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Mog

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    Non 4 string social stigma?

    in Bass Guitars

    Posted

    [quote name='mrdreadful' timestamp='1356948618' post='1915368']
    If you're doing classic rock covers why would you need to improvise? Genuinely confused.
    [/quote]

    I got the booking at around 4.30 for the first gig which was at 6pm that evening in a venue 40km away. Of the 30 odd songs on the setlist I received a few minutes after taking the call there were maybe 12 which I didn't know how to play. At the venue I asked the band what key they played those songs in and threw together a baseline for each. Some totally improvised, some containing basslines pieced together from what I knew/remembered from radio etc.

    I don't see where the confusion stems from. It's impossible to learn every song that a band might play ergo being able to improvise a suitable bassline on the fly and to be able to do so comfortably is important to me as a session player.

    Non 4 string social stigma?

    in Bass Guitars

    Posted

    [quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1356947926' post='1915360']
    Mog's posts are entirely logical and understandable. However, I wouldn't be surprised if the band you played with were 'tolerating' the six string as it's just for that night. Also, from my experience, for every one punter who understands the logic of you having a six string, it's likely that there are several thinking what the hell a six string bass is doing at a 50s - 70s rock gig!

    I'm not saying that these views are right, only that they exist.
    [/quote]

    Aye Im sure there was, judging by some of the initial looks as I was setting up but I usually generate those anyway being a short arsed, long haired, flared jeans wearing hobbit.

    Luckily both bands on the night in question contained members who's ages ranged from mid thirties to late fifties. I found that anti anything that isn't a four string comments are the speciality of
    over-opinionated part timers and bedroom rockgods in their late teens/twenties. These same people never seem to turn up at the jam nights we organise for some reason though. I usually bring the 6 and a 4 to cover everyone's preferences. I wonder if they've something to hide?

    Non 4 string social stigma?

    in Bass Guitars

    Posted

    [quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1356945201' post='1915333']
    OK then - referring back to the OP's point - you do understand the distinction between depping for a covers band, and becoming a permanent member of a cohesive band performing original material where image is all, don't you?

    Different beasts entirely, as I'm sure you're aware.
    [/quote]

    Of course. It doesn't mean I have to agree with the principle though. For my originals bands I use my Spectors (all 4 strings) because they suit the overall sound of the bands. It could be argued that they're a typical rock bass but image is not something which matters to me and I use them because to me they sound excellent and the company is a pleasure to deal with.

    To be honest if a bassist had to use a fender jag because that's what the rest of the bands were using Id probably feel sorry for him or her as their individuality is quashed. Isn't that why we all started playing? To have an outlet for our creativity. To that end playing bass x in an originals band because it fits the perceived cliche of what a band should look like is polar to individualism.

    Non 4 string social stigma?

    in Bass Guitars

    Posted

    [quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1356940891' post='1915300']
    What - professional musicians who would use an instrument that wasn't up to the task, just because it looks the part? Examples, please.
    [/quote]

    Back up the truck there lad, you're completely missing my point. The op refers to other musicians shunning extended range instruments because they don't fit a certain profile. My point is that what a bass looks like should be the least of a musicians worries and that another musician should not expect a bandmate to play an instrument which prohibits said bandmate from playing to the best of their ability.

    I got a late booking on the 26th (about enough time to download the setlist and get to the venue) with a band who play 50's - 70's classic rock. I have the perfect bass for that aesthetically, a Framus Starbass. However as I knew only 60% of the set I decided to bring the 6 string as Im more comfortable improvising across the neck of the 6 rather than along the neck of a 4.

    To me that's what a professional should do when booked for a dep job at short notice. Choose the bass which makes his employers sound as good as possible. If I had taken the Framus along it may have looked the part on the numbers I had to improvise over but it wouldn't have sounded anywhere near as good.

    The same bass was played later that night with a different band who also needed a bassist at short notice. The only comments I received concerning the bass came after the gig when I went to get paid and have a pint. That came from a punter who said that it was an "impressive machine" and that it was "unusual to see a bass with so many strings". When asked why I played a 6string I told him that I find it easier to improvise and transpose on a 6string than on a 4string so I use it for covers gigs especially when there's a chance that a punter will ask to sing a song. He could see the merits of using it and he was a punter who in his own words "couldn't whistle a song to save his life".
    When a punter can see the logic behind it Id expect a professional to have at least the same level of understanding.

    Non 4 string social stigma?

    in Bass Guitars

    Posted

    [quote name='gruffers' timestamp='1356921144' post='1915243']
    If your in a gigging band with a particular image..... Just use the bass that fits that particular image.

    It's not hard nor complicated. Just do it.

    Nobody wants to see a Translucent Red Mega star flame top Bubinga Ebony Ernie Ball Bongo Bass in a indie/alt rock band. Nor some crusty rusty pre not much paint left since the dawn of time Precision Bass in a math tech metal fest.

    Dress for the job in hand. It's all very simple.

    End of the day, punters dont know any different, its's just your peers. Lets be honests the punters dont give a flying V what guitar you rock up with.


