Uncle John's Pro player advice thread.

[John Wentzien]

I've been around as a pro player for over 30 years. and made a living the whole time..
I aint rich..but I've learned some things.
If you have any questions about a life in the "music-Biz"
I will answer..Keep it cool..
Won't powder no A#$

[John Wentzien]

I will not lie to you!

[snyderz]

Not asking for advice, but I went to your myspace, and you kick @ss. Kudos to a smokin' bass player.

[John Wentzien]

Originally Posted by snyderz

Not asking for advice, but I went to your myspace, and you kick @ss. Kudos to a smokin' bass player.

Thanks...I love you!

[John Wentzien]

Originally Posted by snyderz

Not asking for advice, but I went to your myspace, and you kick @ss. Kudos to a smokin' bass player.

Ask me anything...

[chuck3]

at what size venue should you start playing thru the FOH and mic-ing the drums, rather than just using your bass amp and telling the drummer to play louder?

[John Wentzien]

Originally Posted by chuck3

at what size venue should you start playing thru the FOH and mic-ing the drums, rather than just using your bass amp and telling the drummer to play louder?

If you can get FOH..always take it... Make sure you sound good for yourself on-stage.. It's their job to get you out there!

[John Wentzien]

Originally Posted by chuck3

at what size venue should you start playing thru the FOH and mic-ing the drums, rather than just using your bass amp and telling the drummer to play louder?

I like it better with stage sound personaly.
As far as you can get away with it!

[John Wentzien]

Make sure you have a good sound guy! Makes a big difference!

[DougD]

Whats the best way for the young up n comers to turn pro? Or how do you hook with a pro band?

[John Wentzien]

Originally Posted by DougD

Whats the best way for the young up n comers to turn pro? Or how do you hook with a pro band?

Learn your trade!..This means music theory and all involved!
Be mellow in your approach..Nobody likes a cockey B###!

[John Wentzien]

You have to get "out there" and hook-up with others that think like you do..
It's hard ...they ARE out there... You must be RELENTLESS!

[John Wentzien]

Where are the "gritty" questions? I'm ready!

[John Wentzien]

Originally Posted by DougD

Whats the best way for the young up n comers to turn pro? Or how do you hook with a pro band?

A lot is luck...but it does happen..You have to put yourself (out-there) I still look at it this way myself...Any Takers?..

[SpamBot]

Originally Posted by John Wentzien

A lot is luck...but it does happen..You have to put yourself (out-there) I still look at it this way myself...Any Takers?..

Alright, how about this along those lines: When you were just beginning to establish your career, what would you have done, knowing what you know now?

(Play with a band, go to jams, teach lessons, recording work, etc.)

[John Wentzien]

Originally Posted by SpamBot

Alright, how about this along those lines: When you were just beginning to establish your career, what would you have done, knowing what you know now?

(Play with a band, go to jams, teach lessons, recording work, etc.)

Get out and play!..No matter what the "Genre"..and PRACTICE!
Get a good teacher!

[John Wentzien]

You need a good theory background..period!

[chuck3]

did you have to be able to:

1. Read in the classical sense, notes on a bass clef;
2. Read lead sheets (Real book style);
3. Read charts you made for yourself;
4. None of the above - you just played by ear; or
5. All of the above to one degree or another?

[chuck3]

Originally Posted by John Wentzien

You need a good theory background..period!

That's actually the one thing I do have.

[John Wentzien]

I've made my livin' for a long time with this...A lot of it was with sesison stuff..and "fill-in" crap...and studio things..
Don't limit your playing!