Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
I was serious about the 12 step approach. I have seen it work on many issues with numerous people.
And I don't think I have EVER had a CLEAR plan. More like Homer Simpson and donuts. "Ooooh! Bass! I want it!"
Funny, but true.
Funny, but true.
The OP said that after all his buying & selling of instruments he’s down to one guitar and one bass.
He also said he calculated he broke even on his financial outlay.
I estimate he’s done better than most of us here in the big picture and had a blast trying out a lot of different instruments in the process.
I’d call that WINNING. (& would probably celebrate by buying a new bass or guitar or two but that’s just me-I can’t be happy with just 2-that’s how I ‘m up to 61 now-still a few I want)
He also said he calculated he broke even on his financial outlay.
I estimate he’s done better than most of us here in the big picture and had a blast trying out a lot of different instruments in the process.
I’d call that WINNING. (& would probably celebrate by buying a new bass or guitar or two but that’s just me-I can’t be happy with just 2-that’s how I ‘m up to 61 now-still a few I want)
- Oct 7, 2000
- 18,619
- 38,939
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
Same here. And I have to admit to almost losing my coffee through the nose when I saw the 2nd list
. My laugh though came from identification. I get it. I'm in the same boat, except for the fact that I'm not beating myself up over it. Nor stugglung to pay any of my other bills. I've been joking lately that I have about 30 basses and I'm trying to get that down to about 29 (I honestly don't know how many I currently have). What's crazy is that I just put an order in for yet another. One I of course absolutely HAD to have
!Laziness, or not being able to carve out the time (I am really busy) keeps me from selling. Id love to get rid of at least half my basses, but don't want to deal with the hassle. I don't like haggling. I hate shipping. And yeah... I'm rambling now.
That's all.
Forget about gear and think about music. It's pretty simple. Not easy to do, but dead simple.
When the instruments pay for themselves from the gigs you get then I say buy as many as you want.
Ah heck, but it can always get worse haha, but the flip side to that is nothing is SO GOOD, that it cannot be made better. Be like Heart, where the the gal started going out with the drummer instead. Or where her new guy has your kids 1/2 time and you know they are treating them bad. It can get much worse. The positive? Heck, you are free. No kids? What's it like??? I forgot. Hehe. Kids and wife are pretty cool about me playing. A singing girl friend? They can pick and chose. But so can most musicians on stage, again, the positive. Far better than playing the office, where you work, if you have a typical job. Most of my work is art and has been for 15-20 years now and that is good. Music schedules allow for free time in the day most often, so Mountain biking, trail running, hiking, photography, hitting new parks each week etc...... breaks ups take time to get those feelings out of your system. Easy from the outside, much harder emotionally when it's you. I played bass like mad after one break up decades ago, I got a lot better as a result. Rebound "energy" some call it. Get back in shape. Learn a new genre, stay away from the bass classifieds here haha. Mowing through a herd of basses is a bit like trying to figure out what it is you like best. Knowing yourself and "what it is you truly like" are a keys to life, certainly nothing to be ashamed of. I know old folks who still trying to figure out that one. Many think they have or should have everything figured out by the time they are 25-35. Nope. Many never find what it is they truly love as far as work or music. I have and that's all I can ask for. To realize this you need a certain amount, hopefully a lot, of tenacity and turn those road blocks into opportunities. Basses have trade offs and feels unique to each of us. That's just learning what is right for you. What was right for you 20 years ago might not be the same today. I've improved a lot over time, most do, but with more practice time, I've always made more headway. So play more, it's good for your head.
I'm also a little unsure how serious the OP is about feeling "ashamed" (granted, I haven't read all the pages of hte thread). It doesn't seem like he's run himself into the ground buying stuff he can't afford, so much as busily - maybe compulsively - rotating through gear, buying and selling stuff but more or less breaking even. If it's out-of-control impulse behavior, then OK, get some help for that. But he's not ruining his life.
I would suggest, if you have an acquisitive personality, then think of things to acquire besides objects. Acquire a new technique. Acquire a gig. Acquire an expanded repertoire. Acquire experiences.
I would suggest, if you have an acquisitive personality, then think of things to acquire besides objects. Acquire a new technique. Acquire a gig. Acquire an expanded repertoire. Acquire experiences.
I like this. Or acquire things that aren't basses. Heck you can have fun collecting rocks on a trail or leaves in a park.
Yeah i agree, things could be worse. I got kicked out of one of the two gigs. Less money in my pockets but that's also less time having to deal with her & less driving around. The other gig they can't kick me out as it's original material with loads of subtelties mwahahaha
And i actually feel much fee-er as she was heavily toxic, limiting, controlling, so i am not worried about getting over the relationship. Am gonna miss her kid though...
And U are right about the "it was about learning what was right for you" part. Both i & my ears were much less educated 5 years ago, i have grown a little bit as a musician & hear more clearly the differences in tones accross instruments... i guess all that selling and buying helped me grow a little...
Anyway.. there are still a couple of tunes i have to learn my Wednesday... 3 more rehearsals & full band gig on the 25th!
That last paragraph is indeed another path i should explore!
And i was very serious about feeling ashamed and even stupid for the time i felt i had "wasted" instead of growing as a musician. But TB members here have helped me see things differently. I did grow after all, i did learn something, and i have also recieved a bunch of suggestions that i can actually implement in my daily life!
