Welcome to the IHoP v.2

[dem beats 1,223]

Was a 15 Stang I drove. The 14 doesn't compare at all. Too bad because the SHelby's are getting almost to the range where it could be a work car for me.

I may have to go drive one.

J

It's hot fire.

[sandt38 448]

 

 

 

 

 

Sean, why do you like closed cans? I would have expected you, as what I think of as more of a purist, to prefer open backed cand.

I am fixing to sleep over your house for a few months..Is that cool?

 

Sure. But I have been sober for the past few months, so no alcohol allowed.

Congrats on the sobriety brother!

J

 

Thanks. I go though spells of hard drinking and sobriety. I have since I was about 14 years old. I have a massive addictive personality, and I try to stick with legal substances for the most part, I did a lot of hard drugs when I was younger, and had issues with freebasing, crack, powder cocaine, heroin, and speedballing. I have been free of that for about 18 years now I guess.

 

Honestly for me alcohol is a good thing. I don't really suffer DTs (withdraw) in the absolute sense. Being dope sick (withdraw from drugs like coke and heroin) is a really physical thing, and you don't just put them down. When the mood strikes, I just stop drinking all at once.

 

Usually a period of awakening, what a lot of users call resetting leads me to drop the booze. For me it was a string of DMT sessions. Tripping, when I go to it with the mindset of spirituality rather then just partying, really rearranges my priorities, and helps me become more introspective. I tend to get back to that part of me that I run from with alcohol or drugs.

 

DMT really reopened my mind in a huge way. I have been working on starting my own small business. The task has proven daunting, and is taking a ton of my time. I am really not certain that I will wind up getting it going at this point. I am struggling to find THE location. I found a property that would have been perfect, but it went under contract the day I found it, and it closed yesterday. The realtor told me the guy wanted to change the zoning from automotive to shopping and it wasn't looking like the city was going to let it happen... but sadly they did at the last second and I lost the property. This may have been a good thing, though, as it was honestly considerably larger than what I really wanted. I have one "employee" right now waiting for the go. He really wants to work for me and has offered to work as an independent contractor until I really get rolling to keep costs down for me from an employment tax/unemployment insurance pool standpoint. So ideally I want 4-6 bays, and the building I found had 10 lifts and 2 flat bays.

 

Anyways, send good vibes out my way for this venture. I dreamed of this since I was in my mid 20s, and have always found a reason not to take this step, but now it feels right... for the first time in my life I know I am capable of being an owner instead of an employee. I just hope that things work out.

Rough way to have gone through the drugs aspect man. I seriously respect your lines and viewpoints on the subject though. It's not an easy thing to see your own addictions and know how to confront them.

As for the venture, it sounds like you have everythin pinned down specifically. How broad is your search area? Any chance of buying the land and building what you want? Down here garages are like gyms, a good amount to choose from but not many worth the coin.

J

J

 

 

Addiction is an issue I have dealt with for a long fucking time. Honestly, I feel really lucky that I am strong enough to deal with it. It is seriously a sickness, but it is one that users have chosen to partake in. It is really no different then running a pint of an aids victim's blood into your system, you know the consequences and you make that choice... I am going to kill myself with this substance. We all know the risks we take when we slam, snort, smoke, drink, chew, or swallow that first time. That is our loaded pistol.

 

I hate all the pussies that sit in a room and whine about how their dad molested them and it's his fault they shoved that needle in their arm. Sorry, nobody forced that tar in your vein, or that drink down your throat, or that rail up your nostril... you were just weak and made that choice on your own. If you are strong enough you can put it down, but the first step is admitting it is your fault.

 

You will always fall down again, that is a given, the character of the addict lies in how you choose to pick yourself back up again, and how you live your life in that bad time. Do you live productively? Do you take people down with you? Do you put your family and friends at risk?

 

I know a lot of addicts that are damn good people.

 

My search area is fairly wide. Ideally I want to open close to home. I live in a very rural upscale community. There is a lot of money here, and growth is heading my way. 2 new freeways/bypasses are coming out here now, and we are ripe. But I am focusing a bit more in towards "the city" here. I live 20 minutes outside NC's third largest city, part of a tri-city area that houses ~600,000 people. I'm not looking to deal with the city zoning committee, so I really want a shop that is set up.

