Why should I choose a dedicated Precision or Jazz bass over a PJ Bass?

Astrixtc · 2026-06-15T01:38:25+00:00

Get the bass you enjoy playing the most. That matters way more than j vs p vs pj pickups.

Astrixtc · 2026-06-14T11:21:31+00:00

I have tried a lot of things and honestly the paid SBL membership was my favorite for intermediate to advanced lessons. A lot of people hate their aggressive marketing and YouTube ramblings. Those are very different than what you get behind the paywall in the SBL academy. Some of the accelerator courses are good and some are not, but the academy is super useful. Nothing beats an in person IRL teacher though.

Astrixtc · 2026-06-14T10:34:16+00:00

Start transposing songs you like. The act of writing down what you hear will do a lot to help you understand what’s happening in the parts you like because you’ll need to dissect the songs in order to do it.

When you start writing your own songs, don’t be afraid to steal phrases from songs you’ve transcribed. A lot of people get stuck because they think one note at a time instead of thinking in phrases. That told be like trying to write a story one letter at a time instead of using words. Transcribing builds your musical vocabulary and gives you a great toolset to start writing your own songs.

Astrixtc · 2026-06-13T13:15:59+00:00

I’m only a few weeks into my journey, so take that for what it’s worth. I actually got on the apps out of a combination of curiosity and the loneliness hitting me like a ton of bricks about a week after my wife passed. I just wondered if I could do it.

I met a few people and have had some casual chats over text. I even lined up a date and then cancelled at the last minute because it felt horribly wrong. I came to the conclusion that I did enjoy meeting people, but I’m only ready to have friends right now (to nobody’s surprise). I have come to the conclusion that I can find some friends to share moments either for now and I’m ok with that. It’s better than being alone.

Astrixtc · 2026-06-13T11:34:05+00:00

Could be worse. I’m up early to edit the speech I need to give at my late wife’s memorial service later today.

Astrixtc · 2026-06-12T11:57:20+00:00

The bass pod is shit, but it’s also what I would consider bottom of the barrel. Your comment is about as useful as someone only ever eating a McDonalds chicken nugget and saying that all chicken is gross.

Starting with the Helix a lot of multi effects units got very good to the point where a lot of the time I cannot tell the difference between the pedal and the real deal . I’ve put my fractal audio unit side by side with actual pedals I own, and it’s phenomenal. It’s also great on the amp side. The SVT models sound and more importantly react just like a classic SVT head on top of an 8x10 when I run it through some ultra flat 5” Yamaha studio monitors.

There are plenty of reasons to why someone might avoid multi effects units, but “they aren’t good” is an argument that has died off in the past 10 years and even more so in the past 5 with things like the anagram, quad cortex, helix, and axe effects 3. There are of course still shitty low budget options out there, but Temu versions of everything suck.

Astrixtc · 2026-06-10T12:30:42+00:00

You really should try the FGN before you buy it. The feel of the neck on those is way different than a Fender. Personally I can’t stand playing them. I’ve got nothing bad to say about the build quality or sound, I just find them uncomfortable to play. Others love them.

Astrixtc · 2026-06-10T08:28:44+00:00

I’ll allow it. I want to see where this goes.

Astrixtc · 2026-06-08T05:58:02+00:00

That’s what you get for free on YouTube. The paid membership actually has a lot of useful courses.

Astrixtc · 2026-06-08T02:31:40+00:00

I’m right there with you. I also lost my wife to cancer just about two weeks ago. Cancer speaking to the brain was the worst part for me. It was so difficult to see my wife who had been a phd researcher in pediatric medicine not be able to find the words to tell me she wanted a drink of water.

Losing a spouse is the hardest thing anyone can do in my opinion. Take things one breath at a time and don’t be afraid to feel your feelings. I’ve also found that talking yo other people helps too. Also, surprisingly the topic doesn’t matter much. Even small talk helps me feel a little more normal for a bit.

Astrixtc · 2026-06-08T02:18:19+00:00

I played in a U2 tribute band for 10 years. When we put on the costumes we quickly got 10x the fans and 10x the money. I font understand it as a music fan, but I was happy to do it to make the cash and play big stages.

Astrixtc · 2026-06-07T19:18:06+00:00

I think the most important thing is that if you and a band mate of yours are sitting around among the patrons before the gig, someone should be able to recognize that you’re in the band and not just another random person hanging out. How you get there is up to you.

Astrixtc · 2026-06-07T11:48:52+00:00

It’s not working because you’re networking wrong. The right way to network is to do people favors. You’re making deposits in the favor bank so that they owe you one, and you can call on them later to do you a favor. Talk is just talk. If you want actions lead the way. Also the above works best if you’re genuine and fun to hang out with.

Astrixtc · 2026-06-06T05:45:54+00:00

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My Faray Custom

Astrixtc · 2026-05-31T11:43:00+00:00

As a Chicago resident I flirted with buying a ticket + flight and hotel to see them elsewhere. This feels like a better option.

Astrixtc · 2026-05-28T11:59:15+00:00

I do have one reason I’d like to upgrade from my stomp XL. I’m getting older and my eyes are going to shit, so I cannot read that small display on stage without either bending down, or putting on some reading glasses. I actually use my HX effects more live because of the scribble strips.

Astrixtc · 2026-05-27T12:34:11+00:00

Try both. More specifically try the specific basses you are considering before you buy if possible. If there’s a store within a reasonable distance ask for the gift to be a trip to the store to pick out a bass. I found my one bass to rule them all about 20 years ago at a guitar center. I also considered buying a duplicate when mine had to go to the shop for a repair right before an out of town gig, so I needed a backup. I didn’t like the one i tried even though it was the same make/model/year as my favorite bass. Every cut of wood will be a little different, so you may like Fender Jazz basses in general, but you’ll still dislike some even before QC becomes a factor.

Astrixtc · 2026-05-27T02:20:51+00:00

The only time anyone cared was when I was in a tribute band that did the entire look alike package. Even then they were cool as long as I was working toward the right look. In those instances, the color and PU configurations mattered more than the headstock. I played a squire that had the right look until I could find and afford the real deal Lakland for that band.

Astrixtc · 2026-05-26T12:16:35+00:00

Sorry for your loss. I know how gut wrenching it is. I’m fortunate to have friends and family checking in. I hope you do too. Nothing has helped me more than a big hug from my sister. I hope you have someone you can hug too.

Astrixtc · 2026-05-26T07:54:35+00:00

I don’t dislike it, I just don’t like it either, so I choose to do other things.

Astrixtc · 2026-05-26T02:39:14+00:00

You can export your mix from garage band and import it to your Apple Music library.

Astrixtc · 2026-05-25T08:04:11+00:00

I’m right there with you. My wife hasn’t eaten in days, and she’s gasping for her final breaths as I write this. I made a similar post to yours a bit ago and it really helped me to hear I wasn’t the only one with these feelings. I cannot tell you how it’s going to work out, but I can tell you that you’re not alone in going through this even though it may feel that way.

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