Instrospection

Heh, this isn't the first thread or board that i've heard people mention the "girl" bassist. Definetely not a girl, though the dude looks like a lady.

I like what i've heard from the band--I hear a strong Todd Rundgren influence, which is fitting since the band says that they're influenced by the Nazz. I still need to pick up the new cd.

Never heard of 'em before--really like what i've listened to in the last 10 minutes or so. Reminds me alot of Beachwood Sparks' indie Buffalo Springfield/ Byrds/ Barrett era Floyd stuff. The chord changes I like---it's fitting that they list The Nazz as an influence, because alot of the stuff sounds alot like Rundgren's compositions on their second and third albums when Todd started writing mellower stuff. Also kind of reminds me a bit of Caribou's "Andorra" album a bit.

I make 40 grand a year--no kids, not married. I've lived on alot less, though, for many years, so it was sort of hardwired that you get used to spending or living on a certain amount. We got a whole bunch of bonuses in the last few months--a few grand at a time, but I also have a very physically demanding job, and i'm great at data entry and a whole bunch of jack of all trades things that most people in my field don't (can't) do. It would be nice to earn more, but in alot of ways, I don't need a heckuva lot more.....i've got to the point where I realize that the game changes when you have more money, anyways--you just upgrade to a different level of quality or expenses and then it again never seems to be enough when you hit that level (the toys just get bigger and more expensive)....and you realize that someone always has more. I'm lucky that I make enough to dump enough money into the sinkhole of making music and buying gear (guitars, amps, basses, recording gear, mics, preamps), ha ha....I don't need kids, because that's goddamned demanding enough!

Ditch amp modelling and built in effects and just get a simple, no-nonsense tube amp. In other words, spend the money where it'll actually affect the sound quality, not where it's going towards more 'stuff'. The Epiphone Valve Junior is a great little value and can be modded later on to compete with more high end stuff. There are a few others in that price range as well that are worth a look. It'll sound great right away if you get the head version and find a used cab with a Celestion Greenback or Vintage 30 (speakers have the biggest effect on tone if you ask me). And with a V30, you may be surprised at how loud it gets! Remember, versatility comes from your playing style, not from the amount of knobs on the amp. Some stomp-boxes can help (an overdrive pedal and a volume pedal (get an optical one!) are very nice to have) but ultimately if you want to sound a certain way, you need to play a certain way. Focus on that and just get an amp that sounds good. Also agreed! The 12AX7 tube amps for a preamp tube and then calling it a tube amp is misleading. There are tons of cool old tube amps from lesser known manufacturers from the 70's that are more affordable.....alot of what people thought was "junk" back then is going for some good coin.

Ditch amp modelling and built in effects and just get a simple, no-nonsense tube amp. In other words, spend the money where it'll actually affect the sound quality, not where it's going towards more 'stuff'. The Epiphone Valve Junior is a great little value and can be modded later on to compete with more high end stuff. There are a few others in that price range as well that are worth a look. It'll sound great right away if you get the head version and find a used cab with a Celestion Greenback or Vintage 30 (speakers have the biggest effect on tone if you ask me). And with a V30, you may be surprised at how loud it gets! Remember, versatility comes from your playing style, not from the amount of knobs on the amp. Some stomp-boxes can help (an overdrive pedal and a volume pedal (get an optical one!) are very nice to have) but ultimately if you want to sound a certain way, you need to play a certain way. Focus on that and just get an amp that sounds good. Agreed, 100 percent. When I started on the amp modelers and valvestate stuff (ie: had a Fender 1000 Performer amp, which was Fender's first foray into the transtube type of market), it was all just terrible sounding. It wasn't until I stocked up on great old tube amps with old Mullards and RCA's and GE and Phillips tubes did the recording get that much easier. I like EL34 tube amps.....they usually sound great, and are usually matched with transformers that are underbuilt because they're not trying to push out mega wattage. I've found that it's more easier to set a mic up in a fairly wide range in front of the speaker and get a really good sound from a P90 or parallel wired humbucker setup.

i {censored}ing hate foam puffs. one of the worst feelings is opening up a sealed box and seeing whatevers inside covered in peanuts and knowing that not only is the item coming out, but a big mess is as well. wtf are you supposed to do with them afterwards? @ work, i make sure that i package peanuts when they're addressed to clients that are clearly annoying. i laugh maniacally when i do it too, its a big perk. +100....man are packing peanuts a pain in the ass. The other thing I can't stand is the material filled envelopes. Like it's asbestos or something. ALWAYS makes a mess, no matter what.

Hey, with those prices of bubblewrap, you should get someone to ship you out a Behringer pedal....without the pedal and just the bubblewrap!

It's because of the air. Air's expensive, 'ya know?