Stop replying with "play them first" responses

[sigmafloyd]

Every time someone asks about a particular bass someone has to tell them to just play one and see how they like it. While this advice is almost always true, it is not at all helpful in a forum setting. Talkbass would be obsolete if we could all try and play every bass before buying. In these cases the op us usually unable to find said bass in a store. Even if they can, there is a reason they are posting to a forum. They want YOUR advice.

[bassclef112]

The reality is that a bass' attributes are such a subjective thing there really is no other answer. Are their fingers/hand the same size as mine? Is their choice of neck profile/body shape coinciding with me? Are they the same stature? Are they hearing/expecting the same tones that I find suitable?

How do you put that into anything other than a personal assessment and opinion? Are generalities enough? 30 people say it's the greatest bass ever and 30 people say it sucks wind - who do you believe? What value is my advice if what I think is great (or not) only reflects my own choice?

You're right - in many places (including here New York City) now every brand/style bass is available to try out, particularly higher end. That's the pitfall - are you willing to take that chance? In the end the only opinion that counts is your own especially with a bass. And there's no way to come to real conclusion without trying it out, regardless of brand or $$$.

[redbean]

Originally Posted by sigmafloyd

Every time someone asks about a particular bass someone has to tell them to just play one and see how they like it. While this advice is almost always true, it is not at all helpful in a forum setting. Talkbass would be obsolete if we could all try and play every bass before buying. In these cases the op us usually unable to find said bass in a store. Even if they can, there is a reason they are posting to a forum. They want YOUR advice.

As a new TB member, I agree. I came here to read other people's opinions and experiences, not "go play one yourself, dude." This type of statement often turns me off, so I go elsewhere for useful advice.

*No offense to The Dude, wherever he may be.*

[dougjwray]

I think it all comes down to the spirit with which it is said. "Play it yourself and decide" could be dismissive, or it could be offered as a helpful comment. I know that when it comes to Fenders (especially) it's a helpful suggestion, because all Fender specimens are a bit different, including when it comes to quality. (And I love them.)

But we also see a lot of questions that amount to nothing more than "Which color is better, black or white?" And that's when all this social web stuff gets to be a bit much for some of us. We want to say, "Get off the $%@#$ computer and get yourself to a guitar store, darn it!"

[SoonerMatt]

You should really do a search before posting these types of threads

[Tommygunn]

No.

[XtheDeadPawn]

^ BassClef +1

Basses are like people different. So different people will like different basses.
Since we are not the same we can't really say how something sound or how it plays because we are all different and words like "Thumpy" "Round" Warm" and "Versatile" are all gonna be different too everyone.

[peledog]

It also matters how the question is phrased. In blunt terms, you reap what you sow. Explaining one's situation goes a long way in terms of getting the opinions/advice that you seek. If you spend time asking specifics, you'll get helpful answers.

'I wanna get a 5 string. Which is the best one?' - not the best way to ask. With such limited information, the defacto answer 'play a few and find one you like' is pretty much standard.

[allexcosta]

Stop posting threads telling people what they should do...

[Nomadskills]

Originally Posted by bassclef112

How do you put that into anything other than a personal assessment and opinion? Are generalities enough? 30 people say it's the greatest bass ever and 30 people say it sucks wind - who do you believe? What value is my advice if what I think is great (or not) only reflects my own choice?

I agree. Unfortunately, "play them first" is really the best advice one can give most of the time. I'm don't like short scale basses but that doesn't mean a short scale may not be right for you.

[smcd]

Good God I can't tell you how irritating it is when people responed to a "Which bass is better" query with "play them both and choose the one you like better". You would think that no one would bother typing such an inane statement, but it happens ALL THE TIME! Do people make pointlessly obvious statements regarding other things in life??


