Do you have any bass rituals?

[Jason Wilson]

I was just wanting a bit of a fun thread.....

So, does anyone have any crazy (or not crazy) bass rituals you perform before you play? Or similar

I know most warm up before you play, any warm down afterwards? Kiss your amp? Wear your special bass undies, maybe you can only play commando. Have to listen to a certain artist/band for inspiration?

All bass craziness welcome.

[sumgruuvz]

hmmm. i stretch my fingers, hands, and wrists to where people probably think im warming up for a kung fu fight.

[Egbert89]

I usually hang my bass around my neck and have look around at the audience a few seconds before we start. Nothing special really haha

[cableguy]

I usually at least try to tune.

[phillybass101]

I often just sit and look at my basses on their stands and talk to them.

[India_Sierra]

I always run my cable through my strap. It was a habit I got into with Warwick basses and their slightly naff jacks, it was the only surefire way I could get through a whole set without the bass cutting out. I started using it on every bass and have stuck with it.

It's worth putting up with those jacks just to keep the sweet Warwick sound!

[Firesalt]

Originally Posted by cableguy

I usually at least try to tune.

+1

[chef wong]

If I happen to still be awake at daybreak, I just about always go to youtube and watch Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock. It's good for the soul.

[delta7fred]

I make sure I have a cable free patch of stage to stand on. I hate cables under my feet.

A good friend of mine will not play unless he is wearing his special socks. One is fluorescent yellow, the other florescent orange. Thinking about it I bet he has two pairs.

[JimmyM]

I sacrifice a turkey sandwich.

[Rip Topaz]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I sacrifice a turkey sandwich.

+1. And a shot of Jäger.

[spiritbass]

Originally Posted by cableguy

I usually at least try to tune.

You refer to the ancient Chinese ritual of Tu-Ning...

I wipe the bass with a magic microfiber cloth before and after playing. I've also been known to pray for guidance and inspiration!

[El-Bob]

I do a lot of the things already mentioned... stretching, cable through strap, survey the audience, etc.

Usually when I first pick up my bass for sound check, practice, or noodling at home I practice some fills in Em, to trick myself (and non-musicians) into thinking that I'm awesome... that's about it.

[gumbynotpokey]

BEFORE I play? Hmmm. Ok, I turn the volume on the bass all the way down, THEN plug 1/4 in into the bass, THEN plug the other end into the direct box.

[MD]

Before I put my truck in gear, I check the back...

"Bass, amp, cab, gig bag, stand, stool"

OK.

[RonniePudding]

Make sure my beer is more than half full, and my bladder more than half empty. If not, address either/both before the show starts. =)

[MysticMichael]

Originally Posted by Jason Wilson

So, does anyone have any crazy (or not crazy) bass rituals you perform before you play? Or similar

"Rituals"? You mean, like an OCD kind of thing?

Uh, no...

MM

[SurferJoe46]

Like tossing some fertile clams at the full moon?
No - just PnP.

[Jason Wilson]

Originally Posted by MD

Before I put my truck in gear, I check the back...

"Bass, amp, cab, gig bag, stand, stool"

OK.

+1000

I once had a gig about 2 hours from where I live & was picking up the vocalist who lived an hour away. When I got to where I was picking her up, I put her gear in the back of the wagon and noticed something was missing, hmmm, amp, cab, stand, gig bag........bass??? F*%$#*!
I'd left it at home and had to drive nearly an hour back home, then get back to the gig. Unfortunately I missed the first set, well, so did the rest of the band as well I guess.
Since then, I am very paranoid about leaving gear behind!!

[3234718]

I always play Chameleon for a few seconds. I just feel like I have to.