Gigging Pro, Jamming Hobbyist, or Collector?

[stringsncords]

I've been a member of this great forum for a few months, and never cease to be amazed about the passion that our members have for our Rics; these guitars and basses are truly amazing, and it's great to read about the pride that our members have for owning these wonderful instruments. I've developed a curiosity of exactly where our forumites stand in the "World of Ric" as far as how their instruments are actually used (or not!). We seem to be a balance of paid professionals (full or part-time), hobbyists who play at home or with friends (just for fun), and serious buyers and sellers who acquire and sell several Rics a year. Personally, I'm a gigging pro; I play solo acoustic/vocal gigs - about 65 a year - using a Martin 6 and a Gibson 12. After seeing The Beatles (LIVE - In Philadelphia on 9/2/64), I had 30+ years of playing in bands, primarily using a Gretsch Tennessean, Gibson LP and Fender Strat, but I've always loved the looks and mystique of Rics - they just didn't seem to be available in the Philly area during my "band days". Since I've been a solo performer, I've managed to acquire a few, and although I'd love to use them professionally, I'm currently just enjoying them at home. How about you? If I've missed a potential category, please feel free to add it on!

[jimk]

I regard myself as a giggin' pro and combine that with teaching private banjo lessons, and occasionally guitar, as well. I play in a variety of settings, sometimes with pick up bands from among the faculty at the Americana Music Academy where I teach, most frequently with an old-timey string band, and at times locally as a soloist. I certainly do plan on using my Rickenbacker in my solo gigs. I'd also like to start or join an existing folk-rock/country-rock band at some point in the future.

JimK

[bassduke49]

Gigging Pro, Jamming Hobbyist, or Collector?


Yes.

[rickenbrother]

I consider myself a Gigging Pro, a Jamming Hobbyist and a Collector. Though it's been about a year since my last gig. I have join or form a new band.

[phlemmy]

I'm a gigger, practically unpaid which throws me into a hobbyist category.

[admin]

I consider myself a jamming pro and a gigging hobbyist.

[jch]

I used to be semi pro but haven't gigged in a few years , due to back and hearing problems and the like .
So that would make me a collector/hobbyist,its kept me sane for a long time.

[modrock]

Sadly just jams these days, but having a lot of fun. Met up with my guys yesterday and our bass player pulled out his 370/12. I was amazed at how fat the neck was compared to my 360v64 ! He also had a Fender XII, but I just didn't care for the tone and though it played nicely, it just IS NOT a RICKENBACKER . No where near the tones and chime my 360v64 put out when we launched into 'Help.'

Cheers,
Gary

(modrock) 360v64 and 325JL

[phlemmy]

I consider myself a jamming pro and a gigging hobbyist.

That's a great way to put it.

[jingle_jangle]

All three!

I'm a pro at three chords for about $100 per year in compensation. Planning to learn Am this year, schedule open for F#m7 in 2009. I'm planning to ramp up and possibly learn two more in 2010, to give the folks in Oz a run for their money.

If, however, "pro" is the first syllable in "profit", count me out.

Collector, yep. If my criteria was, "don't buy it unless you're gonna play it", I'd own a Jaguar with three strings, D, A, and E.

Jamming hobbyist: about as strong as coffee made by a Swedish farmer's wife. I know 1/4 to 1/2 of several dozen songs. Fun for me and anyone else with ADD.

[modrock]

They do have medication for that Paul, however, as you are a member of one of the North Bay's premier surf bands, I'd not recommend it...

Gary

modrock

[jingle_jangle]

Yeah, Gary, you're right. But if you've got anything to get me amped up and keep me from sleeping at night, send it along Next Day Air.

[paologregorio]

Gigging Pro, Jamming Hobbyist, or Collector?


Yes.

Ditto that. +1.

[doctorwho]

Just a Jamming Hobbyist and Collector. Make that Out-Of-Control Collector ...

Some of the basses ...

[sharkboy]

I have a certain weird allergy to the word "jamming", but I think I am some amalgam of all three. The reason I have that allergy is that my earliest efforts at "jamming" with friends and acquaintances were all bordering on miserable. "Jamming" was a thing that people did when playing "music" was too hard or too structured- that they were all about playing and not about listening. In war, "jamming" is something done to one's enemies- I guess I figured out that I was participating in some form of warfare- probably against me. I don't want to suggest that y'all have the same qualities when jamming- that is just my own experience.

To my sweetheart, I must be a collector, but she loves to hear me play. Music occasionally brings in money (usually even more than required to operate a vehicle to arrive and return from such an endeavor), but it will unlikely eradicate its financial footprint in my life very soon. Because I (thankfully again) now make a living in electronics, I can enjoy music as my hobby and work to make some future career in it one day. I hope it also means that I can maybe do a little more collecting in the meantime.