I'm getting tired of fooling myself

davec · #1 04-14-2008, 09:46 AM

I am a very average Praise and Worship Guy, I really doen't need half the equipment I have and Its not like I'm playing out regularly, I do not need a High end hand made bass, let alone two of them. I don't need a high end US Fender, I a back up rig and I don't need a 350 Trace Head and Cab, I could get by just fine with a small Combo. I'm really thinking of simplifying big time. Maybe play bass rather than lust over things I can not afford. Am I coming to my senses or am I just feeling sorry for myself.

canopener · #2 04-14-2008, 09:51 AM

I think you're just going through the "guilt" stage of GAS.

oldrocker · #3 04-14-2008, 10:33 AM

I think you just need a new bass.

davec · #4 04-14-2008, 10:35 AM

I would normally agree, But I haven't bought anything in a while and am half way thinking of just hanging it up completely. I just got over a really nasty case of tennis elbow that didn't really allow me to practice ..... and I didn't really miss it.

mothmonsterman · #5 04-14-2008, 10:40 AM

Can I have your stuff?

yeah i know how you feel, thinking about downgrading my 1000w ampeg and 6x10 cab and just getting a nice 2x10 and small 350 watt something. Aswell as picking up a cheap bass to replace my wick (as i get to stressed out when i'm at a show and not looking constantly at it.)

Quitting? nah, i actually just started really playing it again, used to only practice twice a week at band practice that's it.

davec · #6 04-14-2008, 10:56 AM

keep an Eye on the GFS

**Thor** · #7 04-14-2008, 11:04 AM

You go through cycles.

I have come to the conclusion that woodshedding doesn't do it for me,
unless I am supporting some kind of ensemble, I am
not getting the full electric dose.

Sometimes I don't feel like playing, but somehow I always come back.

I am currently GAS free. There may be a few sales here as well.

jomahu · #8 04-14-2008, 11:20 AM

downsize, see how you like it. of course, you may suffer some major regret afterwards, but then again, maybe not.

i used to get GAS like a mofo and then i realized that an SX jazz and a combo amp (it *is* a markbass, tho') was all i needed. oh yeh, a tuner and cable as well. and MAJOR practice time

i feel much better now, plus, i don't get as cheezed when my bass falls over.

kesslari · #9 04-14-2008, 11:30 AM

What you *need* and what you *want* are different (hey, the Rolling Stones did a pretty good song about that), and what you *enjoy* is different still.

If you enjoy your gear, and it doesn't have a negative impact on your life (e.g., you can afford it), no problem.
If, on the other hand, your ethics or esthetic is for "less is more", downsize, and do something you feel is positive with the money (maybe) and enjoy the simplicity.
And there's probably a middle path between "massive downsizing" and what in the business world might be called "limited restructuring" - e.g., keep your favorite-est gear (because you enjoy it) and get rid of the extra/redundant bits.

It's your call. But honestly, if we were all forced to play just what we *need*, this would be a very different world, and I'm not sure that it would in all ways be a better world.

Dr. Cheese · #10 04-14-2008, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kesslari

What you *need* and what you *want* are different (hey, the Rolling Stones did a pretty good song about that), and what you *enjoy* is different still.

If you enjoy your gear, and it doesn't have a negative impact on your life (e.g., you can afford it), no problem.
If, on the other hand, your ethics or esthetic is for "less is more", downsize, and do something you feel is positive with the money (maybe) and enjoy the simplicity.
And there's probably a middle path between "massive downsizing" and what in the business world might be called "limited restructuring" - e.g., keep your favorite-est gear (because you enjoy it) and get rid of the extra/redundant bits.

It's your call. But honestly, if we were all forced to play just what we *need*, this would be a very different world, and I'm not sure that it would in all ways be a better world.

+1

The dumbest thing I ever did gearwise was to trade-in a great Ken Smith bolt-on six because a friend's idolization of his Ken Smith irritated me. It was an impulse action that just didn't make sense. The problem has been that I really haven't been in a position to get a similar bass since that time, and although I currently have cool basses, I wish I could go back to 1998 and slap some sense into myself!

