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cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member
Username: cozmik_cowboy

Post Number: 1144
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 - 2:20 pm:   Edit Post

Wasn't working today, so I fell by my local music store (which I won't name because I like the guys) to play things I can't afford. Lots of nice old amps in stock, but there was not one single instrument I'd want in the whole store. None. That sucks. Does make it a little easier not having the money to buy them, though.

Peter
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 5045
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 - 3:44 pm:   Edit Post

My wife told me she heard the local Guitar Center is moving and having a huge sale. I thought about it and realized there is nothing in their store that I want. Alembics do tend to spoil us!

Bill, tgo

(Message edited by lbpesq on January 18, 2012)
wishbass
Intermediate Member
Username: wishbass

Post Number: 113
Registered: 5-2011
Posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 - 5:49 pm:   Edit Post

The only reason I go is for strings (that I buy from an old highschool budy).The economy doesn't help,as the store stock has increasingly become more "budget" minded. Thank God for Bass NW!(or the regional equivalent)
bigredbass
Senior Member
Username: bigredbass

Post Number: 1808
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 - 9:48 pm:   Edit Post

After a lifetime of not being able to pass any music store without going in, I rarely darken the door of the local ones here. And that's saying a lot, considering I live 10 minutes from George Gruhn's, and about half an hour form all that bass exotica at The Low End.

It just feels like I'm SO done with all of that . . . . but yeah, it's hard to get excited about Music Mans and Fenders, etc., with 2 Alembics at the house.

Now I can't pass motorcycle stores !

J o e y

(Message edited by bigredbass on January 18, 2012)
terryc
Senior Member
Username: terryc

Post Number: 1756
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2012 - 1:29 am:   Edit Post

What a coincidence, I was in my home town yesterday and passed a guitar shop and had no inclination whatsoever to go in and look around.
I buy strings off the internet in bulk orders as it works out cheaper.
The only time I went in this shop was to purchase a bone nut to repair a classical guitar for my girlfriend's nephew.
If Alembic made beer it would probably be the best in the world
dannobasso
Senior Member
Username: dannobasso

Post Number: 1419
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2012 - 3:19 am:   Edit Post

Like many of you, my studio looks like a guitar center. The walls festooned with 23 axes, floorspace with amps and a recording desk. True I am missing a few items of desire (I'd really like a mix 24 and protools upgrade) but the only thing I've taken down and played was an old Les Paul recording bass which was very disappointing. As we all know, we are spoiled by quality and ruined to the ordinary. Thanks Santa Rosa................. Thanks a lot! Gotta work up a poker face when someone shows me their new guitar.
wishbass
Intermediate Member
Username: wishbass

Post Number: 117
Registered: 5-2011
Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2012 - 3:26 am:   Edit Post

Nice problem to have though.I remember when I would go in,and could only dream about what I could not afford.My 1st bass was $150 used in1982,and I thought that was a fortune.Financially ,I really did start w/nothing,and at 44 I can really appreciate all I've beenable to acquire . =)
811952
Senior Member
Username: 811952

Post Number: 2135
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2012 - 5:58 am:   Edit Post

J o e y - I know exactly what you mean. Got that KLR yet? We could ride the mountains around Tellico Plains and ignore all the music stores between there and Nash Vegas...

John
billostech
Advanced Member
Username: billostech

Post Number: 263
Registered: 1-2011
Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2012 - 6:30 am:   Edit Post

Greetings to all.
Our local GC is in walking distance from my house. Not even 2 miles. I go there with my daughters and feel somewhat dismayed when I don't go to the bass section. And then there's my bass playing buddies who stop by with their new aquisitions and say "...I know this is nothing like your Alembics but...."
Almost awkward.
bigredbass
Senior Member
Username: bigredbass

Post Number: 1810
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2012 - 9:28 am:   Edit Post

John, I'm afraid I'm just losing interest in the KLR, I just don't want a single. Maybe the revised VStrom . . . . although actually, I am beginning to seriously get the itch for a Bonneville SE. Maybe a 650 Ninja. I'd really like to stick in that less than 1000cc range, it's hard for me to pay car insurance rates and gas mileage for only two wheels. Really though, I'm at that stage where I want ALL of 'em. One day it's a Monster, the next day an FJR, etc.

I did get to sit on a 1098 Ducati at a dealer recently . . . amazing, but I kept waiting for a voice behind me to say,'Ok, now cough . . . .'

The great thing about Tennessee, there's NO shortage of great moto roads!

J o e y
hieronymous
Senior Member
Username: hieronymous

Post Number: 1024
Registered: 1-2005
Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2012 - 10:20 am:   Edit Post

The only reason I go in to GC is to see if they have anything used that is a) interesting (happens sometimes) and b) not overpriced (happens much less rarely). But here in the SF Bay Area there are plenty of independent stores that I would much rather support.
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 2718
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2012 - 11:17 am:   Edit Post

The last time I went in my local music shop was just to. Buy strings. A whole back I went to a shop and tried a good few of their higher priced guitars. They all sounded good I have to admit but I found more difference in the feel of the neck than the sounds of the guitars. I have a 1992 strat ultra and none of the guitars gave me anything vastly different to what i get on that guitar.
Don't get me wrong I love the fender sound but there is very little to interest me in music stores any more.
I have more or less what I want and need from electrics now.
Jazzyvee
rami
Senior Member
Username: rami

Post Number: 983
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2012 - 3:31 pm:   Edit Post

Hey guys,

The only time I go to a music store these days is when I feel like buying actual music (sheet music, CD's etc...). I usually look in their classical section for Cello and Violin music.
I like to take a peek at their Bass and Guitar stuff. I DO really dig the new American Fenders, but they rarely have much in stock - nothing exotic. I'm just happy and grateful for what I have. I suppose I'm cured of GAS. Haven't felt the need for a while.

