Country headache

thumblypeg · #1 03-01-2010, 02:23 PM

So I joined a country band. I'm not a country fan and have never heard any of these tunes(it's all rockin new country) but they're all talented kids and have great connections and I thought what the hell, at least it will be easy. Pffbbt!!. My biggest problem right now is that I have close to 50 songs to learn for a NASHVILLE gig in just over 3 weeks. Technically the songs are easy, of course. But a few are in Eb, or C#, and most of them have annoying key changes throughout. And I'm finding out quickly that the Nashville session guys love 5 strings. I don't own a 5 string. I find myself tuning the E string back and forth alot. Should I just keep the damned thing tuned to C# and learn all the songs around that? It's not nearly the same, but It seems to work in a pinch. Or maybe just do without that ultra low end and hope nobody notices it? The songs in question don't sound right without that bottom(to me), but I'm biased. For the record, I can't buy a 5 string in time(although if the band continues to get gigs like this I will have to buy one). I was really not prepared for this, but it's on now. I'm doing it one way or the other but I would love some advice.

nealw · #2 03-01-2010, 02:30 PM

String it up BEAD, assuming you set up your own basses.

testing1two · #3 03-01-2010, 03:02 PM

I have gotten a lot of mileage over the years from Hipshot Extenders. I still bring a 5 string to gigs but it rarely gets used.

coop · #4 03-01-2010, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nealw

String it up BEAD, assuming you set up your own basses.

+1 That 's what I would do

Johnny Crab · #5 03-01-2010, 04:43 PM

^^^^^^ +1
Another trick used here since my new-to-me 5'er stays home a lot(only "required" on 8~10 of 180 songs) is tweaking a PODXTLive for about 2 hours using the SUB/OCTAVE lowering function until you get stable tracking and tone locked down. Using this with just a neck pickup = useful 5 string emulation that tracks down to LOW A if you're careful. I switch from 4 to 5 simulation mid-song on some tunes. This nice function buried in Line 6's box made a 5'er not needed for the songs done with it.....that and I didn't have a 5 string bass up until 2 months ago(!?!).

Good luck with the gig.
We cover a number of country tunes and rock some of them up a bit....have FUN!

JC

rockambo · #6 03-01-2010, 04:46 PM

you can also try an octave pedal, it will give you the low notes and gives you more harmonic presence.

**ExaltBass** · #7 03-01-2010, 04:59 PM

+1 on the BEAD

oldrockerdude · #8 03-01-2010, 05:05 PM

Sounds Just Like Me 10 Years ago.. you wont be happy Long term with the hipshot Best temp fix thou...Sorry to say you are heading for a 5'er it is the only way to do it right.
and if i hear you right thats the only way you will be happy with what your doing.

Zooberwerx · #9 03-01-2010, 05:10 PM

Whatcha playing now? Any way you can sell it and buy a 5 banger or does it have sentimental value?

Riis

bass1967 · #10 03-01-2010, 05:18 PM

Go to a music store and try an octave pedal. If you are satisfied with the sound that will probably be your simplest quick fix.

If the work justifies it, then you should get a five string.

Blake Bass · #11 03-01-2010, 05:26 PM

Quote:

I'm not a country fan and have never heard any of these tunes

Why are you doing the gig? Why don't you step out and let someone have a shot at it who actually likes the music, has the proper equipment, knows the tunes, and can play them.

stflbn · #12 03-01-2010, 05:30 PM

If you're not into it, and not a fan of it, and not familiar with it...

Nashville will know.

.

thumblypeg · #13 03-01-2010, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zooberwerx

Whatcha playing now? Any way you can sell it and buy a 5 banger or does it have sentimental value?

Riis

I'm playing my pawn shop marcus Miller. lol. not exactly the country players choice but I kind of just fell into this. I might have to give it up. I do have a funk project i'm working on the side too tho.

thumblypeg · #14 03-01-2010, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blake Bass

Why are you doing the gig? Why don't you step out and let someone have a shot at it who actually likes the music, has the proper equipment, knows the tunes, and can play them.

Because i'm the only one who passed the audition apparently. I'm a good bass player and would like to expand my horizons a bit. My drummer from my old high school band asked me to audition because they were having problems finding a good player. We haven't played together in years. I don't hate country music, I'm just not familiar with it. Not to mention I've never gotten to play in Nashville. It's just a bar anyway, it's not the friggin Grand Ole Opry. I'll do fine.

thumblypeg · #15 03-03-2010, 08:03 AM

Alright, I've decided just to set my Mexican Jazz up BEAD, maybe raise the action and put some flatwounds on it or something. I want to keep the MM set up for slap as it sounds MUCH better. It's the best I can do for now. For the record, when I joined the band, they had taken a break from booking. The Nashville gig was unexpected and after the fact. I have no idea how it happened, I had always heard it's hard as hell to get booked there, and they have never played there as a band before. Now that the lineup is complete, they've booked gigs in NC well into the summer. It's true, I might get busted as an interloper in Nashville, but they can't eat me, and it's not going to be a train wreck or anything. I will say that now that I have listened to these songs thoroughly and learned most of them, I have a new found respect for the Nashville bassists. The talent is subtle but awesome. It's not just 1 5 anymore. Thanks for the advice and "concerns" :P

tobie · #16 03-04-2010, 04:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thumblypeg

Alright, I've decided just to set my Mexican Jazz up BEAD, maybe raise the action and put some flatwounds on it or something.

FWIW: I have not tried this with rounds, but when I switched to BEAD on my flats without changing strings, the B was way to slack for my liking. Get a heavier guage B string in advance (or use the lower 4 strings from a 5-string pack)!

rondohd · #17 03-06-2010, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nealw

String it up BEAD, assuming you set up your own basses.

+1 what he said
Rondo

thumblypeg · #18 03-06-2010, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rondohd

+1 what he said
Rondo

I agree. I see now it's a topic discussed on here quite frequently. I should visit this site more often. I hope it works. I'm not doing it myself. I'll fine tune my bass but i don't want to mess with the trial and error of neck relief and nut filing. I took it to a guy who came highly recommended. Fairly cheap too. Thanks for the advice.