I guess my point is to think over what you do and do not rush into anything that you are likely to regret later.

davec · #11 04-14-2008, 12:40 PM

after a little thought, I think I'm keepin' my Smith maybe pick up a SWR Combo 12 and the rest will be listed shortly

SteveC · #12 04-14-2008, 12:43 PM

Could be a cycle, could be a stage. I think you are just getting wise.

I have gone through a ton of gear and used all kinds of reasons (excuses) to jusitfy it. I finally sat down and realy thought about my gigs, and bands and cam eto the conclusion that I really only need a decent combo. I came to this conclusion a while ago, but the combo didn't exist - until the Genz Benz SHuttle 3.0-10T.

I have used this amp for everything from small jazz gigs to a hockey arena last weekend, with and without PA and/or monitors. It has always been enough. I use a 5 string and play the B on a regular basis.

If you want to "right-size" without loss of tone or reasonable power, try a Shuttle.

I don't GAS for much any more, really. I just practice and play. I might even be getting better.

emblymouse · #13 04-14-2008, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davec

and I am half way thinking of just hanging it up completely.

Woah, just went there myself. Now that I'm back, let me inject:
Here's where you pause, and wait for the nosedive to taper. You might just wake up in a week or two and things will look much different to you. Downsizing to a reasonable level is one thing, but hanging it up is another altogether. That is something else talking, don't confuse them. In my case, I was looking to punish myself. Twisted, I know.
Although it's hard to imagine, your attitude WILL change.

Dr. Cheese · #14 04-14-2008, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davec

after a little thought, I think I'm keepin' my Smith maybe pick up a SWR Combo 12 and the rest will be listed shortly

I looked over your information, and you truly don't really own that much gear. Unless you need to move something, just chill and practice some more.

troy2003 · #15 04-14-2008, 02:48 PM

Be careful-this is a dangerous area.I have been there--usually it is guilt,or feeling sorry for myself,or something else.You could just be in a funk.If you do something rash,like "quit" I can almost guarantee you will regret it.If it is a guilt thing--like a shortage of $$ in the family--I have been there and sold some really nice instruments.Sometimes it is the green eyed monster--you see a great player and think "I have been playing longer,practice more,am older,etc,etc" and it makes you want to quit....I would suggest doing nothing--maybe even just don't play fore a day,or 2,or a week.Maybe don't do anything to do with music.Maybe read a theory book.Maybe look to jam with some people.Long reply-but just dont be too hasty and regret it.

liveburning274 · #16 04-14-2008, 07:27 PM

hey I understand the feeling. Been playing music (guitars) for 4 years now and sometimes you hit those stages (or at least for me), where you feel surrounded by your stuff, but I felt very little in my heart about it all. But that's just my story maybe. God's good at showing things in each stage of life.

But if you're ever interested in downsizing on guitars or equipment I'd always be interested to see what you've got. I'm an intercessory missionary in a 24/7 house of prayer who plays about 6-8 hours a week on worship sets. Lol. Don't know if I can quite relate with a couple of the guys above with about not being able to take my eyes off my bass (Ibanez T-40) or my rig. I'm happy with what I've got, it's fun to look around at all the toys. But I'm blessed and taken care of.

Bless you man!

Munjibunga · #17 04-14-2008, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldrocker

I think you just need a new bass.

I am forced to agree here. These feelings are nothing that a new high-end bass won't cure.

BassChuck · #18 04-15-2008, 04:48 AM

Imagine that you had a very severe drug habit. The cost of the bass equipment is minimal compared with that. You're really out there ahead of the game. In fact, do as Munji suggests, get another bass, a really good one.

Pbassred · #19 04-15-2008, 06:46 AM

Quote:

I looked over your information, and you truly don't really own that much gear. Unless you need to move something, just chill and practice some more.

more OFTEN.

I really don't think that gear makes much difference. I played my fretless (nylon Trubass strings) with my funk band recently. I usually play fretted (Nickle rounds) with them for the zing and bite. I explected the recording to be lack-luster but it sounded just right. Go figure!

Above the crap-gear threshold, its all nonsence.