I posted earlier regarding my owning a wishnevsky. i seriously can't understand what you all are getting so worked up about.Read my post in response to JT.. Why must people consistently debase anothers form of expression?? Shouldn't you all be concentrating on your own?!! How many of you who are bitching and moaning about his instruments are exceptionally proficient at your own art?? How many of you are not?? Is he telling you that you suck?? Are you putting yourselves out on the line and trying to stretch boundaries..or..are you following the herd?? It is so easy to sit in judgement on someone else, why don't you try being honest with yourselves and what your actual contribution to your chosen art is!! Are you beyond reproach?? Think about this...
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Wishnevsky!!!!!!
- Thread starter rllefebv
- Start date
dhuffguitars
Luthier/Bass Wanker depending on your opinion
"Why must people consistently debase anothers form of expression??"
Okay basses can be "art", but function is first priority "Form FOLLOWS Function". The bass has to be playable, and operate correctly to be classified as a bass first off. I would call Wish basses art that looks like basses.
"Shouldn't you all be concentrating on your own?!!"
I am
"How many of you who are bitching and moaning about his instruments are exceptionally proficient at your own art?? How many of you are not??"
I'm pretty good at my art and I think I have a good grasp of what's right and what's wrong with his basses.
"Is he telling you that you suck?? "
Not Yet....
"Are you putting yourselves out on the line and trying to stretch boundaries..or..are you following the herd??"
I follow the herd in thinking that there are several things that need to be done in a certain way for the bass to function properly as a bass, then after all of that is accomplished I can then add the art aspect to the bass to make it my own.
"It is so easy to sit in judgement on someone else, why don't you try being honest with yourselves and what your actual contribution to your chosen art is!! Are you beyond reproach?? Think about this..."
Thought about it, and over athttp://www.dhuffguitars.com you can see my contribution. And we all have flaws in what we do, but there has to be a quality control level of what is sellable as a bass vs. art.
Okay basses can be "art", but function is first priority "Form FOLLOWS Function". The bass has to be playable, and operate correctly to be classified as a bass first off. I would call Wish basses art that looks like basses.
"Shouldn't you all be concentrating on your own?!!"
I am
"How many of you who are bitching and moaning about his instruments are exceptionally proficient at your own art?? How many of you are not??"
I'm pretty good at my art and I think I have a good grasp of what's right and what's wrong with his basses.
"Is he telling you that you suck?? "
Not Yet....
"Are you putting yourselves out on the line and trying to stretch boundaries..or..are you following the herd??"
I follow the herd in thinking that there are several things that need to be done in a certain way for the bass to function properly as a bass, then after all of that is accomplished I can then add the art aspect to the bass to make it my own.
"It is so easy to sit in judgement on someone else, why don't you try being honest with yourselves and what your actual contribution to your chosen art is!! Are you beyond reproach?? Think about this..."
Thought about it, and over athttp://www.dhuffguitars.com you can see my contribution. And we all have flaws in what we do, but there has to be a quality control level of what is sellable as a bass vs. art.
Boy don't you come off as high and mighty!
Let me guess, Liberal? as defined by the idea that the best and brightest in a particular field have no right to exist because "it's not fair" and requiring that achievers must be brought down to the lowest level. We are critiquing Wish's art on terms that HE uses to describe it. Unfortunately for him, he has chosen to use terms that have come to describe some particular and well known concepts. If we are to respect his skills as he's related them in his advertising, he MUST meet a certain measure of competence as we know it to be. This isn't an arena of idea's where one's mere opinion can have the same weight as another's. In this arena, if you are to be taken seriously, you must show the skills. In other words "Seeing is believing". And since we can't hear for ourselves, we must rely on what we see to be the arbiter. If I had as long in wood working and luthiery as Wishnevsky says he has, I would expect my work to be of the standard that Huff, Pushic, Eshenbaugh, Conklin, or any of the other heavyweights show. I don't now, nor do I expect to show their skills in many years to come but yes, I AM out there trying - and learning, and doing, and learning, and failing quite often. If you'll read my first and longest post about this subject, I made it clear that I thought of Wishnevsky's creations as "art" more than fully functional and desirable instruments. Sorry for the definition if you don't agree but there has to be a line drawn somewhere. And while I'm at it - Why should his work be put to any less scrutiny than I would an instrument I buy off the shelf? If I walked into my favorite store and saw a factory bass with a poorly cut pup rout, a misaligned neck, an obviously hacked control plate, and a brushed on finish, I wouldn't be any more likely to accept that than I would Wish's creations. So, in fact, I'm actually comparing his instruments to basses in the same price range and, sorry to say, Wish just ain't holding up. By the way, nice post Darin!
