Do People Not Respect Bass Players?

ninthwondernj · #1 03-12-2006, 10:13 AM

being a bassist...

its been very discouraging, because ive been (not by choice) playing for 2 and a half years by my damn self!

it would be so nice to actually communicate with another musician and just create ideas

countless ads have been put up at every music and instrument store i know of...no replies, i search and search for ppl with a knowledge of an instrument

and if i do find someone lets say a guitarist..and even a few drummers i found for that matter(they should like us right) , once they ask "so what do you play?" "bass" i reply....."oh" and you can hear the dissappointment in their voices..then never hear from them again

i mean are bass players no longer desirable to people? they dont respect us or something?

im really about to put my J on the shelf and buy a drum kit...

mike phillips · #2 03-12-2006, 10:36 AM

dont hang it up. who cares what other people think. if you enjoy playin bass. play bass. to hell with em all.

WalterBush · #3 03-12-2006, 10:37 AM

I get plenty of respect from the people I play with, and generally I can line up enough gigs to be playing anytime I want. The only reason I don't is that most of these gigs would not involve money, and I have a family who needs both my time and income.

I suspect most other TBer's are able to say something similar. A musician who doesn't desire a good bassist in their band either has one, is inexperienced, or a knuckle-dragging lead guitarist type.

It's just possible that you haven't run into the right bunch of people yet. Trust me, there are plenty of bands and musicians who want you, they just haven't met you.

Figjam · #4 03-12-2006, 10:38 AM

If a musician doesnt appreciate a bassist, they arent a musician of a calibre that you'd want to interact with anyway.

syciprider · #5 03-12-2006, 11:03 AM

I thought it was easier to find work as a bassist because everybody wants to be a geetard?

greekbassist · #6 03-12-2006, 03:16 PM

I have to reply to this!!

What state do you live in?? Here in Arizona BASSIST are always in demand.

We even had an add in the New Times that read "Where are all the bass players". Ya see there are too many half fast guitar players and not enough GREAT bass players

Quote:

and if i do find someone lets say a guitarist..and even a few drummers i found for that matter(they should like us right) , once they ask "so what do you play?" "bass" i reply....."oh" and you can hear the dissappointment in their voices..then never hear from them again

Wow, if a drummer gets all dissapointed in their voice at the fact that you play bass, well THEY AREN'T MUSICIANS! A drummer LOVES bassist...Heck even a good guitarist as well..

Run far from these people and keep on playing your bass and honing your skills you'll meet the right people...Heck move to Phoenix, AZ..LOL!!!

Good Luck Greekbassist!

morf · #7 03-12-2006, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Figjam

If a musician doesnt appreciate a bassist, they arent a musician of a calibre that you'd want to interact with anyway.

+1 and thats all that matters.

Crazyeelboy · #8 03-13-2006, 12:24 AM

OK Ninthwondernj, time for the tough love.

If you are not getting any response to your ads or your phone conversations, you might want to take a second look at your ads or how you present yourself on the phone.

First impressions are important, especialy when trying to put a band together. If you come across as flaky or totally inexperienced, you may turn people off. Also, be sure you are dealing with the right level of musician - if you have been playing for only a couple of years, don't expect a band of touring professionals to be interested (obvious point, I know).

With this new-fangled Internet thing, you kids nowadays have more opportunities to find bands and musicians than ever before, so take a look at your presentation and get playing!

Minger · #9 03-13-2006, 04:43 AM

You're basically paying to be a lower-class citizen. I mean, sure, you usually won't be the one to get all the attention - guitarists and their solos, and well, drummers...but if you ain't there, the music sounds poo-ey.

Usually I'm just like 'whatever' towards such people - they don't understand Bass, good for them. They think its easy, I'll give em 'Rush' by Yoko Kanno used in Cowboy Bebop...prolly gonna try to learn that today (STUPIDLY FAST) on DB....

sethlow3 · #10 03-13-2006, 08:00 AM

The two most wanted instruments in LA are bass and keys and its virtually the same in other big music cities around the world.

bassman275 · #11 03-13-2006, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sethlow3

The two most wanted instruments in LA are bass and keys and its virtually the same in other big music cities around the world.

