We've all got one I'm sure. That one bass that sounds/feels/plays great, but it's kinda like a moped is fun to ride, but you might be apprehensive being seen with it in public.
A couple weeks ago, I was digging through my storage locker (it's really a room at one if those climate controlled U-Rent-It type places), and saw a case that looked unfamiliar. I moved all of the other basses off of it, and opened it up to see what was inside. Upon opening the case, a horrific Oder comprising baby powder and locker room sweat assaulted my nostrils! Inside, I found what I thought was what I like to term as one of my "Wooops Children". These children are usually basses or (much less frequently) guitars that I've purchased, usually on eBay. I've bid on them trying to catch a mistake or get a super cheap deal on an instrument. Frankly, many of these I give away to local schools or churches or kids in my circle who have need. Well, this bass, an ESP F-155-DX, had sat in storage, unopened, since November 2011. Two years. I'd never played her. The action was set so high, I could fit my whole hand between the fretboard and strings up to the 12th fret. So, I had my tech work his magic on it. New strings, full setup and intonation, etc.
Holy Cow! This thing sounds great with the new Chromes and setup my tech did. Neck is great, knobs a bit stiff, but everything works well and it's very responsive to boot! I've been rehearsing a song that I'll have to sing and play bass in this coming spring at my kids school ("Atlas" by Coldplay), and I've had a hard time getting the right tone and feel for this song (I'd yet to break out several of my old stalwarts however). First run through with this bass just about nailed it (obviously the Chromes need breaking in).
Sadly, however, I'm not sure I'd ever play this bass out in public. Honestly, I love the neck and cross between P & J tones I get with this bass. Did I mention the neck? But it's def got that 80's 90's rock bass look that would probably look silly on me in a live performance. My kids do go to one'a them snooty schools here. Ya ya ya chops and skill cover a multitude of sins yada yada but whatever....
So, do you have a moped hidden in your closet story?
A couple weeks ago, I was digging through my storage locker (it's really a room at one if those climate controlled U-Rent-It type places), and saw a case that looked unfamiliar. I moved all of the other basses off of it, and opened it up to see what was inside. Upon opening the case, a horrific Oder comprising baby powder and locker room sweat assaulted my nostrils! Inside, I found what I thought was what I like to term as one of my "Wooops Children". These children are usually basses or (much less frequently) guitars that I've purchased, usually on eBay. I've bid on them trying to catch a mistake or get a super cheap deal on an instrument. Frankly, many of these I give away to local schools or churches or kids in my circle who have need. Well, this bass, an ESP F-155-DX, had sat in storage, unopened, since November 2011. Two years. I'd never played her. The action was set so high, I could fit my whole hand between the fretboard and strings up to the 12th fret. So, I had my tech work his magic on it. New strings, full setup and intonation, etc.
Holy Cow! This thing sounds great with the new Chromes and setup my tech did. Neck is great, knobs a bit stiff, but everything works well and it's very responsive to boot! I've been rehearsing a song that I'll have to sing and play bass in this coming spring at my kids school ("Atlas" by Coldplay), and I've had a hard time getting the right tone and feel for this song (I'd yet to break out several of my old stalwarts however). First run through with this bass just about nailed it (obviously the Chromes need breaking in).
Sadly, however, I'm not sure I'd ever play this bass out in public. Honestly, I love the neck and cross between P & J tones I get with this bass. Did I mention the neck? But it's def got that 80's 90's rock bass look that would probably look silly on me in a live performance. My kids do go to one'a them snooty schools here. Ya ya ya chops and skill cover a multitude of sins yada yada but whatever....
So, do you have a moped hidden in your closet story?
