Sitting down when playing live. . .

lefty007 · #1 05-04-2007, 01:53 PM

Does anynody here play regular bass guitar sitting down when playing live, at clubs or bars, or even outdoor stages?

I'm always fighting with a bass' weight and always trying to find a light and ergonomic bass, but it never occurred to me that I can play Anthony-Jackson style: sitting down.

I play in a 10-piece latin funk band, which is all groove/dance oriented, but I always stand back by the drummer, just laying it down. I'm not jumping around on stage or anything. I do take the sporadic solo, but I'm not suspended on air like Michael Anthony, or spitting fire like Gene Simmons.

I'm just wondering if I would get people asking what's wrong with me . . . .

It just seems like such a good idea to concentrate in my playing instead of my sore feet or shoulders/back.

I'm just getting older and fat.

ntimkovich · #2 05-04-2007, 02:08 PM

i sit down for coffee shop gigs. i wouldn't sweat it if you need to rest your haunches, especially if there are 9 other people on stage!

nick

Gadolinium · #3 05-04-2007, 02:16 PM

It would make you look more sophisticated

Phalex · #4 05-04-2007, 02:31 PM

Only when I play the cardboard box bass.

4lPh4n0m3g4 · #5 05-04-2007, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lefty007

I'm just wondering if I would get people asking what's wrong with me . . . .

Don't worry about it, your the bass player; they don't know your there anyway.

Seriously, get yourself a comfy stool and concentrate on your playing. IMO, if your not required to exhibit major stage presence then there really isn't any reason why you couldnt choose to sit.

When I used to play out I would alternate between sitting and standing depending on the song.

Jeff Moote · #6 05-04-2007, 04:12 PM

hmm, for the style you describe I'd be surprised if the bassist wasn't sitting! I sit all the time for my big band - usually a medium height stool is my preference.

Rattman · #7 05-04-2007, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4lPh4n0m3g4

Don't worry about it, your the bass player; they don't know your there anyway.

Seriously, get yourself a comfy stool and concentrate on your playing. IMO, if your not required to exhibit major stage presence then there really isn't any reason why you couldnt choose to sit.

When I used to play out I would alternate between sitting and standing depending on the song.

I've been sitting while playing for several years now. Not to be kool but due to chronic pain. No one has complained about it yet. I sit as a bassist and lead guitarist both.

Foamy · #8 05-04-2007, 04:23 PM

I will sit at coffee house gigs for the smoother or jazzier stuff, but stand for the rocking parts of the sets. I sit at rehearsal because I am still fighting plantar fasciitis, but for a few outdoor shows coming up, I'll stand. Another TBer recommended foam anti-fatigue mats, so I have set of those I'll be using.

iamlowsound · #9 05-05-2007, 08:22 PM

I sit when I play at church, I am right at the back by the drummer. I use a piano seat and I cross my legs to get my bass into the right spot. When I jam I usually sit as well, I sit on my amp then and again cross my legs to get the bass to the right height.

lowsound

62Walnut · #10 05-06-2007, 07:48 AM

Any time I've ever seen pics of James Jamerson, he was sitting. Albeit on a high stool and one foot on the ground, but it offers more support. And it doesn't come much cooler than Jamerson.

Also considering the fact that it's a 12 piece Latin band you're in, you're not going to be noticed as much.

Walnut

Depth_Charge · #11 05-06-2007, 08:48 AM

I play in a Top40 covers band and have future goals to hopefully realise.

I always bring a chair or two to gigs. Chuck em on top of my cab, my bag'o'stuff on top again, wheel to stage.

I usually choose appropriate moments, such as ballads or slower songs, but if I feel like sitting, I do.

As previously mentioned, well known players do too.

rhythmchanges · #12 05-07-2007, 10:04 AM

I play in a duo and the guitar player/singer recently decided he'd rather sit. I did one gig standing with him sitting and felt like a tool, so I had to acquiesce. It's really a different beast when sitting down. The one thing I like about it is that the bass sits naturally high, which I prefer, in this sad world in which everyone on the pop scene wears their bass at the knees...lol.

Smallmouth_Bass · #13 05-07-2007, 10:10 AM

When I play live I stand, but I always sit on a stool during jams.

Pilgrim · #14 05-07-2007, 10:44 AM

I have a tall stool with padded seat; it's just the right height to park about half my butt on and keep one foot on the floor. Not bad when the dogs are barking. I don't use it often, but I sure will when it's called for.

Joe P · #15 05-07-2007, 12:44 PM

My problem with sitting is that the the bass seems neck-heavy - I'm always holding the neck up with my thumb then!

Sitting also puts the frets in a different spot, with everything comparably 'shifted to the right'. Also - even disregarding the neck-heaviness, when I'm stting, I can't angle the neck UP as far as I like ('up' like 'headstock pointing up').

I'm thinking of trying one of those Barkers or something - zero weight on my shoulder (half the reason it's tiring to stand, right?), and a nice, vertical fretboard!

Joe

Bean Bunny · #16 05-10-2007, 10:07 AM

I sit when I play (I play in a jazz band, if that makes a difference to you). My bass' neck is angled up ever so slightly when I play, too.

But I lean over a bit, put my hair in my eyes, and pretend I look dangerous.

lowerclef · #17 05-10-2007, 12:39 PM

Sitting rules! I do stand and move around a lot for some gigs, but always sit for the rest, and for rehearsals and practicing. Don't worry about the presence - you can still be sophisticated and animated sitting down!

A swivel bar stool is perfect - you're not QUITE sitting all the way down, but it looks cool, and you'll be more comfortable for sure!

DocBop · #18 05-10-2007, 01:29 PM

I perfer to sit, I just tell 'em I'm into Anthony Jackson. Some groups don't like it, but can usually compromise with a bar stool. If back is a issue I've seen a harness like strap this guy uses that helps him. It looks kinda like a vest, but its straps and it connects to the back of his bass. I have no idea where he got it.

Back in the 70's I ran into a bass player with back problems and had this thing that looked like a belt, and connected to the back of his Fender. He claimed Fender made it. But that was a long time ago.

Johnny Crab · #19 05-10-2007, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe P

My problem with sitting is that the the bass seems neck-heavy - I'm always holding the neck up with my thumb then!

Must be an un-fixed T-Bird.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe P

Sitting also puts the frets in a different spot, with everything comparably 'shifted to the right'.

Nope, can't be a T-Bird.

In your band, sitting would be acceptable.
Since the band I'm in requires standing, most all of my basses are heavy, and I'm not growing younger...a 4-1/2" strap helped a lot. If it was worse, a lightweight(yes, they are) 80's Steinberger with the pivot could be used.

For now I only sit to work on tunes. For practicing(home or at work at lunch) "on-the-list" material, I stand up unless I'm really tired.

BillMason · #20 05-10-2007, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocBop

I perfer to sit, I just tell 'em I'm into Anthony Jackson. Some groups don't like it, but can usually compromise with a bar stool. If back is a issue I've seen a harness like strap this guy uses that helps him. It looks kinda like a vest, but its straps and it connects to the back of his bass. I have no idea where he got it.

Back in the 70's I ran into a bass player with back problems and had this thing that looked like a belt, and connected to the back of his Fender. He claimed Fender made it. But that was a long time ago.

I saw a guy once playing for the Judds when they opened for Neil Young back in the 80s, and he had some kind of a stand for his bass that he just walked up to and played. He could also twirl it around on the stand, like a pin wheel. He seemed kinda dorky to be honest, but it was more him than the stand.