Bass Player or Bassist?

Randyt · #1 09-08-2011, 09:36 AM

I had an in promtu interview regarding my playing and auditioning the other day...the conversation lasted about 30 mins ...we talked about level of education and music knowledge, playing techniques, styles, influences...plus a whole lot more...he's heard me play.

So...it brings me to this awkward pause during our talk... He says ...so your a bassist! ...not a bass player...??
Or am i thinking too much into this?

Is this a backhanded compliment or just a slap in the face...not sure how to take this...

This came from the leader of the band...an accomplished (piano player...not a pianist..LOL...is there a difference?..not sure)

Thanks

tangentmusic · #2 09-08-2011, 09:43 AM

I see this as a compliment. Anyone can pick up a bass and plunk around on it and be considered a "bass player". Someone who has some skill and knowledge of how the instrument is played and used in various musical contexts is a "bassist". Thats you man!

Twocan · #3 09-08-2011, 09:43 AM

He should play more with his piano and less with his words. It obviously didn't sounds as smart as he wanted it to.

Samthebassist · #4 09-08-2011, 09:47 AM

Does playing an instrument make you a musician?

Tampabass · #5 09-08-2011, 09:51 AM

take it as a friendly compliment. why not? don't overthink it.

scottfeldstein · #6 09-08-2011, 09:52 AM

Six of one, half dozen of the other. You say tomato, etc.

Still, I always think "bassist" is a little more pretentious than "bass player." In any case, I don't care what people call themselves, as long as they play well.

dvh · #7 09-08-2011, 10:07 AM

Pointless hair-splitting IMHO.....

I'm an AHtist, not an ar-tist...

dave64o · #8 09-08-2011, 11:04 AM

Personally, I don't really see a distinction between the two. Regardless, it sounded like the band leader was giving you a complement. And since you now know that, to him, there is a distinction, make sure you always refer to him as a pianist.

And for god's sake make sure you speak clearly and enunciate properly when you say that!

hrodbert696 · #9 09-08-2011, 11:50 AM

Yeah, it seems like it's usually meant as a hierarchy. True "artistes" are bassists while average Joe Schmoes laying down the groove are mere bass players. I don't care too much about which term to use.

wideload · #10 09-08-2011, 11:54 AM

Bass abuser?

Duckwater · #11 09-08-2011, 11:58 AM

I call myself a "Bass Guitarist"

GtenderG · #12 09-08-2011, 11:59 AM

I prefer 'Low frequency transfer engineer'.

jaywa · #13 09-08-2011, 12:00 PM

I prefer "bassist". There's something about it that to my ear, anyway, denotes a higher level of commitment and skill than "bass player". I feel like as someone with more than 30 years on the instrument who gets paid to play it on a regular basis, I've earned the right to be called that. But that's just me, and I don't get all bent out of shape about it.

I actually react the most negatively to being called a bass guitarist but that rarely happens.

At the end of the day they can call me whatever they want as long as the check clears.

jacojbass · #14 09-08-2011, 12:04 PM

I like musician...I just happen to play bass.

Gaius46 · #15 09-08-2011, 12:12 PM

I say bassist simply because it has less syllables. More economical of speech and lessens the entropy of the universe.

gnjpowell · #16 09-08-2011, 12:19 PM

I'm a LFEASIE.

(Low Frequency Electrically Amplified Stringed Instrument Engineer)

T-MOST · #17 09-08-2011, 12:24 PM

Bass player vs bassist = absolutely no difference.

ShredderMaximus · #18 09-08-2011, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShredderMaximus

I like to think that the bass is the most versatile instrument in a band setting, not strictly limited to melody and not strictly limited to rhythm. In the hands of a good bassist miles of extra depth can be brought to a song and can add tons to even the most basic of chord progressions.
And understanding of that basic principle is imo what separates the guys that play bass from the bassists.

My view on the topic as I expressed in another thread, I do think there is a difference, but thats just my opinion.

avvie · #19 09-08-2011, 12:57 PM

The guy made a distinction between the two, and it was a compliment. There IS a difference.

Tony Levin is a bassist. Sid Vicious was a bass player.

At least, if I'm understanding you correctly... did he say: "So you're a bassist!...not a bass player!..." or did he say "so you're a "bassist!"?

If it was the latter, then yeah, tomato toMAHto...

DZIB · #20 09-08-2011, 01:00 PM

My wife's favorite band is Rush, because of as she calls him, "The Drum Player". Id oubt that anyone would think less of Pert because of that!! LOL!