Substitute asked to change tone?

[jaywa]

I'm wondering if anyone has ever done a subbing situation where the band or solo artist asked you to change your tone to something you were less than comfortable with because it's how their "other" bassist sounds. Did you just go ahead and do it? Push back? Compromise?

Fortunately I have never been in that situation (usually the band likes my sound BETTER - comments like, "wow it actually sounds like a BASS"), but am just curious in case it ever comes up.

[mjolnir]

Yessir, it's happened more than once.

My usual reaction is to ask them to describe exactly what they want, and if I see their point for the music we're playing, I'll do it, no problem. If I disagree I meet them halfway and let them know that's what I'm doing, and generally what I've seen is that they can't really tell what I've done once I've done it, so it all works out either way.

[baba]

Do what soundmen often do. Shake your head ok no problem, pretend to do it, watch them say that's better, and move on.

If this doesn't work, find some middle ground because you are a hired gun.

[JimmyM]

When I first started, I resisted because I liked a treblier tone than most and I thought the big fat sounds with no treble made it too muddy. Then I lost a permanent gig that paid pretty decently because of it. At that point, I decided to be a little smarter and play along with what the band wanted if it wasn't my gig. And I got more calls because I was no longer considered difficult to work with.

Play what you want on your own time, but if you're a sub, you owe it to the people paying you to do what they feel is necessary for their band to sound good. It's not the end of the world if they tell you to turn down the treble or the volume.

[VisualShock]

Originally Posted by baba

Do what soundmen often do. Shake your head ok no problem, pretend to do it, watch them say that's better, and move on.

If this doesn't work, find some middle ground because you are a hired gun.

yeah, I work in a theatre as a lighting technician. It's called the DFA button/fader/knob....
because you Do ---- All

[baba]

Originally Posted by VisualShock

yeah, I work in a theatre as a lighting technician. It's called the DFA button/fader/knob....
because you Do ---- All

Yes, it's usually right next to the suck knob which is reserved for the most annoying of artists.

[CrashClint]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Play what you want on your own time, but if you're a sub, you owe it to the people paying you to do what they feel is necessary for their band to sound good. It's not the end of the world if they tell you to turn down the treble or the volume.

+1 You are a paid invitee/substitue and the more eager you appear (even though it is not your sound) to please them, it pretty much guarantees you a spot the next time they need a sub.

[Stumbo]

When I used to work at the Taco Shack, I made the tacos exactly the way they wanted me to.

That seemed to help me keep my pay checks coming.

When I'm at home I make them the way I want to.