Not having a steady gig really messes me up. It's probably my own fault, since I don't have an amp at home right now (no room), and don't practice near as much as I should. I rely on hitting local jam nights for me release.
The result of all this is simply that I don't have any idea how I want to sound. Which bass should I favor? Are my amp settings right? Why am I buying more crap without having a goal?
When I was in the band last year, I had a direction. This past week-end, I made the trek for one of those jams hosted by the FDP, where I can also be found handing out lies and innuendo. I actually took my amp, only because I still had it in the truck from an audition earlier in the week (don't ask...).
I get up to play, and suddenly, it's all foreign to me. I had the new bass, and it seemed to sound and feel pretty good. I strapped on my faithful Epi Holy Crap bass, and suddenly, I was hit with - "What the heck is this? Have I always sounded like this? Is it me? Am I just panicking?" In the aftermath, videos were posted, and things were actually pretty good. I was surprised and relieved.
Anyone else go through this in their downtime?
Oh...and did I mention that I've been trying different strings that I got from the Dude, and now my head is a complete mess on that subject, too. Eeeesssshhhh...
Next up - what should I do with the Magnatone restoration? It will never be original again...