martin8708

Tough situation, but the very very best guitarists I’ve played with ( and drummers ) have not been loud , in fact , they have been surprisingly soft and we always try to crank them up in the mix . I am in a similar situation, good mix in the rehearsal room , but come gig time , and suddenly the guitarist brings out the heavy artillery and we can’t hear the vocals , the drummers beating the hell out of his kit , and I’m staring at the ceiling hoping it doesn’t sound too krappy . As Steve says , I just suck it up , as bass players are easily replaced .

As a resident of the Isle of Wight ( where every second person walking down the street is a bass player ) - I think it’s called the Mark King Effect , I could be replaced at the drop of a hat. However 2 band members don’t drive , and a LWB Landy carries all PA and band members to gigs . Half our gigs are with no drummer , and I’m the only one who can provide suitable back up drum machine tracks for these gigs , as well as backing vocals for the singist ( no one else does BV ) As previously said , no one is irreplaceable, but I bring a lot to the table .

From my rather limited experience of Songwriting and playing in originals bands , I think many musicians seriously underestimate the talent /skill required to write a good song . I used to write lyrics for our original band and the craft of creating a story or a message that hangs well with the music is not as easy as it seems . I have seen fellow musicians throw some words over a well worn chord progression, no wonder it sounds formulaic / stereotypical/ predictable, you can almost guess what’s coming in the next verse. Songwriting is a skill on its own , just because we can play guitars and sing does not make us songsmiths .

If I play the first few songs of the set note perfect , I start to get really nervous . Once I have fluffed a note ( or two ) I can relax and get into the gig , I suppose it’s just the expectation that I’m I’m going to make a mistake at some time or another . Only one major episode of total brain freeze ( David Bowies Space Oddity) , great song , but never played it since . Were all human , it’s how you recover from mistakes that matters .

I must be easily pleased , there are 100’s of beautiful bass lines out there . When the venue is heaving , the drummer sober and on time , the guitarist is playing beautifully and the singer is belting out the tunes , I will give each bass line 110 % in effort , timing and punctuation. That’s when I close my eyes , tilt my head back , and get sucked into that beautiful whirlpool of becoming part of the song / band . The more effort / emotion you put into even a simple bass line , the more it will reward you .

It’s quite common to bring in “high flyers “ from totally different industries in the belief they will invigorate sales / performance. In my 40 years experience, it never works , they just come up with ridiculous sales ideas to justify their obscene salaries .

Finding a band is very much like finding a job , it seems so much easier when you are currently in a band ( or in a job ) Most of my successful band joining have been from getting to know other musicians, I also approached a solo singer /acoustic guitarist in a pub and offered some fretless bass and backing vocals , which resulted in quite a few gigs . I would rather stick an advert up in our local music shop ( if you still have one ) than try the social media type thing . I think you are doing everything you can , sometimes we just go through a “ drought “ period . I am not too fussy or judgmental, I will initially play with just about anyone. I have joined some pretty ropey bands , but it gets me out rehearsing and sometimes you really click with one member who can introduce you to better opportunities.

Posted in incorrect topic , apologies .

20 years ago I discovered Fender Precision Bass , always was a Yamaha BB1200 bass player ( bloody good bass’s they are ) Enjoyed the first P bass , thought I’d better get a back up , I’m now up to number 7 ( or 8 ? ) The fender Jazz is unused ( we all need a Jazz Bass ? ) Dont get me started on amp / Cabs .

Just bought a Mono Sleeve gig bag from Thorsten , great price , in its original packaging , as new condition. Thorsten constantly updated me on booking courier , tracking numbers ,etc . ( I wish some shops were this good ) 100% recommended seller .

I have read George Martins book (Beatles ) and Stings autobiography, both books recommend in reading the “classics “ in literature and poetry. Sting was an English teacher before he made it big , so there must be something in it . Lyric writing is a massively underestimated skill , Elton needed Bernie . If the song can tell a good story , that people can relate to , that’s a good lyric . In pre internet times , ancient African / Aboriginal/ Red Indian history and folklore was passed down from generation to generation in song / music form , so good story telling in music is essential. The Beatles understood this .

You are truly blessed if you can find 3-4 fellow musicians with same commitment/ drive /ambition and musical taste as you have . I have done over 10 years of duo work with great acoustic guitarist / singer , no drummer / no keys / no second guitarist . We go in , set up , gig , break down and we’re home like a well oiled machine . From previous experience, being in a band can be like being in 3 dysfunctional marriages, so many issues of health / family issues / commitments/ learning the bloody songs / the list goes on .

Back in the late 80’s , I moved to the States for 6 months , I could not work , so I thought I would really concentrate on improving my bass playing . I bought lots of books , VHS vids ( Billy Sheehan ) and CD ‘s . I still own 2 of them, Stuart Hamm and Michael Manring I don’t think I ever made it past the 3rd track on either of those CD’s , despite forcing myself to listen to them ( I’m a bass player right?) Theses guys are incredibly talented and I would love to have skills , but I struggle to listen to them in isolation.

A small selection from my brood . JV Strat for electric duties ( best Strat so far , I’ve sold on my FCS Strats ) Balladeer - been a good friend for 42 yrs Ovation Classical with stereo output .

Bought some TI flats from Graeme , very prompt delivery and accurately described . Many thanks for a smooth transaction. Cheers Martin.

Offer ends 15th July , just managed to squeeze my order in for 2-4-1 . Looking forward to getting my 4” straps .

Gear that is collectively owned by the “band “ is always a headache when someone leaves or the band splits . I think your quite fortunate in getting your share of the gear paid back to you , my experience has been very much the opposite . I now leave all PA purchases to the vocalist , If I buy any peripheral purchases , they come home with me .

I prefer to call them Drifters , they join the band with great gusto and fanfare , but either don’t turn up / cause arguments / don’t learn material or try and change set list to suit themselves . They leave , join another band and repeat the same procedure . If the music community is quite close knit , they get a reputation quite quickly.

My well gigged AVRI 57 P bass , this is my #1.

Your strengths are that you are prepared to put in the hard work to learn the songs and be a reliable bass player . This alone stands you in good stead for any future bands . Its not always the flash players that get the gigs .

Hi George . If 1974 is your date of birth , your 10 years younger than me . From my experience, music / bands have always pulled me thought bad times . I still have my Ovation guitar I bought when I was a student at 18 yrs old , played it in many squats / bedsits / shared houses when life was pretty grim and lonely . My current band are not only fellow musicians, but friends as well , with a common love of music and humour and banter . When life is tough , you need support from all avenues of life

I had a 5 string for a while , trouble with turning up at a gig / open mic / jam night with a 5 string is there is the automatic assumption that you are some kind of sh*t hot bass god , rather than a weekend warrior with an extra string . Sold it , happy with 4 .