

Not to disregard the instrument part of the equation, but I would agree that more emphasis on the player's skill and knowledge will usually produce better results.

**john turner** · #30 01-13-2009, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwiles30

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...

or do both, if you live within a budget, and make sacrifices elsewhere. most folks pay a custom bass's worth of dough every year extra on a car payment because they have to have a new suv instead of a used sedan.

it's all about priorities.

bongomania · #31 01-13-2009, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmusic148

www.jeffberlinmusic.com/gear.htm

Haha! Looks to me like you just pwned yourself.

cnltb · #32 01-13-2009, 02:31 PM

Does it matter what "they " play?
Honestly, really...
They make their choices just as any other player does.
No?

guy n. cognito · #33 01-13-2009, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kreider204

Except, apparently, for Jeff Berlin.

You're only assuming that Jeff can afford a nicer bass......

Deluge Of Sound · #34 01-13-2009, 02:56 PM

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Originally Posted by wetheliving

JB is Jack Bruce.

My thought exactly.

Jared Lash · #35 01-13-2009, 04:34 PM

JB = Jeff Berlin?

JB = Jack Bruce?

Not for me. I clicked on this thread wondering why there was a thread in "Bassists" about something James Brown said.

As for this discussion it seems like a minor variation on the same one that seems to pop up every week on TB. Of course you can make brilliant music on a relatively instrument. At the end of the day it's just a tool for expression. But if it's worth it to you to have a better manufactured, more aesthetically pleasing or differently styled bass than what can be found at the lower range of prices, then why not?

Not to mention, if you are interested in playing 5, 6 or even 7 or more string basses, it isn't as if you have a lot of quality options in the lower range.

I'm glad Jeff Berlin found a bass he loves that retails for $700. Actually I wish I could do the same. But to be honest, I'm not crazy about his tone. Not a shot at him, just another indication that we all have different tastes and need different tools.

martyman5000 · #36 01-13-2009, 04:40 PM

Quote:

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'm the one that asked that...and you can get his bass for around $500 when I did a search.

A really great bass can be bought used or new in the $350 to $1300 range...