Done with bass for awhile

TJBass · #1 03-07-2011, 12:28 AM

Unfortunately I will have to take a leave of absence from Talkbass and bass in general. Local economic conditions have forced me into another line of work that will prevent me from playing for a while.

I used to run 7 offices as a program coordinator for social services. That ended about 5 months ago when the state did not renew our contract. Oh well, didn't need the stress, but I did need the money!

So after looking real hard for a job that fit in my general expertise, and not having any success, I got my cdl and landed an over the road truck driving job with a big company.

I think Ill do this for a year and see how much money I can set back and then maybe get a local driving job that will allow me the time to start playing again.

I'v always read folks on here saying they used to play and are just getting back into but couldn't understand why they would stop in the first place. Well, now I know!

I've been registered here since the late 90's, under another name at first then TJBass. I'd like to feel like in that time I have helped a few fellow TB'ers out and gave back to the community. The TB community sure has helped me a time or two!

I'm probably going to sell my gear...except my basses....if I can't get a place to keep them, otherwise they will need to go into storage and I dont see them lasting long there. They will either get damaged or stolen. When I settle down again Im hoping I can get back into it. If so I will buy another amp and cab, maybe I'll save enough to get a really great amp this time!

Well, thanks to everyone here........

onionpuzzle · #2 03-07-2011, 01:04 AM

I took 10 years off to raise kids, and now have been back into it for 7 yrs, and having more fun then I ever did *playing*....the rock star stuff subsided and it's more jazzbo.

you will be back, it is a powerful magnet.

BuffaloBass · #3 03-07-2011, 12:48 PM

Good luck TJ. Mothball your favorite axes, dont sell them. Its sort of like money in the bank anyway.

**lowendfriend** · #4 03-07-2011, 01:02 PM

Get a droid phone and join us on breaks on the road with the Talkbass app!

Don't text while driving, of course!!

Hang in there....I took a 40 year break while I went off and had way too much of corporate america....you will return.

Martin89 · #5 03-07-2011, 01:16 PM

Some of those trucks have a pretty decent sized cabs, take a bass and headphone amp with you. If you have to, go Steinberger/Zon Vinny.

bassist4dalord · #6 03-07-2011, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuffaloBass

Good luck TJ. Mothball your favorite axes, dont sell them. Its sort of like money in the bank anyway.

+1. Don't sell them; you'll regret it deeply. Keep at least one. Good luck with the job.

**Thor** · #7 03-07-2011, 01:26 PM

A post every once in a while while you accumulate sleep hours or are waiting in a to drop off the load won't hurt.

Good luck with it, and we'll stilll be here next time you are back.

rtslinger · #8 03-07-2011, 01:40 PM

I did the same, took off 10 years to raise the kids and got back into it pretty easily. Like has been mention by others hang on to your basses you'll will regret getting rid of them when you get back into it. TJ thanks for sharing your knowledge with us all. Good luck and hopefully we will all still be here to welcome you back in the near future. RTS

Rocker949 · #9 03-07-2011, 01:42 PM

You can try to keep your mind on music during the free moments, if you have any. Playing bass is mental, too. I wouldn't just detach myself completely, unless it is absolutely necessary.

BigOldHarry · #10 03-07-2011, 01:43 PM

Such is life. Well, keep your head up - things tend to turn around.

good luck!

JTE · #11 03-07-2011, 01:46 PM

I'd say sell the amps and cabs, as that stuff is pretty expendable and replaceable. But if you REALLY like your basses, then keep them. Keep listening to music, singing along in the rig.

Good luck, and remember, shiny side up, rubber side down!

John

Dondoh · #12 03-07-2011, 01:58 PM

Happy motoring!

bassteban · #13 03-07-2011, 02:08 PM

Sorry to hear it, but sometimes a break can be a good thing in the long-term. I do strongly advise you to keep one bass & a headphone or small combo amp.

HertzWhenIPlay · #14 03-07-2011, 06:19 PM

i took a 7-8 year break and am back full throttle.
good luck, bro

MrLenny1 · #15 03-07-2011, 07:06 PM

Yeah, take a bass with you and get a Tascam MP3 BT, bass trainer.
It's a pocket studio and a Gas. 250 tunes,tuner, metronome,sound effects
and more. I love mine.

The Mouse · #16 03-07-2011, 07:09 PM

Sorry to hear you're putting it aside for a while.. Music doesn't leave you, you'll see..

bassmanjla · #17 03-07-2011, 08:05 PM

awesome! more work for me!

but seriously, that sucks bro. i hope you find a way to make it work.

klokker · #18 03-07-2011, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin89

Some of those trucks have a pretty decent sized cabs, take a bass and headphone amp with you.

That's actually not a bad idea.

diehard70 · #19 03-07-2011, 08:12 PM

Good luck, TJBass. Sometimes life gets in the way of my playing, too.

Saxn · #20 03-07-2011, 08:24 PM

TJ let me +1 the guys that are saying take a bass and headphone amp with you... that is exactly the way I do it. I travel about 80-90% for my job. I hardly ever know the name of the town I am in when I stop for the day, but one of the things that keep that sort of life from being a total crazymaker is being able to pull out the bass, mixer, computer (she's my drummer), and headphones to have a good night's solo jam!

So you may not have to hang up your spurs there, buddy! Think about it and see if you can't clear a little rack space for that axe!

Best of luck in this new phase of your career.

Sax'n