 

I know what you mean about so many shops. Setting myself apart is going to be a challenge. I know that the talent and quality of work is strong between my employee and I. He is younger, but a brilliant tech. He has some rough edges, but we work very well together. He is eager to learn, and spends a lot of time over my shoulder putting in the effort to better himself, and has impressed me. I can honestly say that he is the next generation of top techs, and he'll be a good employee for years to come. I am also one of the only real hybrid techs in my area, and outside of the dealerships I am the only one who does advanced diagnosis on them. So I think my emphasis is going to be on that market, with a bit of a push towards GM (I am a master trained GM tech), Toyota (my biggest hybrid component, so I have grown to understand them very well), Honda, Nissan and BMW (My employee is very good at these brands as well). This covers a lot of our local motoring public around here.

[sandt38 448]

I'm the same way Seth, I haven't exparamented with the hard stuff though.

Just the booze. Then I'll just not drink randomly for a few months.

 

I'll likely be sober for a few years, actually. My typical cycle is 3-4 years on and off.

[sandt38 448]

 

 

 

Sean, why do you like closed cans? I would have expected you, as what I think of as more of a purist, to prefer open backed cand.

I am a bass player.  Low e on an upright is magnificent in closed cans.

 

I listen to basically no vocals.  Just guitar and bass.  It sways my likes A LOT.

 

I also ran a sound board for 4 years and the noise reduction/isolation from the environment is now what I expect in a can or any headphone for that matter.

 

So perhaps not for the right reasons, lol.  At this point I listen to my full range speakers more than anything.  Almost like wearing open back headphones but without wearing anything.  I have a rather quiet space for an office though.

 

 

I hear ya. My space is quite quiet as well. I am worried about cancellation, but I keep telling myself they will stay hooked up to the amp in my space and noise should not be a concern.

 

I like vocals, but in most cases I just like the filler they provide. Some vocalists I can't get enough of, like Maynard, Aaron Lewis, Norah Jones, and Sarah McLaughlin. But I tend to focus on the music.

 

I am actually really trying to find some good jazz musicians. I can appreciate the talent and love the sax, but so much of it is full of corny beats and weird background fillers. I like to chill with good guitarists, generally metal guitarists in slower songs. Black Label Society's Rust, and Staind's Right Here are 2 great tunes through tubed cans...

 

But admittedly my weakness is Uncle Tupelo's Sandusky... It was just a jam session caught in the studio by the engineer. Just several string players get a nice mellow jam going to warm up.

 

 

 

 

 

Sean, why do you like closed cans? I would have expected you, as what I think of as more of a purist, to prefer open backed cand.

I am fixing to sleep over your house for a few months..Is that cool?

 

 

Sure. But I have been sober for the past few months, so no alcohol allowed.

 

What?  Nice work.  All okay?

 

 

Yeah. I replied to J up above about it. I am just in a better place right now.

 

 

 

Sean, why do you like closed cans? I would have expected you, as what I think of as more of a purist, to prefer open backed cand.

 

FWIW, after doing even more research I am going with the HD600s unless you can give me a really significant reason to close them up. I found a few reviews that said the HD650 had more depth and a more vibrant top end, but that it seemed colored compared to a more natural, flatter HD600. With the effort I put into finding a tube setup that fit the bill for me, and the fact that I am rolling tubes, I think I really want to hear what the amp has to offer, not what Senn has decided to color my sound with in the search to acquire the all to common Beats user.

 

The cheap ass in me wants to say look for a used set of 580's then.

Nothing wrong with the 6's.  I am a big Senn fan.  Just sold 300 of their mics this week  I do have a problem with all three though, but it is all pinna related.  I can wear them for about 15 minutes and my outer ears hurt.

 

 

You must have some big motherfuckin ears, my friend. How do you stay grounded when a breeze kicks up?

 

I'm nearly 6'8 and EVERYTHING is proportional, lol

 

 

Your Butthole is blown out?

[ohio45113 24]

Mikel7829 did you eat the vikes and drink the beer?

[sandt38 448]

Have you heard any jazz you like?  I can probably help.  Have over 2000 jazz cd's....

My buddy suggested:

 

Charlie Parker, Grover Washington Jr, dizzy, miles Davis, Lionel Hampton, dextor Gordon, thelonius monk, John Coltrane

 

 

 

Miles Davis in a way goes without saying. But I am not big on trumpet, so I tire of him quickly. I have listened to Parker, Washington, Dizzy, Davis, Hampton, and Gordon so far from that list. SO far I really only like a spattering of Dexter Gordon and Miles Davis. Dexter Gordon plays very well, and he is not so corny sounding, but he is overly precise a lot of the time. It sounds choppy how he enters and cuts off his notes so abruptly. I like a more smooth, relaxed sound. I like Jeff Coffin's style of sax better (from Bella Fleck and The Flecktones, and Dave Matthews Band) for example. DMBs #41 and #36 and Dreaming Tree are good examples of his style that I dig.

