How often do you get distracted by gear/technique?

[younggun]

It's entirely possible to enjoy listening to a band, AND check out their gear, AND pay attention to their technique. It's almost like the human brain can do more than one thing in the course of an evening.

 

[groovepump]

I notice basses, but it's not really a conscious thing. It's pretty rare that I will glance at a bass and not know right away what it is---save for different brands of Fender Shaped Objects. Though, even some of those are easy to pick up on. Same for amps. I'm actually more curious about pedal boards these days.

Similarly, I notice pedalboards too, but for a different reason: If the bassist has a scad of pedals, I wonder just what the heck is being used. I don't use pedals, except for a tuner, so I get curious what pedals someone would deem necessary to create that "special" sound, especially if they're playing old classic rock tunes.

 

[jerry]

When I was younger I paid more attention to gear and technique, now I l just listen, it tells me all I need to know.

 

[vvvmmm]

I'm the guy while watching bar bands, drink in my hand, walking up to the stage to check the gear.

I try to do it when they are on break, and sometimes I bring shots if I know 'em some.

 

[H K]

So saw a few live bands tonight. One of them, I just kept thinking that the bassist is going to end up with carpal tunnel syndrome. With another band at a different venue, I was like, “Cool - a Serek Midwestern!” only to be subsequently surprised by a Strandberg Boden with the following band.

If I think back a decade ago, I certainly paid less attention to things like technique and gear when I went to see live music than I do now.

I wouldnt call it distracted, more like, paralellally (??) interested.

And, constantly. To the point where if I see a guitar in a movie, I'll pause to identify it

 

[Jeff Scott]

...Mitch Easter...

Now there's a name that's not mentioned very often!

 

[Jeff Scott]

It's entirely possible to enjoy listening to a band, AND check out their gear, AND pay attention to their technique. It's almost like the human brain can do more than one thing in the course of an evening.

This!

These days I rarely go see bands much except for The Cleveland Orchestra. Now there's some great bass, basses, and technique.

Oops, sorry, wrong photo!

I usually bring my binoculars to watch the bass section (and everyone else, too), particularly their use of their C-Extensions.

 

[g-dude]

Why did you think one of them is going to end up with carpal tunnel syndrome?

Because his right wrist was bent at a 90 degree angle and you could tell he was resting the full weight of his arm over the side of the bass.

Keeping a neutral wrist is much better for your body.

 

[40Hz]

If I hear something I really like coming from on stage that I think is gear related I’ll get very interested in what’s being used to get it. Otherwise I don’t pay much attention to gear anymore.

 

[Sam Evans]

Gear, only a little. Technique, more so. As a mediocre multi-instrumentalist, I'll check out just about everybody in the band. But mostly, I try to focus on the music.

 

[Rip Van Dan]

When there are musicians in the crowd watching your gig

Had to laugh at that. You usually can pick out the other musicians in the audience because they do watch you so closely. I can often pick out another bass player because he's specifically watching my hands. And of course, I find myself doing the same thing when I'm watching a group play live.

 

[Pings Bass]

Pretty much never... Unless the bassist is doing something distracting

 

[Relayer71]

Distracted? Pffftt, I never ge

 

[Ostie]

I have a friend who plays bass. He is the exact opposite of a gear head. He has one bass and one amp. He doesn’t have the slightest interest in any new gear. He doesn’t seem interested in talking about basses. He doesn’t try new strings, he’s had the same set on his bass since I met him six years ago. But he’s a decent player and a great guy.