Dealing with Gear Nazis

[phillipkregg]

Almost everytime I play somewhere, I get accosted after the performance by some bass player in the audience who wants to spend hours talking about gear.

It may be about what gear I have - or should have. Or it could be about his gear (yes, it's always a guy).

It occurred to me that I could just pretend not to be a bass player and not know anything about gear.

For instance, I could say, "Well, you know, I don't really even play bass. My main instrument is <insert anything other than bass here>. I just fill in on bass every once in a while."

I mean I don't like being rude, but I just want to play (and scope out chicks mainly) - not talk about gear all night.

I've also noticed that this never happens to the guitarist, vocalist, drummer, or keyboardist. It's always me.

Anyone else have a die hard strategy for dealing with the Gear Nazis? Or does it even annoy you?

[Phalex]

I guess the gear nazi's are my people! I'll talk gear with anyone but drummers or vocalists.

[FunkMetalBass]

I find I'm actually the gear head in conversations, so I never generally have that issue. I've only ever been approached once by an audience member who complimented me on my Carvin cabs.

[R. Laevinus]

Frankly, I love talking gear with other players even more than I enjoy scoping the ladies.

I mean, chances are great that I'll learn something new about my instrument or amp that I'll use and apply for years to come... but if a chick at a bar gives me something that lasts for years, I'm probably gonna regret it, yaknowwhatimean?

If it bothers you, though, I'd suggest pretending to be gay and hitting on the dude. If you claim to play another instrument, he'll probably just start asking you about what sax/guitar/keyboard you play. Pretending to be gay, however, will likely get rid of him real fast, and may also up your chances with the ladies.

[Ewo]

Meh, it's just their way of showing appreciation for what you did onstage, y'know?

And prolly they'll be happy if you just pay attention to them for a few minutes...

[julioREDS]

I don't mind it.

[yellofury]

Im married so I have no problems talking gear
but I can see your side of the story

Just say "Well I am not too much on gear but I am intersted in those girls over there" and then duck out
simple as that

[Blankmann44]

You could just be honest with the person and say you aren't much into the gear side of things. Or, yes, any number of clever lies could be cooked up. I did like yours, I thought it was humorous - that you weren't really a bassist.

I for one love to talk with my bass-gear-loving brethren, one of the best ways to get feedback from someone who might actually have been listening to the bass at the show.

[lonote]

It is fun as far as I'm concerned.

[hdracer]

Seems every one wants to talk to the drummer in my band.
But that may be because she is a cute woman.

[YCBass]

I'm a gearhead so I don't mind it either but only to a certain point.

There comes a time after a gig where you want to walk around and acknowledge and spend some time with friends and other people who may have come to see your band. To talk about the music rather than the gear.

So my advice is to politely say that you want to make your rounds and thank everyone for coming... I'm sure any gigging musician no matter how big a gearhead they are would be more than cool with that.

[phillipkregg]

Originally Posted by julioREDS

I don't mind it.

Maybe it's just me.

I used to not think anything of it, but it's when you get those certain guys who start taking digs at you because you aren't using a certain kind of bass or amp that annoy me.

Or they say things like, "Oh, you just have a Skyline - that's not a real Lakland you know." I mean, really, what does it matter?

[phillipkregg]

Originally Posted by Blankmann44

I thought it was humorous - that you weren't really a bassist.

Ha! Most of the people that hear me play would say it was true.

[Basshammer]

Hmmm, seems to me this isn't really the best website you could've gone to to complain about people who like to talk about gear!

[Din Of Win]

Act all zoned out, like this... but say "i like squiers.... *blank stare*"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMNry4PE93Y

[MN_Bass]

I get the occasional gear talker, most bands bassist must think I'm the "make-a-wish bass foundation" to let them play through my rig (Orange Tube Amp, and 2 Orange 15s), I've never had so much attention with any rig I've ever owned.

[RickC]

Originally Posted by phillipkregg

Maybe it's just me.

I used to not think anything of it, but it's when you get those certain guys who start taking digs at you because you aren't using a certain kind of bass or amp that annoy me.

Or they say things like, "Oh, you just have a Skyline - that's not a real Lakland you know." I mean, really, what does it matter?

That *is* annoying. I love to talk gear at a gig, but if someone just wants to diss your stuff that's another matter entirely. You should just spill your beer on someone like that.

/rick

[Tunaman]

Unfortunately the people on this site are probably "those guys"

99% of the people in the crowd can't hear the subtle difference of just the bass gear as they are listening to the whole body of music.

After being married I'd rather talk gear than scope chicks but you'll learn that later!

[alembicguy]

I can talk gear for ever even with guitar players and drummers.
Loves me some gear talking!

[ghostdog93]

How does the saying go?

"Playing guitar will get you chicks. Playing the drums will get you chicks. Singing will get you chicks. Playing the bass will get you guys who want to talk gear."

Somebody on the boards here has something like this as his sig, IIRC.