Hello from Southern Norway

[BassTractor]

Hi guys and gals,


Greetings from a newbie oldy. My name's Bert. I'm Dutch, and live in the extreme South of Norway (yes, that expensive country) with my dog Frank.
Though I just turned 55, I have almost no previous experience with the bass.Trying to change that dramatically though.

Originally a keyboard guy, here on Basschat I read I was a real DICK - a "Drunk In Charge of Keyboards" - though I must say that "Dork In Charge of Keyboards" seems a more fitting term in my case.
Started playing the organ as a nice little christian boy at age 8 or so, and eventually became a classically educated organist, and worked as one for a period, teaching as well as concerting and recording.

Always loved the bass guitar (and drums) as well though, at least since hearing Chris Squire, and eventually adding Ray Shulman, Jaco Pastorius and Stanley Clarke to my list of heroes. Later, people like stickist Sean Malone (Cynic), Les Claypool and Flea were added to the list, but I do not pretend to actually know anything about the matter, so these folks are just whom I like to listen to.

Growing tired with the cost of keyboards, as well as with my tendency to overcompensate for the lack of playing time by buying new expensive gear ("NOW I'll create time to play!"), I decided to sell every last keyboard related item, and concentrate on the bass guitar, finally taking the consequences of an old love.

Helped by the bassists on the Gentle Giant list, I decided on a Squier Jazz Bass (or maybe a P Bass), but upon entering the shop, I saw an old fave of mine, the Warwick Corvette - here in its cheaper RockBass guide. The Honey Violin oil finish begged me to take her home.
The Corvette sounded unbelievably awesome plugged straight into a little Beta Aivin BP35 combo without any form of electronical help, so I was immediately set, and poorer than expected.

The (sadly soon ex-)wife and kids gave me a Zoom B9.1ut effects board that was on deep discount, and when I visited that particular shop, they had also deepdiscounted another old love: the Hohner B2B as well as an Ashdown MAG 300 Evo II combo with 4x10". My flesh was weak, and I am now the extrrremely prrroud owner of a totally empty wallet (litterally having no money for food) and no less than two basses I love and 2 amps I love.

If music be the food ...


This forum seems to be friendly and humouristic, which is much to my liking. I hope to learn here.


Best,
Bert

Edited October 14, 2011 by BassTractor

[discreet]

Goedenacht, and welcome!

[LiamPodmore]

Welcome to the forum. I've always wanted to visit Norway, my friend went walking there last year, said it was well worth the trip.

Liam

[clarkpegasus4001]

Greetings!

[machinehead]

Welcome Bert,

I know you'll enjoy the bass. Especially if you can play in a full band with drums.

By the way, I've lived and worked for short periods in Norway. In Sandefjord, Horten, Kristiansand, Stavanger and others.. Lovely, but too expensive.

Frank.

Edited October 14, 2011 by machinehead

[dc2009]

Hi there Bert, hopefully you enjoy your time on here.

We are fortunate enough to have an ex-Cynic touring stick player on here, perhaps you'll end up talking to him at some point!#

Dan

[soopercrip]

Hi Bert
Been to Haugesund about 6 times, and love the country and people, although the economy is not for the faint hearted as you say.
Tried to find your location on orange maps and apparently you are in the middle of the north sea? Maybe a spot of Kayaking when you posted
You're a lucky guy living there
Welcome
Andy

[BassTractor]

Hi folks,


Thanks for the welcome!

@discreet: ...and “goedenavond” back to you.
@Liam: Yes, do take the trip. Excrutiatingly expensive but worth every 10 grand you spend . Beeeautiful country, and very diverse.
@clarkpegasus4001: Love the number in your name. Great number, that.
@Frank: I’ve always enjoyed the bass each and every time I sneaked upon one and touched it ... there. As to Kristiansand: as you probably know, Soegne is just a 15 minute drive away.
@Dan: Yes, thanks, I do enjoy. Lurved the “annoying non-muso speak” thread amongst others. The stickist you mention, might he be Dutch? Cynic did use some Dutch musicians during a period.
@Andy: middle of North Sea suits me indeed, lol, but actually I’m between Mandal and Kristiansand in the extreme South. “Soegne” is actually written with that “o” with a “/” through it.

I’ll try to keep learning and will eventually try to contribute.


best,
bert