Do you ever feel self-conscious about your gear?

[eekamike]

I've got band rehearsal today with a new band that I've pulled together. The drummer is also a bassist, and in fact he's a better/more experienced bassist than I am. However, he's not gear obsessed like I am. I'm feeling a little embarrassed about bringing my MIA Fender, because it probably cost more than all of his bass gear combined, and it'd probably be better in his hands lol.
To make things worse, the rehearsal is at his uncle's house, and his uncle is the very very frugal father (musician) of my SO. I'm not really trying to make an ostentatious display, but I feel like I would be if I'm bringing a $1k instrument.

I haven't decided what to do yet (feel free to give input lol). But either way, I wanted to ask TB, do you ever feel self-conscious about your gear? (whether too cheap or too expensive) Post your story!

 

[Winfred]

Nope, whether it's cheap or expensive gear. When I spend my money, I don't care what others think.

Buy and play what works for you. If others disagree, ask them to fund all of your future purchases.

 

[GKon]

I've got band rehearsal today with a new band that I've pulled together. The drummer is also a bassist, and in fact he's a better/more experienced bassist than I am. However, he's not gear obsessed like I am. I'm feeling a little embarrassed about bringing my MIA Fender, because it probably cost more than all of his bass gear combined, and it'd probably be better in his hands lol.
To make things worse, the rehearsal is at his uncle's house, and his uncle is the very very frugal father (musician) of my SO. I'm not really trying to make an ostentatious display, but I feel like I would be if I'm bringing a $1k instrument.

I haven't decided what to do yet (feel free to give input lol). But either way, I wanted to ask TB, do you ever feel self-conscious about your gear? (whether too cheap or too expensive) Post your story!

Short answer, no.

 

[Joe Nerve]

I think you're making a lot of assumptions as to what others "might" think. That's a really bad habit to get into. You may be (and probably are) waaaaaay off in those assumptions, and even if not, what they think has absolutely nothing to do with you. It's just wasted energy and emotion that you're putting into that. I'd say just quit thinking about it, but I know that doesn't works as easy as stated. So I'll advise focusing on something else, like your playing, or being grateful that you have an awesome instrument you love.

That being said, I wouldn't beat myself up over caring about what other people think. Everyone (including myself at times) preaches about how it's stupid to that, yet the majority of people care far too much what others think (just don't realize it, or would never admit it). Just take a scroll down your facebook page if you need any proof . Good to work towards not caring, but it's part of the human condition.

 

[pacojas]

sounds like the rehearsal might be in the "Projects"! if so, bring the Squier.

 

[mdogs]

You are embarrassed to bring an MIA Fender because it is TOO expensive?

 

[rtslinger]

Nope, I buy what I like, basses that work for me or amps I like the sound of when I am playing them. And when other view my choice as a negative, it matters not to me. Opinions are just that opinions. look at it this way Sir Paul turn the music world on it's ear playing a cheap pawn shop bass =$42.US

 

[fretter]

After a couple of years of playing guitar, I bought a half stack. This really made me feel like an imposter. I wish I could have kept the setup though. The Lab Series head and Acoustic 4x10 are nice pieces of vintage gear nowadays. I was much happier with the bass gear I traded for it though.
I do think you have to "own" the gear you play. If you're a proficient bassist, you're entitled to an MIA Fender. The other person might even be insulted, if you bring a cheap bass to their neighborhood. Maybe they'll be honored for a chance to check out that MIA.

 

[ShredderMaximus]

If said drummer doesn't care about gear, than chances are he won't care about your gear, or even know it's a MIA or what price they go for anyways. Now if it were some ultra boutique singlecut amoeba shaped thing and you couldn't even play a simple major scale, then he might notice, but then again, who cares?

 

[catcauphonic]

To answer your particular situation question ... no, there's no reason you shouldn't spend your $,$$$ on something appealing and comfortably playable if that's your bag. My bass is worth more than any other single item I've ever bought in the last 10 years. I'm frugal in other areas so I can splurge on what's important to me. (i buy mostly recycled clothes, used cars, paint found furniture, etc. Even my bass was used, but still cost more than everything else.) The only thing that makes me self conscious about it is that I wonder if audience members expect that we're going to play Metal when it sits on its stand preshow ... we don't.

 

[samson3382]

Yes, but specifically only in the talkbass double bass forums.

 

[carl h.]

If you're embarrassed you spent so much money, maybe you should spend some more and buy a cheaper bass so it won't look like you've spent a lot of money.

 

[beaglesandbass]

The gear doesn't make the player.

Same logic, different situation.

Would you act like a beginner around a bunch of beginners because you didn't want to feel like you were showing off?

 

[InhumanResource]

1k isn't that unreasonable for something like a good bass guitar. It is pretty normal to have something like USA Fender. Let us know when you think about talking your Fodera and new Bergantino stack

 

[cheechi]

I could see if it was something (outside TB) considered exotic. Everyone knows what a P bass is. So in this particular case, no.

I feel the opposite some days though. My MIM Fender is the one I want to change the most of my basses in their current condition.

 

[DiMarco]

Don't be shy. Bring the best gear you have.

 

[Joedog]

Life's too short to sweat the little stuff. Besides, I'm sure you can find many other subjects FAR more worry worthy.

 

[Morris2103]

In my experience, nobody is really that bothered about what gear you use. As long as you can play and do the job it was intended to do. I've never really understood why people go out and buy 1k+ basses, when in all honesty, nobody really cares and you can get pretty much the same results using a cheaper alternative.

 

[Collin Bass]

$1k isn't even expensive for a quality instrument.

 

[HiEnd Basses]

My last band, the musicians were more experienced than me, not necessarily better. Not only do I have two MIA Fenders, but my gear is what I consider top of the line Ampeg, Mogami Gold, Rack mounted BBE, etc. The fact that you have a Premium Bass, and that you skimp on other items in life, indicates that you care about your image as a musician. Further, you probably are similar to most of us TB'ers regarding your pride. Investing in that type of gear, shows that you're dedicated, and there can be no higher way to express that to yourself and others. Just don't ever tell them that you change your Rotosound Stainless Steel strings every 2 weeks, and try not to polish it the day before practice!