The Mediocre Bassist Club, pt. 4 - We can count to four!

[caeman]

That's right!

I don't people how much my Gretsch cost me. They will come up, note that it is a Gretsch, try it's fretless action and compliment it. Not too bad for $150 and a pair of nail clippers.

[Tat2dHeart]

Originally Posted by caeman

I am firmly of the believe that one should buy equipment far above your skill level, if you can afford it.

I opted for having lots of basses worth more than my ability to play. It reinforced my mediocrity.

[Sequimite]

Many are under the misapprehension that years of mediocre bass playing are necessary to be a true mediocrity on the instrument. Sadly, I have seen too many aspirants flame out, over-shooting their goal so that ever after, to their unending shame, they become too competent.

I have taken a different path. After many years of mediocrity as a drummer, band mates began to consistently describe me as "good". Then came a long dark time of my life in which I became obsessed with the riddle, where did I go right?

Fortunately I was given another opportunity for lack of success when I started playing rhythm guitar. I found that having previously failed at mediocrity, I now had a better appreciation of how to stay in the zone. During my five year career as a rhythm guitarist I was careful to only learn the bare minimum necessary to play. I don't think I exaggerate much in saying that after my first few weeks my skill level flat-lined for half a decade.

Now as I turn my coarsely honed lack of talent to a new challenge I feel justifiably confident that I will attain and maintain mediocrity in the finest traditions of 13th level government bureaucrats whose job functions were forgotten in the Harding administration and join the unexalted ranks of the barely base bassists.

[My name is Mudd]

And THAT, people, is how to ask for membership...well played, sir!

[96tbird]

I wanna know which one of you is actually Adam Clayton. Don't get me wrong, I like your playing and am a big fan, but let's face it, you're a lucky mediocre bass player. I dig learning your bass parts.

[Adam Bomb]

Originally Posted by Sequimite

Many are under the misapprehension that years of mediocre bass playing are necessary to be a true mediocrity on the instrument. Sadly, I have seen too many aspirants flame out, over-shooting their goal so that ever after, to their unending shame, they become too competent.

I have taken a different path. After many years of mediocrity as a drummer, band mates began to consistently describe me as "good". Then came a long dark time of my life in which I became obsessed with the riddle, where did I go right?

Fortunately I was given another opportunity for lack of success when I started playing rhythm guitar. I found that having previously failed at mediocrity, I now had a better appreciation of how to stay in the zone. During my five year career as a rhythm guitarist I was careful to only learn the bare minimum necessary to play. I don't think I exaggerate much in saying that after my first few weeks my skill level flat-lined for half a decade.

Now as I turn my coarsely honed lack of talent to a new challenge I feel justifiably confident that I will attain and maintain mediocrity in the finest traditions of 13th level government bureaucrats whose job functions were forgotten in the Harding administration and join the unexalted ranks of the barely base bassists.

Hear, hear!

* Attempts a celebratory riff *

* flubs it *

* sits back down *

Sequimite - #854

--Bomb

[Adam Bomb]

Originally Posted by 96tbird

I wanna know which one of you is actually Adam Clayton. Don't get me wrong, I like your playing and am a big fan, but let's face it, you're a lucky mediocre bass player. I dig learning your bass parts.

LOL! Same here, except @ bass player for Nirvana. His name escapes me.

But: the ability to recognize a great band, be allowed to join it, and not get kicked out - that's what we really do, isn't it? And isn't that as valuable as, say, mastering your instrument?

What? No?

*sits back down again*

But srsly, folks: What value added do you bring to your projects, in lieu of being the resident shredmistress/slap maestro/9-string tapping prog god?

I have yet to find a proper hat. So so far what I contribute is:
--enthusiasm
--security
--a p.a.
--being the only person who knows how to use the p.a.
--at least a few friends at every show
--some vocals
--relative easygoingness
--sobriety

What about you all?

--Bomb

[Habilis]

Krist Novoselic. How does THAT GUY get a signature bass from Gibson?

ON the topic of hats: I'm so sick of little porkpie hats. At this point, when I see one, I think "Bass players' dunce cap."

I contribute lyrics, vocals, skewed perspective, and an encyclopedic knowledge of the seafaring fiction of Patrick O'Brian and C.S. Forester. This last has yet to be called upon in a band context but it's nice to know it's there if it's needed.