 

I have not listened to Thelonius Monk or Coltraine yet... now I know some Coltraine, but I have yet to spend any serious time with his music yet. Those I have listed are the ones suggested by a buddy of mine who is big into Jazz (although he is not an Acid Jazz fan), and ones I have tried to seriously spend time listening to... not just a 30 second spot and calling it good or bad. I'll spend a few hours looking for bright spots. I have liked some smooth jazz I have heard, but don't even know where to start to listen to that genre. Any input would be amazing. I pay for Spotify, so I have a large catalog available to sample whatever you suggest.

[sandt38 448]

Jazz = Mingus and Coletrain.

If I want to hear vocals Joss Stone has been on the menu lately. Diana Krall, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone all kill it too.

 

 

Seth,

Try checking out a band called 'Shaman's Harvest' on the cans. Specifically 'End of Me' I can see sounding amazing.

This is one of the only times since 2010 where one CD has stayed in my HU over 2 months and has been constantly played

J

 

Writing these down now, fellas. I appreciate the suggestions.

 

I am a metalhead at heart, but I appreciate good music from many genre.

[sandt38 448]

Love this tune... Zakk Wyld can play a guitar

 

 

Also a big Alex Skolnik fan.

[sandt38 448]

Seth,

Try checking out a band called 'Shaman's Harvest' on the cans. Specifically 'End of Me' I can see sounding amazing.

This is one of the only times since 2010 where one CD has stayed in my HU over 2 months and has been constantly played

J

 

Yeah, I kinda dig that tune. I'll spend more time listening to them. Is the specific disc Smokin hearts and broken guns?

 

 

*edit* country as fuck ain't doin it for me though... I like classic country, but am not huge on today's pop/country style. I'll still listen to their catalog though.

[Stephen93s10 40]

Seth,

Try checking out a band called 'Shaman's Harvest' on the cans. Specifically 'End of Me' I can see sounding amazing.

This is one of the only times since 2010 where one CD has stayed in my HU over 2 months and has been constantly played

J

Yeah, I kinda dig that tune. I'll spend more time listening to them. Is the specific disc Smokin hearts and broken guns?

*edit* country as fuck ain't doin it for me though... I like classic country, but am not huge on today's pop/country style. I'll still listen to their catalog though.

What do you know about that hank williams sr?

[sandt38 448]

[sandt38 448]

 

 

Seth,

Try checking out a band called 'Shaman's Harvest' on the cans. Specifically 'End of Me' I can see sounding amazing.

This is one of the only times since 2010 where one CD has stayed in my HU over 2 months and has been constantly played

J

Yeah, I kinda dig that tune. I'll spend more time listening to them. Is the specific disc Smokin hearts and broken guns?

*edit* country as fuck ain't doin it for me though... I like classic country, but am not huge on today's pop/country style. I'll still listen to their catalog though.

What do you know about that hank williams sr?

 

 

That's more like it. Old Johnny Cash (Cocaine Blues) too. For more modern county I like Lucero, which is more like a heavier, less refined Uncle Tulepo.

 

*edit* As soon as I hit enter Tupelo's Sandusky started to play in my Senns... It is one of my favorite jams.

[Stephen93s10 40]

Seth,

Try checking out a band called 'Shaman's Harvest' on the cans. Specifically 'End of Me' I can see sounding amazing.

This is one of the only times since 2010 where one CD has stayed in my HU over 2 months and has been constantly played

J

Yeah, I kinda dig that tune. I'll spend more time listening to them. Is the specific disc Smokin hearts and broken guns?

*edit* country as fuck ain't doin it for me though... I like classic country, but am not huge on today's pop/country style. I'll still listen to their catalog though.

What do you know about that hank williams sr?

That's more like it. Old Johnny Cash (Cocaine Blues) too. For more modern county I like Lucero, which is more like a heavier, less refined Uncle Tulepo.

*edit* As soon as I hit enter Tupelo's Sandusky started to play in my Senns... It is one of my favorite jams.

Thats what im talking about not many people my age (21) still listening to the oldies like that

[lithium 358]

Only way I can wear grados for longer than 30min was to get these huge foam replacements. Even then the top end is too bright for me on alot of my music. 