:-)
benson_murrensun
Senior Member
Username: benson_murrensun

Post Number: 572
Registered: 5-2007
Posted on Friday, January 20, 2012 - 10:17 am:   Edit Post

Something's happening to me, too! I have enough music gear for whatever musical situation I might find myself in. I have collected, bought and sold, etc. for so many years that I seem to have everything I need, with spares, no less. I am always ready for an upgrade, however, so I have to be ready for the right deal or trade! But having had to move a couple years ago (twice) I finally came to grips with the idea that material posessions can definitely be burdens.
And for my motorcycles, I am down to only two and I don't even want anything else. I am finally happy with what I have: a touring/commuter bike, and a roguish high-peformance cop-magnet. I used to keep 3 or 4 minimum at one time, and found that I hardly ever used most of them. And they cost money to keep even if they go unused. They devalue and deteriorate just sitting there in the garage.
811952
Senior Member
Username: 811952

Post Number: 2136
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Friday, January 20, 2012 - 11:20 am:   Edit Post

My wife and I are struggling with the notion of downsizing our material possessions so we can more easily transition to a reasonably high-mobility retirement over the next decade or so. One large hurdle to that, for me, is reconciling my love of music (and bass guitars) with the need to shed a bunch of stuff. I (we, actually) have too many interests that require stuff!

John
wishbass
Intermediate Member
Username: wishbass

Post Number: 119
Registered: 5-2011
Posted on Friday, January 20, 2012 - 12:18 pm:   Edit Post

Nice problem to have.We're in our 40's and my wife already wnts to start downsizing my musical equipment.......
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 231
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Friday, January 20, 2012 - 2:22 pm:   Edit Post

Rami - I know you LIKE fenders. What do you think of this one?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2005-Fender-American-Deluxe-Zone-4-string-bass-usa-/230659099398?pt=Guitar&hash=item35b45a8b06

I seriously considered buying this bass. Price for it is questionable. If it would sell for around $1,500, I think I would buy it. For $2,100, it just does not cover enough yardage I am missing, considering I have a Fender Precision and a few other less common basses. Maybe if I ran across it in a store, I would love it and buy it on the spot. That is what stores are good for. Actually playing something before buying it. I seriously cannot remember being in a music store since the Internet started opening up around 1986. I lied, I went to a Sacremento music store @ 1989 and bought a 74 Rick (A beauty, actually - body had flamed maple - Neat!) for about $800 - which at the time I considered high, but it was pristine, even the case. Since then, I have gotten everything from the Internet. I probably do not want to handle the high overhead a store carries, and the only real music stores are around 90 miles down the road.
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 232
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Friday, January 20, 2012 - 2:26 pm:   Edit Post

Opps, make that an 84 Rick. My bad head for chronolgical matters . . . .
rami
Senior Member
Username: rami

Post Number: 984
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Friday, January 20, 2012 - 6:18 pm:   Edit Post

Hey,

I've gotta say - I LOVE it!!! The Zone is an EXTREMELY rare Bass. I've only seen it in pictures.
As well, it's discontinued, making it a sought after collectors item. I know that Fender's active Basses sound amazing. Fenders aren't the Worlds best selling Basses for nothing. The seller is taking offers - I'd suggest you offer $1500. You never know, you might get lucky. I LOVE that Walnut/Maple/Mahogany/Maple/Walnut sandwich. It's worth it.

:-)
rami
Senior Member
Username: rami

Post Number: 985
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Saturday, January 21, 2012 - 6:40 pm:   Edit Post

I wish you hadn't shown me that link - now I'M losing sleep thinking about it!!!

:-)
terryc
Senior Member
Username: terryc

Post Number: 1758
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Sunday, January 22, 2012 - 8:46 am:   Edit Post

Now that is one nice Fender bass, I have never heard of Fender Zone before, obviously not here in the UK.
That bass does ooze ultra quality!
811952
Senior Member
Username: 811952

Post Number: 2137
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Sunday, January 22, 2012 - 9:39 am:   Edit Post

You guys might be interested in this:

http://store.bassemporium.com/index.php?product=E315510&shop=1&c=1.36

Precision Bass Elite II, 1983....

John
peoplechipper
Advanced Member
Username: peoplechipper

Post Number: 261
Registered: 2-2009
Posted on Thursday, February 02, 2012 - 9:15 pm:   Edit Post

I think our collective problem is we all have a few really good instruments...I tell people that guitars/basses are like paintbrushes and you never complain about too many paintbrushes, but we all clearly have our favourites and any new ones are amusements at best...I'd love a gretsch at some point and a Hiwatt and Orange amp, but I really don't need them...I have my Distillate and a backup, so the only reason for another bass is for the collection or if I was in a project that needed a 'normal' bass that didn't grind people to mush...most instruments today have thick 'tone blanket' poly finishes on them or the wood is crap, or both...hard to be inspired by the new stuff...
murray
Member
Username: murray

Post Number: 83
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Friday, February 03, 2012 - 1:39 am:   Edit Post

Came across the Chinese made Fender Modern Player series in a local UK store and they not at all bad. For a knock-down price of about £400 they represent good value and probably better value than the more expensive modern Fenders. Add a relatively inexpensive good bass amp and a new player could get up and running very quickly.

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