Recent content by Thumperific

I’m not big on upgrading instruments unless the body / neck is unique in some way. I can get a 34” P/J already configured how I want, so there’s no need to buy a cheapo and upgrade, as long as I have all the cash at once. an exception might be tiny basses like Ibanez Mikro. Only a couple...

Either a professional setup / fret level to remove some fret buzz OR a bedroom tube amp for 6 string. Probably a Vox Lil Night Train, since I’ve always kicked myself for passing on a clearance one when Best Buy got out of the guitar business.

My gear purchases are targeted. I’ve purchased basses because they looked prettier than my current bass (upgraded aesthetics). I’ve purchased basses for shorter scale length (upgraded ergonomics). I’ve purchased basses for different pickup combinations (hopefully upgraded sound). All the...

I've given away instruments, or sold them very cheap because they deserved to be played. I think my feelings might be better expressed as not wanting to waste the effort that went into creating a quality instrument by treating it as a wall hanging; it seems disrespectful to the luthier's effort.

I would love that color and shape. In the very unlikely chance they release it as a 5 string shortscale, I’ll buy it for sure.

I had carpal tunnel release on both hands, as well as a cubital tunnel release and transposition (elbow nerve). It took about 2 months after the second hand was completed before I could return to work (computer job). I still wasn't very fast on a keyboard, but at least I was getting paid. It...

I had a FedEx package that was supposed to be delivered 2 weeks ago. The tracking number shows it is sitting at the local site not moving. They refuse to let me pick it up myself, or give me an estimated delivery date. I assume they’ve lost the package. I won’t use FedEx if there is any...

For your stated goals there is no reason not to play the most comfortable instrument. For a hobbies bassist, playing ergonomics are the most important thing. That’s what will keep your hands pain free and let you get in practice hours. If you have a good in-person teacher, they should be...

Plus the short scale Stingrays we’re released as passive

Great write up and I enjoyed the video. Your bass playing sounded tight, probably the highlight in that band. I’d have sat and watched your set. I have friends who play orchestral music. A no-rehearsal wedding quartet (played from books) or a two rehearsal 90 minute orchestra concert are no...

I like my shortscale SBMM Stingray. It’s cheaper than a Player Mustang and has more carving on the body, which relieves pressure on my picking hand. My copy seems stupid heavy for a shortscale though, so look out for weight variations.

My favorite feeling shortscale is the Ibanez Mikro. It’s cheap, easy to set up, and very gentle on the left hand due to the super short scale. Sound wise though, I love the Stingray shortscale. If it was just a touch lighter, that’s all I’d play.

My wife joined her first band as a bassist (which she had just picked up) because she was tired of arranging viola parts for pop / rock songs. She gave up on bass a while later as it was hurting her intonation for the orchestral / quartet work she did. And wedding quartets pay better than bar...

For a first bass, it should fit your body well, and you should like how it looks. After a surprisingly short time you can be jamming along with pop tunes, and then you start the quest for tone. But before you can play at all, it should be looks and ergonomics 100% I mean, we all know if she...

Don’t forget to get a decent amp! Basses aren’t good for guitar amps, and it will be much more inspiring to crank it up. You don’t want to play unplugged or you may dig in to hard and strain your hands.