Hi from Lowell

Hey folks. I've lurked here for a bit (mostly reading about gear I can't afford) and figured I'd introduce myself properly. I've played guitar for 26 years. I've also played bass here and there as needed, for almost as long - mostly for recordings but occasionally in bands. I joined a band on bass about a year ago, started playing bass full-time again, and found myself absolutely loving the instrument -- exploring new tones and techniques, seeing what I could accomplish with effects, adapting to the scale. It's been a welcome challenge after feeling stagnant on guitar for a few years.

I've been into metal since I was a kid, and most of what I play is along those lines. I'm a big fan of bright, aggressive tones and I enjoy complex material. My years playing guitar are carrying over; I play with a pick, and my main bass rig is an old Traynor guitar head running through some midrangey, bright speakers.

As far as listening goes, I like a lot of death and black metal, prog rock (Rush and King Crimson especially), some neo-folk (Wardruna, Hedningarna, Groupa), Georgian and medieval chant, lots of random other music... this past week I've been listening to the new Deathspell Omega, a bunch of Alfa Mist, some Ali Farka Toure and Toumani Diabate, and just fell in love with Fatoumata Diawara's first album.

Aside from music, I do artwork and illustrations, I used to do construction and shop work for a living, and I'm the proud if frustrated dad of a seven-year-old nutcase. Hope y'all are well.