How should I explain my bassplaying to my new flatmates?

[Fassa Albrecht]

Basically I have only a month before I move into my new flat for the second year of uni. I'll be living with 5 other people. The problem is this- we haven't actually met each other and so they don't know I play bass!
Should I tell them? How should I explain that I am in a band and so will need time to practice and won't be in the house a lot of nights (three so far)? How should I deal with anyone who really dislikes my bassing and is argumentative or confrontational about it?
I'm pretty worried that they'll take annoyance and we'll end arguing.......

[peaveyuser]

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

Basically I have only a month before I move into my new flat for the second year of uni. I'll be living with 5 other people.

Sounds delightful

The problem is this- we haven't actually met each other and so they don't know I play bass!

here we go

Should I tell them?

Well doi, it's not tha kinda thing you can hide hahaha

How should I explain that I am in a band and so will need time to practice and won't be in the house a lot of nights (three so far)?

Well I think they wouldn't care much, maybe see it as a relief, think about it its 5 people, the less people the less annoying. That time away could give the other mates time to relax, vent and talk bad behind your back and such.

How should I deal with anyone who really dislikes my bassing and is argumentative or confrontational about it?
I'm pretty worried that they'll take annoyance and we'll end arguing.......

hmm my mom hates me playing my bass even with a bit of amplification, and she'll get pissed if I do put it on. I'm no moma's boy but I'm tired of getting yelled at and confrontational (can't wait to move out). You'll just have to deal with it, play when they're gone, play with out amplification etc....

[Deacon_Blues]

Why would you need to say anything? They'll notice when you move in.

Just keep your practicing volume very low so you don't annoy them by it. And be quiet as a mouse when you come home in the night after gigs. Then you and them will be fine and no arguing about your bass playing should take place.

EDIT: Also don't make your bass practicing an excuse for leaving housework undone. In my experience, leaving dishes unwashed and floors and toilets dirty cause much more arguing than a hobby of yours.

[EricF]

As long as you are respectful of everyone else with your volume and practice schedule, there shouldn't be an issue. It's certainly possible that some of them are musicians, too. A set of headphones (or a headphone amp, if your amp doesn't have a headphone output) is also a good way to go. Being that my family and apartment neighbors don't appreicate my night-time practice, headphones are definitely a must in my house. Additionally, playing un-amped can be beneficial by revealing technique flaws that get hidden by your amp.

[AdlerAugen]

headphones plugged into your amp

[unclejam]

tell them its a dude Magnet

[zazz]

dont know why you would want to practice loud ...since this might be the only issue.

for me ...i have a tiny roland micro just for practice at less than tv volume levels at night....this should be fine for anyone.

personally i cant stand headphones for any extended length of time so this is the way i do it and no one has complained yet.

....any other problems that they may have are probably just inside their heads.

[Depth_Charge]

Originally Posted by Deacon_Blues

Why would you need to say anything? They'll notice when you move in.

Just keep your practicing volume very low so you don't annoy them by it. And be quiet as a mouse when you come home in the night after gigs. Then you and them will be fine and no arguing about your bass playing should take place.

EDIT: Also don't make your bass practicing an excuse for leaving housework undone. In my experience, leaving dishes unwashed and floors and toilets dirty cause much more arguing than a hobby of yours.

+1.

Best advice in the thread IMHO.

[Baryonyx]

If anyone says anything just belt them.

[Cloud_Connected]

If they argue, stab them with the bass.
Yippie Ka Yey mother****er!

[Fassa Albrecht]

Originally Posted by Chris2112

If anyone says anything just belt them.

What would that solve??

[fenderhutz]

Yep. Headphones.

[owensea777]

I don't think they'll complain about you not being there all the time...
I also don't think anyone will have it out for you because you play an instrument, unless of course you play it loud all the time.
If someone insults bass for no reason, feel free to wake up really early, plug your amp up in their room while they're sleeping, and blast the freaking windows out.

[unclejam]

wait yuor using a hiwatt 30

tell em its a radio

[Munjibunga]

[Chipsonfire]

When you need to practice, sneak up on them one by one and knock them unconscious with something heavy for a few hours.. When they wake up, tell them "Man, you guys were soooo drunk!"
Seriously though, I'd say just talk them about it, and use headphones. I currently live with 3, soon to be 4 other guys and thats what I do. Use the amp on low or headphones when they are around.

[Phalex]

I'm thinking when you come in with that big gianormous guitar case, they'll figure it out in a hurry. I would suggest you watch Sid & Nancy several times before you move in to get a few ideas about how to hone your "People Skills". That should keep them in line.

[tplyons]

Just practice at reasonable levels.

[bassybill]

They should consider themselves lucky to be sharing the flat with a musician instead of some boring twonk with no interests except watching soaps or Big Brother.

[Jazz Ad]

Just make sure you always use a phone amp and don't annoy them with playing in the middle of the night.
I don't think you owe any further explanation.