Priceless "Look" On The Bassist's Face

[KeithAlanK]

I ran sound for some friends tonight, and was invited to play bass on a couple of songs per set.
Naturally, I brought my 8 string to add some spice and fun.
(I'm buying a 4 string for songs that need drop-D or C#, but the 8 is my main bass).

Hadn't worked with or seen their bassist for a few years, but we know each other and have the mutual respect thing going.
He's really good and can play stuff that I would probably spend 30 minutes trying to learn before giving up.

During soundcheck I handed him my octave 8 to give it a spin, and after maybe 3 notes he turned and looked at me as the biggest grin gradually formed on his face.
I should've had my camera ready...it was amazing!
Looked like it might've hurt a little bit, as if he busted out a few smile muscles that have never been tapped for duty before now.

Doubt he'll ever buy an 8, but he's certainly sold on the sound.
It was fun introducing a cool guy to something outside his experience.


Sorry if this was a lame post, but I just wanted to share with my bass-brothers.
Have you ever been handed an instrument that shocked you or made you feel like you've been missing out?
When the late/great Steve X let me play his Alembic Explorer-shaped monster I almost crapped my pants over the sheer perfection and FOH results.



I predict 0 responses, which is justified.

[somegeezer]

"I predict 0 responses, which is justified."
What do I win for proving you wrong?... I've played a few basses that have made my day, but the best instrument to shock me was actually a drum kit [oh noes!]... It sounded so tight and the kicks had this brilliant click with a solid boom at the same time. Perfect if you ask me.

[BB-414]

I've been handed a MusicMan Stingray with 2-band EQ a while ago during a jam session with a drummer, who celebrated his birthday at his house.

Instantly sounded good playing through my Nemesis NC-212, which I sold in the meantime.
Not really a shock, but quite GAS-inducing, although I think I'll never be able to afford a Stingray.

[KeithAlanK]

You win the DrunkAss Late Night Bass Player Award #14.

I love the nomination of a drumkit!!
The good ones are few and far-between.
My drummer is the gold-standard for how it's supposed to be...which is why we have been workng together for over 20 years.

[Lazylion]

Originally Posted by KeithAlanK

Have you ever been handed an instrument that shocked you or made you feel like you've been missing out?

Yep, back in the late 60s, the first time I played my cousin's Gretsch Country Gentleman. That thing was awesome! A real instrument, it made me realise that I'd just played toys up until then. It even had a pad on the back! He should never have sold it, as he confessed to me about a year ago.

[m_bisson]

Well it happened to me with a snare drum. Maple was my main material for awhile... then one day I was at my local store and was tapping around on all the goodies. I came to the Tama Trackmaster and fell in LOVE. Black nickel plated brass with triple flanged hoops. It blew me away. You could FEEL it inside your body when it was struck, yet it was more articulate than any snare I've played before.
Also, the one I happened to buy had been used by Kenny Aronoff at a drum clinic. Double cool. Only $700

[Exploiter8]

"Alembic Explorer-shaped monster!"

X8