• 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 freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

So Talkbass Has A Store Now...

We actually had a store here years ago. Paul even put up a t-shirt submission contest. This was my submission
donkeys-jpg.jpg

:D
And my truck still proudly bears the "Everybody follows the bass player" bumper sticker I got from the original store.
 
  • Like
Reactions: paul
Ask me again once you get to rename the thread "Absolutely everybody hates the fact TB has a store now".
I think the majority of people voicing objections here would be fine with the store if it stuck to TB merch. I don't care if there's a TB store selling shirts, mugs and bumper stickers but I do have an issue with a TB store that sells strings.
 
@paul @SLaPiNFuNK

I would rather Paul and Jason work privately and behind the scenes on their differences than on an open thread.

Can I report this thread to a Mod?

Agreed - at this point, I think lines are drawn in the sand on both sides, and members have made their own opinions. Perhaps cooler heads could prevail (or not) if this was done in private. After that, obviously both sides can state something, but I don't think this public back and forth is doing anything.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JLY, paul and Selta
I think the majority of people voicing objections here would be fine with the store if it stuck to TB merch. I don't care if there's a TB store selling shirts, mugs and bumper stickers but I do have an issue with a TB store that sells strings.
I get that. By all means, let anyone who agrees with you, and they're the overwhelming majority of members who've posted here, go on voicing their concerns. I just happen to disagree with them.

I believe that the set of casual string buyer who's gonna buy here instead of shopping around for the best deal does not overlap significantly with that of potential BSO customers. The constant promotion by satisfied customers in and out of TB:Strings [BG] will take care of the rest, as it has so far. I may be right, I may be wrong about this, but only time will tell, not concern-voicing.

I also believe in Paul's right to sell whatever he feels like selling on his website. I also go one step further that he apparently does: the whole talk of "level plain* field", in this context, is absurd to me; as for competitors and their fans alike, let them stay, leave or get some leverage in whatever form one can think of and deem appropriate - same as everywhere else in real life. Not my fight though, and no sacred rights being violated that I can detect. As for apocalyptic scenarios (mentioned elsewhere) I haven't seen any degradation in the quality of content in the forum, nor has anyone, yet. Again, let's talk about it if and when it happens.

This is my opinion, one-liners and snark aside, and I'm sticking to it.

One last thing, for completeness: no beef with Jason, none whatsoever. I enjoy his posts, believe he's a great guy, haven't bought from him yet but will certainly do in the future (if he'll still have me), routinely refer to his website* in my string advice posts (as you can easily check from my posting history), and will continue to do so because he'll probably still have the best deals.


*EDIT: oh, FF'sS - "playing" :atoz:
**EDIT: I even go out of my way to provide links to exact product pages, if I may add
 
Last edited:
I get that. By all means, let anyone who agrees with you, and they're the overwhelming majority of members who've posted here, go on voicing their concerns. I just happen to disagree with them.

I believe that the set of casual string buyer who's gonna buy here instead of shopping around for the best deal does not overlap significantly with that of potential BSO customers. The constant promotion by satisfied customers in and out of TB:Strings [BG] will take care of the rest, as it has so far. I may be right, I may be wrong about this, but only time will tell, not concern-voicing.

I also believe in Paul's right to sell whatever he feels like selling on his website. I also go one step further that he apparently does: the whole talk of "level plain* field", in this context, is absurd to me; as for competitors and their fans alike, let them stay, leave or get some leverage in whatever form one can think of and deem appropriate - same as everywhere else in real life. Not my fight though, and no sacred rights being violated that I can detect. As for apocalyptic scenarios (mentioned elsewhere) I haven't seen any degradation in the quality of content in the forum, nor has anyone, yet. Again, let's talk about it if and when it happens.

This is my opinion, one-liners and snark aside, and I'm sticking to it.

One last thing, for completeness: no beef with Jason, none whatsoever. I enjoy his posts, believe he's a great guy, haven't bought from him yet but will certainly do in the future (if he'll still have me), routinely refer to his website* in my string advice posts (as you can easily check from my posting history), and will continue to do so because he'll probably still have the best deals.