Hambone..Where do you come off calling me high and mighty? Simply stating my feelings and honestly asking in return if any of you considered the questions I asked.. As for the "liberal" quip..You might want to consider keeping that nonsense to yourself, none of your business and speculation concerning me isn't your place..period! D Huff..The bass does funtion properly and allows me to get out of it what I will.A masterpiece? Not by any means, but certainly an interesting addition to what I have both tonally and visually..As for your grasp of right and wrong... well, you may be a builder, but your opinion is purely subjective,, we all can make our own rules..we have that right and some actually prefer it that way, if you don't.. that's fine no one should come down on you for that.. Go ahead and follow the herd, I don't feel like it and that makes us different, doesn't make either one of us wrong. I am glad you are making a contribution, but could you withstand a barrage of merciless criticism like what is being heaped upon Wishnevsky?? Could you honestly say your feelings wouldn't be hurt, as well as your pride. I'm not here to do battle but neither will I succumb to the theory of "proper this and proper that" that is my right. Take care Actually one more thing..Hambone I never said the so called best and brightest had no right to exist, nor that they had to "come down" to anyones level..people, no matter what their skill level can make a viable contribution in whatever it is they do..
dhuffguitars
Luthier/Bass Wanker depending on your opinion
D Huff..The bass does funtion properly and allows me to get out of it what I will.A masterpiece? Not by any means, but certainly an interesting addition to what I have both tonally and visually..As for your grasp of right and wrong... well, you may be a builder, but your opinion is purely subjective,
Is the routing for a pickup that is obviously miscut purely subjective? I don't think so. There is right or wrong.
, we all can make our own rules..we have that right and some actually prefer it that way, if you don't.. that's fine no one should come down on you for that.. Go ahead and follow the herd, I don't feel like it and that makes us different, doesn't make either one of us wrong.
I follow the Herd that thinks ELECTRIC bass guitars need truss rods to fine tune neck adjustment, and where fit and finish is important. Call us a crazy heard of non-thinkers and just mearly followers so be it.
I am glad you are making a contribution, but could you withstand a barrage of merciless criticism like what is being heaped upon Wishnevsky?? Could you honestly say your feelings wouldn't be hurt, as well as your pride.
I made sure my instruments were up to par with quality basses before I tried selling them to the public. I think he needs a little more practice, and maybe to read a little more on general woodworking.
I'm not here to do battle but neither will I succumb to the theory of "proper this and proper that" that is my right. Take care Actually one more thing..Hambone I never said the so called best and brightest had no right to exist, nor that they had to "come down" to anyones level..people, no matter what their skill level can make a viable contribution in whatever it is they do..
THE DUDE MAKES ART THAT LOOKS LIKE A BASS. I feel bad for the kids that buy these basses off ebay expecting an actual playable bass.
Would you use your Wishbass as your main gigging bass? If no, why not?
Is the routing for a pickup that is obviously miscut purely subjective? I don't think so. There is right or wrong.
, we all can make our own rules..we have that right and some actually prefer it that way, if you don't.. that's fine no one should come down on you for that.. Go ahead and follow the herd, I don't feel like it and that makes us different, doesn't make either one of us wrong.
I follow the Herd that thinks ELECTRIC bass guitars need truss rods to fine tune neck adjustment, and where fit and finish is important. Call us a crazy heard of non-thinkers and just mearly followers so be it.
I am glad you are making a contribution, but could you withstand a barrage of merciless criticism like what is being heaped upon Wishnevsky?? Could you honestly say your feelings wouldn't be hurt, as well as your pride.
I made sure my instruments were up to par with quality basses before I tried selling them to the public. I think he needs a little more practice, and maybe to read a little more on general woodworking.
I'm not here to do battle but neither will I succumb to the theory of "proper this and proper that" that is my right. Take care Actually one more thing..Hambone I never said the so called best and brightest had no right to exist, nor that they had to "come down" to anyones level..people, no matter what their skill level can make a viable contribution in whatever it is they do..
THE DUDE MAKES ART THAT LOOKS LIKE A BASS. I feel bad for the kids that buy these basses off ebay expecting an actual playable bass.
Would you use your Wishbass as your main gigging bass? If no, why not?
