Vintage Band w/ Vintage Instruments

[bhunt1]

I saw an ad looking for a bassist with a band that plays classic rock from the 60s and 70s, and they perform with vintage instruments. Do any of you do something like this? I am vaguely thinking about trying for it, but I don't own a bass that old. I suppose it's an excuse to get one if I got the gig; of course those darn things are expensive (esp. for me, I'm lefty - nice lefty '64 P on ebay for $8,800 - no prob just take out a 2nd mortgage). Tell me about your experiences please.

[steveksux]

Sounds bizarre, never heard of that one. I'd be tempted to try out and see if they're really sticklers for that. And to see if they're actually good, or simply mentally unbalanced.

Randy

[bertbassplayer]

I know Royal Crown Revue did a CD where they all played vintage instruments. Other than that I hadn't heard of it.

[snyderz]

That's what reissues are for.

[bhunt1]

Thanks for the replies guys. Yeah mentally unbalanced might explain it! I thought of the reissue thing too - if I could get away with it, it's alot cheaper.

[addylewis]

Originally Posted by snyderz

That's what reissues are for.

You mean "thats why Fender Japan came about!"...

Look around on ebay for a japanese reissue, if its not beaten up enough for them just ask one of them to drive around with it tied to the back of the car for a bit and generally be careless with it...or you could just tell them where to go!

Squier CV or VM is your ticket my friend if you've not got the money...

[sweetwillyp]

I have met a Few bands Like this and IMHO they are generally two types of people..

1. Gear Snobs

2. Scene-sters that want to be cool


Just a Opinion Doesn't make me right and it Doesn't make me Wrong

[phatbass]

IME, bands that insists on particular brands or vintage gear generally:
A) are pretty lame musically, and
B) don't really know what they're talking about equipment-wise except in a really shallow "we-read-too-much-Guitar-For-The-Practicing-Musician-magazine" kinda way.

[Decedo]

I tried out for a Deep Purple tribute and brought a warwick thumb to the audition. Audition went well and was invited for a call-back. They then asked if I had a fender jazz or pre, and to bring that next time. I did ('60 pre), but got a Sabbath gig at the same time.
:P

[DeluxeRed]

They just don't want players with Dimebag Dean guitars or similar basses. Which is not out of line for a band that wants to have a look from a particular period.

I would check with them, but I'd bet almost any Fender P or J should do, or something like a Guild semi. As long as it doesn't have points, spikes, skulls, flames, or glitter.

If I wuz trying out for an Elvis backing band, they probably wouldn't be impressed by my WAV4, as cool and great-sounding as it is, and would want a real "doghouse". What's lame about that?

[phatbass]

Originally Posted by DeluxeRed

If I wuz trying out for an Elvis backing band, they probably wouldn't be impressed by my WAV4, as cool and great-sounding as it is, and would want a real "doghouse". What's lame about that?

Yeah, but what if they start saying it's gotta be a Kay Maestro M-1 like Bill Black used?

[bassteban]

Originally Posted by phatbass

Yeah, but what if they start saying it's gotta be a Kay Maestro M-1 like Bill Black used?

Well then that would be crossing the line between *potentially fairly cool* & *silly/asking a bit much as no-one in the crowd sees the diff*
Which sums up my thoughts- it's a matter of degree.

[DeluxeRed]

Originally Posted by phatbass

Yeah, but what if they start saying it's gotta be a Kay Maestro M-1 like Bill Black used?

Then it's a matter of how bad you want the gig and how bad they want (you as) a bass player.

But I think the point--so to speak--is that it's pretty easy to tell the difference between a "traditional"/"vintage" instrument and a "modern" instrument. And I doubt the local orchestra has anyone playing one of those Yamaha rail violins, either. There's nothing wrong with not liking a particular style, such as modern, esp since so much of it is silly, and esp if it doesn't match your marketing plan--at least they have one.

[MNAirHead]

I have a 60s bubblegum act.

I've tried this (vintage gear).. unfortunately many of the basses they're describing kind of suck to play (Tiescos, Vox etc)

Red is kind of right... My guitarist and I have matching sunburst guitars (neither are vintage).. we're bright enough to know that the audience could care less if it was an acoustic OR a J60 etc.

It would be cool.. would be a HUGE commitment to get B15s, B3s, Ludwigs, Cordovox, Berklees etc. PAs should be multiple vocal masters etc.. no synths..

There are some LasVegas"y" bands doing Beatles.. I've head of some New York bands going full tilt.

I'd say no to authenic gear unless the guys were skinny wearing shadow suits etc.. Pbass copy with tapes or flats should be close enough.

Unless the guys going full tilt (clothes, gear AND PA).... they probably just don't want some Neutron Pink BC rich showing up.

When you see these bands (still around) today they're normally dressed classy (business casual or sequins)... none of them (that I know of) haven't opted for more modern gear.

It is fun.. be ready to sing and play sparse thumpy bass.

Tim

PS --- PM me if I can be of service.

[stflbn]

The musicians may care, but honestly it's just stroking themselves thinking it will give them some kind of credibility.

The crowd does not care.


If the band is good the crowd will like you. Same as any other band.


.