lowdowner

2 hours ago, Monkey Steve said:

bit late to this one, but my suggestion is to ask the band what they would prefer - a few songs where you are note perfect, or a rough working version of all of them.  Manage their expectations.  Worse thing you can do is walk in with a rough, working version of them all only to find that as they're a tribute band they are looking for note perfect and would have been happy with two or three given that you've only had a a week

this...

I spoke with them and they're happy with 'overall feel' for the songs (except where there might be iconic bass riffs obviously). I'm fine with that, I guess if they can see potential and we all get on together it might be enough to take a punt.

I've been listening to the tracks end to end for days - now I have Stevie Nicks in my head even when I sleep (mind you, I can think of worse!)

22 minutes ago, Bridgehouse said:

It’s a reference to off the wall topics where the usual comment would be “is it any good for metal?”

Ahh..l got you! A pick and a "Pork and Pickle" is all you need for metal isn't it? That's what I'm backing on...

1 minute ago, Bridgehouse said:

Osmosis here largely leads to two things:

- Less cash

- A deeper appreciation for what works in Metal

Less cash I get (oh! how I get!! ) but the Metal quote is over my head!

Pickup now scheduled for Wednesday all being well!

Now it's really close the waiting is much, much, worse!

6 hours ago, cetera said:

Absolutely fantastic instrument! You'll love it - especially if you like the jazz-like neck dimensions of the Doug Wimbish model....
 

A word of advice - the Tonepump preamp is very hot so if you feel it is putting out too much signal use the internal trimpot on the preamp box to turn it down a little

Great info - thanks for that. I'm using a Bergantino B-amp and I know it *likes* a hot input so I'm cool with that.

1 hour ago, dmccombe7 said:

That's you all sorted altho you did miss out one major oint.

STOP SPENDING SO MUCH TIME ON BASSCHAT AND GET LEARNING 

Wish you every success 

Dave

WHAT?? I thought I'd become brilliant through osmosis!

1 hour ago, Bridgehouse said:

As well as band work, I play bass at a regular set of guitar-oriented jams. Drums, keys, bass and then up to 20 guitarists swapping in and out on different songs. They pick the songs beforehand so we can learn them. 

I get to learn a massive range of stuff - and some of the choices make me groan at first. However, once learned, it gives you a totally different appreciation for the song. 

This weekend coming they have picked “chasing cars” as one track. Lol, I thought - that will be a piece of p1ss.. but no. Yeah so it’s not technically complex at all, but the timing on the bass is so crucial it’s given me a whole new understanding of “in time” 🤣

I would say that learning as much stuff as possible really gives you a better understanding of how to learn - both efficiently and accurately

Yes, I used to gig Chasing Cars doing bass and lead vocals. The timing has to be spot on but once you're in the groove it does seem quite natural.

1 hour ago, steantval said:

Must be a Fleetwood MaC tribute act at a guess.

Seems a lot of tracks from band in the set list for a covers band.

Yes, tribute band so (eventually) the tracks have to be spot on!

Awesome - just bloody awesome

I find Bowie's tracks quite interesting - this one changes time signature throughout: into 4/4 then 3/4 then 2/4 and back again, and I like the slightly 'freeform' feel to it when you pull the timing around a little... relaxing

1 hour ago, paul_c2 said:

If you're going to choose 4 out of 6 songs to learn, make sure you choose "The Chain" as one of them.......there's this bit in the middle......

Truth be told I can already play this - I don't know a bass player who can't/doesn't

1 hour ago, Woodinblack said:

no one listens to the bass player anyway

haha - probably truer than many of us want to believe (although you're right about the 'iconic' parts though - they make or break the track

10 hours ago, steantval said:

Just out of interest, what are the six songs you need to learn?

All Fleetwood Mac:

3 minutes ago, Bluewine said:

Good point, but exactly why I say ask questions prior to the audition and it has to be a really good reason you want to be in a band.

And for some bands knowing the material alone isn't enough to get in. You might live too far from gigs and rehearsals.

I read a story about a guy that auditioned for Prince and didn't get in because he didn't have the look for the band.

Blue

I *definitely* don't have the look for a price band... more chas and Dave!

53 minutes ago, mrtcat said:

Spending time on a British forum has taught you well Blue.

except it should be hyphenated surely?  

