Do you use your “best” bass on gigs?

[NHM]

I play any of my three basses at gigs, all three play equally well, so I choose on a whim (unless its a prestige gig then the number 1 always gets played).

That's why I own them, to play in a band. If I wasn't in a band I would probably sell them all as I don't particularly enjoy playing the bass just for the sake of it.

[Al Krow]

26 minutes ago, itu said:

If I start fiddling with anything irrelevant over sound, I need to stop gigging. 

 

I use whichever bass is suitable for the gig. It may be possible a meteor destroys my bass (and me), but every instrument is meant for playing. 

 

Question for everyone:

 

Is a bass only "properly played " at a gig? If you choose to make music on a bass at home is that not "playing" it? Why would that be true for a bass but not a piano?

 

Doesn't that kinda assume that a bass player can only ever play his instrument as part of a live band? What if you're not in a band?

 

 

[Terry M.]

5 minutes ago, NHM said:

I don't particularly enjoy playing the bass just for the sake of it.

😧

[neepheid]

3 minutes ago, Al Krow said:

 

Question for everyone:

 

Is a bass only "properly played " at a gig? If you choose to make music on a bass at home is that not "playing" it? Why would that be true for a bass but not a piano?

 

Doesn't that kinda assume that a bass player can only ever play his instrument as part of a live band? What if you're not in a band?

 

 

 

I have no idea where you got this idea.  You certainly didn't get it from me.  But I'll play along.

 

No.  Playing is playing, doesn't matter where it's happening.

 

Why is this question even being asked?  What triggered it?

Edited 14 hours ago by neepheid

[Lozz196]

2 minutes ago, Al Krow said:

 

Question for everyone:

 

Is a bass only "properly played " at a gig? If you choose to make music on a bass at home is that not "playing" it? Why would that be true for a bass but not a piano?

 

Doesn't that kinda assume that a bass player can only ever play his instrument as part of a live band? What if you're not in a band?

 

 

Def not imo, my fave gets played far more than any of the others, and as it’s my fave to play I also do all my learning on that one. I can’t see how lacking a 30min set of root-note punk songs once every couple of months would mean it’s not being played properly.

[neepheid]

2 minutes ago, Terry M. said:

😧

 

What's shocking about this?  I don't like playing bass on my own either.  I only play bass at home when I am composing or learning new songs.  Otherwise, it's always playing with others, be that rehearsals, jams, recording or gigging.  I really don't see the point in just picking up a bass because it's there.  There's got to be a purpose to it.

 

That's just me though.  Other opinions and motivations are available, it's all good.

[NHM]

Is a bass only "properly played " at a gig? If you choose to make music on a bass at home is that not "playing" it? 

 

Solo practice at home, rehearsing with the band and playing a gig are all great to do - but they are three very different things. I try to play 'properly' whichever of these activities I'm doing, and thus each is equally satisfying in its own way.

[dclaassen]

I find playing at home to be really relaxing.

[Lozz196]

5 minutes ago, dclaassen said:

I find playing at home to be really relaxing.

Same, I can while away a very nice hour or two totally immersed in playing along to songs on YouTube - did so earlier this evening. Great way to chill.

[Terry M.]

5 minutes ago, neepheid said:

 

What's shocking about this?  I don't like playing bass on my own either.  I only play bass at home when I am composing or learning new songs.  Otherwise, it's always playing with others, be that rehearsals, jams, recording or gigging.  I really don't see the point in just picking up a bass because it's there.  There's got to be a purpose to it.

 

That's just me though.  Other opinions and motivations are available, it's all good.

Playing bass for me is primarily about developing a bond between myself and the instrument and that then influences the "secondary" aspect of playing with others as I feel it makes me more useful hopefully. That means I'll happily play just because a bass is there as it puts me in a happy place. I wasn't actually shocked at all,it was meant as a joke.

[Terry M.]

3 minutes ago, Lozz196 said:

Same, I can while away a very nice hour or two totally immersed in playing along to songs on YouTube - did so earlier this evening. Great way to chill.

I literally do this on a daily basis 👍

[M@23]

The only instrument I’ve ever really given a hard knock to was a PRS CU24, and that happened at home, complete accident and I was devastated. 
If I had something irreplaceable AND pristine, I’d certainly be selective with it. I’d not be taking it to small pokey pubs. A roadworn vintage Fender costing the same, I wouldn’t be so hesitant. 

