Ramirez

@jb90 My own basses are Fenders, and my passive P with old flatwounds sounds very good DI'd, and sites nicely in the mix for a lot more styles than you'd expect. I like Stingrays too - I don't think turning up with a Stingray is going to lose you work! Just make sure you are versatile in how you can play it, that's the main thing. You can cover most styles with a P, J, Stingray or variations on those themes. In fact, I'd probably be happy with a switchable active/passive PJ bass as my only bass!

But perhaps old flatwounds are a good option to bring as well - as I said they can be far more versatile than one thinks.

If its a good studio, chances are there will be some decent bass guitar options there as well - don't be offended if they prefer the sound of one of studio basses to your own, just enjoy the experience.

Good points above.

Rule number 1 - don't be an ******* !

Most of my work these days is behind the desk rather than in the studio, and unless the band/bassist has a very specific tone in mind that a certain amp gets them, I quite like to go direct. That is often the basis of a sound that sits nicely in a mix. Almost everytime a player switches on a Sansamp, or tweaks an amp or what have the bass sounds great in isolation, but completely disappears in the mix! And it often just muddies the mix up.

Of course, if the bass - and a specific sound - is a driving force in the song, then anything goes.

But as a session player, a couple of solid basses is good, but above all be on time (both musically and punctually!), in tune, take interest in the songs you're playing and, crucially I think - DON'T BE TOO PICKY! If the artist and producer are happy, then so should you. By all means point out anything that really bugs you and want to re-do, or a different part you think might work well, but if the clock's ticking you won't get asked back if you take an hour obsessing over one fill!

Last week I had a session double bassist in the studio, and he did all his parts for an album album in around 3 hours (over two days). He was a fantastic player with a great sounding bass, but also a lovely guy with no ego, despite having done sessions for some fairly big names. He was a pleasure to work with, took directions where it was given, and was also happy to try things out when asked.

Whatever you do, try and make it enjoyable for everyone!