bassist_lewis

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1377959532' post='2194111'] Every time I've played in a band with more than one guitarist, they have been excellent at arranging the guitars so that they complimented each other in both note choices and sounds. Those are the sorts of musicians that you want. [/quote] This all the way, if you have 2 guitarists they have to be exceptionally good musicians and good at communicating with each other, otherwise you end with a crunchy mess. Or at least one of them does so they can work around the other one (though in that situation you'd be as well ditching the ignorant one!) IME only rock/metal bands want 2 guitars (I purposely didn't write 'need' coz loads of rock/metal bands only have 1) for the extra noise while every other genre is happy with 1 (though Lettuce have 2 but they run rings around a lot of musicians).

[quote name='Raymondo' timestamp='1377896071' post='2193465'] +1 from me! The guy that plays for Bedford Falls at the Barony inn (and most other bands that play there it seems!) is awesome. I was told he played with the proclaimers in the early days? can't remember his name unfortunately ....probably because I have usually had one or two beers when i go there ;-) but he sure does take some beating. [/quote] I've never been there but I was thinking of Dougie Coulter (bass guitar) who plays for the Mike Kearney Ka-Tet at Jazzbar on Wednesdays (think he does a few other nights too) and Ed Kelly (double bass) who does various trios and quartets. Both excellent and therefore inspirational players. There's also Aki, he normally plays guitar but he's a hell of a bass player too!

Does it have to guys in famous bands? There's a couple of local guys in Edinburgh that are incredible players, easily up there with the big names.

... you may

Just came across this article on notreble.com and thought I'd share it, very interesting to hear how it really works. http://www.notreble.com/buzz/2013/08/28/life-as-a-working-bassist-where-does-the-money-come-from/

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1376431818' post='2174034'] What is the purpose of the recording? If it's to lay down a demo for gigs then that seems a good idea. Two months, twice a week to get up to speed, record demo, reign back rehearsals and get gigs. It's only ambitious if the rest of the band aren't willing to put the work in. How's the guy with no transport (Let me guess, drummer?) going to get to gigs? That would be more of a concern to me. [/quote] It's the sax player who lives far away. I'm all for recording a demo but the singer is doing a fringe show so can't rehearse til September, so only 1 month. I can't do 2 rehearsals, I have 3 other bands, gigs, a full time job plus a life. Parts are written but flexible. The singer hasn't written everything yet so structures are still to be finished, as are brass parts.

Evening fellows, I haven't posted here in a while but need some opinions to check I'm not being a d**k. So, a friend of mine started a funk band and asked me to join, we've had 2 rehearsals (and a third I couldn't make) and the music is good, as are the players. However, one of the guys lives about 2 hours away and the band leader insists we go rehearse with him sometimes because he has no transport. Also, the band leader wants to record in October but the singer can't make rehearsal til September so songs won't start getting written until then. I've told him that that isn't enough time as the songs aren't finished but he's now talking about people needing to commit and doing 2 rehearsals a week. I think he's over-ambitious and unrealistic but am I being a stick in the mud?

it could, but then it depends who's playing it... and what sort of egg you're intending to boil... kind of depends...

I should have known better than to ask! [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1367151688' post='2061729'] I'd say 'Yes', but I [i]am [/i]biased. I expect you'll get a variety of responses! [/quote]! While I'm here, what do people think about 5 and 6 string basses

I've heard it said many times, on here, in video reviews and by people I know, but can a one pick-up passive bass carry off any musical style? Opinions wanted for a quiet Sunday!

hello BC I've just got involved in a production of Whistle Down the Wind! I've been playing through the score most of today and will be doing so again tomorrow and have been listening to the cast recording (though it doesn't seem to be exactly the same as my score). What I'm asking for is any advice on playing in a musical. I'd like to make a good impression so that I might get work in the future. thanks

the Sadowsky: they sound really good, 2 pick ups for a bit of tonal versatility (your keyboard player is WRONG ) and its a 5 string which takes care of flat keys and low voiced singers

Its a job which is related to my intended career, much like someone who wants to be a chef starting as a kitchen porter. Its also pretty good money, you get to meet lots of other musicians and quite frankly I've had far more great gigs playing covers than playing originals (I've had a few stinkers but hazard of the trade). I'm not anti original music but I feel that both have their place: playing regularly in a covers band is great for your musicianship (hearing through chords, interacting with other players, appropriate note choice, transcribing, professional conduct etc) but after a while a lot of it becomes second nature which is where the original music comes in: to stretch me musically!

Saturday booked!

Is it not a kind of "Tesco Syndrome"? Everyone slates them because they're the market leader yet a huge number of people regularly shop there. On the other hand people gravitate to the familiar, which, due to them having such a long history with many big names attached to them (and even the bass guitar being called a "Fender bass" - as opposed to a double bass - for decades) gives them a massive advantage over say, Lakland, meaning that other manufacturers can easily be overlooked by the beginner, which continues the cycle of familiarity.

Snarky Puppy's GroundUP (I missed all three of their gigs up here this week )

Arrived at the venue well on-time (I'd been late the last couple of pub gigs so made a special effort) to find another band setting up. Spoke to our guitarist and singer and it turns out the pub had double booked and hadn't noticed for nearly two months! They gave us a bar tab which the guitarist, my girlfriend and I abused for a couple of drinks but I had my gear in the car so couldn't exactly make a night of it. Ended up watching trash TV online (a big thanks to Gok Wan and Paddy McGuinness) with the missus and drooling over 75 RI jazz basses , from which I'm now £70 further away thanks to last night! Could have been worse...

I enjoyed Guthrie Govan's interpretation of the vocals far more than the bass player. that Frank Zappa thing was ace!!

Played a wedding in North Berwick, which is about and hour from Edinburgh. So far this is my longest solo journey since getting my license. I managed to get to the drummer's girlfriend's house (in this case the joke is true) just about on time and got to the venue 25 minutes early (a big improvement on being half an hour late). It was a funny one, the crowd danced to a few then everyone disappeared, then up again then gone again... still, the bride was very appreciative (we saw the groom at the very start then again in the last ten minutes). Music-wise we played a couple of new songs which could have gone better but we'll work them out later