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Basses Are Like Bicycles

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#61
devo_stevo said:
I ride bikes too. The guys at the shop are right. If you keep your saddle at the wrong height, it WILL mess up your knees. Just sayin'.
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A good bike fit is important, no doubt. Injuries are more of a risk with cycling simply because the stresses involved are so much greater than just pushing a string.
The chances of that kind of injury from playing bass may not be as high, but an overuse injury due to poor technique or positioning eg "fit" is certainly there. I developed horrible tendinitis in my right shoulder in the 80's due to playing 7-8 hours a day with my instrument in a bad position.
 
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#62
nostatic said:
People often get what they attract, or it is a response to something they are putting out.

I remember talking with a buddy who had been through a bunch of bad relationships. He kept saying, "why can't I find a good woman?" Then I asked him what the one constant between all those failed relationships was. Um, that would be him. Change yourself, change your world. Complain about the world...and you'll continue to complain about the world.
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Thanks for the advice dad. lol
 
#66
marmadaddy said:
A good bike fit is important, no doubt. Injuries are more of a risk with cycling simply because the stresses involved are so much greater than just pushing a string.
The chances of that kind of injury from playing bass may not be as high, but an overuse injury due to poor technique or positioning eg "fit" is certainly there. I developed horrible tendinitis in my right shoulder in the 80's due to playing 7-8 hours a day with my instrument in a bad position.
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See. More proof that bikes and basses are the same. It's pretty amazing really.
 
#67
Vintage P said:
I ride a bike. it's fun. It rides well. It looks good. It gets me where I need to go. But...

...everytime I go intp a bike shop I'm treated like a bum. I'm told my bike is a toy. I have the wrong adjustments or the wrong materials or it needs a tune up or the height I keep the seat will damage my knees, etc, etc, And whenever I bring my bike in for a repair and it isn't done well, they blame the bike. BUT, if I buy something from THEM and it doesn't work well, it's MY fault.

Sound familiar?

It's the same with basses. Those whose world is to justify the highest echelon will do so with complete conviction. Anything under $1000 is crap because (fill in the blanks) and everything over $3000 is superior because of (fill in the blanks).

I see guys with racing suits running down people on the streets because ...well, they think they are just that important. After all, they KNOW good bikes and they own one. Meanwhile, someone I know who actually competes in bike races rides a Walmart $200 bike on the streets. Why? Because it works fine for riding around the streets and he doesn't have anything to prove. Come to think of it, name 5 big name bass players in hit bands making millions of dollars who use a Fodera. Hmmm...

Now this is not to say that anyone who owns a super expensive bike or bass is in the wrong. If that's want you want, and it suits your purposes then that is all that matters. And those who cannot afford one should recognize and respect that.

Just keep in mind, everyone makes judgments based on their reality. It's just another opinion and just because it's coming from an elitist perspective doesn't make it any more valid, or true.
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I agree that bike shops can be kind of pretentious, even if there are some cool ones in there. The gear obsession is very present.

But I will say that most of the bassists I have actually met have been very welcoming and practical, which is quite a relief from the guitarists I've known. Store employees are one thing, but actual bassists are surprisingly nice. I hope you can find a good community of bassists; it makes a big difference.
 
#68
You think bikers and bassists are bad, try talking to avid golfers. I love golf, but when some of these people start talking I'm in awe of the babble that comes out of their mouth.

Like the people who buy a brand new driver for $400 because it's the best thing they ever hit. Then take it home, put in a $600 shaft that they end up not liking, putting in another shaft or two then sell it all because it just doesn't play well.

I've done it myself, even though I've never bought a replacement shaft over $150. I'm ordering two new shafts for my current new driver just to see which one works better than the stock one that works perfectly well. Just gotta do it!
 
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#69
Hear,hear!!! *pounding ornately carved ivory head of walking stick against table*

As a chronic beginner/intermediate player (don`t ask),I have always strongly asserted that every bass I have owned is more bass than I`ll ever realistically be on a par with. That said (giggity) RICKENBACKER,VTG FENDER,GIBSON et al...

Part of my disease (chronic GAS) lusting and coveting nicer equipment...Dear God In Heaven...help me!!..... *Jimmy Swaggart voice*
 
#70
Wow, they are the same.

Evaluate your needs.

Spend more and you aren't wrestling with it to perform.

Spend more and it will reveal what you have to improve.

As "Dad" let me say don't buy what you can't afford.

On the other hand someone saves and works two jobs to eat and buy the bass or bicycle they want, they are not a snob.

If the bike or bass speaks to a person they should and can or could do what's necessary to express their craft through it.

This "speaking" is independent of ego stroking but can be the expression of the art in the heart. None of us can tell that person what's appropriate.

And yes setup is king. A bike shop took my bike that I loved measured it and made a new bike my bike but new & different. The

new bike I just hadn't liked after riding it two years in a row. Once setup it was amazing.
 
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#71
Very few cyclists own a dozen or more rideable bikes at one time. Very few cyclists will own many different styled bikes from many manufacturers either. Bassists may own Fenders, Gibsons, RICs, Ibanez, etc., but few cyclists will own good bikes from Trek, Cannondale, Specialized, etc.

Another difference IMO is that an expensive and race worthy bike is almost always substantially better than a $299 stock bike from Walmart. Not so with basses as a $299 Squier can (and does) get played/gigged by top musicians. It may be less pretty and not as ergonomic and not have the expensive preamps, PU and hardware, but still potentially a serious instrument.
 
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#77
Baird6869 said:
Very few cyclists own a dozen or more rideable bikes at one time. Very few cyclists will own many different styled bikes from many manufacturers either. Bassists may own Fenders, Gibsons, RICs, Ibanez, etc., but few cyclists will own good bikes from Trek, Cannondale, Specialized, etc.

Another difference IMO is that an expensive and race worthy bike is almost always substantially better than a $299 stock bike from Walmart. Not so with basses as a $299 Squier can (and does) get played/gigged by top musicians. It may be less pretty and not as ergonomic and not have the expensive preamps, PU and hardware, but still potentially a serious instrument.
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I know many bicyclists with many bikes from different manufacturers. :)

I know bicyclists who can tell that bikes get better the more you spend. :)

They will honestly say what their budget is and they won't say that expensive bikes are just for poseurs or snobs or the elite.

Many of them will wear a bike out upgrade components once and then buy a better bike. :)

Most I know would spend good money on one expensive bike and nurture and ride it. :)

None of them think the bike makes them faster or a better rider. :)

They know an inexpensive bike does limit you from attaining your best.

My sample rides 20-80 miles a week.

Some compete in road and mountain events.

Many ride centuries.

Some are out there for speed some for distance.

:)
 
#78
The Squire analogy needs elucidation.
It is difficult to take Leo's design and ruin it.
If you make it playable, good frets, some rigidity, etc. it's serviceable.
It's not the wonder of an instrument you get when you apply the finest of care to every detail.

There is a difference between a $299. Squire and a $1000. Fender.
Custom Shop and boutique custom builds on Fender designs are significantly better.
Playability not just pretty finishes or tops.;)

Good business, Fender for making instruments at every price point.

Off & on topic, but back to bikes.:)

I have a 1979 Raleigh Competition GS. Last of the English Raleighs. Weiman side pulls, concave rims 700c, Reynolds 531 tubing & all Campy.

It's like having a '56 Fender. Classic.
 
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