Conan

[quote name='PaulGibsonBass' timestamp='1481631993' post='3193851']So, bass players in covers bands: is it important to you to have some influence over new additions to your setlist (in order to have your tastes reflected in what your band plays) or are you happy to play what you're told to play (whether you like the song or not) just for the pleasure of being in a band? [/quote] Depends on the band, and depends on the songs! There are some songs that I have really groaned at when they were suggested, but after learning them and playing them a few times I have grown to like them. The acid test is, of course, are they popular with audiences. Not necessarily ALL audiences, as crowds vary and you can always keep some songs for, say, beer festivals, weddings or biker parties It's usually fairly obvious if a song is not going to work for a particular band, but sometimes a song that works well at rehearsal just doesn't go down well. The reasons are not always clear! There are very few songs that I would refuse, point blank, to play. And if I did, it would usually be because I thought them inappropriate for the band rather than any personal preference.

I like cassettes....

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1481546281' post='3193088'] The role in my last two bands seems to have been to develop an intense (& mutual) hatred of the keyboard player & then leave. [/quote] Ha ha! It's singers for me...

Out of interest, I wonder how many of you above are members of original bands? The reason I ask is that (IME) the role of each member is much more clear-cut and constant in a covers band. With an original band, things tend to evolve and therefore roles have to also evolve, or new people have to be brought in to carry out those newly evolved roles... Some members might grow increasingly uncomfortable with their new (or changed) role. That was certainly my experience in my last band. Is this making sense?

[quote name='ead' timestamp='1481528895' post='3192866'] But did he play 4 hour bar gigs for nowt? [/quote]

Hmmmm. Not sure I agree. If a "celeb" dies and they had a large effect on my life, then I will feel shocked, sad, disappointed, maybe even angry (depending on the circumstances of their death). If that makes me selfish or self-indulgent, so be it. You appear to be saying that if someone was famous or left some form of "legacy" then they don't deserve to be mourned - and that nobody other than their nearest and dearest have the right to comment upon that death. I find that strange... Also rather a provocative post for only your 19th!

[quote name='solo4652' timestamp='1481211287' post='3190611'] Sure, it's not of earth-shattering importance! However, when you walk into a venue trying to get a gig and you're asked "What sort of band are you?", there are times when you have to think about how you reply, surely? [/quote] Yes, that's true.

That's odd. The LH series are usually noted for their simplicity, loudness and trouble-freeness.

Having just been bought out my Matteson's, my guess is Steamhammmmmmmm. So the daily reveal could take a while...

[quote name='paul_c2' timestamp='1481206330' post='3190534'] boffins in white coats conceded that it was perfectly allowable to have an electric bass in an otherwise acoustic band. [/quote] Hmmmm. [i][b]Some[/b][/i] of them did...

I play a big, heavy version of a guitar. It has fewer strings and those strings are thicker in diameter. They also give a deeper, fuller sound. I call it a "bass". It certainly gets funny looks when I get it out around "musicians". I don't care though because I love it and the sound it makes.

Why is it so important? Just call yourselves "Aliens drive Winnebagos" and have done with it! On second thoughts, don't - I might use that one myself!

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DYGoN5r9rE[/media] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRMFQxd7ye8 [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR8qtxts1jY[/media]

I'd go for a second-hand Fender Geddy Lee J - either Japanese or Mexican made. You might just be able to get one for your budget. One of the best J basses ever made IMO

[quote name='Cato' timestamp='1480514082' post='3185001'] Jagger is a notoriously tight bastard. [/quote] Even his son needs a bank loan... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Y3AXzZqg2k

[quote name='Jono Bolton' timestamp='1480523466' post='3185094'] My Matt Freeman has a gloss neck and I've never though it was problem. [/quote] Agreed. The Matt Freemans have lovely necks. In fact, outstanding basses for the price!

[quote name='ead' timestamp='1480515088' post='3185019'] Prefer satin finish myself - no reason in particular. The best one I own is a Sandberg Cali II neck, it's like silk. [/quote] Same here. The neck on the Fender Geddy Lee J basses is divine! Not that I have a real issue with glossy necks, but I just prefer satin.

[quote name='Funky Dunky' timestamp='1480453305' post='3184586'] Please stop describing slap bass as a party trick. It's quite insulting. [/quote] Who did that? I don't think it was me...

And how about this one for a simple groove? Plenty of space one might say. Yippee aye oh, hi ay [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDbpg_EYgE0[/media]

Let's not forget Shakatak and Mezzoforte. OK, they can overdo it at times, but some lovely slap lines in there http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbE9yf0ejM0 [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_LaeyZTVDo[/media] And how about a bit of slap on an 8 string bass? [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KCcn3mzT5c[/media]

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1480358059' post='3183683'] I was massively into slapping in the 80's. I was a serious Mark King fan & had the Trace Elliot Stack & the Jaydee Supernatural bass to prove it. I still really enjoy playing slap bass occasionally, but my technique isn't anywhere near what it was back then. [/quote] Me too! Except I had the Status series II rather than the JayDee... [quote name='Barking Spiders' timestamp='1480412563' post='3184082'] For my money the best example of how to slap with groove is Mister Magic by Troublefunk with Big Tony Fisher on bass. I don't know how to put up YT stuff in a post here. For the funkless, Troublefunk were the big band of Washington DC's 80s Go Go scene. Big Tony was /is a monster player and deserves more acclaim. [/quote] Awesome! I'd totally forgotten about Troublefunk! I was heavily into them in the late 1980s and early 90s. Their "Trouble over here" gig at the Brixton Academy was still one of the best I've ever been to! Big Tony's tone was great. Hey T-bone!! [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPDQL5dCqgU[/media] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewiFYU5D2NI[/media]

[quote name='Black Coffee' timestamp='1480184037' post='3182380'] This markbass barefaced is common ....... [/quote] Common as muck! I use a Little Mark 2 through gen 2 Compact. Loudness and tone aplenty there is....

I do love a tasteful bass player! I'm not a huge fan of Crowded House, but the John Deacon style of serving the song is one that I very much gravitate towards. Of course it helps if the material is top drawer to start with and the other musicians appreciate the space in the arrangement...