aceuggy

[quote name='silddx' post='1004317' date='Oct 28 2010, 08:15 PM']Thinking a bit about this, it's a common question and I used to be quite paranoid when i was starting out about whether I would need to sight read. Much more important things to consider if you want to be in a band are: Will I ENJOY being in this band? Do I have reliable equipment which I know how to use? Do I have a plan for when a string breaks or my sound cuts out? Do I have/need an active DI box (SansAmp etc.) for emergencies? Can I learn songs as quickly and as accurately as the other band members? Do I need a form of reliable transport? Do I understand, and can commit to, the level of time and effort expected by this band? Am I a reliable person with a professional attitude? Am I a nice person to be around, diplomatic, open minded, and know when to shut the f*** up? Can I accept that bands are not always democratic? Am I prepared for this band to eat into my time and financial resources?[/quote] Feck this is getting complicated!! But can answer in the affirmative for most of this. I can play along to stuff I listen to after getting the gist from tab. Surely it would be the same playing in a band. Once we have decided what we are gong to play, that's what rehearsals are for, right?

[quote name='silddx' post='1004279' date='Oct 28 2010, 07:53 PM']Depends on the band. It's a bit like saying do I need carpentry skills to work on a building site. You haven't really said what sort of music you want to play in a band. If it's pop, rock, blues or whatever, the answer is normally no, you don't need to read music, you will learn the music by ear.[/quote] The answer to that is probably rock and blues.

[quote name='bh2' post='1004209' date='Oct 28 2010, 07:01 PM']Yes... Your CV P looks nice with the covers btw.[/quote] Thanks for the compliment I am very happy with it.

[quote name='lojo' post='1004211' date='Oct 28 2010, 07:03 PM']Forgive me, but due to the need to ask the original question and your statement about learning the fretboard, you are in a very fundamental position, perhaps a perfect starting point to learn "properly" reading an all Im trying to say that if you are going to have to learn the notes etc anyway, why not combine it with reading I think there are alot of guys on here like me, who have learned much as we have gone (like knowing where every note is throughout the fretboard) etc. but not learned to read, and given our time again would have combined it all[/quote] I understand what you are saying, but my original question was do I need to read to play in a band? The answer to that it appears is no. I think learning to read would be a nice thing for me to do, but not essential to play in a band. The thing is I don't aspire to any great musical standard. It would all just be a bit of fun really.

Ok, thanks everyone for your input, some great advice there. The general consensus seems to be that it's not essetial to be able to read to be in a band, but it wouldn't do any harm. For me though I probably won't learn to read as I won't ever be playing in a pro band, but I will try to learn the notes on the fretboard so that I can at least noodle around in the correct key. Using my ears came up a few times and I think that is the most important piece of advice. I must get away from relying on tab and just try to play something that comes from me. Thanks again guys

I've been playing bass for a couple of years now and I only play for my own enjoyment on my own, or with a mate who is a guitarist. I sometimes think that I would quite like to play in a band, nothing too serious, just a bit of fun, but perhaps do the occasional gig. I can get by using tab, listening to a track and playing along. Would that be good enough to play with a band, or would I be out of my depth?

Ok, at the risk of being ridiculed I ask the question. Is there such a thing as a purely acoustic bass? Like an accoustic guitar without any electrics at all? I want something I can take to work on nightshifts and just noodle on without any amplification.

I own both the CV Jazz and P 60's bass. I bought the Jazz because I liked the [b]look[/b] and still do, however I recently bought a P bass ( Many thanks Graeme) and I prefer the sound I get out of it as well as the look. So my preference has to be the P. You really need to try both to see which is your preference

Beatles/Stones or Free/Bad Co.

The kid is awsome and obviously enjoying himself. I'm never sure if this kind of clip inspires or depresses me. I aspire to that standard of playing, but sadly doubt I will ever achieve it.

[quote name='StevieC' post='975692' date='Oct 3 2010, 08:14 AM']No complaints from me - I play a Squier Classic Vibe 60s Precision and it's spot on for the money. Steve[/quote] I agree. I play both the Squier CV 60's P and Jazz basses. They are both great and excellent value

You look like you are really enjoying yourself there! Nice one!

[quote name='flyfisher' post='935947' date='Aug 25 2010, 01:46 PM']The Beatles - Taxman [/quote] Like that.

[quote name='fender73' post='950548' date='Sep 9 2010, 01:07 PM']Hee hee - am looking to sell mine actually - it's the Sonic Blue version in great, almost perfect condition. They are cracking basses, and will become future classics i'm sure! PM me if you're interested? Cheers Graeme[/quote] Very pleased with my purchase Graeme. Lovely bass, pleasure to do business with you!

Ah sorry guys, I've bought Fender73's. If for any reason the deal falls through I will get in touch. Thanks for the thought though.

P.M'd

I currently own a CV Jazz 60's that I am very pleased with, however I would like to have a P bass as well. Would like a Fender, but finances don't allow. Does anyone own a CV P bass and if so what are your thoughts. God or bad.

Police..Message In A Bottle. Easy to play, but fun nonetheless.

I'm actually faster playing with my fingers, but prefer the sound I get using a pick, so I'm working on both. Who's to say which is right or wrong?

For me, Phil Lynott, Paul McCartney and Andy Frazer. Nothing fancy, but that's the way I like it.

[quote name='Kev' post='416747' date='Feb 22 2009, 05:34 PM']i completly disagree with i) and say tabs are the absolute best way to start learning songs n[/quote] +1 on learning tab to start with. It's certainly helped me learn some songs and there is nothing better than being able to play some tunes.

[quote name='Linus27' post='407702' date='Feb 12 2009, 04:06 PM']I also recommend the Squire, either one of the Vintage or Classic Vibe models.[/quote] +1 on the Squier. I play a 60's Classic Vibe and it's very well made. A lot of bass for the money IMO.