I forgot to add that this year for Christmas, my wife bought me the first P bass made by Roscoe. It’s a killer bass. A step above the Yamaha and G&L for sure.
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So what had happened was...Rickenbacker content
- Thread starter JZQuantum
- Start date
Man, what a tough-love crowd...I didn't expect this response. It's cool!
I'll rethink my decision...it's just that I am trying to get my mixing and mastering work seriously off the ground and she supports me on that too by letting me work crazy hours on clients work. This looked like an opportunity to get studio gear that I'll actually use for clients right now. I'll definitely rethink my decision on that bass.
Honestly, I forgot that Ricks are stereo, that might come in handy.
And we do have a very strong relationship, we both tell it like it is with each other good and bad. We are equals in that way. For example, I bought her some stupidly expensive makeup brushes...I mean movie star expensive...and she said she didn't like them. So I returned them and got her something else. No problem for me. I was glad I got her something she'll actually use instead of keeping in her drawer and not ever using them.
Don't take my remarks as defensive...I appreciate everyone's feedback, really.
I kind of agree with everyone else here.
I had mentioned getting a combo some years ago, so my wife thought she'd surprise me for Christmas later that year with a Fender Rumble 200. When I saw the present, I had an idea it was an amp and with her not knowing a thing about instruments, my stomach was already starting to turn.
When I unwrapped it and saw the word FENDER, I smiled at her appreciatively, but in my head I screamed, "NOoooooooooooooo!". Nothing against Fender (I do play Fender guitars, not basses and do have a Fender guitar amp), but I wasn't looking into Fender when I was considering a bass combo.
Anyway, it's a decent amp, actually sounds good. I was relieved she at least got me a 200 watter (well, with extension cab, 140 without) and not a dinky 15 or 25 watt amp. And it's fine, I'm not gigging, just playing and recording at home. Thing is, at some point before getting this gift, I had been looking at a Mesa Subway head/mini-rig or something similar and even though it's been a few years and it would probably be safe to get it, I feel like I will offend her in some way.
Anyway, I admire your courage, OP! While I agree with everyone, you still did the right thing. I mean, why not get something you will actually use and love especially if you know you're not a Ric guy?
Maybe meet her halfway - give her a list of basses you WOULD play in the same price range and let her pick one out for you.
Please have your wife call my wife. I have a birthday next month.
I'd explain a bass to us is like a dress or gown to them, you can guess or go by looks, but that dont mean it will fit.
Seriously pal. There's nothing sexy or anniversary worthy about a rack eq.
This kind of reaction to a sincere gift can truly be heartbreaking, especially since your wife already has her initial plan failing.
This kind of reaction to a sincere gift can truly be heartbreaking, especially since your wife already has her initial plan failing.
Just curious, if this thread makes you react this way, then what kind of thread would make you leave TalkBass for good? Simply ignoring and not posting would work as well.
To the OP, my wife are open and honest as well, after 19 years she would understand and be cool with this situation. Of course she would ask me what I want first, and then never buy it for me.
Edit: just asked my wife and she said it was not a cool move. I'm wrong and I'll admit it. She wouldn't be cool with it. @JZQuantum
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It's possible it could be OK in a specific relationship that truly allows everyone to be totally frank to this degree and no hurt feelings come from it. Those relationships do exist, but you better be 100% sure both parties agree this is where things truly stand. I know people where one of them thinks they are in this type situation, but in reality they are not. This is a bit of a tough spot, because things like basses are very personal as far as what each person likes. Rics are great basses for some people, maybe even their holy grail. Personally I'd never want one. That said I'd cringe a little inside but if my wife spent the time to research "best bass" and dropped $2k on a Rick, I'd thank her profusely, play it forever, and probably end up liking it more than I thought I would. Personally, I wouldn't surprise someone with something of this cost and that is so specific to a person's likes and dislikes. I love to research my hobby items to the nth degree before purchasing and try lots of stuff out, so it is literally impossible for someone to pick out the right $2,000 bass for me, because honestly I don't even know what that would be at the moment. The other issue is that our tastes change, so even if I did decide to buy a Ric, if I played it for a year and didn't love it I'd move it down the road and get whatever I want next. Not a good idea to sell/trade your 5 year anniv. present your wife researched and dropped $2k on.Man, what a tough-love crowd...I didn't expect this response. It's cool!