[lithium 358]

actually i played around with some software and eq'd out the peak. sound better but i reach for the senns 90% of the time. 

[sandt38 448]

Only way I can wear grados for longer than 30min was to get these huge foam replacements. Even then the top end is too bright for me on alot of my music. 

 

I am shocked that they went with those foam cups. It is seriously the singular reason I am not buying them.

 

actually i played around with some software and eq'd out the peak. sound better but i reach for the senns 90% of the time. 

 

OK, fair enough. the 600s it is.

[mikel7829 90]

actually i played around with some software and eq'd out the peak. sound better but i reach for the senns 90% of the time. 

I need a good product key for windows 7 ultimate..

[dem beats 1,223]

The AKG is the best ear cup I have ever felt. Crazy huge and comfy.

[mikel7829 90]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sean, why do you like closed cans? I would have expected you, as what I think of as more of a purist, to prefer open backed cand.

I am fixing to sleep over your house for a few months..Is that cool?

 

Sure. But I have been sober for the past few months, so no alcohol allowed.

Congrats on the sobriety brother!

J

 

Thanks. I go though spells of hard drinking and sobriety. I have since I was about 14 years old. I have a massive addictive personality, and I try to stick with legal substances for the most part, I did a lot of hard drugs when I was younger, and had issues with freebasing, crack, powder cocaine, heroin, and speedballing. I have been free of that for about 18 years now I guess.

 

Honestly for me alcohol is a good thing. I don't really suffer DTs (withdraw) in the absolute sense. Being dope sick (withdraw from drugs like coke and heroin) is a really physical thing, and you don't just put them down. When the mood strikes, I just stop drinking all at once.

 

Usually a period of awakening, what a lot of users call resetting leads me to drop the booze. For me it was a string of DMT sessions. Tripping, when I go to it with the mindset of spirituality rather then just partying, really rearranges my priorities, and helps me become more introspective. I tend to get back to that part of me that I run from with alcohol or drugs.

 

DMT really reopened my mind in a huge way. I have been working on starting my own small business. The task has proven daunting, and is taking a ton of my time. I am really not certain that I will wind up getting it going at this point. I am struggling to find THE location. I found a property that would have been perfect, but it went under contract the day I found it, and it closed yesterday. The realtor told me the guy wanted to change the zoning from automotive to shopping and it wasn't looking like the city was going to let it happen... but sadly they did at the last second and I lost the property. This may have been a good thing, though, as it was honestly considerably larger than what I really wanted. I have one "employee" right now waiting for the go. He really wants to work for me and has offered to work as an independent contractor until I really get rolling to keep costs down for me from an employment tax/unemployment insurance pool standpoint. So ideally I want 4-6 bays, and the building I found had 10 lifts and 2 flat bays.

 

Anyways, send good vibes out my way for this venture. I dreamed of this since I was in my mid 20s, and have always found a reason not to take this step, but now it feels right... for the first time in my life I know I am capable of being an owner instead of an employee. I just hope that things work out.

Rough way to have gone through the drugs aspect man. I seriously respect your lines and viewpoints on the subject though. It's not an easy thing to see your own addictions and know how to confront them.

As for the venture, it sounds like you have everythin pinned down specifically. How broad is your search area? Any chance of buying the land and building what you want? Down here garages are like gyms, a good amount to choose from but not many worth the coin.

J

J

 

 

Addiction is an issue I have dealt with for a long fucking time. Honestly, I feel really lucky that I am strong enough to deal with it. It is seriously a sickness, but it is one that users have chosen to partake in. It is really no different then running a pint of an aids victim's blood into your system, you know the consequences and you make that choice... I am going to kill myself with this substance. We all know the risks we take when we slam, snort, smoke, drink, chew, or swallow that first time. That is our loaded pistol.

 

I hate all the pussies that sit in a room and whine about how their dad molested them and it's his fault they shoved that needle in their arm. Sorry, nobody forced that tar in your vein, or that drink down your throat, or that rail up your nostril... you were just weak and made that choice on your own. If you are strong enough you can put it down, but the first step is admitting it is your fault.

 

You will always fall down again, that is a given, the character of the addict lies in how you choose to pick yourself back up again, and how you live your life in that bad time. Do you live productively? Do you take people down with you? Do you put your family and friends at risk?

 

I know a lot of addicts that are damn good people.

