funny audition story

hernameisrio · #1 11-04-2011, 03:55 PM

So I show up for an audition today for an R&B/soul/hip-hop group. Pretty tight songs, had to cram a bit but feeling okay since they referenced James Jamerson and I've been playing a lot of Motown tunes lately. I walk in and there's a guy sitting there already playing a 6-string bass. I'm just like, "...okay..." Take a seat on the couch, a few minutes later another guy comes in with a 5-string. Then there's me with my good ol' 4-string like, "...Hi!" I could barely keep a straight face.

On a related note....On a whim, I played a Peavey Millenium BXP 5-string at Guitar Center today. It sounded good and I actually went as far as to put down a deposit for them to hold it til Christmas just in case I make the leap and can get the money by then. Beautiful bass, great tone, dealing with the slightly wider neck and the extra string was virtually painless and felt very intuitive. So I think I could definitely get into it, not that I'm THAT impressionable, but today did get me thinking that it might be fun to eventually cross over to the dark side.

I honestly doubt I got the gig, as those other two guys kinda handed me my skinny little *** on a plate, strings nonwithstanding, but they were all cool and it was still great to play with new people and have that experience.

Bredian · #2 11-04-2011, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hernameisrio

I honestly doubt I got the gig, as those other two guys kinda handed me my skinny little *** on a plate, strings nonwithstanding, but they were all cool and it was still great to play with new people and have that experience.

Assuming you heard them. If not, never judge a player by his gear.

Saw a guy the other day, hand made 5 string, high end, could not do an old Motown bass break from "I'll Take You There".... the break came and " zzz "

BassmanSBK · #3 11-04-2011, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bredian

Saw a guy the other day, hand made 5 string, high end, could not do an old Motown bass break from "I'll Take You There".... the break came and " zzz "

Umm, that's Stax--the Staples Singers--not Motown.

hernameisrio · #4 11-04-2011, 11:07 PM

I think the 5-string guy had the better vibe, honestly. Personality included. It's hard to say, I mean, each of us had such a different style. The other weird thing is that the song they tried us out on, was actually really different from the other material that they played for us later...the other couple of songs (which we just listened to and didn't play on) had more of a true hip-hop feel. So yeah, I heard each of them. The 6-string guy was a lot more laidback and kinda soulful. Uh, then there was me...I just tried to keep it tight and simple, not as noodly as everybody else, especially given who they referenced in the ad. There were things I would've done if I'd had more of a chance to learn the song, but I didn't want to play something more complex and play it sloppy...figured it was better to play an easier part and play it well. Their producer was there and he made some off-hand remark about, "So I guess when you have that many strings you feel like you have to use them, huh?" And then to me he said, "Good job." Honestly, who knows, maybe I'll get lucky...now that I look back, maybe I have a better shot at it than I thought.

domestique · #5 11-10-2011, 02:50 AM

Update? have you heard anything?

hernameisrio · #6 11-10-2011, 08:43 AM

No, I guess they went with someone else. I have a feeling the 5-string guy got it. Actually, if I'd had to pick someone, that's who I would have gone with too. He had a lot of charisma and fit in really well with the song they picked for us to play to. Oh well, at least I gave it a shot, and if 5-String taught me anything, it's that maybe I have to be a little more extroverted and outgoing once in a while. I will say that playing bass has brought me out of my shell considerably, so it was still a good experience.

TolerancEJ · #7 11-10-2011, 12:06 PM

The string count doesn't make the musician. It's the talent playing those strings. You are free to play whatever number of strings you wish; there is no dark side. Keep going to auditions and you'll eventually get a shot.

I have basses ranging from 4, 5, 6, & 7 strings. Currently, I've been jamming with various local musicians until I find a band which I'm comfortable to join. At that time, when it comes time for a gig, I would love to just roll a dice or randomly choose a different bass each night. My personal goal is to be equally proficient on basses with any number of strings.

pklima · #8 11-10-2011, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hernameisrio

So I show up for an audition today for an R&B/soul/hip-hop group. Pretty tight songs, had to cram a bit but feeling okay since they referenced James Jamerson and I've been playing a lot of Motown tunes lately. I walk in and there's a guy sitting there already playing a 6-string bass. I'm just like, "...okay..." Take a seat on the couch, a few minutes later another guy comes in with a 5-string. Then there's me with my good ol' 4-string like, "...Hi!" I could barely keep a straight face.

Oh. You should've told me. I would have followed you with my Krappy.

hernameisrio · #9 11-10-2011, 05:10 PM

Ha ha! Nice!