Edited 11 hours ago by M@23

[itu]

18 minutes ago, Al Krow said:

Question for everyone:

Is a bass only "properly played" at a gig?

The original question was about gigs, and my answer was about gigs, wasn't it? I don't limit the use of a particular instrument because it is worth something, or not. 

 

Last weekend I was playing in a small island with my Status MM neck, J body instrument because it was the right bass for the set. I played the same bass at rehearsals, as well as at home and hotel before the gig. This week my tool is the MG Genesis 5 because of the Windmills of your mind that has been arranged to a 5 string. 

[Terry M.]

8 minutes ago, itu said:

The original question was about gigs, and my answer was about gigs, wasn't it? I don't limit the use of a particular instrument because it is worth something, or not. 

Despite the thread title the question was actually whether an "irreplaceable" instrument would be used in a pub.

Edited 13 hours ago by Terry M.

[neepheid]

Oh, I'm out, it's getting far too nitpicky in here.

 

All playing is equally valid, regardless of who's doing it, where it's happening, whether or not it's for monetary gain, what time of day it's happening or any other stupid variable you'd like to throw at it.  I don't care any more.  Some of you have made this thread unbearable.

Go play a bass or something

 

[Terry M.]

12 minutes ago, neepheid said:

Some of you have made this thread unbearable.

Go play a bass or something

 

Nighty night 🤣

[chris_b]

Are you guys putting your basses on stands, or leaning them up against something during a gig?

 

My basses live in Mono M80 Vertigo gig bags unless they are being played.

 

I'm more likely to damage a bass at home than on a gig.

[AndyTravis]

Big shows…yup. 
 

although I did play a pub in Chorley with it…

 

depends on my mood…but it’s there to be played. I have “lesser” basses I worry about more.

 

Edited 12 hours ago by AndyTravis

[Geek99]

39 minutes ago, neepheid said:

Oh, I'm out, it's getting far too nitpicky in here.

 

All playing is equally valid, regardless of who's doing it, where it's happening, whether or not it's for monetary gain, what time of day it's happening or any other stupid variable you'd like to throw at it.  I don't care any more.  Some of you have made this thread unbearable.

Go play a bass or something

 

If you really want to curse them, substitute “Les Paul” for “bass” above. Do it properly 

[jezzaboy]

My best bass and most valuable in £`s gets gigged and as it`s a Roadworn 60th aniv Jazz it doesn`t matter if it gets dinged. I keep my eye on it at gigs as it so easy for someone to lift it when your back is turned say during a break.

 

On a similar line, I was talking to a guy in my local the other week who was playing a 6 grand Les Paul custom shop 59 re issue. After doing a soundcheck the 3 guys in the band disappeared out the back for a smoke leaving the Les Paul and a nice Ric just sitting near a door. Not something I would do especially where I come from 

[JapanAxe]

Yes.

 

I take whatever is right for the gig, regardless of what I paid for it.

[Terry M.]

1 hour ago, neepheid said:

Oh, I'm out, it's getting far too nitpicky in here.

 

All playing is equally valid, regardless of who's doing it, where it's happening, whether or not it's for monetary gain, what time of day it's happening or any other stupid variable you'd like to throw at it.  I don't care any more.  Some of you have made this thread unbearable.

Go play a bass or something

 

Actually wait for me,the GPS on this thread is playing up 😂

[Geek99]

I have two basses only. Neither is super valuable 

a vintage stingray clone 

a sire v7 5string that I got from that cheating rascal** @lee650 

 

i take them out in turns just like my harem** of resting pornstars, actresses and showgirls

 

** dubious levels of truth here 

Edited 6 hours ago by Geek99

[snorkie635]

11 hours ago, dclaassen said:

Lovely…I need to get mine refinished sometime…

 

do you get much punch out of the bridge pickup?

To answer your question re the bridge pickup: there is a fair punch from it. If you're not getting that from yours, have you tried raising the pickup height a little? I mostly play through an Aguilar 751 or a Tone Hammer or a Tone Hammer DI, and I find that a little boost on the bass and mid helps greatly. Good luck.

[snorkie635]

9 hours ago, AndyTravis said:

Big shows…yup. 
 

although I did play a pub in Chorley with it…

 

depends on my mood…but it’s there to be played. I have “lesser” basses I worry about more.

 

Got to say, I also love a Ripper. Mine must have been gigged into the high hundreds by now.