 

My search area is fairly wide. Ideally I want to open close to home. I live in a very rural upscale community. There is a lot of money here, and growth is heading my way. 2 new freeways/bypasses are coming out here now, and we are ripe. But I am focusing a bit more in towards "the city" here. I live 20 minutes outside NC's third largest city, part of a tri-city area that houses ~600,000 people. I'm not looking to deal with the city zoning committee, so I really want a shop that is set up.

 

I know what you mean about so many shops. Setting myself apart is going to be a challenge. I know that the talent and quality of work is strong between my employee and I. He is younger, but a brilliant tech. He has some rough edges, but we work very well together. He is eager to learn, and spends a lot of time over my shoulder putting in the effort to better himself, and has impressed me. I can honestly say that he is the next generation of top techs, and he'll be a good employee for years to come. I am also one of the only real hybrid techs in my area, and outside of the dealerships I am the only one who does advanced diagnosis on them. So I think my emphasis is going to be on that market, with a bit of a push towards GM (I am a master trained GM tech), Toyota (my biggest hybrid component, so I have grown to understand them very well), Honda, Nissan and BMW (My employee is very good at these brands as well). This covers a lot of our local motoring public around here.

 

You know I will ride with you bro...I am here for you You know I get down and dirty 

[ssh 924]

Now I feel like I should make you a playlist Seth.

[///M5 2,833]

 

Have you heard any jazz you like?  I can probably help.  Have over 2000 jazz cd's....

My buddy suggested:

 

Charlie Parker, Grover Washington Jr, dizzy, miles Davis, Lionel Hampton, dextor Gordon, thelonius monk, John Coltrane

 

 

 

Miles Davis in a way goes without saying. But I am not big on trumpet, so I tire of him quickly. I have listened to Parker, Washington, Dizzy, Davis, Hampton, and Gordon so far from that list. SO far I really only like a spattering of Dexter Gordon and Miles Davis. Dexter Gordon plays very well, and he is not so corny sounding, but he is overly precise a lot of the time. It sounds choppy how he enters and cuts off his notes so abruptly. I like a more smooth, relaxed sound. I like Jeff Coffin's style of sax better (from Bella Fleck and The Flecktones, and Dave Matthews Band) for example. DMBs #41 and #36 and Dreaming Tree are good examples of his style that I dig.

 

I have not listened to Thelonius Monk or Coltraine yet... now I know some Coltraine, but I have yet to spend any serious time with his music yet. Those I have listed are the ones suggested by a buddy of mine who is big into Jazz (although he is not an Acid Jazz fan), and ones I have tried to seriously spend time listening to... not just a 30 second spot and calling it good or bad. I'll spend a few hours looking for bright spots. I have liked some smooth jazz I have heard, but don't even know where to start to listen to that genre. Any input would be amazing. I pay for Spotify, so I have a large catalog available to sample whatever you suggest.

 

Just the artist isn't enough.  There is a huge difference between early and late Miles Davis.  Almost big band to free jazz.  I like the stuff in the middle.  Considering he has over 500 albums out choosing becomes tough.

 

No one has referenced any guitar, so I will:  Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery, Grant Green are where I'd start.  If you want the jazz version of Michael Angelo Batio then John McLaughlin would be the right start.  He has some amazingly awesome albums and some dreadful fusion...of course you may like the fusion that I don't.

[///M5 2,833]

Love this tune... Zakk Wyld can play a guitar

 

 

Also a big Alex Skolnik fan.

Not saying Zakk can't play, but even with the solo I could pick that whole song up in maybe 30min.  The weird quartal fingerings near the beginning of the solo may add to that, but not a ton.

 

As a reference I can't fathom how to play most McLaughlin stuff...even if it is slow.

[///M5 2,833]

The AKG is the best ear cup I have ever felt. Crazy huge and comfy.

I also have AKG's for the same reason.  Bought mine in 1993 though

[///M5 2,833]

I also bought mine as a reference while running a sound board.

[///M5 2,833]

 

Love this tune... Zakk Wyld can play a guitar

 

 

Also a big Alex Skolnik fan.

Not saying Zakk can't play, but even with the solo I could pick that whole song up in maybe 30min.  The weird quartal fingerings near the beginning of the solo may add to that, but not a ton.

 

As a reference I can't fathom how to play most McLaughlin stuff...even if it is slow.

 

To be fair, I'd need the music.  I can't read tabs and playing by ear would take me way longer.  In a few years I'll be quicker but its been a LONG time since I've played.