Could we cool it with the bass jargon?

[el murdoque]

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

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.

Your argument is invalid.
You ask for the usage of standard language rather than bass jargon in an internet forum that is directed purely and entirely at that one group of people that does understand bass jargon.

And the two cases you state to strengthen your argument are two cases where people deviated from established forum speak and created their own terms, which were misleading.

 

[JohnnyChatter]

I forgot how much that "sting" bass comment made my brain hurt.... It was like throwing a wrench in a motor. Lets just get the admins to ban everyone who tries anything new or different!!!!!... Fender your cool you can stay.

 

[Spidey2112]

Cutty say 'e can't HANG!

View attachment 3745844

My man.

 

[ejaggers]

TalkBass jargon is not the only problem, English in general can be a crappy language.

For instance:
- read and lead rhyme, and so does read and lead.
- but read and lead don't rhyme, and neither does read and lead.

Personally, I'm fed up with LOL, ROFL, and LMAO.
I say we ban all acronyms in the U.S.A.

057912

 

[Michedelic]

Your argument is invalid.
You ask for the usage of standard language rather than bass jargon in an internet forum that is directed purely and entirely at that one group of people that does understand bass jargon.

And the two cases you state to strengthen your argument are two cases where people deviated from established forum speak and created their own terms, which were misleading.

Some squares just ain’t hip to the jive, daddy-o.

 

[Leonid Nidis]

Well folks can ask.
I figuered it out and learned in the process.

 

[Rip Van Dan]

I feel many abbreviations/codes are already part of our community. For reference sake here are ones commonly used that most people here would understand. Some are obvious and have been around a long time. There are others which can be added to determine how commonly (or not) they are understood. Feel free to add.
***SNIP***
Dano = Danelectro
***SNIP***

Nuts! and all this time I thought that was an affectionate salutation referring to me...
Dano = Rip Van Dan

 

[jdh3000]

I feel many abbreviations/codes are already part of our community. For reference sake here are ones commonly used that most people here would understand. Some are obvious and have been around a long time. There are others which can be added to determine how commonly (or not) they are understood. Feel free to add.

pu = pick-up
fb = fingerboard
tr = truss-rod
P/P-bass/P = Fender Precision bass
J/J-bass/J = Fender Jazz bass
P/J = a bass, usually Fender but not always with a split & single pu combo
Beatle bass = Hofners violin bass
fridge = Ampeg with 8 speaker cab
FOH = front of house sound system
Dano = Danelectro
long-horn (bass) = Danelectro bass with long upper and lower symmetric "horns"
boner bass = reference to longer upper horn on late-'80s/early '90's P's and J's designed by George Binda at Fender
3TSB = three tone sunburst
Oly wht = Olympic white
BL = band leader
hippy sandwich = bass made of multi-laminated exotic woods
ss = short-scale, stainless-steel, solid-state
rig = amp/speaker cabinet
combo (amp) = combined amp/speaker unit
axe (antiquated) = bass/guitar/instrument
downbeat = live set start
pause for the cause = pee break

Maybe the admins would take this list and make a glossary that could be added to for reference.

I mean it would be somewhat educational as long as it’s not just some made up junk that’s added in, maybe called “Talk Bass Talk”.

Every industry has some specialized language, as well as slang and codes.

I do get the point of the OP. Some folks don’t want to ask because it they think they should already know.

 

[Joelc73]

I must have missed the thread. Who was the one who started 'Sting'? Have we chased him with pitchforks and torches yet?

 

[SactoBass]

“Pups”, fist bumping, and people calling me “bro” or “homie” send me into a homicidal rage...

but that’s just me..

Biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig +1 on the "bro" thing. That one makes me vomit every time!

 

[Copperhead]

You have to remember people use jargon, because, 1) They think they are cool, 2) They are lazy, and 3) Most people are stupid.

However, even The Media is doing it.

Are doing it.

 

[bobdabilder]

???

K

 

[Kro]

Are doing it.

IIRC media can be singular or plural. Actually here it appears to be a proper noun, and a singular one at that.

 

[ThinCrappyTone]

zip it up and zip it out

 

[mikeoso]

But then the drummers and guitar players will know what we’re talking about.

Does this assume WE know what we're talking about?

 

[devnulljp]

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.

I'll lay you odds that's a typo and should have been a P ... L is one key diagonally next to the P on a QWERTY keyboard.

 

[two fingers]

The vast majority of the terms have become pretty common. All communities have their own languages. Ours is no different.

Once a new member has been here only a short time, most of these terms will make sense.

A "Sting" bass is a Fender Sting Signature. Nobody calls a Ray a "Sting". That's an anomaly, and shouldn't affect how we use other terms and abbreviations. As for a Fender "L", that's weird too. "L series" would make sense in context. And "Pre CBS" would too. Again, that one unclear use of a term doesn't mean we have a common problem with communication.

We have lots of problems. Communication ain't one of them.

 

[sabre79]

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

I thought NBD meant No Big Deal. I read a lot of posts about members going on and on about how great their new acquisition was. I would think, if it's no big deal, why are you so damn happy?

 

[JIO]

Maybe the admins would take this list and make a glossary that could be added to for reference.

I mean it would be somewhat educational as long as it’s not just some made up junk that’s added in, maybe called “Talk Bass Talk”.

Every industry has some specialized language, as well as slang and codes.

I do get the point of the OP. Some folks don’t want to ask because it they think they should already know.

I always ask. Some is overlap from texting abbreviations. I choose not to text and do not understand brail or stenographer writing.

 

[JKos]

It's an unrealistic and unmanageable request in an age of internet-speak.

K

???

Connect the dots. Note that my 'K' is in response to the OP's post.