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Things you've changed your mind about over time...

#101
After reading some of these you guys reminded me of one:

I used to think "Full-Stacks" ran the world of music. If you were on stage, you had to have a "Full-Stack" (two Marshall cabs and a head stacked on top of each other for guitar for example) or else you looked amateurish. I thought small speakers with built-in amps were only for beginners. I have a 4x10 now which is more than enough for me, but I know that I can't haul that sumbitch everywhere. Playing a small show means that that air pushing behemoth is not the right option lol. I guess when I was starting out I thought I would be selling out arenas and I would need 3 8x10s just to sound right. Now I'm looking around for a smaller amp (1x15 with a built in amp) so that I can play those smaller shows, and I don't ever see a situation where I will ever need an 8x10
 
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#102
"PillO, post: 19244018, member: 294715"]I tend to be agnostic about most things. Trained as a scientist, I look for evidence to support my beliefs, and more importantly, think about what evidence would change my mind or introduce doubt and I seek out that evidence..."

Pretty much sums up my thoughts on changing my mind about things, as well. I, also, was trained and worked as a scientist (biochemistry, molecular biology) for most of my career. It seems to me that mostly what I did was prove that what I absolutely, positively knew (or at least very much suspected) to be true a priori - wasn't. Of course, that holds true in most aspects of life, at least as I see it. Over the years, I've changed my mind on so many things as I learn more, study more and evaluate more. It is a constant process, and one that I hope I'll always continue. I think, and hope, that I am a better person for it. I certainly understand why people hold on to cherished beliefs, but I am also slightly bemused by people who won't change their minds when presented with strong evidence and well-reasoned argument. So much of what is taken as "common sense" and "of course, everyone knows that" turns out not to be the case on closer examination.

Cheers,
Dennis
 
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#104
Being blind and having cerebral palsy will make you realize there's no room for close mindedness so none of my views have changed because I had to use what I could use. An svt and 810 may sound great. But I can carry a streamliner and 2 Schroder 12L. So guess what I gig?
 
#108
FENDER: Used to hate 'em because they were everywhere. I wanted something interesting, unique, exotic and modern. Then when my bass became more of a talking point than my playing I wanted something that looked more traditional. I became a big fan of Fender's modular design because I can be uniquely custom through mods, but the average Joe doesn't notice anything special about the instrument. If I get compliments I feel it is more because I played well, not because of the instrument itself.

A STABLE: I used to think I needed a bass for everything. Fretless, 6 string, 12 string, short scale, etc... Nope. I just need one good 4 string set up to be versatile and a whole lot of different playing techniques.

COMPRESSORS: I used to hate them and see them as a crutch to cover poor note control. Now I see them as a musical tool that allows me to use a wide variety of techniques with different volumes and tones but still keep a mostly uniform signal level.

P-J PICKUPS: I used to think they were terrible. A missmatch of tones that really didn't work well together. That was based on my experience with them. Then I found a set that DID compliment one another and changed my mind.

EFFECTS: I routinely switch between NO effects, to pedalboard effects, to multifx only, back to no effects ever. In a few more months I'll switch opinions again with the seasons.

BIG NAME ON THE HEADSTOCK: When I started I was under the impression that a good bassist had to have a "pro-level" bass by a big name company like Fender, Gibson, or Rickenbacker. I bought a Gibson EB-0 for $200 because I could finally afford a REAL bass. Turned out it was a piece of junk. I keep a hold of it to remind myself of how GAS can steer a person wrong and to be more objective. I prefer my parts basses to have NO name on the headstock. If someone wants to judge me on a logo then I don't need that kind of immaturity in my life. If I can grow up, so should they.

VEGETABLES: I used to be a ravenous carnivore. Then I got a case of gout in my big toe and discovered what true pain and sufferring were all about. Now I think salads are swell and meat should only be eaten in small portions, on rare occasion, if ever.
 
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#111
Bolt-on necks and maple fretboards. Always swore I'd "never own one". Many years later I can't justify the immature snobbery and do own a few bolt-on's, no maple fretboards but
it just hasn't come about. Time changes us in many ways, we mellow. The nearer you get to the end of days, the more you realize most of it doesn't matter in the end. :)
 
#114
Once upon a time "Fender" was everything, and now they are nothing to me (Warwick and Stingray fan)

Once upon a time "Ampeg" was everything, and now they are nothing to me (Genz Benz and Aguilar fan). Kept my SVT II Non-Pro just in case.

Its all good though, just preference changes over time. Good topic
 
#119
I hear you on the pay to play thing - I never understood why it was bashed so much though. I still feel that those who continue to bash the model are those who don't have a crowd to pull and feel a strong sense of entitlement. Very childish, if I may add.

I haven't had issues with pay to play because I understood that my band carried the burden to bring the audience... and that I am not entitled to share my noise, unless others want to hear it. It's not worth gambling your money over, work within your means.
 
#120
I used to love Gibsons. So I bought one. Then I sold one. Then I bought a different one. Then I sold that one. I've owned 4 now. All are gone.... along with the love for them.

I used to worry about what others think of my gear and tone and all that stuff. Now I don't GAF. I just do and use what I like. I don't really do this for anyone else, so it only makes sense to do it my way.

The moment I realized that I actually barely know anything, in comparison to what there is to know and learn. My outlook changed and gave me a new drive to expand as both a musician and as a human being. It's kept me humble and I'll be dead and gone before I get all of the answers..

I used to want an Orange rig really bad. Probably because of Geddy, or something. Then I bought a great combo amp. It's loud enough (with headroom) for most gigs, light weight, and pushes some serious tone. Maybe someday I might get an Orange, but my mind is changed in that I really don't need one, let alone want one half as badly. It would be more of a PITA in hindsight of getting my combo.
 
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