    Anyone who argues that it's all about the sound and visuals are not important......I have only this..... Video killed the Radio star...Steinberger anyone????
    [/quote]

    I don't get why supposedly professional musicians place aesthetics above tonal quality. If you need to look good get the appropriate haircut and rags. If sounding and playing to the best of your ability requires or is enabled by an extended range instrument then there no reason why one shouldn't be used.
    As you said the punters won't know the difference therefore the choice of instrument should be left to the person best suited to make the call, ie. the musician him/herself.

    Non 4 string social stigma?

    in Bass Guitars

    Posted

    [quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1356864503' post='1914346']

    Not specifically, no - unless the folks who have posted on this thread that they understand why it happens are all from the North East, which I don't think they are.
    [/quote]

    Oh I understand why it happens. Many musicians are obviously more concerned with the image side of being in a band. Personally I play music for enjoyment but happen to be lucky enough to earn some cash too.
    I just don't see the point of expecting someone to play instrument X when they wouldn't normally choose to and to be honest I don't see the point of being in a band if your thoughts and opinions aren't considered important/valid.

    using pa instead of bass amp?

    in Amps and Cabs

    Posted

    It really depends on how good your PA system is. I know a lot of musicians who run direct and use IEM's or wedges. IMO having everything coming from the one system can make a band sound a hell of a lot better.

    If you're planning on trying it get the best D.I. you can afford. Active monitors are also a better option than passive ones as there's no extra load on the PA.

    Non 4 string social stigma?

    in Bass Guitars

    Posted

    Unfortunately there's idiots everywhere. IME comments like that usually come from people who played in a band briefly and were convinced by their mates that they were fantastic. (those same mates usually make up 99% of the punters they've ever played for).

    For a working musician the correct bass to use is the one he/she finds most useful with respect to versatility, comfort and totality.
    For me that's a 6 string because I have to be able to cover everything from Pop to Traditional Irish at most sessions. To suggest that a specific style, brand or range (scale wise) of instrument is suited or unsuited to particular genre is nothing short of moronic.

    I can't decide. Jimmy Page, orJeff beck.

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    [quote name='Doddy' timestamp='1354052999' post='1881537']
    Jeff Beck. I've always thought that Page was often quite sloppy (Plus,I'm not a fan of Zeppelin).
    [/quote]
    This

    [quote name='leroydiamond' timestamp='1354053740' post='1881556']
    Both great guitarists but its gotta be Page. He gas written the most memorable riffs in the history of Rock. pure genius.
    [/quote]
    This

    Two very different guitarists IMO but both have a lot to offer.

    (Personally I reckon John Petrucci tops both)
    [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mntRIb0wa9A"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mntRIb0wa9A[/url]

    Pedal board beginner needs advice!

    in Effects

    Posted

    The one thing (IMO) you should look out for in a bass OD/Fuzz is a blend pot. It will allow you to keep the lows relatively intact. I'm a fan of the MXR Blowtorch but it is a pedal you'll either love or hate. They usually go for about £70 secondhand. Also a +1 for a decent pedal tuner. Those clip-on jobs are fine but in a tight space they can get knocked off easily.

    How many mistakes per gig do you make?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    [quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1354202928' post='1883541']
    I'm not keen on this. IME the majority of mistakes that don't result in the song coming to a halt go completely unnoticed by most of the audience. As a punter often the only confirmation that things haven't gone as planned on stage are the expressions on the musicians' faces. When I'm playing I've schooled myself to keep my reactions to others musical errors as invisible as possible. If some one has messed up really badly we might have a quick discussion about it at the next rehearsal, but never give anything away while you are playing.
    [/quote]

    Great post lad. No point in making otherwise unnoticed boo boos common knowledge. Not good for a bands reputation at all.

    How many mistakes per gig do you make?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    I've rarely, if ever, played a gig without making a couple of mistakes. It happens to everyone. The trick is how you react to it. I normally just slide up/down to the correct note and throw in a wee fill to cover it up. It works just fine. Due the huge volume of material I've built up over the years it often gets to the stage where I play a line from muscle memory. Mistakes are bound to happen in such instances. Then again, muscle memory has gotten me through some fairly boring gigs where I was more interested in the golf on the tv.............

    Re the change of key thing: I reckon thats why bassists should have at least a basic grasp of theory. It makes transposing on the fly a doddle. Having said that, for 70% of the covers I play I dont know the actual bassline so I bank on theory and the 6string to get me through and just do an approximation of the line from memory.

    First headline gig.. what a night!

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Be careful if you aren't used to going walkabout on a stage. If you feel that you want to go but cant do so comfortably the don't move. Its all to easy to hit an instrument/mic lead if you haven't done a recon of the area beforehand. I'm prone to going on little meanderings during sets as part of the "stageshow", often singing backing vocals into the other guitards mic or using one of the guys wah pedals if they're away from their pedals.
    Try to keep all leads taped down bar the instrument to pedal/amp and use bright tape to mark the max reach of your own lead.

    If in doubt plant a foot on the nearest monitor and rock out old school.

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