5 minutes ago, dave_bass5 said:

Sorry, i didnt mean to come across as harsh, just that if it were me I would pull out all the stops to make sure i got the job. If that means up all night learning the songs so be it.

I realise not everyone would bother going this far, but i feel i owe it to myself and those that would be affected by it to make sure i do a good job.

my methods of learning is normally play along in the evenings but listen to the songs as much as possible at other times. traveling to and from work etc. For me having the songs in my head helps me learn to play them easier, as i dont have to try and remeber what comes next etc. 

it's ok, I understand what you're saying. I guess my immediate thought was a question.. if I want to hold down my job(s), fund healthcare for my partner, look after my family, does this mean that I can't join a band because I can't stay up all night to practice six songs or is there a possible compromise where I show some potential but aren't note perfect? 

Don't *most* people who play in amateur bands have compromises to make - otherwise why not be professional if you can spend all night for a week preparing for a rehearsal?

I admire the dedication of us who can afford to practice at the expense of everything else though.

I'm sensing a very different vibe from the Saturday night crowd... suggesting I'm a wuss and should worry less and work more.

Lord, I have an ideal to live up to. I should get off here and just practice until my fingers bleed  

1 hour ago, dave_bass5 said:

id put more effort in to make sure i do the best i can. I appreciate what you have said above but if you are that worried, make more of an effort.

When i dep i make sure i have the songs down to the best of may ability. No half measures, no excuses. Sure, you may (will) make mistakes on the night, but if its important to you then you will make sure even if you make mistakes you know the songs before hand.

i think you will be fine either way though.

wow - that's harsh (but probably fair). Now I feel like I'm definitely inadequate! 

1 hour ago, itsmedunc said:

Don't stress too much about it, that will only hinder your learning. Learn what you can in the time you have got, what you can't improvise! Many originals bands do just that live onstage.

I've found that listening to a track (whilst not playing along) is good for me, I actually listen to it and get a feel, rather than wonder where my fingers etc are going next. Takes some effort 'not' to pick the bass up though!

Good Luck.

AS it happens I've listened to these tracks many times before (and will do so again this week) because they're favourites of mine so that helps.

Just never played them funnily enough

1 hour ago, Len_derby said:

I'd say, go for either - but be upfront about it and tell them why. If you hide anything it'll only one back and bite you later.

Playing your parts competently is not all that's required to be a successful band member. Turn up  time, have reliable gear and generally don't be a a**hole. It always surprises me how people don't get that.

Anyway, good luck! I hope it works for you.

Thanks. I've no problem being up front and honest. I've already told them that I've taken a break from bass so it may take a few weeks to get back in the groove.

I don't really have much ego so I don't worry about protecting it

55 minutes ago, lownote12 said:

The former... but maybe that's why no one wants me in a band

thanks... erm... I think!

In a week's time I'm going for a tryout with a new band - it's been a while since I played bass in a band because I've been concentrating on drumming for the last couple of years so I'm looking for advice.

I've been given a shortlist of about 6 songs. They're all within my playing ability I believe but I don't think I'm going to memorise them accurately note-for-note between now and then because my learning speed is quite rusty and I've never played any of them before.

It strikes me that I have one of two choices: either learn all six songs just in terms of the overall structure of the song and the basic root/5th type overview and 'fill in' the rest on the day, or learn 3 or 4 songs (the more basic of them) as written and as close to the original as possible.

What would you guys do? 

2 minutes ago, bassfan said:

Looks lovely... I feel your pain about the wait. I’m 4 weeks into a potential 16 weeks build time. If I had hair I’d be pulling it out... your week will pass agonisingly slowly, but this time next week you’ll have It! 👍🏻 Spare a thought for those of us that will still have 11 to go... 🤯

well obviously I feel for you and your next 12 weeks - but my week will seem longer!

I ordered a new bass today, a Spector Euro 4LX DW (Doug Wimbush) in Amber... doesn't arrive until next week so it's now a waiting game...

Anyone on here play a Euro 4LX? It's too late to ask whether people like it or not (*I* do and that's what counts) but I'm interested in how you are finding it.

How am I going to wait?? *groan* 

4 minutes ago, martthebass said:

I accept that it's off topic in not being either a classic or a natural, but y'know......

forgiven

3 hours ago, martthebass said:

I'll just leave this one here......

Oh, sparkly, precious, things...