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Do you ever feel self-conscious about your gear?

#84
No. I like what I like. And I like the prices I like.

If my likes change, and the prices go up or down, then so be it.

Hopefully you didnt buy your bass thinking about anybody's reactions other than your own, and that is how it should be after the purchase.

I like what I like, if you do too great, if not no problem, unless you make it a problem lol.
 
#85
TL;DR read first and last page only so sorry if it's been said already, but I've been there and it's sounds like y'all are missing the root cause of his issue and that's his insecurity about his playing not being worthy. The way I got past it was to try and put myself in someone else's shoes, then I realized I've never really given much of a second thought to a guitarists guitar or a drummers drums, most people are focused on what's coming out of them and obviously you should be too, and if they're not...well that's their personal issue and probably has nothing to do with what instrument your playing. Most musicians are going to judge you based on many other things before that.
 
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#86
I personally don't care what anyone thinks of my gear, I'm required to get a job done with it, (to perform, and sound my best doing it.) I normally play one of 2 pretty nice Fenders live, but, every now and then I'll bring my SX bass, (it has the chunkiest neck of what I have, sometimes my preference). Now and then I get a compliment on my playing, or sound from an audience member, I'm pretty sure it's happened with the SX as much as with my others. The only band member that's ever taken notice is my drummer, (he's a pretty good bass player), and he knows what the SX is, and what it cost, but, he just smiles a bit, when I take it out. My point is ...play what makes you happy, it's no one else's call, and gear should never be equated to talent, the 2 are not related..funny thing about it is that it is much more frugal to buy a MIA Fender when you start out, than it is to lose money on 8 poor playing instruments, on your way to buying ... a MIA Fender. (or whatever floats your boat)
 
#88
eekamike said:
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. :confused:

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!
Click to expand...

Nah. I promise the price of your instrument will never ever cross their minds. Go over there and jam.

Putting a band together is hard enough to begin with without making up problems that don't exist. ;)

Have fun and report back when it's over.
 
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#95
eekamike said:
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. :confused:

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!
Click to expand...

I'd be embarrassed to been seen anywhere with a Fender.
 
#96

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#99
I have a lot of gear, always have but I think the majority of first time meet ups came with me bring a SQ MIJ Squier, a dean edge or a really beat up '86 Fender PJ. Countless times I was complimented on my tone, a few times I never got a call back. The tone is in your hands, if you play good or id you are just a good fit for them you will get a call back regardless of what you bring.
 

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