What has Talkbass done for you?

tZer · #1 08-11-2006, 02:06 PM

Ok - unsolicited testimonial here...

I discovered Talkbass.com less then a year ago and this is what it has done for me:

1. Inspired me to start to take lessons again (which I am doing)
2. Helped me greatly improve my understanding of my equipment (amps, cabs, effects, cords etc.)
3. Helped me greatly improve my understanding of my basses
4. Improved my musicianship and professionalism
5. Re-energized my LOVE for music and bass in particular (almost to a point of an unhealthy obsession, as my wife will attest to!)
6. Acquainted me with the amazing, world-wide bass player community
7. Made a necessary connection for me to acquire my now-favorite bass, my MIA Fender Jazz V!
8. Gotten me interested in theory - which used to be something I HAD to do because school required it... Now I WANT to do it because I require it!

And MUCH more! Before I found talkbass.com my music world was very small and my confidence in myself as a bass player was rather moderate. Now I have balls of steel and feel like I have the skills to back it up! And that shows no signs of slowing down!

My friends who I have jammed with for years all say they see significant improvement in my technique and professionalism. And I was not bad beforehand nor was I 'unprofessional' - but since TB the pro and skill quotient has significantly improved.

Also - before TB, my awareness of great bass players in general (Paul McCartney, Chuck Rainey, James Jamerson, Will Lee, Nathan East et al.) was pretty sparse. Since I have learned vast amounts about many of the greats include all of the above mentioned and many, many more all because of discussions here - someone mentions something about a great player from history and I immediately seek out more info. The next thing I know, I am reading biographies, buying music and learning their stuff. I love it!

I recently met a guy at work, (call him Reggie - not his real name), who is in his early 50's and has been a bass player (a "Fender bass" player) since the 60's. He has played with many bands around town including funk and RnB outfits as well as straight-up blues and rock gigs. When I was introduced, the guy who introduced us told him that I was a bass player. Reggie looked somewhat unimpressed, polite, but unimpressed. We started chatting and talking bass, and before 15 minutes was up, Reggie was slappin' me five, and proclaiming, "Bro! You ARE a bass player! You talk the talk, you walk the walk! Damn! I can't tell you how long it's been since I talked with a real bass player!" We exchanged some audio files of each of our respective personal projects and we both praised each other very honsetly about our style, approach and our skills. Man does it feel good to hear that and to actually believe it!

I would not have been that "real bass player" without TB! Of this, I am sure!

In short, I credit TB for converting me from a "guy who plays bass" to a "bass player"!

Thanks TB!

(Hope that is not too gushy!)

vindy500 · #2 08-11-2006, 02:08 PM

killed my social life... no seriously tho its taught me that a fender is not the best type of bass in the world, also there are more types of amps than ampegs and marshalls

Synplicity · #3 08-11-2006, 02:31 PM

Given me GAS.
Taught me so many things;
standard notation,
set-up and repair issues,
de-fretting,
to focus on the drummer alot more than i used to,
slap and popping,
what to look for in a new instrument/amp,
well too much to list.

SamJ · #4 08-11-2006, 02:32 PM

Look at the number of posts I have inside of 5 months... What does that tell you?

Sundogue · #5 08-11-2006, 02:34 PM

Everything you said tZer, but I'll add...

Totally ruined my ability to focus on work, at work.

Helped me see myself in a new way by exposing me to new, and worldly points of view I would not otherwise have even entertained.

Without TB, I don't think I would have built my own custom bass. There is such a wealth of knowledge shared here!!!

TB is like having a Starbucks or your favorite local watering hole, only one dedicated to all things bass. Where else could you hang out and go on, and on, and on, and on...about bass playing and equipment without getting the "deer-in-the-headlights" look?

I sold a bass to a guy on TB which allowed me to finance my custom made bass (which reminds me, I really need send my "support" check to TB again soon).

