Are you a Bass Player or a Bassist?

[::::BASSIST::::]

Stupid question I know.

What I mean is, is it essential for you to be playing bass in a band (the Bass Player definition) or do you view the bass like the saxophone or harmonica where you are quite satisified to learn the melody of songs and play solo.

Personally, I much prefer playing bass in a band context.

[bassteban]

I don't think it's a dumb question, but I'm not sure I agree w/your definitions. To me, 'bassist' sounds more accomplished/formally trained than 'bass player', & either could play in a band or solo. I don't know- I guess I'm mostly a collector/internet babbler.

[baba]

Playing bass solo bores me to death. If alone, I'll play guitar and sing.

I LOVE playing bass with a drummer and live band.

[::::BASSIST::::]

Yeah, that's how I think of 'bassist' too. The two terms really are interchangeable though.

I guess the question in the first post is:

Do you prefer playing in a band or are you satsified playing as a soloist.

That's better.

[RED5]

Originally Posted by ::::BASSIST::::

Yeah, that's how I think of 'bassist' too. The two terms really are interchangeable though.

I guess the question in the first post is:

Do you prefer playing in a band or are you satsified playing as a soloist.

That's better.

Is there a question of perception here? How are you viewed by your peers? Are you THE bassplayer? Or A bassist?

[Passinwind]

Originally Posted by ::::BASSIST::::

Y
Do you prefer playing in a band or are you satsified playing as a soloist.

Who says you can't be a soloist in a band?

Just playing by yourself is another deal. I like playing lots of solos within a band context. Just a drummer is enough to constitute a band for me though...

[bassteban]

I much prefer playing in a band, but I will also wank for several hours at a time w/my looper.

[ryco]

I like the term bass player more and I like playing in bands.
However I am content to play by myself as well - it's all good

When asked if I'm a "musician" I always reply I prefer the term player. Ya don't work music!
Although I have a lot of performance and theory background, musician sounds too formal.
To me a musician actually has the sheepskin or plays in a classical ensemble.

Not the dumbest question I've been asked. What's dumb is a "b" in the word dumb. Dum

[::::BASSIST::::]

Originally Posted by Passinwind

Who says you can't be a soloist in a band?

Just playing by yourself is another deal. I like playing lots of solos within a band context. Just a drummer is enough to constitute a band for me though...

Good one.

I was initially thinking rock and roll band, but jazz et al adds a new wrinkle.

[Passinwind]

Originally Posted by ::::BASSIST::::

Good one.

I was initially thinking rock and roll band, but jazz et al adds a new wrinkle.

Hey T,

I was actually initially thinking about the term soloist as used in the classical context. A few weeks ago I played a benefit show where the classical portion was billed as featuring "Betty Jo Bialowski, principal soloist." At the end all the jazz and classical players did a piece together and one of the soloists was a scat singer -- go figure!

[::::BASSIST::::]

Sounds like good times.

I just cant get past the 'gay latino dating' banner ad below!??!

[Jazzdogg]

The English language is certainly interesting...

Bassist
Racist
Sexist
Misogynist
Elitist

[steve66]

Call it what you wish.... I play bass

[buzzbass]

using your definition, I'm a bass player. I don't touch it much if I'm not involved with a band.

[Phalex]

Bassist sounds a bit pretentious to me. I'm just a crusty old curmudgeon what plays bass in a band.

[mjolnir]

Call me a bass player, I only pull the solo stuff when I noodle around at home.

[Atoz]

Originally Posted by Phalex

Bassist sounds a bit pretentious to me. I'm just a crusty old curmudgeon what plays bass in a band.

+1... Add me to the crusty old curmudgeon list.

[skiltrip]

I'm a studio bass player. Meaning... I'm a songwriter/producer. The bass is just another tool that I use to make it all happen (including the piano, guitars, keys, pennywhistles, clickers, clackers, sleighbells, tambourines, footstomps, handclaps, buckets, trashcans, beer bottles, etc). Though, I take bass very seriously and always give it an important role in the song. Does that make me a bassist or a bass player... or a guitarist who plays bass too?

[Bass Boy]

Originally Posted by bassteban

I much prefer playing in a band, but I will also wank for several hours at a time w/my looper.

So that's what the kids are calling it these days...


But back on topic:
I like doing both and see no reason to choose.

[Jerose]

Originally Posted by bassteban

I much prefer playing in a band, but I will also wank for several hours at a time w/my looper.

If your... erm... "looper"... lasts for more than 4 hours, please consult your physician.