[Shardik]

Originally Posted by Prostheta

I'll quote myself here, which is just an arrogant way of just saying something with the implication you have said it before:

"Those who cannot play well, build"

I really really build. I guess it is compensation for how little progress I have made as a musician over the last 25yrs.

I build too. Or modifies. I have only limited skill in that department, and do not attempt difficult stuff like high gloss finishes or precision neck or fret work.

I guess mediocrity seeps through here as well...

[Prostheta]

I managed to leave my last band before my mediocrity proved itself. How dishonest of me. Gibson rang me the very next day.

[Grangur]

Yeay!! I got a number! Thanks Adam!
I've only been on TB for a few days, but the info n stuff you get here is great and this club's the best. Thanks guys

[Holdsg]

I contribute mediocrity on two instruments- Bass and keyboards.
I also own the PA, so it's harder to kick me out of the band.
I harmonize when it's not really called for, and unisonize when I should be harmonizing.
I have no taste in clothing, hats, song selection, or friends.
I guess I'm just lucky to be a musician at all.

[Lady Kayri]

Wohoo! Had my first gig with guitarist. It was supposed to be him as a singleton, but he wanted me to come and play three tunes with him. (Girl from Impanema, Route 66, and Mack the Knife) instead, ended up being asked to stay and played for two hours. Some tunes I knew fairly well (Taboo, Moondance) and others he had to tell me key / starting chord and I had to listen well enough to follow along. Lots of root-fifths with those ones! Didn't do great, but did well enough that my mistakes weren't obvious. Plus my case of jitters quieted down as soon as we started to play. And boy, I really enjoyed the experience. I've played out with my flute a few times, but only as a fill in. Got even more of a charge knowing that guitarist and I are in the same band and will be playing again together in the future. And I definately know what I need to work on to improve my playing on stage...

[Tat2dHeart]

Congrats, Kayri!!! It's a cool feeling, isn't it?

[Adam Bomb]

Originally Posted by Lady Kayri

Wohoo! Had my first gig with guitarist. It was supposed to be him as a singleton, but he wanted me to come and play three tunes with him. (Girl from Impanema, Route 66, and Mack the Knife) instead, ended up being asked to stay and played for two hours. Some tunes I knew fairly well (Taboo, Moondance) and others he had to tell me key / starting chord and I had to listen well enough to follow along. Lots of root-fifths with those ones! Didn't do great, but did well enough that my mistakes weren't obvious. Plus my case of jitters quieted down as soon as we started to play. And boy, I really enjoyed the experience. I've played out with my flute a few times, but only as a fill in. Got even more of a charge knowing that guitarist and I are in the same band and will be playing again together in the future. And I definately know what I need to work on to improve my playing on stage...

That's great! Grats!

Originally Posted by Habilis

I'm so sick of little porkpie hats. At this point, when I see one, I think "Bass players' dunce cap."

zomg don't get me started on guys who wear porkpie hats. Around here anyway. And now. It was different in the '80s. And even more different in the '60s but I was a baby and was still too pure and innocent to hate a man for his choice of hat.

--Bomb

[Mike11121]

Originally Posted by caeman

*chuckle*

So, Mike. Do you wear a hat?

Sadly - no. Neither baseball (forward or reverse) or any other type. I would be prepared to try a Fez if that would help . .

[Mike11121]

Originally Posted by Adam Bomb

Cool! You are what we call our target demographic.

Your application - as amended - has been approved! And bronzed. And gently laid in a time capsule for future mediocre generations to study and gain inspiration from.

Mike11121 - #852

You guys are great. Welcome!

--Bomb

Did I miss anybody?

I feel so humble and undeserving, but that might just be because I am humble and undeserving.

Thanks Adam!

[rust_preacher]

I contribute a mediocre E1. And A1... sometimes up to D.

I recall now that I have an Uzbek cap that might go well with my mediocre stage persona...

[Shardik]

Originally Posted by rust_preacher

I contribute a mediocre E1. And A1... sometimes up to D.

I recall now that I have an Uzbek cap that might go well with my mediocre stage persona...

I sometimes wonder if a 1 string bass is really all I need...

[caeman]

I have a confession to make. I've been experimenting with frets beyond the 7th.

And I liked it.