The humor, comaraderie, wisdom, inspiration and spirited conversation makes this place the best place on the net, bar none.

velvetkevorkian · #6 08-11-2006, 04:32 PM

Learned a lot about gear and a fair bit about technique. Made me lust after unattainable trophies, and made me consider blowing my savings/overdraft on one ill advised purchase. Its all good

d8g3jdh · #7 08-11-2006, 05:15 PM

Oh, helped me improve my playing and understanding of bass and music...

cardboardJoe · #8 08-11-2006, 05:36 PM

hmmmm. flattened my wallet

FrigginChris · #9 08-11-2006, 05:44 PM

Given me a wishlist so big if written down it would destory every forest on the planet.

Greg Clinkingbeard · #10 08-11-2006, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SamJ

Look at the number of posts I have inside of 5 months... What does that tell you?

Sam, I'm following you........

TB has introduced me to a whole world of musical talent and information that would have taken years to aquire otherwise.
It has helped me on my quest to be a more versatile player, both on BG and DB. I've a long way to go, but you guys are helping me get there.

KeithBMI · #11 08-11-2006, 06:01 PM

I've learned a lot about effects that I probably shouldn't have.

**MAJOR METAL** · #12 08-11-2006, 06:15 PM

It has given me the oppertunity to makes some great friends from around the world that I probably wouldent have had the chance to meet otherwise

. It has also put me in a constant state of bass lust

bobe · #13 08-11-2006, 06:18 PM

Meet cool new people.

sell a bass

discover new music

have something to look forward to on the internet

SamJ · #14 08-11-2006, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clink

Sam, I'm following you........

Did you get in trouble with Ken too?

He was nice enough I suppose, but he doesn't like to tarnish his threads with off topic, I suppose..

I'm always pretty easy going about OT in my threads.

Bassic83 · #15 08-11-2006, 06:25 PM

It allowed me to get in on the ground floor of a worthwhile organization, musiciansfund.org, and to help out people I have never met, yet feel I know. I feel more connected here than anywhere else, and have made many friends. It's the commonality factor, I think- we're all standing on common ground, with common interests (at least ONE, anyway!), which is more than I can say about most of the society we live in! I've been able to share my knowledge, limited as it may be; I've bought, sold, and traded gear here; I've learned about building basses, been exposed to different views from my own, learned about gear before it even hits the market, received heads-up about new music, the list goes on. But most of all,

I've been able to help people.

tplyons · #16 08-11-2006, 06:37 PM

Honestly, I've gotten a LOT out of this site. Ideas, gear, everything.

I've even gotten random phone calls from people I don't know saying they hear I know where to get the good basses. I've made money here, lost money here, spent way too much time here, typed thousands and thousands of keystrokes, wasted probably almost a year of my life, and still can't play worth a darn.

cosmicevan · #17 08-11-2006, 06:52 PM

wow, tZer...with 1,342 posts in about 5 months, I'd say that TB has stolen your life!

...or it's given you a nice sickly studio tan!

tplyons · #18 08-11-2006, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cosmicevan

wow, tZer...with 1,342 posts in about 5 months, I'd say that TB has stolen your life!

...or it's given you a nice sickly studio tan!

And his daily average post count is only slightly higher than mine stretched over three years.

SamJ · #19 08-11-2006, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tplyons

And his daily average post count is only slightly higher than mine stretched over three years.

I'm on your tail.... and closing fast!

tommixx · #20 08-11-2006, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassic83

It allowed me to get in on the ground floor of a worthwhile organization, musiciansfund.org, and to help out people I have never met, yet feel I know. I feel more connected here than anywhere else, and have made many friends. It's the commonality factor, I think- we're all standing on common ground, with common interests (at least ONE, anyway!), which is more than I can say about most of the society we live in! I've been able to share my knowledge, limited as it may be; I've bought, sold, and traded gear here; I've learned about building basses, been exposed to different views from my own, learned about gear before it even hits the market, received heads-up about new music, the list goes on. But most of all,

I've been able to help people.

I really like this post! I echo it entirely! When I frist found this site I thought what a great way to give back 25 years of blessings and knowledge that was very hard to come by...Even though I am sometimes not asked, I enjoy being able to join in and contribute as much as I can...I think this is a wonderful community and a great resource for everyone and I am happy to be a part of it!

Peace,

T