Do you really care what others think?

[PWRL]

I care, at least to the extent that I want the audience to feel like they got a good show. I like to play with the best equipment I can afford, and I make it a point to look the part for whatever I'm doing, and to be able to play my best. Some people will only care whether or not we play "You Shook Me All Night Long", and some people will care about more. To me it's important that I come across as being serious about what I'm up to, but everybody has their own way of doing that. Some people are going to shave and put on a suit and tie, and some people are going to rip their shirt sleeves off and kick in the grill cloth on their amps. To each their own, and what works for you, works.

[MarkMgibson]

Originally Posted by MrMeacham

Interesting responses. Who knew? I still put little stock in what people think of my gear or style as long as it works and is professional. That doesn't mean I disrespect them or don't want them to attend the gig. What doesn't matter is if they like my bass guitar, if I should play with a pick or fingers, if I should have certain cabinets or play through the house, if real bass players just plug in, etc.

I'm chasing a sound and my gear is the tool that gets me there. I value opinions when it comes to gear as long as its about construction and sound, style is different. Look at the pros; Keith plays a 5 string and Levin a 3. Swallow uses a metal pick, somebody decided to hit strings with their thumb and Rush never made a disco album.

(I get that hired guns have expectations they need to meet, that's a different situation)

The best advice I've gotten on TB is that if it works for me, it works for me! You may be different...it's all good.

The average punter (non-musicians) probably knows little about guitars or basses or amps, and certainly wouldn't know or care whether you use a pick or not. So long as it sounds good, that's all that matters.

We are entertainers though, so how you present yourself is important. For example, when I see musos on stage looking bored, or facing away from the audience, it annoys the hell out me. When I'm on stage, I always try and interact with the audience; and I always look like I'm having fun (even if I'm not). So I agree with you in terms of "cool looking gear" and all that crap, but when it comes to attitude and professionalism, I care a lot. If I stop caring, I might have to get a real job!

Regards,
Mark

P.S. A note for young musicians: I've known guitarists and bassists who spend a fortune on instruments, amps, and even fancy straps, but they buy cheap, nasty leads that degrade their sound. Don't skimp when it comes to leads (or mics, or wireless sets); the cheap stuff is a waste of money.

[bluewine]

The general public doesn't even know who's playing bass or guitar.

Musicians notice when a band is using old crap for gear.

But be careful, we have all been to that show where a bass player comes out with cheap crappy gear and plays circles around you and anyone you've ever seen.

Blue

[SquierJazz72]

SquireJazz, you "get it" and your in this for the right reasons.

Thanks. Never thought about it that way.

I guess I just see the difference between things that should be cared about versus things that shouldn't matter.

When it comes to the professional and musical aspects, I care very much.

When it comes to trivial things, or things that really make no difference to my ability to perform, then I care less.

Say I've done all the professional stuff, my equipment works just fine and sounds good, yet someone chooses to criticize it based on only their opinion or personal prejudices.

Two questions I'll ask.

Does it sound good?
Am I playing my part?

If the answer to both is "yes", then **** off and let me play. That's what I'm here for.

What I have run out of as I've gotten older is patience for stupid BS.

[Marial]

I don't care much about what people think of my gear, though when a compliment is forthcoming I certainly appreciate it. What I do care about is how my playing is perceived. I imagine we've all been in the audience when someone says something along of the lines of 'Jeez, what is that *insert instrumentalist of choice* doing?!'. I don't want to be that guy, whether the comment comes from another musician or a regular audience member. As a bass player, sometimes this means being invisible altogether and getting no comments at all is the best possible outcome. I think that depends a lot on the style of music you're playing. Regardless, I definitely do care, most of all how my bandmates feel.

[SquierJazz72]

I imagine we've all been in the audience when someone says something along of the lines of 'Jeez, what is that *insert instrumentalist of choice* doing?!'.

Yeah, if we didn't care about that stuff, at least, then why practice at all?

[fraublugher]

Only when giving what they want or ask for usually.

