Lunch Pail Bassist

**muggsy** · 08-03-2005, 06:08 AM

Originally Posted by Joshua

I think I'd simply sum it up as "more interested in playing than gear". Within reason, any chance to play is a good one.

While I agree with the second sentence, and I'm guessing most lunch-pail bassists (using the bovine definition of the term) would too, many of the participants in this thread have bought and sold enough gear to stock a good-sized music store. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I think the distinction, though, is that the gear they're obsessed with tends to have four (or sometimes five) strings and no fancy tops.

In the five years I've been playing, I wish I'd spent as much time practicing as I've spent trying, buying, selling, reading about and obsessing over gear. The phrase "more gear than talent" fits me like a glove. I can't slap to save my life, and I've never owned or desired to own a bass with more than four strings. I have enough trouble with four that I'm not looking to make things more complicated. Nonetheless, companies like EB make sure that even the lowly four string bassist has a staggering array of models, pickup combinations, and colors to choose from. That's a good thing.

**Joshua** · 08-03-2005, 06:35 AM

Originally Posted by muggsy

While I agree with the second sentence, and I'm guessing most lunch-pail bassists (using the bovine definition of the term) would too, many of the participants in this thread have bought and sold enough gear to stock a good-sized music store. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I think the distinction, though, is that the gear they're obsessed with tends to have four (or sometimes five) strings and no fancy tops.

In the five years I've been playing, I wish I'd spent as much time practicing as I've spent trying, buying, selling, reading about and obsessing over gear. The phrase "more gear than talent" fits me like a glove. I can't slap to save my life, and I've never owned or desired to own a bass with more than four strings. I have enough trouble with four that I'm not looking to make things more complicated. Nonetheless, companies like EB make sure that even the lowly four string bassist has a staggering array of models, pickup combinations, and colors to choose from. That's a good thing.

All very true as well.

From the time I started playing @ '81 thru @ '95, I obsessed about gear as much as anyone. Somewhere around the bazillionth time I bought something and quickly sold it at a loss to buy the next thing I had "a moment of clarity"; all the gear I had owned was good, but the constant search for the next best thing was keeping me from my musical goals.

I think that everyone (especially in the beginning stages) appreciates quality tools of the trade, and there is no shame in that. At some point, just make sure you're playing some too!

**word** · 08-03-2005, 07:02 AM

Originally Posted by bovinehost

1. Unable and/or uninterested in ever being labeled a "Slap Monster".

ike turner is my hero so i guess i don't qualify.

**jongitarz** · 08-03-2005, 07:14 AM

I think I'm a garbage pail guitarist

**Beth** · 08-03-2005, 07:57 AM

Reminds me of this punk band I used to follow around in college "Lunch Pail Hand Bag", saluting those goth chicks out there who use The Munsters lunchbox for their purse... hee hee!

**bongo man** · 08-03-2005, 08:10 AM

Hey Jon
I know i'm off subject but just wanted to say thanks for a great job on the buttercream bongo HH
SWEET!!!!
thanks man
cliff

**SteveB** · 08-03-2005, 08:32 AM

Originally Posted by jongitarz

I think I'm a garbage pail guitarist

is that like a cabbage patch kid?

you DO spend a lot of time in the garden, after all....

**jongitarz** · 08-03-2005, 09:02 AM

Originally Posted by bongo man

Hey Jon
I know i'm off subject but just wanted to say thanks for a great job on the buttercream bongo HH
SWEET!!!!
thanks man
cliff

My pleasure Cliff. I really hadn't finished yet (it wasn't intonated) but Dudley said you guys took care of it. Enjoy it!

**bovinehost** · 08-03-2005, 09:06 AM

Who's this "Dudley" you speak of?

**bongo man** · 08-03-2005, 09:07 AM

yeah-peace of cake-
that is one sweet baby-
I'm doing a few weeks with Colin Hay (helping out a friend) and I sent it out with the gear and i can't wait to get there and spread some bongo buttercream love----oh baby!
thanks again brother
cliff