Playing two different instruments in two different bands?/

Fassa Albrecht · #1 09-22-2007, 02:41 PM

I must ask this....

I'm in the process of joining two worship bands, one at my university and one at my church. I'll be playing bass for now, but what I was wondering is whether it would be a good idea if I could get really good at keyboard and then play bass for one band and keys for the other?

Advice please?

AdlerAugen · #2 09-22-2007, 10:52 PM

Well if you're good at keyboard already it won't really matter. I already do both depending on whether I want to take my bass to church or not....usually I play piano though. (I am a piano major in college after all)

Depth_Charge · #3 09-23-2007, 02:02 AM

If you can play both instruments then not a problem.

bimmerfan99 · #4 09-23-2007, 01:26 PM

I'm a keyboardist and I'm a beginner at bass. I play whichever I can at any time. I've seen people in the same band switch instruments in between songs (like musical chairs). If you can play it, then go for it.

Rugaar · #5 09-23-2007, 11:27 PM

Sure, if you can cover the parts, then what's the problem? It's fun to play other instruments sometimes.

I play bass in one band (trio with guitar, bass, drums) and in another band I mostly play mandolin but have filled in on guitar, bass and drums.

MichaelScott · #6 09-24-2007, 02:49 PM

Why would you play keyboards in a band when you can play bass??????

Jeff Martinez · #7 09-24-2007, 02:51 PM

Terrible idea. One should never try to broaden their horizons. It's bad for bassist morale.

Fassa Albrecht · #8 09-24-2007, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelScott

Why would you play keyboards in a band when you can play bass??????

Easy- my keyboard can replicate any instrument, sound or melody. I can also record a backing track directly onto the 'board's memory, such as a drumtrack, and then use in when composing. It's also easier to carry a keyboard than a bass.

Someone forgot to tell Martin Gore of Depeche Mode that- he plays keyboards and guitar (a Gretsch White Falcon to be precise!).

bluestarbass · #9 09-24-2007, 03:22 PM

Yea sure why not. I play bass in one band and guitar in another. In the band I play guitar in I'll switch to bass sometimes if its a perticularly hard bass line cuz im a better at bass than our actual bass player. I can definately tell a difference when someone is playing a real bass compared to a synth. There are suttle nuances that make a big difference.

MichaelScott · #10 09-24-2007, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

Easy- my keyboard can replicate any instrument, sound or melody. I can also record a backing track directly onto the 'board's memory, such as a drumtrack, and then use in when composing. It's also easier to carry a keyboard than a bass.

Sounds like you got it all figured out. Why play bass?

Fassa Albrecht · #11 09-24-2007, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelScott

Sounds like you got it all figured out. Why play bass?

Cause you can't compare a synthesized version of a bassline to the real thing.
Although I love learning keys, I still love the feel of the roundwounds under my fingers and the purr of Petra, my Shergold.
I'm effectively married to bass now!