I spent several months reworking my pedalboard, which is my main rig since I'm usually on IEMs. I swapped out my tc spectradrive (all digital) for a separate preamp and compressor, both of which are awesome. I spent way too much time and money auditioning tons of preamps and compressors along the way. Some of that time I was compressor-less for the first time in years, which was eye-opening. In the end though I can still play a gig with only a cable and an amp, or a DI->PA setup, but I really like my rig better.
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How has your approach to gear changed in 2020?
- Thread starter BobbyT
- Start date
I have aquired a Line 6 Helix Stomp and absolutely love it. It's a shame that you need to google for the worthwhile bass presets, but there are quite a lot really good ones available for free. This pedal is so versatile and good sounding, and it's also the first multi effect I've tried with a good (PC) interface.
I've stopped buying gear; whatever I really need I already have. I did buy an MXR Phase 90 though, to finally replace the one I got in 1974 that died on me in the mid '90s. It's nice to have that option once, again. 
I have been playing a lot more guitar and writing music. I figure that once all the people are gone, playing bass will get a bit old without a harmonic instrument to create my masterpiece compositions on, for no one to listen to when I am all alone in the world.
I have been playing a lot more guitar and writing music. I figure that once all the people are gone, playing bass will get a bit old without a harmonic instrument to create my masterpiece compositions on, for no one to listen to when I am all alone in the world.
My pedal buying/swapping/flipping stopped pretty abruptly. I've been doing a P/J Partscaster build as a hobby to tide me over. I haven't been playing very much because the daily news cycle slog has been, well, draining......
Finally sold a bunch of stuff life clearly showed me I did not need.
I recently bought 1 bass and 1 combo amp but returned both due to a very lenient return policy. I realized that I have what I need. With VERY few gigs on the horizon, no need to buy new bass gear.
I DID buy a Yamaha Stagepas 1K PA...since my Bose L1 Model II died. I used it on 2 outdoor gigs and absolutely love it.
I DID buy a Yamaha Stagepas 1K PA...since my Bose L1 Model II died. I used it on 2 outdoor gigs and absolutely love it.
Normally, I'd be eyeing my trip down to Florida and what I'll purchase on my drive down. ... Last year it was a 1954 Olds Special trumpet and three years ago it was a 1973 P-bass. ... But, that's not going to happen for sometime to come. ... So, I'm setting up a home studio and will bunker down, waiting out winter, decomposing. ... Purchases, a 05 Highway 1 Telecaster, UA interface and I'm eyeing a Yamaha THR amp. ... Basses will all stay the same.
I've sold more than i've bought and am still plannng to sell more.
That's partly because I've been looking at the amount of gear I'm not using and realized I don't need it all. But also because it seems like there's more opportunity around here for acoustic players or small acoustic-ish duos and trios, so some of what I make from selling gear is planned for a decent acoustic guitar.
That's partly because I've been looking at the amount of gear I'm not using and realized I don't need it all. But also because it seems like there's more opportunity around here for acoustic players or small acoustic-ish duos and trios, so some of what I make from selling gear is planned for a decent acoustic guitar.
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Sold off a few under-used upper tier pedals and replaced with older technology that had graced my pedal board years ago. I need to strip-down my all-analog PA rig, perform some basic PM, and rebalance. This will be a fun Sunday project for Tim (guitarist / vocalist) and myself.
Riis
Riis
Sometimes, I confront my equipment head on, and then other times I sneak up on it.
My approach itself hasn't changed, but my financial situation did change for the better, so I got to order the two basses I've been lusting after (one has arrived, one's due next year) and got the C4 as a step into the synth world.
I keep trying to want more pedals, but the Amplifire's such a versatile effects workstation, I keep failing to justify it. I even managed to figure out how not to need either a new audio interface or a new mixer, by combining the existing ones differently.
Been wrapped up in a software project since my job went away, so haven't really had much mental capacity left over for music. Once I come out the far side of that and focus mainly on music for a while, I may start wanting specific things that my existing gear can't deliver. Pretty sure my musicianship will still be the main limiting factor a year from now, though.
I keep trying to want more pedals, but the Amplifire's such a versatile effects workstation, I keep failing to justify it. I even managed to figure out how not to need either a new audio interface or a new mixer, by combining the existing ones differently.
Been wrapped up in a software project since my job went away, so haven't really had much mental capacity left over for music. Once I come out the far side of that and focus mainly on music for a while, I may start wanting specific things that my existing gear can't deliver. Pretty sure my musicianship will still be the main limiting factor a year from now, though.
I sold off excess gear and am saving for a "dream rig" for sitting at home and recording with. I don't see myself gigging for a few years anyway.
I've also been playing my acoustic tenor guitar way more than I used to, which has been a nice change of pace.
I've also been playing my acoustic tenor guitar way more than I used to, which has been a nice change of pace.
Thanks for all the responses, everyone. For me, it's about maximizing solo practice time. I love my old school flatwound string sound in a mix but playing by myself it's a little less satisfying.
The changes I've made—going to rounds on electric and Spiros on upright—were aimed at getting more "harmonic content" to allow the bass to be a more full range instrument. When I'm doing regular gigs again I'll have to think about whether this approach is still working.
The changes I've made—going to rounds on electric and Spiros on upright—were aimed at getting more "harmonic content" to allow the bass to be a more full range instrument. When I'm doing regular gigs again I'll have to think about whether this approach is still working.
I've got a new upright being built, with the intention of putting more time into arco playing. Meantime, been selling off some electric basses and putting more time into playing guitar: it's more gratifying on my own. Just got this beautiful Guild Starfire V and am enjoying it no end.
I rarely buy stuff anymore, don't really have time to play a lot nowadays and everything band related is frozen due to Covid so no need to think about the live gear either. I've got my one trusty bass, a simple live amp setup + some pedals at home if I want or need to do some playing. So back to the absolute basics for me.
That being said, I've been thinking about getting a Jazz bass again at some point. I sold my previous one a while ago and I really miss the Swiss army knife type tonal palette you get from those.
That being said, I've been thinking about getting a Jazz bass again at some point. I sold my previous one a while ago and I really miss the Swiss army knife type tonal palette you get from those.
Here I think a bit about the words of Paul Reed Smith. Not a direct quote, but the spirit is correct:
You want as close to 100% of the available sound to come from the instrument.
Back to my own thought: You can always use eq to reduce some of the content - that is, to seat the instrument correctly in a mix. And you'll never lose harmonic content by using strings that expand the harmonic range of the instrument. It might SEEM that you do, but really you're just adding... and the comparison makes it seem like you're losing something. So you put new strings on, and the whole instrument seems brighter. And therefore seems to have less bass.
So I don't think this will be an issue for you when you return to playing live with others.
Finally bought an interface and am learning the rudiments of Garage Band, which has been both fun and a very useful practice tool......am learning to sing while I play a solo arrangement, which I find VERY difficult, but satisfying when I finally (after eons) nail a tune. Sold 3 basses. Bought 3 basses. Set up a rack for home use recording. The most frustrating part of my bass world in 2020 is that just before the Canada-US land border closed to routine traffic I bought a used Mesa 112, TH350 and M-Bass and had 'em shipped to a buddy in the US.......and haven't been able to go grab 'em.......my buddy is a guitar player, so they're just sitting in his music room......waiting for me 
