Hi from the Netherlands

[geekabit]

 

After spending an hour writing a welcome story on my profile, I figured out it might be an even better idea to post it here.

 

I'm a bass player from Zuidoostbeemster in the Netherlands. And since hardly anyone knows where that is, including most Dutch, I've marked it as Amsterdam, which is close enough and most people do know Amsterdam.

 

In the early 90s I started playing bass in a cover band. I was playing the accordion and keyboards before, but the bass was a significantly better match. My father had borrowed a bass for a while, but I was the one who ended up playing it. Since then the kit has changed a few times, but the bass playing has stayed.

 

Since a few years I'm band-less, so I mostly end up playing along with other peoples music from CD or Youtube. Sometimes I transcribe songs, which then end up on my website: https://www.geekabit.nl/bass-tabs/ Mostly I do this for songs that have no (decent) tabs available.

 

So what kit do I have? For the last 2 decades or so I have been playing a MusicMan StingRay (4 string), converted to passive, with a Haeussel pick-up. An Ibanez SR1105 (5 string) is currently on it's way to me and I can't wait to start playing it. I used to have an Ibanez GWB-1 (fretless, 5 string) but it turns out I'm not much of a fretless player, so I sold it again but have been kicking myself about that since it was such a wonderful bass. Hence the new Ibanez 5 string bass. Besides electric bass guitars I also have a Stagg EUB which is wonderful for plucking, and a Kala Rumbler ukulele bass which is more portable than a full bass guitar and nice to take with me camping. The only remaining amp at the moment is a Mesa Engineering Roundabout, with a 15" speaker cabinet.

 

After a few years of lurking on this forum (and also on talkbass), I decided to sign up and maybe actually contribute.

 

Cheers,

Maarten

Edited September 9, 2021 by geekabit
corrected url

[geekabit]

Haha, just found a photo of 14 year old me, playing the borrowed Fender Jazz.

[SpondonBassed]

Welcome Maarten.

[LeftyJ]

Hi back from the Netherlands 

[BassTractor]

OH NO!
Not yet another guy from Zuidoostbeemster!
We're virtually drowning in those here!
😁

 

Welkom, Maarten!
Bert hier, met een achtergrond uit de kop van NH (Medemblik en Opperdoes).

Hope you enjoy!
b

[Geek99]

Hello 

https://test.geekabit.nl/bass-tabs/ Is asking for a login id and password ?

[geekabit]

10 hours ago, Geek99 said:

Hello 

https://test.geekabit.nl/bass-tabs/ Is asking for a login id and password ?

Oh, bugger, I sent you to my test site. The correct url is https://www.geekabit.nl/bass-tabs/

 

Thanks Geek99 for bringing this to my attention!

Edited September 9, 2021 by geekabit

[ezbass]

 

Great introduction, Maarten. That’s how it should be done. 

[geekabit]

Thanks for all the kind words.

 

In other news; my new Ibanez bass was delivered today! So I'm mostly trying to wrap my head around playing a 5 string again.

[DiMarco]

Hoi Maarten from Hoorn. Just around the corner from where you are.

 

[Richard R]

Welcome aboard! 

 

Given the number of members here from the Netherlands and northern Europe, I'm expecting someone to organise an Amsterdam Bass Bash next year, pandemic permitting. 

(Hint 😉)

[geekabit]

4 hours ago, Richard R said:

I'm expecting someone to organise an Amsterdam Bass Bash next year, pandemic permitting.

+1

[Richard R]

I've been reading your blog. Lots of good stuff!