I think that it's awesome that you are playing at church! And, you have awesome instruments .... Hang in there and keep up the good work!
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I think that it's awesome that you are playing at church! And, you have awesome instruments .... Hang in there and keep up the good work!
I've been down this road myself. Maybe like you're seeing the end of a dream and you've lost your motivation. The dream is sometimes an illusion and maybe you know it. Maybe it's not right for you. It wasn't for me. But if you really love music and playing your instrument you don't need to be in a band gigging 3 nights a week to be legit. You are legit because you love playing just for you.
Now forgive me if I'm all wrong, if I'm dead wrong. But I've got a sense that anyone who has been a musician for a long time doesn't do it only for the glory. He/she loves playing and that's hard to just put down and forget it.
Sound like you are in a rut. I'd find a good teacher you have some rapport with and take a lesson once a month. Will open up the fretboard for you and possibly inject some interest back into playing bass. Challenge yourself.
+1. I often see people denying themselves, or selling, an expensive bass saying they can't justify it because they aren't gigging. You don't have to justify anything as long as you enjoy playing it. IMO the only reasons to sell your favourite bass is if you need the money or if you find something better.
Hi Steve,
Obviously it is your decision but if you're not in need of some extra cash, I'd say keep the two basses and get yorself a used p or a j (MIA or MIM)
I don't know what your wife would say about that, but having a couple of extra instruments home is not like having a collection. Plus, you can always sell them. I'd just not do it if I didn't have to as you've had them for some time, you'd never know if you'll need the extra string and/or the frets in the future.
Obviously it is your decision but if you're not in need of some extra cash, I'd say keep the two basses and get yorself a used p or a j (MIA or MIM)
I don't know what your wife would say about that, but having a couple of extra instruments home is not like having a collection. Plus, you can always sell them. I'd just not do it if I didn't have to as you've had them for some time, you'd never know if you'll need the extra string and/or the frets in the future.
Take some advice from someone that left the bass over 30 years ago. It was a mistake. About 4 years ago I began playing as a one time event, and the bug has been with me since. I wish I never sold the gear I had, even though I love what I have now. Take a break...but never let it go!
It seems you're done paying covers, and you've lost motivation completely... Have you thought about composing/writing your own music?
I don't necessarily mean to join an originals band, but even just write some stuff for you and only you... Maybe get a keyboard and write some instrumentals, etc
I don't necessarily mean to join an originals band, but even just write some stuff for you and only you... Maybe get a keyboard and write some instrumentals, etc
Well, i sold all my high end stuff, then replaced it with a Sub 5 by Sterling, and an Aguilar Tone Hammer DI. Never been happier. I realized that half of the reason I was always so pissed at being buried in a church mix was because I had spent thousands of dollars to build a tone machine, and all it did was piss off the sound guy. Now I have less than 400 bucks in my rig. Turn me down? Don't care.
+1 I say keep at least the fretted Roscoe for now until you're sure you really want to give it up. If you decide to sell the fretless, then do so and follow that up by going out and buying a P, J or whatever tickles your fancy in your stated price range and play it along with your Roscoe. If the new, less expensive meets all of your bass needs, then sell the fretted Roscoe and move on.
Maybe I'm reading between the lines, but this stuck out to me. Are you getting pressure to quit? Keep your gear, take a break if you want, but don't sell everything. The kids are going to grow up quickly and you'll have more free time to play. If you used to love it, it's still there. If you have really young kids, that can be stressful, but it gets better. I took a break from playing while the kids were young and now I'm playing for a crowd of 70,000 and found a band that plays a mix of covers and originals. We're serious, but not overboard. Stick with it, things get better.
Jim
Not at all. She wants me to play - if that's what I want - and keep the basses.
Turnaround
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My break was 16 years. It stopped being fun and became a job, and a frustrating one. The break was extended but good. During that time I managed to figure out what was important to me in music and what I wanted to get from it. Now I'm getting it.
Step back. Take stock. But don't throw out the baby with the bath water.
My wife wanted me to keep the faux marble Roscoe I sold, still gives me the business about it, and I really wish I still had it.
Keep them both unless you need the $, you have the perfect pair. I never go above the 18th fret, but my Roscoe and Dingwalls aren't going anywhere. And IMHO, a B string can be a good finger rest, until you need it, which will eventually happen. A B-string note played on the D string just sounds bad. Just take a break if you need to.
Keep them both unless you need the $, you have the perfect pair. I never go above the 18th fret, but my Roscoe and Dingwalls aren't going anywhere. And IMHO, a B string can be a good finger rest, until you need it, which will eventually happen. A B-string note played on the D string just sounds bad. Just take a break if you need to.
Steve, if you only have two basses, and like them both, keep them. No need to buy a four string unless the fiver's are causing health issues.
I play only in church settings, covering a wide variety of genres. My main basses are 5er's and I would certainly miss the B string. especially on those Eb monster choir songs. So if I were you, I would keep the Roscoes.
I also have a couple of four bangers I use with my bluegrassy thing, don't really need the extra string for that stuff.
I play only in church settings, covering a wide variety of genres. My main basses are 5er's and I would certainly miss the B string. especially on those Eb monster choir songs. So if I were you, I would keep the Roscoes.
I also have a couple of four bangers I use with my bluegrassy thing, don't really need the extra string for that stuff.
Don't sell!! Trust me you will regret it later. The basses you have now are very well made and the wife may say no later if you want them back. I could see selling the fretles maybe but I would keep the fretted. Maybe sell the fretted bass and use that money to buy a p or a jazz.
i agree with everyone who is saying take a break.
i also think that you are in need of some new music....or music that you need to re-acquaint yourself with.
i try to take a break from playing here and there in a year. not for very long but a break really helps your focus. usually when the band gets back together after a few weeks off, we sound great.
as for the music, find a new band or go band to a band you loved and don't listen to anymore. in the past year or so, i have gotten back into the dead. i play bluegrass/folk/americana and that's all i have been listening to. i got burned out on music all together with the 2-3 bands i play in playing every weekend. i read bill kruetzmans and phils book (again) and now i am into late 60's dead again. man! it's been great listening to all the great stuff they did back then. now i am wishing i still had an electric again!
i also think that you are in need of some new music....or music that you need to re-acquaint yourself with.
i try to take a break from playing here and there in a year. not for very long but a break really helps your focus. usually when the band gets back together after a few weeks off, we sound great.
as for the music, find a new band or go band to a band you loved and don't listen to anymore. in the past year or so, i have gotten back into the dead. i play bluegrass/folk/americana and that's all i have been listening to. i got burned out on music all together with the 2-3 bands i play in playing every weekend. i read bill kruetzmans and phils book (again) and now i am into late 60's dead again. man! it's been great listening to all the great stuff they did back then. now i am wishing i still had an electric again!