I'll rethink my decision...it's just that I am trying to get my mixing and mastering work seriously off the ground and she supports me on that too by letting me work crazy hours on clients work. This looked like an opportunity to get studio gear that I'll actually use for clients right now. I'll definitely rethink my decision on that bass.
Honestly, I forgot that Ricks are stereo, that might come in handy.
And we do have a very strong relationship, we both tell it like it is with each other good and bad. We are equals in that way. For example, I bought her some stupidly expensive makeup brushes...I mean movie star expensive...and she said she didn't like them. So I returned them and got her something else. No problem for me. I was glad I got her something she'll actually use instead of keeping in her drawer and not ever using them.
Don't take my remarks as defensive...I appreciate everyone's feedback, really.
For some reason, I AM actually happy to know this. I feel like this is for the bestYou all will be happy to know (or maybe don't care) that I went ahead and told her I want the Rick. She smiled and said ok. I've never played one before in my 25 years on the bass, or even heard one live. I took a listen on YT and it is a sound I can use in my songs. The stereo output may come in handy for the studio too. Appreciate the replies from you guys.
Many musicians are in the position of their partner not caring/understanding/supporting/even tolerating their involvement in music. I think you should have taken it and been glad you have someone that cares enough about you to give it to you.
Yeah, I learned not to buy clothes, makeup, etc. for my wife early on when we were dating unless she's literally right next to me in the store. Been there, done that.
You insensitive cad 
Good chance to step outside your comfort zone, expand your bass collection, and express to your thoughtful wife that you're very grateful as well as lucky to have a significant other that not only encourages your hobby but tries to buy you a unique expensive instrument.
She probably expected that she knocked this 'wood thing' out of the park and you'd go ape
with joy. I bet it took the wind out of her sails for the rest of your day (not just YOURS.)
How many years together is wooden? 5? Ill be surprised if uz make it to 7. I hope you got her something amazing.
I'll concede that December is a looong time to wait for a bass you don't really even want... maybe you should have played that angle instead of basically saying her gift wasn't good enough.
Sorry if I'm coming atcha extra harsh. If you had been asking or hinting hard for a mixing console (or whatever it was) all year, then she maybe wasn't paying attention to your words. Otherwise, without knowing your relationship and going by what you laid out here, it makes you look ungrateful. My opinion.
Good chance to step outside your comfort zone, expand your bass collection, and express to your thoughtful wife that you're very grateful as well as lucky to have a significant other that not only encourages your hobby but tries to buy you a unique expensive instrument.
She probably expected that she knocked this 'wood thing' out of the park and you'd go ape
with joy. I bet it took the wind out of her sails for the rest of your day (not just YOURS.) How many years together is wooden? 5? Ill be surprised if uz make it to 7. I hope you got her something amazing.
I'll concede that December is a looong time to wait for a bass you don't really even want... maybe you should have played that angle instead of basically saying her gift wasn't good enough.
Sorry if I'm coming atcha extra harsh. If you had been asking or hinting hard for a mixing console (or whatever it was) all year, then she maybe wasn't paying attention to your words. Otherwise, without knowing your relationship and going by what you laid out here, it makes you look ungrateful. My opinion.
Way to crush her ego. It amazes me how callous some people can be in accepting a thoughtful gift. Total bad form.
Good suggestion. After our talk on this, she showed me all of the bass brands she considered. She knows I currently own Peavey, Fender, MusicMan and I make my own Warmoths so to her, those brands were out of consideration. I told her which ones I liked from her list and ones I didn't. TBH, it's difficult to give her an answer about which bass I would buy for myself right now because for once in my 25 years on bass I'm actually satisfied with my current lineup and have been for about 1.5 - 2 years. So it kinda feels like eating 4 meals in a day when you only hunger for 3.
I like the way they look, and I have heard them sound good in other people's hands. But whenever I pick one up, I am always struck at how awful they strike me. Neck shape, noise, weight, that bridge, etc. Clearly not a good fit for me. I'd rather play a Squire P or J, at least the recipe is right.
It’s hideous. Please get a picture of you wearing it!
This one. Definitely this one. GOODBYE FOREVER
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