Exercise: How would you offer your bass skills on CL

**trkelley** · #1 02-22-2011, 12:35 PM

I've been REALLY enjoying the bad craigslist ads thread, but it got me thinking; if a person (me) was going to seek a gig on CL, how would i write my ad? Avoiding all the pitfalls we so love to skewer, telling the truth, list gear or not? influences or not? what about age and gender and drug use? religion? what kind of car? You don't have to be actually seeking a gig to write this ad, but imagine that your current situation has ended and you want to connect with new players.
So, take a few minutes and evaluate yourself, and write an ad. I really like seeing pictures of bassists at their gigs, this is kind of another angle.

BassMan4Him · #2 02-22-2011, 12:38 PM

Good idea..

zachoff · #3 02-22-2011, 12:39 PM

Mine usually go "I'm older, have a job and kids and no dreams of stardom. I'm a committed hobbyist, but I do want to play shows and record. I prefer playing punk rock, thrash, and stoner/doom metal but will entertain playing indie rock or something resembling grunge, but in any case I have to like the music I'm playing or I won't be happy and will find something else. I have good gear, a car that runs, and can practice one day a week on Monday or Tuesday."

bassic_camel · #4 02-22-2011, 12:42 PM

This seems like a very good idea. Do you want the ads to have metatextual content, like writing the reason for why you worded something this way or why you're lying about your age? That could go in parentheses, like this.

I RAWK SO HARD! (I write it this way to turn off anyone who is too serious)

Something like that?

gnjpowell · #5 02-22-2011, 12:59 PM

Mediocre beginner bassist with crappy equipment seeks skilled, experienced and professional band to gig with that can make me look good and provide transportation to and from gigs.

**trkelley** · #6 02-22-2011, 01:07 PM

Theoretical CL ad hawking your bass self: (this would be posted on Oregon coast and Eugene CL)

"Bassist w/strong tenor harmony vocals available for subbing and session work on the Coast and in the Valley. Have 30+ years experience in many American genres (jazz, rock, funk, surf, R&B, country, folk, blues, singer-songwriter). PAID WORK ONLY. Not looking for casual jamming or long-term commitments. Fretless 5 & fretted 4, small & large amps, pick style, fingerstyle, slap, walking, soloing if needed. Recording studio and regional festival experience along with outdoor markets, bars, lodges, weddings and pubs. Positive attitude, own wheels, understand theory, read charts, big ears, quick study. Don't talk much, bad at eye contact, 420-positive, no drama.
See a complete list of recordings and gigs, current photos, audio and video at www.holyshitbatmanonbass.net"

Phalex · #7 02-22-2011, 01:17 PM

Non-sucky bass player seeks non-sucky band.

Sucky bands or bands with potential to suck need not respond.

tharv · #8 02-22-2011, 01:18 PM

It doesn't matter what you write...... Seems there's very few legitimate gigs on CL. At least in my area. But..... Currently have this posted on backpage:

"Former bassist for The Juke Hounds seeking pro minded, working or near working band. Prefer R&B/Funk/Blues/Classic Rock, but open to other styles. Pro gear, attitude, and ability. Quick learner. Reliable transportation. No addictions. Willing to travel within an hour radius. Links to video of live performances available on request."

Hoping that referencing my work in the last band would help. I've run across a lot of people who actually knew who they were/are.

So far, (after 3 weeks) 1 reply..... An all original start up metal band. I don't have the best bass for metal.....

bassic_camel · #9 02-22-2011, 01:27 PM

"Bassist seeks original band. Pro gear, no addictions, please email for samples of previous work. Country not desired, rock preferred, all other genres considered."

That doesn't indicate gender, age, or background. No identifying information given at all, actually. Straightforward is always the best, IME/IMO.

**trkelley** · #10 02-22-2011, 01:48 PM

CL is definitely not the best place for high S/N ratio in ANY category. For finding musicians, CL is like our public radio station; 90% of the material sent in never gets ANY airplay, it's either the wrong genre, amateurishly adequate or fatally riddled with production /performance inadequacies. But once in a while, something very worthwhile turns up.