D Huff, Why are you getting so worked up? Never called you crazy, never called you wrong.I just happen to fully believe in freedom of expression.I don't know what else to say.I'll tell you this though..If the music I was playing on that particular night suited itself to the wish thing, then yes I would play it..Without hesitation.Main bass?? 71 p bass beat to death..I however love basses from high end to lo fi, why do you find that so hard to understand?? It is just my thing. In the "order of the hungry yak" the avant hardcore band i play a kay eb3 copy with microphonic pickups thru a sunn 2000s from the late 60's. i would venture to say that no hi end rig and bass could provide me with the sound i heard in my head as well as this particular setup.That is what the initial beauty and appeal of the wish thing was. And yes. at first i was disappointed, until i began investigating it's capabilities, at which point i could only smile and say"yeah!!!"I genuinely get excited about these things and thank god that i do, it provides alot more color to my world. Lastly, does it really affect you if he doesn't put truss rods in his basses?? I mean really?? In the end shouldn't it just come down to what matters to you? and if you are being honest with and true to yourself?? Take care..ONe more thing..okay,,Art that plays as a bass" that's fine agreed, but i find alot more satisfaction in playing something like that and coaxing what i can from it, than any mass produced souless bass..Again..just my thing..See ya and good luck to you..
I said it, I stand by it and the evidence is clear to me.
You're very generous with your assessment. While you may have done just that, you also attacked my honest feelings. What's good for the goose...
And sure, I considered your questions - about as long as it took me to type this (.) Fortunately the depth of your argument didn't require more time.
Why get so worked up about this? If you aren't then you aren't. If you are then the truth will set you free.
I couldn't help but notice you didn't say that you get out of it what you want - probably just an error of omission eh?
Sure, we can make our own rules but we have to follow yours.
Wishnevsky seems to be withstanding the criticism a whole lot better than you are right now.
As an artist, it wouldn't bother me a bit - my vision is mine alone. As for pride - yep, I would be hurt. It would make me go to the shop and really learn how that darn router works.
Boy, that "no proper this and no proper that" attitude makes doing things like picking doctors, filing taxes, or playing in time with a drummer a major headache doesn't it?
Finally, something we can agree on! I put it to you that Wishnevsky's sole contribution is to serve as a warning to others - if you don't have the skills or the drive to attain the skills, leave those sharp tools alone.
dhuffguitars
Luthier/Bass Wanker depending on your opinion
I am just looking out for the kid who buys one of his basses with their hard ewarned money to find that it has a lot to be desired.
To each his own, and I am glad you enjoy your art
To each his own, and I am glad you enjoy your art
hambone one last time , can the high and mighty crap. i am stating my feelings, not at all attacking yours and in no way am i suggesting that my opinions are "right" they are just mine.as for the "omission" bit, that is just plain ridiculous, i stand by my words and my feelings and if they differ from yours so be it. i obviously live in a much different world from you. take care.. oh and dhuff, no issue with you i understand your last point entirely..i wouldn't want to be the one to shell out the dough and not get at all what i expected.particularly if i were a kid and didn't have the disposable cash..it happened to be obvious to me that for the 125.00 i shelled out that i wasn't getting a miro or tiffany lamp. but rather exactly what i got. that's it take care
john turner
You don't want to do that. Trust me.
no, you think about this.
people
have
opinions.
they're entitled to them, they don't have to _earn_ them, and they certainly don't have to defend them, especially not to you when they aren't about you in the first place.
you know, it's pretty sad that you feel the need to resort to insults in an attempt to defend that which is not yours to defend in the first place. i don't understand why you feel justified in doing so just because we happen to be speaking honestly and negatively about this guy's work. you play a wishnevsky? good for you, champ. has anyone insulted wishnevsky players directly? did anyone here insult you personally? then why do you address our opinions with insults? that's neither warranted nor appropriate. this thread is devoted to the discussion of the construction "techniques" or lack thereof evident on these "instruments". you could participate in the discussion in a construct way, lending your experience with the instrument.
instead of getting insulting and pissy, why don't you counter the comments made about these things with your own experience - can you properly intonate your bass? will it hold a tune? are the volume levels from each string the same? are the distances between the strings consistent? post some recordings of your bass to let us hear how it sounds. give us the benefit of your experience with the instrument to prove that the sloppy workmanship evident in the photos doesn't impair it's usefulness, but rather enhances it.
