New Toys?

Got a recording setup for your computer with the connector to hook to your bass? That's one of the items on my short list.

The Holidays are a big time for gear changing hands, or the GF to hand you a gift card to the music store, eh?

There's lot's of good ideas floating around about inexpensive ways to start recording on the laptop, or 'how to' upload a vid to youtube.

For now, I'll keep practicing and listening to others recordings...

Any comments about your recording setup?
Post comments, below.

Basics of a Truss Rod...

There are those that say, "get your truss rod adjusted, and then...leave it alone."

Is this wise advice? For most of us, yes. Read on...

As a newbie, I could never look down the neck and really 'see' how straight it was at the time. And, guitar shop guys never helped me over that stumbling block.

After reading numerous how-to's on the web (where else) about setup, and adjusted truss rods, I found a great article. This was posted 9 years ago, and still collects comments. It is that good! See Gene's Imbody's article, here.

You don't need to be an expert, we've got plenty of those walking around. Learn to detect the amount of relief in your bass' neck. Start by clamping your capo on the first fret, then follow the steps...

Keep your instruments working like they were designed to!

Speaking of Bass...

Internet forums like Talkbass.com are outlets!

People talk about bass, read reviews, share opinions, or photos of their gear. Internet forums have been alive and growing for years.

Want to learn about products, projects, or gather opinions from people with experience? Just ask, and you'll get answers, advice, and possibly a hijack. Yes, this is when someone ignores the original post (OP) and talks about themselves-ignoring the question, or direction of the thread. Human nature, I guess?

TB is the bass place, check it out..

There's friends to be made, and talk about the topics on-hand. Pay a small amount as a contributing member on a forum, and this you can give back to the founder for bandwidth, or other associated costs of running the show. And, you'll be part of a community.

Buying Used?

They say a new car hits 'used' status within 5 minutes of leaving the car lot. There's so many options for used gear...music stores, online forums, ads, Internet auctions...

Some of the Internet options are controversial, since scammers exist in large numbers! Bad guys-scammers, same thing!

Does it make sense to buy from a music store after you've d'used' equipment, and you've carefully looked for cracks, dents, missing paint, and signs of mods?

Probably.

Are there music stores in your area that carry a good selection of used gear?

Probably not.

Sure, you might live in a large metropolis, but there's lots of store traffic, and people calling them to check the selection. Like a used car, every piece of music gear is unique in the way that it has been treated, or abused! Have you ever sold equipment that had a problem or two?

This is not meant to change your mind from buying 'used' gear. It does make sense to look over an item in person. With that in mind, auction sites have led to disappointment (or bad deals) for some, and a return policy is important. 100% positive forum or ebay feedback is a good thing!

Let the buyer beware is a cautionary expression, and thus, we have been warned!

There's lots of Brands Out There...

After gassing for Fender gear in 2009, it didn't take long to grab hold of several brands! Talkbass.com and similar sites help beginners stumbling-though, (or old-timers add to) an understanding of set-up, string choices, bass playing, or building basses for the brave at heart! Learning on forums, and blogs is the Internet solution!

It's not unusual for a bass produced from the cottage industry (boutique) to cost in the thousands, and these rarely appear in typical 'guitar' stores. And, I have yet to see many of the 'boutique' brands!

Popular topics will be discussed here, and some of the repeated (boring) topics will be avoided, like the plague!

Hammer On!