Shannon's first real instrument

Hello,
I am Detroit bass player Shannon Wade, and through a long career in music I can gather few regrets.  However during my entire musical life I have performed on very sub standard instruments, and for the past decade, done so on beginner (or plywood) basses.  I dare say the value of my current bass is less than a tire change for a car.

This has established no small amount of limits on the quality of work and artistic achievement I already do and subsequently seek.  During a recent conversation with a friend, I described it as racing a 4 cylinder economy car against twin turbo v8 race cars.  After being turned away from local orchestra auditions and many jazz gigs carrying my trusty but extremely rusty plywood bass, I am trying to raise money for a more suitable and applicable instrument.

I seek an instrument that can support the skills I have developed from my scholarship years at Meadowmount and Vanderbilt studying with Edgar Meyer to sharing the stage with a long list of amazing and renown musicians.   An instrument I cannot currently afford.  An instrument that can aptly convey the dynamic, tamboral, and musical diversity that I am well known for.  And lastly and instrument which allows for growth as a working musician and most importantly and an artist.

I have written and arranged and album worth of songs of jazz, classical and other sounds best described as 'other'.  I am producing this endeavor on completion of this fundraiser to utilize and prove the value of the instrument in question and would offer it to all who donate.  

I thank you for checking this out and urge you to donate or share the link with people who you think may be interested.  

Shannon