"So you must play lead bass......"

Ron Plichta · #1 10-22-2007, 07:43 AM

That's what I get for taking something other than a regular 4-string bass into a divey biker bar. Took my 6-string to our Friday night gig and as I was warming up, this drunk who claimed to be a guitarist staggers up to me and says, "So must play lead bass".

"No, I play bass", I replied.

"No, man, you play 'lead bass' since you got all them strings there."

"No, it just means I can do a few different things, but it's still a bass".

"Well man, don't take this the wrong way, but..."

The look I gave him next made him realize I wasn't about to listen to a sermon on bass from a drunk. "OK, you're gonna take it the wrong way" and staggered away.

Tony G · #2 10-22-2007, 07:44 AM

Ah yes, the stigma of the 6 string bassist in a bar band. I know it well.

MonetBass · #3 10-22-2007, 09:01 AM

Sorry, but to me that's about on par with pulling up to the same bar in a BMW: you asked for it.

Ron Plichta · #4 10-22-2007, 09:37 AM

I wouldn't have minded if the guy asked what the two extra strings do first, but to offer an inebriated opinion doesn;t sit well with me. Then again, maybe I need to look for higher-caliber gigs.

MonetBass · #5 10-22-2007, 09:39 AM

Yeah, 'inebriated opinions' are pretty worthless IME. Funny story, though!

Tony G · #6 10-22-2007, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OKStateBass66

Sorry, but to me that's about on par with pulling up to the same bar in a BMW: you asked for it.

I get looks all the time. I wouldn't say my band plays sleazy biker bars, but we play a lot of classic rock/r&b/and modern country. There are only a small number of songs that actually require me to reach for the Low B or High C, but the vast majority could be played on a 4 string. However, I feel my 6 string is my best sounding bass, so that is what I play for the majority of the time.

And if I owned a BMW, you better believe I'd drive that where ever I want, especially if it was an m-series.

funkybassplayer · #7 10-22-2007, 11:39 AM

i get the same thing from other bassists when they see my 5er and find out it has the high c instead of the low b string. most of them think it is some kind of custom bass becasue it has the high c.

I wish i owned a BMW

bassteban · #8 10-22-2007, 11:47 AM

mjolnir · #9 10-22-2007, 11:58 AM

Nice.

Ron Plichta · #10 10-22-2007, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassteban

"So you must be the lead drunk..."

Good one!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm gonna remember that for the next time.

ahkiatt · #11 10-22-2007, 08:47 PM

I want to play lead bass. Where do I sign up?

MakiSupaStar · #12 10-23-2007, 08:15 PM

He was right. With all those string your bass must have just looked ridiculous.

I play a fiver.

MoD_Scotty · #13 10-23-2007, 08:32 PM

What's wrong with playing lead bass?

bassteban · #14 10-23-2007, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoD_Scotty

What's wrong with playing lead bass?

I for one prefer basses made of wood. Heavy wood, mind you- but lead..?

**john turner** · #15 10-23-2007, 08:45 PM

the proper response is "hey dude, i don't go to your job and dis your broom".

bassteban · #16 10-23-2007, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john turner

the proper response is "hey dude, i don't go to your job and dis your broom".

Now I'm thinking of a response which I cannot post here...

tee-hee

MoD_Scotty · #17 10-24-2007, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassteban

I for one prefer basses made of wood. Heavy wood, mind you- but lead..?

It's fine as long as you wash your hands after use. And of course a comfy strap is a necessity.

Ron Plichta · #18 10-24-2007, 05:32 AM

I forgot to mention the other event of the night. I covered some of the guitar parts (intro snd "call" part of the dual solo) of "One Way Out" on the sixer since I had the C string available. So we ended the song and the singer announced , "Mr. Ron Plichta on lead bass." And this is after I chastised the drunk. I wanted to impale the singer on the spot.

funkybassplayer · #19 10-24-2007, 08:27 AM

Is there a "Lead Bass Club"? What would be the requirement to join? A high C string on your bass? haha
Something like "Lead Bassists Coalition" or somehting.

unbasslichkeit · #20 10-24-2007, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Plichta

I forgot to mention the other event of the night. I covered some of the guitar parts (intro snd "call" part of the dual solo) of "One Way Out" on the sixer since I had the C string available. So we ended the song and the singer announced , "Mr. Ron Plichta on lead bass." And this is after I chastised the drunk. I wanted to impale the singer on the spot.

You said 'biker bar'...Were you by any chance at the J-V?