D
Some people take for granted being in a band at all. It can be a little hard. You are gigging!! You broke even! You got rid of some toxicity. Someone here Said it, and I have bought way too much gear myself, get a Bass that's versatile, well known, well built. One that you love, a bass that can do all you need. It will cost some but, I think you need to fall in love,,,,,, with a forever Bass!
I once made it my goal to pay off all my credit cards and get my credit rating in the high 700’s. You can replace an acquiring addiction with almost anything if you put your mind to it and after a very short time you are off and running.
Back in the ‘60s many young people and some not so young, took an interest in Indian meditation practices and philosophies. One of the most liberating pieces of advice for life was popular back then - ‘Be here now’. It is truly liberating when practiced well.
Poor life habits that come out of troubling circumstances can be overcome when you learn to recognise their onset. I have and still am at times, a sufferer of depression but I’ve learned to recognise it’s presence early. When I see it coming I can immediately act to shift my energy and emotions to a different track simply by focusing on the here and now. What sounds can I hear? What is going on around me right now? I can pick up an instrument and try to learn something new or play an old favourite. Presence of mind and living in the moment can save us from much of the things that trouble us.
I recommend you read a passage written by Charles Swindoll about attitude. It’s easy to find. He summarises his thoughts on attitude (paraphrased here) with this; Quality of life is 10% what happens to me and 90% what I do about it. There is so much in life that we have no control over but we CAN control our attitude and what we do about it.
Poor life habits that come out of troubling circumstances can be overcome when you learn to recognise their onset. I have and still am at times, a sufferer of depression but I’ve learned to recognise it’s presence early. When I see it coming I can immediately act to shift my energy and emotions to a different track simply by focusing on the here and now. What sounds can I hear? What is going on around me right now? I can pick up an instrument and try to learn something new or play an old favourite. Presence of mind and living in the moment can save us from much of the things that trouble us.
I recommend you read a passage written by Charles Swindoll about attitude. It’s easy to find. He summarises his thoughts on attitude (paraphrased here) with this; Quality of life is 10% what happens to me and 90% what I do about it. There is so much in life that we have no control over but we CAN control our attitude and what we do about it.
What U describe at first is generally referred to as "Mindfulness", isn't it?
And yes that last part about the 90-10% ratio i totally agree with. I am working on my 90%!
Thanks for that!
Yes, it has been called mindfulness. It’s effectiveness is undeniable. Best of luck on your quest to change your life habits. It’s a tough journey at times but ultimately rewarding and gratifying.
Thank U, and a general thank U to all of U who contributed to this thread. These past few days,it has helped me, and it might also turn out to be useful to other people later!
Okay little update !
Wheb i started this thread, i was ashamed. U guys offered great advice while i was waiting for my second bass to arrive (second hand ESP-LTD Stream 204, active 34" to complement my Harley Benton MV-4MSB).. it arrived today... all dinged up, scratchy pots, rusted screws.the ad said "mint condition, only played at two gigs)... so i guess i am sending it back...
But i don't have a backup bass now...
Anyway.. off to rehearsal...
Wheb i started this thread, i was ashamed. U guys offered great advice while i was waiting for my second bass to arrive (second hand ESP-LTD Stream 204, active 34" to complement my Harley Benton MV-4MSB).. it arrived today... all dinged up, scratchy pots, rusted screws.the ad said "mint condition, only played at two gigs)... so i guess i am sending it back...
But i don't have a backup bass now...
Anyway.. off to rehearsal...
Dear Fellaz & Fellazettes, Homies & Homelettes!
Is there anyone still in the room??
So to cut a long story short: i returned the ESP-LTD & got a refund. Tried to order a Harley Benton JP-45OP as it had gotten so many positive reviews but had a problem with Thomann so sent it back without even trying it, and decided not to order from them anymore...
And today i got a Squier CV 60s Classic Vibe Jazz Bass Daphne Blue second hand, it arrived really gross, dirty, to the point i started thinking maybe someone had puked on it. Haven't dared opening it up. It came with the stock strings, horrible (and i usually like dead strings...) so i cleaned it up completely, fed the fretboard some Lemon Oil & strung it with GHS Precision Flats........ and i still don't know if i am going to keep it... it feels great (though the back of the neck is a bit sticky), balances perfectly, super light compared to my Harley Benton MV-4MSB... but yeah.. not sure about this one... It's more the sound i am not a fan of...
Is there anyone still in the room??
So to cut a long story short: i returned the ESP-LTD & got a refund. Tried to order a Harley Benton JP-45OP as it had gotten so many positive reviews but had a problem with Thomann so sent it back without even trying it, and decided not to order from them anymore...
And today i got a Squier CV 60s Classic Vibe Jazz Bass Daphne Blue second hand, it arrived really gross, dirty, to the point i started thinking maybe someone had puked on it. Haven't dared opening it up. It came with the stock strings, horrible (and i usually like dead strings...) so i cleaned it up completely, fed the fretboard some Lemon Oil & strung it with GHS Precision Flats........ and i still don't know if i am going to keep it... it feels great (though the back of the neck is a bit sticky), balances perfectly, super light compared to my Harley Benton MV-4MSB... but yeah.. not sure about this one... It's more the sound i am not a fan of...
