Could we cool it with the bass jargon?

[brianrost]

One poster referred to something like his "Fender L."

L is next to P on an ASCII keyboard and it was probably a typo

 

[BigBear77]

Carrot! .

 

[mongo2]

I've honestly came across both pretty equally. Well, doesn't matter at the end right, just ask for details if one feels confused.

Could easily be due to differences in location. Yep, a request for clarification is all it takes.

 

[jd56hawk]

I think Orwell was arguing for clarity in political discourse, rather than against the language of a particular special group.

 

[Thehound]

this Is the exact reason I don’t read here much anymore. Stupid useless threads like this.

DO MORE RESEARCH.

 

[bassicmike]

CSB

 

[selowitch]

I agree we shouldn’t go out of our way to use jargon that might be difficult for a newbie to penetrate, but on the other hand this is a specialized forum specifically for bass players and a certain amount of topic-specific language is perfectly reasonable.

Is there really a more appropriate place to use that lingo than right here at TB?

 

[bassliner50]

Achronyms are everywhere. I sometimes I wonder what they mean, although I use them too. They are widespread in the buisness world and everywhere else i(especially sciences) n addition to bass talk. It will probably only accelorate and never go away. I prefer things spelled out and certain, but I will not get that often. We must endure and except it, there is nothing else to do. So I say, HANL.

 

[mongo2]

So I say, HANL.

STY

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

I feel OP's concern but if we won't use/get the abbreviations as the community, then who will? I'm not a lawyer and don't care if PG means sg esle for them. What it means for us matters. And I'm too lazy writing down the word "pick guard". If I were not lazy, I'd be a lawyer, not a bass player. Ok I'm tired already.. Gimme a break.

 

[dreamadream99]

Is “axe” still OK? I’ve been using that since the 60’s.

 

[jdh3000]

There's nothing wrong with using abbreviations, especially if it's in the context of the post or the thread.

If the thread is about Music Man StingRay, someone should be able to make out what MM, SR, Ray, Sting, means.

Most of us who've played long enough know and use words like pups, axes, PBass, etc. One can figure out fairly easy just by what is being talked about.

We learn language by context, not translation.

 

[Ric5]

In the interest of efficient communication, would it be possible to use standard language rather than bass jargon in posts?

I can understand "pups" as shorthand for pickups, but I also see some newer members thinking they've stumbled into a dog owners' group. "Tort" means one thing to us, but something completely different to lawyers.

I bring this up because of two recent experiences.

One poster referred to something like his "Fender L." I know Ps and Js and PJs, but couldn't recollect any Fender model that started with an L. Another TB-er thought that it was a reference to Fender's early numbering system, where an L serial number would have indicated a pre-1965 vintage. But even today, neither of us knows for sure.

And just today, a TB-er posted something about his "Sting." Some responders to the post thought he was talking about the P-bass model that Sting uses. As it turns out (I think, anyway), he was referring to a MusicMan StingRay.

Since we're all in this together, and we do really want to understand and help each other, do you think it might be possible to take a look at your post before sending, just to make sure you're saying what you mean and making your point clearly to a general audience? Assuming that everyone you want to communicate with is familiar with all the bass jargon is usually a mistake.

Thanks.

lol

 

[Wisebass]

hi twofer

. Another common example is "E series" MIJ Fender basses that are highly regarded among most Fender fans. Those are 1984-1987 E serial number basses (and guitars).

Lot of these were modded with Barts

better throw in some Geezers!!!

greeetings

Wise

 

[Michedelic]

Is “axe” still OK? I’ve been using that since the 60’s.

It’s the bee’s knees.

 

[Michedelic]

We must have a lot of bored bassists staring at their computers and phones today.

Unintended consequence of social distancing.

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

Is “axe” still OK? I’ve been using that since the 60’s.

Only OK. for Gene Simons'.

 

[2112]

I say wimpy, wompy, wambly... eggamuffin... and it's too early for me to go to the Magic Kingdom, I gotta drive.

 

[Tim Schnautz]

In the interest of efficient communication, would it be possible to use standard language rather than bass jargon in posts?

I can understand "pups" as shorthand for pickups, but I also see some newer members thinking they've stumbled into a dog owners' group. "Tort" means one thing to us, but something completely different to lawyers.

I bring this up because of two recent experiences.

One poster referred to something like his "Fender L." I know Ps and Js and PJs, but couldn't recollect any Fender model that started with an L. Another TB-er thought that it was a reference to Fender's early numbering system, where an L serial number would have indicated a pre-1965 vintage. But even today, neither of us knows for sure.

And just today, a TB-er posted something about his "Sting." Some responders to the post thought he was talking about the P-bass model that Sting uses. As it turns out (I think, anyway), he was referring to a MusicMan StingRay.

Since we're all in this together, and we do really want to understand and help each other, do you think it might be possible to take a look at your post before sending, just to make sure you're saying what you mean and making your point clearly to a general audience? Assuming that everyone you want to communicate with is familiar with all the bass jargon is usually a mistake.

Thanks.

OK, what's an "L?" I doubt if they were talking about a Gibson EBO-L. So, what's an L?

 

[Eilif]

If anyone is having trouble with a term, just stick around a while. If you're short for time use the search function.

While language is always in flux and there are surely some terms that are appearing recently, nearly all the bass'isms around here have been in use for a decade at minimum. Nearly every hobby has it's insider language and part of joining the "tribe" is learning the lingo.

To newbies or the confused, don't worry if you don't get it all right away. Just as with playing the bass, spend some time, enjoy the ride of learning and savor each new discovery.