*EDIT: oh, FF'sS - "playing" :atoz:
**EDIT: I even go out of my way to provide links to exact product pages, if I may add

Thanks!
 
  • Like
Reactions: HaphAsSard
One thought from a bassist (first) and admin (second) before heading off to an out of town gig. I have been buying my DB strings from Gollihur for forever, and Bob has helped me out numerous times and in numerous ways with strings and gear over the years. I only play TI strings and usually buy singles, and the TB store doesn't carry TI, so this is not an issue for me right now. But if TB did, I would probably still continue buying from Bob because of the relationship we have formed over the years. If the TB price was seriously lower I'd have to think about it, but I doubt that would be the case.

Regarding BG strings, I don't buy many and have super dry skin so they last forever. But, in a recent search for the perfect strings for a new bass Jason was extremely helpful with advising me on things to try and in what order, even when I went the rather wacky route of buying strings meant for EADG and tuning them up a 4th as ADGC. His input was invaluable and entirely within the site rules, and I very much appreciated his help. Of course, I ended up with TI strings again for the new BG so there is no conflict, but I think even if that changed I would continue to order from BSO because when i need help from an expert I know I can get it. I suspect a lot of folks feel the same way.

As far as this thread, I think and hope that as soon as the new paradigm wears off that everyone can go on getting along as before. We're all bass players here, and we have a home where we can come together and help each other where our skills and knowledge are of value to someone else. I know that both Paul and Jason have a lot to offer, and I don't see why anyone would feel the need to choose one or the other. As always, EEMMV, and EEMWCB. :) Off to make a joyful noise!
 
I don't see doublebass strings currently available at the TB store, but as soon as I do, I'm pulling my banners.

That isn't a threat, it's purely a business decision. I do not choose to subsidize competitors with my advertising dollars.

You didn't ask for my opinion, but if you don't wish to alienate your commercial users, I would suggest opening your store on a separate but related website, rather than co-hosted with the TB forum site. But I don't begrudge you the right to step out and do your own thing. Just be aware of the consequences.
 
I don't see doublebass strings currently available at the TB store, but as soon as I do, I'm pulling my banners.

That isn't a threat, it's purely a business decision. I do not choose to subsidize competitors with my advertising dollars.

You didn't ask for my opinion, but if you don't wish to alienate your commercial users, I would suggest opening your store on a separate but related website, rather than co-hosted with the TB forum site. But I don't begrudge you the right to step out and do your own thing. Just be aware of the consequences.

Hi Mark! If in the distant future we had enough means to stock $$$DB strings ( not likely), I was absolutely going to start a dialog with you to see where you stand. I have nothing but respect for you and your support of this site is not something I'd treat casually. Sorry this mess has played out here. Sorry I had the empty DB category placeholder up. Now deleted. been so busy...
 
Last edited:
Hi Mark! If in the distant future we had enough means to stock $$$DB strings ( not likely), I was absolutely going to start a dialog with you to see where you stand. I have nothing but respect for you and your support of this site is not something I'd treat casually. Sorry this mess has played out here. Sorry I had the empty DB category placeholder up. Now deleted. been so busy...
Did you start a dialogue with @SLaPiNFuNK to see where he stood before you stocked electric bass strings?
 
Did you start a dialogue with @SLaPiNFuNK to see where he stood before you stocked electric bass strings?

He doesn't pay for banner ads or advertising. His sole business interaction is a $15 subscription to the Bazaar which he stopped using over a month ago and Paul still offered to refund. And Paul still sent a letter of friendship stating that nothing would be changed in the forums or limiting his posting behavior in any way.
 
He doesn't pay for banner ads or advertising. His sole business interaction is a $15 subscription to the Bazaar which he stopped using over a month ago and Paul still offered to refund. And Paul still sent a letter of friendship stating that nothing would be changed in the forums or limiting his posting behavior in any way.
Cool.

Doesn't answer my question.
 
  • Like
Reactions: buldog5151bass