I've learned that we'd all be exponentially better players if we spent half the time we do on this site actually playing, but I still love it!
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
I Blame You, TB...
- Thread starter Matt O
- Start date
I can't say that I've bought a lot of gear or instruments lately, but I think it's fair to say participating on TB has been an inspiration for several projects in the last year:
1) fixing up the Wishbass with a stacked humbucker J and grounding the strings,
2) rehabbing some of my Anderton-based electronics that were out of use for a few years,
3) adding the Q-filter midrange cut to the SX P,
4) getting an import Sterling to try out the MusicMan thing when I decided to trade away the Stick,
5) building a much better bass cab from a Delta 12LFA that was languishing in a small sealed cab while also using up a bunch of plywood scraps that had been hogging space in my shed for years,
6) really getting to know the 3-band passive tone stack in my YBA-1,
7) trying and really liking the sound and feel of flats on some of my basses, and
8) learning how to do a good job setting up my guitars and basses.
1) fixing up the Wishbass with a stacked humbucker J and grounding the strings,
2) rehabbing some of my Anderton-based electronics that were out of use for a few years,
3) adding the Q-filter midrange cut to the SX P,
4) getting an import Sterling to try out the MusicMan thing when I decided to trade away the Stick,
5) building a much better bass cab from a Delta 12LFA that was languishing in a small sealed cab while also using up a bunch of plywood scraps that had been hogging space in my shed for years,
6) really getting to know the 3-band passive tone stack in my YBA-1,
7) trying and really liking the sound and feel of flats on some of my basses, and
8) learning how to do a good job setting up my guitars and basses.
It has helped me sell a lot of basses, and buy a lot more basses, and then sell them, and then...
If you have to hide the fact you're a YES fan from your band mates, you're playing with the wrong people.
Upon joining TB I discovered that there are folks nearly as weird as me. I'm looking at you @Nobody ...
Seriously, this site is a lot of fun and very educational.
Seriously, this site is a lot of fun and very educational.
TB is one of the greatest places on earth, even if it is cyber space.
I've shipped basses worth thousands of dollars to trade people halfway around the world with no more assurance then a TB conversation.
I've shipped basses worth thousands of dollars to trade people halfway around the world with no more assurance then a TB conversation.
Last edited:
Best hang on the internet, oh there is bass gear too
I learned what a GTG is, and that bass players can be some of the nicest people! I've found out about a whole world of previously unknown higher end/boutique basses, strings, amps, cabinets, effects, power supplies, straps, etc.
I don't 'blame' TB for fine-tuning and developing my GAS... that seed was already in me.
I don't 'blame' TB for fine-tuning and developing my GAS... that seed was already in me.
Well, I've always liked P basses, and flatwounds; that's nothing new.
Howevever, since TB, my fondness for flats has ben validated, allowing me to feel somewhat ...self righteous, with the implied insight that I may have been right about something all along. (I'll try not to dislocate my shoulder patting myself on the back.)
Also, that I'm not alone in GASing for a '51P / '68 Tele bass. Lotsa people like em. Universally cool.
I think we are comfortable being snarkier with one another (than we would be with our personal friends) because of the scant layer of anonymity. I think that's both good and bad.
As somewhat of an aside, even though I'm in my mid 50s I don't mind being relegated to the kids table at a large family get together. Although, truth be told, I can't be sure if the feeling is mutual. (And something tells me, I'm not the only TBer, who lands up at the kids table, either.)
Howevever, since TB, my fondness for flats has ben validated, allowing me to feel somewhat ...self righteous, with the implied insight that I may have been right about something all along. (I'll try not to dislocate my shoulder patting myself on the back.)
Also, that I'm not alone in GASing for a '51P / '68 Tele bass. Lotsa people like em. Universally cool.
I think we are comfortable being snarkier with one another (than we would be with our personal friends) because of the scant layer of anonymity. I think that's both good and bad.
As somewhat of an aside, even though I'm in my mid 50s I don't mind being relegated to the kids table at a large family get together. Although, truth be told, I can't be sure if the feeling is mutual. (And something tells me, I'm not the only TBer, who lands up at the kids table, either.)
TB has actually saved me a great deal of money and time that might have been wasted on ignorant purchases trying to find a sound through trial and error.
Members have been so willing to share their combined experience and immensely helpful insight and answer every question I have had. I truly appreciate it.
I only hope some of my insights and advice can do as much for others when I respond.
EDIT: I am also confident that I have the most totally BA awesome rig that fits my needs to a T and a bass to fill every sonic niche I require.
If it weren't for TB, I might wonder if I might be missing something.
Members have been so willing to share their combined experience and immensely helpful insight and answer every question I have had. I truly appreciate it.
I only hope some of my insights and advice can do as much for others when I respond.
EDIT: I am also confident that I have the most totally BA awesome rig that fits my needs to a T and a bass to fill every sonic niche I require.
If it weren't for TB, I might wonder if I might be missing something.
Last edited:
One unfortunate correction I have to make here. Chris Squire was phenomenal.
Good point! But when I'm listening to some YES, he is phenomenal. Recordings are our shot at immortality in a way. Wow, now my mind is blown. Thanks, TB.
I had owned 4 basses when I joined TB and only had 2 at a time, i rarely have under 20 now.
Still not a Geddy fan? Good grief, man! We need to fix this!
TB gave me GAS, and I still have GAS, despite buying two basses and a new bass rig over the past year. Fortunately looking up my bank account online acts as a virtual "Beano", but maybe next year. Also slowly bringing effects back into the fold, after not using them for 20 years.
What else? Learned some setup tips, cool band tips and tricks, laughed my ass off, and thanks to the Strings section I went on a string experiment trip, the likes of which I haven't done in nearly 30 years. Saw some incredible basses in the Basses section, and got tips in the Amp section. So much more. TB is pretty awesome, IMHO.
Banned me 6 times, only one of which I deserved
