Thank You TalkBass!

[Balkan]

Although I doubt I will ever need the added power user features, I just became a contributing member in recognition of all that this site has done for me. Since joining TalkBass in 2005, I have:

1. Returned to playing after a 10-year hiatus.

2. Purchased an Ampeg B100R amp, a low maintenance combo with amazing tone and surprising volume.

3. Bought a 1972 P-Bass, marking my return to Fender for the first time since my very first (and sadly departed) bass – a shortscale candy apple US-made Fender Bullet, purchased new in 1984 (see attached photos below).

4. Learned about flatwound strings, and found my way to TI flats.

5. Learned how to setup my basses all by my lonesome – which is just a good thing for too many reasons to mention.

6. Through combination of the above elements, found my way to a whole new style of playing that is smoother, more tasteful, and more subtle than anything I’d been capable of before.

7. Become a better all-around bass player than I’ve ever been.

8. Have impressed my musical friends enough that I’ve started gigging again with some seriously talented people who are gaining recognition for their fine songwriting and playing.

9. Learned about all kinds of other stuff (like the Fender Classic 60s Jazz bass that just arrived).

10. Become somewhat less productive in my day job.

Thanks guys!

[broadblik]

I'd imagine that TB imparts alot of knowledge to alot of people, me included, I really can't be bothered to list them all because I'd be here all day, and I need to be up for work in 4 hours...

[tedw]

Good for you! I've learned tons from Talkbass that I did not previously know. I've learned the answers to many long-standing questions. And, many topics have been addressed that I did not know enough to ask about. It's been great!

[StarscreamG1]

I couldn't agree more!!! I too have found this site a godsend and that was the biggest reason why I became a sponsoring member -- to say THANKS!!

I too had no idea how to set up a bass until I joined here. I was just getting back into playing after giving it up for a good 10 years and the stuff I learned here in just the first 3 months was stuff I should have known all along but by odd circumstance never did.

Thanks to this board I learned more about a bass I used to own (and got one back thankfully) then I ever knew. Ive learned about the other models and history of my fav bass brand and indulged myself.

My hatred for Fenders was very misplaced and out the window it went and I now own one and wonder why I was so stupid for so long. I have learned about other brands and have expanded my exposure (not by much but a lot compared to where I was before I joined) to other brands, styles, sounds, amps, everything!!

I too have learned better technique, learned about Jaco, Wooten, Sheehan and others. Where I had no influence before, now I have it. This board has expanded my playing so much. It has expanded my knowledge on just the basic mechanics and upkeep of the instrument so much!!!

And errr, thanks to this board I have uhm...10 basses now -- no 9 but 1 more on the way..wait 2 more on the way... oh crap...O_o ... ROFLMAO

This board makes one proud to be a bassist I say!!!

Thanks Talkbass!!!! If this site was around back when I played the first time around, I gotta wonder where I'd be today. But better late than never.

[TrooperFarva]

Originally Posted by Balkan

10. Become somewhat less productive in my day job.

That's gonna get worse before it gets better. Believe me.

[Balkan]

Oh yeah - I was going to mention my bank account and parenting responsibilities as well but I didn't want to get too depressing!

Originally Posted by TrooperFarva

That's gonna get worse before it gets better. Believe me.

[StarscreamG1]

OH man lets not talk about what TB can do to bank accounts and CCs....LOL

[Solarmist]

Originally Posted by StarscreamG1

OH man lets not talk about what TB can do to bank accounts and CCs....LOL

+1 Bigtime!

I became a supporting member after 3 months of constantly returning to this site. I've learned so much here - all the valuable info is well worth it - It's my homepage!

[capnsandwich]

You're welcome.

[CertifiedLurker]

Originally Posted by StarscreamG1

OH man lets not talk about what TB can do to bank accounts and CCs....LOL

I will.

My bass collection has more than doubled since coming here. I started off with 2 basses (Silvertone P and Spector Legend 4). Now I have 5 (see profile) with another on the way . I addition to that, I'm looking up effects pedals on a regular basis.

I check zzounds.com (deliveries get here in 2 days MAX) "blowouts" every other day looking for deals.

With all that said, I have never been in debt.

[Balkan]

Yeah well - this site did convince me to buy a few gadgets that are just getting dusty on the shelf!

[embellisher]

This is a great site. In the almost 10 years since I discovered this place, I have grown by leaps and bounds as a player. I have learned way too much about gear, lots of technique, and some of the schooled guys on here inspired me to learn some theory.

I still have a long way to go, but for a guy who has never had a lesson, I can hold my own in almost any musical situation, understand theory, harmony, and chord construction better than any of the people I play with, and own way too much gear.