[4dog]

Walk into a studio all cocksure and proud,, whip out your bass,, plug up,, get ready for that all important first take,,some producer or money guy says,, what is wrong with your tone,,(ya know the one you worked on for 10 years,, ya that tone) whats wrong with it? Ya ask. Its a bit tinny,, he says,, needs more bottom,, sounds like crap,,, yup you will care we all care

[stingray2112]

Not really. I've got what works for me and the music/band I play in so I'm content.

[Bookofblock]

Man, I just found this thread after walking feeling a little depressed on a rainy day in Boston with no gigs lined up, thinking I need some new gear, great opinions here guys, thanks for posting, it helped me today.

[electracoyote]

Originally Posted by MrMeacham

Besides having a good sound and the ability to play the song in an acceptable manner do you really care what people think of you? Do you care what other people think about what your gear looks like, if you play with a pick, use a capo, have flats or rounds, your bass is road worn, etc. I'm not putting people down who do but as I've reached 50 I could care less. I'm interested in how things work or sound so I can achieve my goals. Am I just old and jaded.

Nope. Never have cared, never will.

I learned long ago how to broom snobs and not be distracted by them. It's one of the secrets to a happier life.

[Cycho]

I don't give a damn what anybody thinks. (I hope that doesn't make me sound self-centered.)

[michael_atw]

Originally Posted by Kmonk

I have been playing for 34 years and my philosophy has always been that you can't control what other people say, do or think so why worry about it?

In some respects, you can control that. You can orient someone toward a perception, whether legit or not. That's why fake people thrive so well sometimes.

[chuck norriss]

HULK SMASH NO CARE

[deeptubes]

All feedback is typically good, whether it's positive or negative. Often, people tend to incorporate their opinions into it, so sometimes you have to sift through it. A band I knew did a version of "Sweet Leaf" in which they broke one segment down into some reggae. The bassist had very little experience playing reggae, so I helped him out with it after the show. All he needed was to utilize some rests. Ultimately, I think it's good to know what the paying audience thinks. You may have started playing to satisfy an internal urge. But, the bottom line is that the audience is the reason you are playing that gig. Now, bitching is something else altogether. That falls in the Shut Your Piehole category.

[electracoyote]

Originally Posted by PWRL

I care, at least to the extent that I want the audience to feel like they got a good show. I like to play with the best equipment I can afford, and I make it a point to look the part for whatever I'm doing, and to be able to play my best. Some people will only care whether or not we play "You Shook Me All Night Long", and some people will care about more. To me it's important that I come across as being serious about what I'm up to, but everybody has their own way of doing that. Some people are going to shave and put on a suit and tie, and some people are going to rip their shirt sleeves off and kick in the grill cloth on their amps. To each their own, and what works for you, works.

I agree with this, and I'm very similar as an entertainer, but in fact, you and I are still doing what WE care about. We care about audiences.

And, when you think about it, there are countless ways of pleasing an audience, and WE still have total control over what strategy we use.

They may THINK it's all about them, and I'm happy letting them think that, but in the end, it's really all about ME. Gauranteed.

[Rocker949]

If you didn't care at all, you'd literally be like Tarzan. Just you, Jane, and the jungle, deliberating shunning civilization. I may not care what certain critical types say who are just a burden to be around anyway, but I couldn't say I don't care what anyone thinks at all.

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by Cycho

I don't give a damn what anybody thinks. (I hope that doesn't make me sound self-centered.)

You perform in front of an audience, but you don't care what the audience or management thinks about your performance?

Blue

[fmoore200]

Originally Posted by electracoyote

I agree with this, and I'm very similar as an entertainer, but in fact, you and I are still doing what WE care about. We care about audiences.

And, when you think about it, there are countless ways of pleasing an audience, and WE still have total control over what strategy we use.

They may THINK it's all about them, and I'm happy letting them think that, but in the end, it's really all about ME. Gauranteed.

Awesome

[Groovy_Gravy]

Originally Posted by MrMeacham

Besides having a good sound and the ability to play the song in an acceptable manner do you really care what people think of you? Do you care what other people think about what your gear looks like, if you play with a pick, use a capo, have flats or rounds, your bass is road worn, etc. I'm not putting people down who do but as I've reached 50 I could care less. I'm interested in how things work or sound so I can achieve my goals. Am I just old and jaded.

IDGAF