Packing everything away...

[NancyJohnson]

For the first time in perhaps 25 years, I've packed everything away, not a bass, amp or cabinet out.

 

Honestly don't have the inertia to do band stuff, it's like herding cats.  I feel like I'm pretty much done.

 

The little corner if the extension where I used to set stuff up?  Might put a woodburner in.

[neepheid]

Just now, NancyJohnson said:

For the first time in perhaps 25 years, I've packed everything away, not a bass, amp or cabinet out.

 

Honestly don't have the inertia to do band stuff, it's like herding cats.  I feel like I'm pretty much done.

 

The little corner if the extension where I used to set stuff up?  Might put a woodburner in.

 

Bit early to prep for the bass bash, no?

 

[Wombat]

You can have a go on my Stomp at the bass bash. Then you won’t need an amp or cabinet out ;-).

[RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE]

A tad confused. Are you quitting bass playing altogether , or are you still going to be playing at home ?

[Thor]

I can't imagine not having a bass out ready to pick up whenever I get the itch to do so.

 

Sorry to read you're feeling that way - let's hope it's just a 'blip'? 😞

[NancyJohnson]

2 hours ago, RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE said:

A tad confused. Are you quitting bass playing altogether , or are you still going to be playing at home ?

 

Right now, I'm uninterested in playing irrespective of the circumstances.  I don't think it's quitting per se, more just taking a break.  I just find doing band stuff exhausting and exasperating in equal measure.

[spongebob]

Been there, as I’d imagine we all have. 
 

Opportunity will knock, I’m sure at the right time to get you out again. I know I once said never, sold up, but gradually……I was tempted. First a bit at home, and then…..back on the horse! 😀

[cetera]

Playing bass for me has never been about being in a band. Obviously, playing with other people/live etc is the goal and I've been lucky in that regards..... but I'm also more than happy playing by myself, learning classic basslines from legendary artists and noodling around/creating for my own pleasure. That, for me, is foremost...... the pleasure of playing the instrument itself.... anything more is a bonus.

This was particularly pertinent during Covid lockdown when I developed an even closer bond with my instrument and took the time to develop my playing...

[Franticsmurf]

31 minutes ago, NancyJohnson said:

 

Right now, I'm uninterested in playing irrespective of the circumstances.  I don't think it's quitting per se, more just taking a break.  I just find doing band stuff exhausting and exasperating in equal measure.

A break can be good for you. I took a break years ago and it worked wonders. I came back refreshed and a became a better player. It also meant I continued to enjoy playing rather than getting jaded and put off by the exasperation I was feeling. Don't make the mistake I did of selling almost everything, though.  

[Elfrasho]

I can easily go a month without touching a bass, but other times ill play dailly, even if it's just 5 minutes. Can't see a time where i stop completely, even if i stop gigging.  You'll be back to it within a few months i suspect!

[Burns-bass]

I gave it up for best part of 10 years. When the fun stops, stop.

[tauzero]

On 03/10/2025 at 14:33, Thor said:

I can't imagine not having a bass out ready to pick up whenever I get the itch to do so.

 

I can't imagine having enough storage space to pack away all my basses.

[ezbass]

4 minutes ago, tauzero said:

 

I can't imagine having enough storage space to pack away all my basses.

I’m concerned that @NancyJohnson’s storage solution might the wood burner . However, needs must 🔥.

[martin8708]

Been there a few times myself .

Sacked / replaced from bands . ( too old , too bald ) 

Watched bands slowly implode.

Crazy dictators , deluded musicians .

This is when I pack the bass away , blow the dust off my Classical guitar , as long as there is some element of music going on , I live to fight another day .