Q: "Where would you go on vacation - Hawaii or Fiji"
A: "Go to both places and find out for yourself"

Q: "Which restaurant is better, Ruth's Chris or Morton's?"
A: "Eat at both places and find out for yourself"

Q: "Which contractor does a better roofing job, Bob's or Sal's?"
A: "Hire them both and find out for yourself"

[dougjwray]

Originally Posted by redbean

As a new TB member, I agree. I came here to read other people's opinions and experiences, not "go play one yourself, dude." This type of statement often turns me off, so I go elsewhere for useful advice.

*No offense to The Dude, wherever he may be.*

But, the thing is that if you tell me, "A Hofner Beatle Bass is no good for slapping... trust me, I tried...", I'll go out immediately and try to prove you wrong.
This isn't like checking "Consumer Reports" to select the best grill for your backyard... we're (hopefully) trying to be artists around here. If 100 guys say that the knobs fell off of their [insert brand name here] bass, that's one thing. But once you get into aesthetics, it gets trickier.
(Climbing down off soapbox now...)

[Tommygunn]

@smcd

Trying basses doesn't invlove money.....


"which ice cream is better vanilla or strawberry?"
-"try one free sample of each and see what you think"

Thats more like the situation you'd be in, I hardly think your examples apply.

[cybersnyder]

Originally Posted by smcd

Good God I can't tell you how irritating it is when people responed to a "Which bass is better" query with "play them both and choose the one you like better". You would think that no one would bother typing such an inane statement, but it happens ALL THE TIME! Do people make pointlessly obvious statements regarding other things in life??


Q: "Where would you go on vacation - Hawaii or Fiji"
A: "Go to both places and find out for yourself"

Q: "Which restaurant is better, Ruth's Chris or Morton's?"
A: "Eat at both places and find out for yourself"

Q: "Which contractor does a better roofing job, Bob's or Sal's?"
A: "Hire them both and find out for yourself"

Not quite an accurate similarity since you can play both basses and then pay for the one you like better. A better question would be "What should I look for when comparing basses?"

[Rockmusician]

Originally Posted by sigmafloyd

Every time someone asks about a particular bass someone has to tell them to just play one and see how they like it. While this advice is almost always true, it is not at all helpful in a forum setting. Talkbass would be obsolete if we could all try and play every bass before buying. In these cases the op us usually unable to find said bass in a store. Even if they can, there is a reason they are posting to a forum. They want YOUR advice.

I agree with your premise but the truth is that everyone is different. You might not like what I like and vice versa. Personally, I have had a long standing rule to not play anything without first playing it. I broke that rule once and bought a Carvin LB75 that I ended up not liking.
Another issue is that you have no idea how experienced the person who is giving advice is or whether or not they are even a competent player. It's always best to play it first.

[smcd]

Originally Posted by SoonerMatt

You should really do a search before posting these types of threads

Right on! ^^That's another one!

I like how people bump 5 year old threads because they get gun shy over getting scolded for not "searching".

[J. Montgomery]

You know what we need, more threads telling us what we should and shouldn't do . . .

[ShoeManiac]

I don't think the "Try it out yourself" comment is dismissive in the least. And it stems from the fact that everyone has different criteria for what they consider to be a good instrument. And then you take into account all of the variables: neck shapes/widths, body wood, fingerboard wood, finishes, pickups, setup, number of strings, weight of the instrument, etc.

What one player could love could be unplayable in the eyes of another. This kind of subjective perception can make a purchase recommendation tricky. Not everyone is going to be able to give you an objective review of a particular instrument. So try running some searches first, on TB and even YouTube. There are plenty of reviews online, and Ed Friedland's are among some of the best.

[notverygood]

I think it's useful to ask only if it's a bass that's not in your area. As a short scale player, I have to rely on word of mouth because there is not much hanging on the wall at a midwestern GC or Best Buy. You just have to learn how to recognize the posters who know what they are talking about.

[chadds]

Can't we get basses on approval from shops with a 24hr. to 30 day approval? Isn't that the fix for trying before we buy?

Now hearing about a pickup choice like Rio Grande when GC only has Duncans is one of the benefits of TB.