Douglas Mapp explains International Society of Bassists member benefits

Summary

The video features a discussion on the benefits of being a member of the International Society of Bassists (ISB). Membership offers various perks, such as access to a comprehensive knowledge base, a directory of teachers and luthiers, discounts on instrument insurance, and exclusive classifieds for buying or selling bass instruments. Additionally, the ISB hosts conventions, providing opportunities to interact with renowned bassists and participate in masterclasses. The community's supportive culture and resources make it valuable for bass players at all levels, fostering a sense of belonging and professional growth.

Takeaways

• 🎶 Being an ASB (Association of Bassists) member brings benefits focused entirely on improving bass performance and teaching.
• 📚 Members get access to exclusive bass-related journals with articles about top bass players, teachers, and performance techniques.
• 🌐 The ASB provides a member database for connecting with bass players worldwide, useful for finding instruments or collaborating.
• 🧑‍🏫 A recently added teacher's directory helps students in remote areas connect with bass teachers.
• 🛠️ The ASB's luthier directory offers access to resources for instrument repairs and services.
• 📖 Members can access archives of past Bass World journals and convention programs dating back to the first volume.
• 🎻 Discounts on instrument insurance and resources for traveling with a double bass, including FAA regulations and travel tips, are provided.
• 📅 ISB Connect offers social features like event promotion and a hub for bass-friendly concerts.
• 🎸 Classified ads for selling basses are tailored specifically to an audience of bass players, ensuring targeted visibility.
• 💿 Members can sell CDs through the ISB store, making it easier to distribute music without managing sales independently.

Q & A

What are the primary benefits of being an ASB member?

ASB members gain access to resources like articles about bass players, teachers, and techniques, as well as exclusive member benefits such as a member database, teacher and luthier directories, and access to the Base World journal and convention programs.

How does the ISB member database benefit bass players traveling internationally?

The ISB member database allows bass players traveling internationally to find contacts, like bass players in other countries who can lend instruments or assist with masterclasses.

What are the key online resources that ISB members can access?

Members can access the entire archive of the Base World journal, all convention programs, member directories, documents on traveling with a bass, and best practices for transporting instruments.

How does ISB membership help bass players looking for instruments or teaching opportunities?

Members can use the classified section to sell or buy basses, ensuring that ads are targeted specifically at bass players. The teacher directory helps students find bass teachers, even in remote areas.

What are some of the technological advancements the ISB has made to benefit its members?

The ISB has improved its online presence with features like the ISB Connect site, which includes a hub for posting concerts and social features for connecting with other bass players.

How does attending ISB conventions benefit bass students and professionals?

Conventions provide opportunities to hear performances by renowned bassists, attend masterclasses, and network with professional bass players, fostering community and skill development.

What are some examples of practical knowledge that ISB members share?

ISB members often share advice on topics like how to travel with a bass, the best types of cars for transporting a bass, and how to handle airport situations when traveling with large instruments.

How does the ISB store support members who produce CDs?

Members can sell their CDs through the ISB store, which takes a small portion of the profits while returning most of the sales income to the artist, offering an easier way to distribute music.

What is unique about the bass-playing community, according to the speaker?

The bass community is described as being humble and practical, with bass players often being compared to craftsmen like brick masons. They are focused on making others sound good and ensuring things run smoothly, rather than seeking fame.

What challenges do bass players face that are highlighted in the script?

Bass players often face challenges like transporting their large instruments, ensuring their cars can accommodate their basses, and dealing with the logistics of traveling with a bass.