as for my place in my art, i don't have to justify what i do to you, but i will say this - what i try to do is not even on the same _continent_ as the "herd" as you so ignorantly put it. the instruments i play _are_ unique, and not because they look like some guy hacked them out with a screw driver while he was drunk. i've been insulted heavily many places, including here, bunnybass, harmony central, alt.guitar.bass and even personal emails because of the instruments i play and the way i play them - my music was insulted by one of your fellow pubic (sic) defenders in another thread, presumably because i slam on these abominations here.
i'm proud of the fact that people insult my music and my instruments - i must be doing something right to motivate people to have such strong feelings about me and my stuff. the thing is, you won't hear someone saying "john, your playing is out of key and off time" and me following it up with "hey, man, screw you, that's my art"
you know, i think it's ironic that you bring up freedom of expression as you attempt to castigate people for expressing themselves. nobody here is stopping wishnevsky's freedom of expression, but one of the consequences of his free expression is criticism, freely given by those who experience his "art". it's our right to freedom of expression, or don't we have that right?
john turner
You don't want to do that. Trust me.
oh, cry me a river. here...
http://www.bunnybass.com/amusing/amusingbass15.shtml
click the button that reads "leave a comment". wishy's abominations haven't even come close to the kind of abuse that i have suffered there, and that's just one place of _many_ that i've found and am aware of. big deal - last time i checked my wrists were still whole and unscarred
wishnevsky wants to do something different, right? well, more power to him. he wants to reinvent the wheel? a noble endeavour, although i'll remain skeptical. but if he's going to do something for public consumption that has to do with bass guitars and i see it, his output is going to be subjected to my critical appraisal, and i'm going to share it. that's my right, my freedom of expression - i take bass deathly seriously, and i have the right to express my opinions and criticisms.
you know what man, i have never insulted you... only asked you questions.good for you and your resiliency when it comes to criticism. look, again you and i obviously live in different worlds. i could give a crap about the pickup rout .if i plug in and play and it feels right i could care less about the workmanship, and you know what? i do fine, you live out there in 7 string prog metal land and i live in avant noise territory where there are no wrong notes.fair enough.. i don't think my opinions superior to anyones.. and yeah i might like standing up for the underdog but i guess i'm just a softie at heart. you're right, all you have the undeniable right to critique anyones work regardless of what it is..so i'll leave you to that..best regards
john turner
You don't want to do that. Trust me.
that's a cool way to put it. i sorta like that avant noise stuff - if you ever have some to share, i'd dig hearing it.look man..i hate to be sappy and i damn near got into some bad territory but thought better of it. but we are all bassists, an amazing thing to have in common. let's just appreciate one another and support what we all do, god knows it's tough enough without being at the throats of brethren..talk to you soon i'm sure.....
john turner
You don't want to do that. Trust me.
i agree - good point. also, never mind me being snappy - i just don't have fun unless i'm snappy to somebody
i just gotta be me.
My MTD has a pickup route that is not tight around the pickup, there is uniform gap around the pickup. Looks fine to me, doesn't seem to affect performance and the pickups don't move. Somehow I don't think that's the issue people have with the Wishbass... it really looks like it was hacked out with a shiv made from an old toothbrush.
If you have pics of anything approaching the construction of the Wishbass on an MTD I'd love to see them.
I've seen pics of Wishnevky's uprights and they looked pretty good. Given that, my question is, is he really just going for a Flintstone vibe or is he really working up to his ability?
"doesn't seem to affect performance and the pickups don't move"
Well, that's pretty much my point in the first place. In short, BFD about the pickup routes. If you're gonna trash the Wishbass (and Lord knows there are plenty of potential target areas), at least do it for something that actually matters in terms of performance.
And as you can see, I didn't say that MTD construction approached Wish levels even in this regard--I explicitly said the opposite: "not down to Wishbass level."
In any case, I've always heard that chix dig a man who's handy with a toothbrush shiv. Gives a man's woodworking that old je ne sais quoi.
I don't think the comments about the Wishbass' pickup route was off base. There's a difference between an oversized route that still consists of four straight edges and radiused corners and one that looks like it was hacked out with no skill whatsoever.
At least there is to me.
Granted, it does match the quality of the end of the fretboard. Is that a better shortcoming to point at? They both look crude.
So what exactly was the problem on the MTDs? Just curious.
At least there is to me.
Granted, it does match the quality of the end of the fretboard. Is that a better shortcoming to point at? They both look crude.
So what exactly was the problem on the MTDs? Just curious.