+1 on this Bassplayers are in serious demand.hone your chops get, your presentation down and, your phone will not stop ringing!Hang in there Bro"!

georgestrings · #12 03-13-2006, 10:53 AM

"Wow, if a drummer gets all dissapointed in their voice at the fact that you play bass, well THEY AREN'T MUSICIANS! A drummer LOVES bassist...Heck even a good guitarist as well.."

Has been my experience as well...

- georgestrings

tZer · #13 03-13-2006, 11:06 AM

I second all these sentiments.

1. If any 'musician' seems to pass judgement on you based on you simply stating what instrument you play, I question their maturity and integrity anyway.
2. My experience has been that once I say, "I play bass" I am getting invited to the very next jam session - even if I was not looking for one.
3. There are "bass players" out there who do live up to the underachiever, couldn't cut it as a guitar player, stereotype. It is possible that these folks you are meeting have just had their fill of them. I do find that frequently after a jam with a new bunch of players, I am getting the old, "The last guy we played with was terrible!" stories. No I am not a superstar by any stretch - I just focus on being appropriate - giving room when room is needed - filling space when it is needed - listening to what is happening musically and being there for it.

Long story short - bass players are the glue that binds... anyone who does not appreciate that is probably projecting their own insecurities onto you anyway and should be avioded like the plague!

--tz

greekbassist · #14 03-13-2006, 01:02 PM

Quote:

There are "bass players" out there who do live up to the underachiever, couldn't cut it as a guitar player, stereotype.

And that EXACTLY why they can't cut it as Bassist either!!!!

I can't stand these guitarist who switch over to bass because they think it is going to be easier and don't have to put the time in to LEARN there instruments/practice.

Any instrument can be easy if you just want to tinker around on it and play it half fast and there a LOT of musicians out there who just want to get up on the stage and PRETEND to be musicians. They just want to look cool to get the chicks. Nothing wrong with getting chicks or guys (speaking to the girls as well)

But for GODSAKES respect the roll!!! LEARN what it takes to become a GREAT bass player!!

I am a good guitarist and BELIEVE me bass is just if not more challenging. I don't want to be no half fast bassist!!!

IGNORE the jerks!!!

Justice · #15 03-13-2006, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minger

They think its easy, I'll give em 'Rush' by Yoko Kanno used in Cowboy Bebop...prolly gonna try to learn that today (STUPIDLY FAST) on DB....

I prefer "Tank" myself.... 3,2,1, lets jam!

Caeros · #16 03-13-2006, 02:23 PM

You have to promote yourself. Seriously, meet fellow musicians, talk with 'em, try to develop bonds based on common musical ground and outside interests. Maybe people are looking for a bassist and you don't know it because you aren't taking the time to make yourself known? It can certainly be hard at times to find people to jam with, but when you do it's very rewarding. Especially when you work hard enough to find 'em yourself.

Steve · #17 03-13-2006, 03:12 PM

FWIW. I'm from south jersey and the music scene there just...well....sux.

At least it did when I left.

Fill out your profile a little bit maybe I can help. I have a good friend who is the musical director for Catch a Rising Star and a couple of casino show bands. maybe I can hook you guy's up.

Keeaumoku · #18 03-13-2006, 03:56 PM

I play with three different bands... one is my regular group... the other two tend to fill-in the gaps. I'm averaging four nights per week now! I had a guy approach me during one of our breaks this past Saturday, and he was trying to recruit me for his band... this wasn't the first time, either, nor will it be the last. Good bass players are hard to find in Honolulu, too...

Most folks seem to give all the glory and attention to the little guitar players... but good bass players get all the steady work...

morf · #19 03-13-2006, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keeaumoku

I play with three different bands... one is my regular group... the other two tend to fill-in the gaps. I'm averaging four nights per week now! I had a guy approach me during one of our breaks this past Saturday, and he was trying to recruit me for his band... this wasn't the first time, either, nor will it be the last. Good bass players are hard to find in Honolulu, too...

Most folks seem to give all the glory and attention to the little guitar players... but good bass players get all the steady work...

Thats indeed true, and pretty much everywhere as far as I know. There are always tons of bands looking for bassists.

JJd2sc · #20 03-13-2006, 04:38 PM

Good musicians can relate to every instrument.