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One thing JB said.

Sam Evans

Sam Evans

Nov 29, 2008
2,566
3,557
#1
I really liked when Jeff Berlin pointed out that his main (only!) bass didn't cost more than $700, and that there was no need to spend outrageous amounts on an instrument.

I think a lot of us forget that many of our heroes played off-the-assembly-line, factory made instruments. It makes my occasional lust for one of those outrageously expensive instruments seem a bit silly to me . . .
 
#6
I think a lot of us forget that many of our heroes played off-the-assembly-line, factory made instruments. It makes my occasional lust for one of those outrageously expensive instruments seem a bit silly to me . . .
Click to expand...

You don't need a superlative instrument to make great music, especially if you're an extraordinary player.

You don't need a Porsche or a Ferrari to drive to work. Even if your commute is on the Autobahn.

But for those who can afford it, can enjoy it, and appreciate the difference, it's nice to own and drive a Porsche or Ferrari.
Same is true with basses.
 
#8
and he is right. Spending alot of money on a bass or on gear doesn't make someone a good bassist. I agree with what you are saying though, it is nice to see pros using average gear.

I have posted this story once before, but I will do it again as its one of my favorites.

I was at a blues club that I go to regularly. On Sunday nights they have the main band play, but it is also an open jam, however you kinda have to know someone that knows somone to actually play if you know what I mean.

Anyway one night a guy walked in, he looked homeless, wore out clothes, dirty ect. his guitar looked the same way I think there was even duct tape holding it together. He asked if he could do a song or two but the band blew him off and said maybe later. He waited awhile then asked again, well maybe later they said, he asked again a third time, same thing, maybe later. Well the band went on a break, so the guy plugged into his little 10 maybe 15 watt amp and started playing and singing. He blew everyone away, inculding me. He sounded alot like BB King, he and his guitar sounded amazing. So the band quickly came up to him and were like wow that is great we would love to have you do a few songs with us. His response was "you wouldn't give me the time of day before you knew I could play" then he unplugged his guitar and left, never saw him agian after that.

Just wanted to share on of my favorite stories.
 
#11
Here's a bit I liked that somewhat echoed statements I've read in interviews of other greats on various instruments:

"My most sincere suggestion is that you forget tempo, forget technique, forget speed, even don't worry about accuracy. All this will come if you learn music first because music requires different tempos, accuracy, technique. If you learn how to read, how to solo, how to function in a musical manner, then you will have a need for all the things that you listed here today."

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6798025&postcount=214

That links to the thread, which is at the top of the page ; }
 
#17
LaughingGroove said:
and he is right. Spending alot of money on a bass or on gear doesn't make someone a good bassist. I agree with what you are saying though, it is nice to see pros using average gear.

I have posted this story once before, but I will do it again as its one of my favorites.

I was at a blues club that I go to regularly. On Sunday nights they have the main band play, but it is also an open jam, however you kinda have to know someone that knows somone to actually play if you know what I mean.

Anyway one night a guy walked in, he looked homeless, wore out clothes, dirty ect. his guitar looked the same way I think there was even duct tape holding it together. He asked if he could do a song or two but the band blew him off and said maybe later. He waited awhile then asked again, well maybe later they said, he asked again a third time, same thing, maybe later. Well the band went on a break, so the guy plugged into his little 10 maybe 15 watt amp and started playing and singing. He blew everyone away, inculding me. He sounded alot like BB King, he and his guitar sounded amazing. So the band quickly came up to him and were like wow that is great we would love to have you do a few songs with us. His response was "you wouldn't give me the time of day before you knew I could play" then he unplugged his guitar and left, never saw him agian after that.

Just wanted to share on of my favorite stories.
Click to expand...

One word: PWNED!!! :bassist::bassist::bassist::bassist::bassist:
 
#20
kesslari said:
You don't need a superlative instrument to make great music, especially if you're an extraordinary player.

You don't need a Porsche or a Ferrari to drive to work. Even if your commute is on the Autobahn.

But for those who can afford it, can enjoy it, and appreciate the difference, it's nice to own and drive a Porsche or Ferrari.
Same is true with basses.
Click to expand...

Except, apparently, for Jeff Berlin. :D
 

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