Anyone ever been turned away from a session for not having the 'it' gear ?

[RogerTheAlien]

I was reading a review on the Sadowsky Metro Express Link

Three months before I moved to Nashville, in 1999, I ordered a Sadowsky bass. I knew Sadowsky's 5-string basses were an industry standard in the studios and on the major tours there

I thought, holy crap, imagine showing up at a tryout for a session or gig and having a strike against you for not having a Sadowsky. I vividly remember back then seeing a fair amount of G&L, Musicman, Modulus a ton of Ibanez

I remember the first Sadowsky I had seen at the time was Our Lady Peace, got me thinking about the question. Would love some insight

 

[BassFishingInAmerica]

Imagine showing up for an audition with a Sadowsky, and the band members ask you, "Why don't you own a good bass, like a Fender?"

 

[Ulf_Hansson]

No. That never happened.

 

[pfschim]

never happened to me. I have not done thousands of sessions in pro studios, but certainly a decent number over the years. Always used a Fender Jazz without any challenges (at least on the bass ... my technique .. well, that's another story ).

I did have an engineer at Columbia Chicago get kind of complain-ey about my noisy Jazz bass once, but that's about it.

 

[DirkP]

Nonsense. Industry standard? You have a problem with self-confidence.
I'd find it much more embarassing to march into such a competition with a 5.000,- boutique coffe-table bass and then a guy or girl follows me with a 150,- Squier Affinity and makes it clear within seconds, who the more gifted musician is...
And a producer, who would take me instead of her or him because of my Sadowsky? I hope doesn't exist.
It's much easier to get a decent instrument for someone, who has talent, than to get talent for someone, who owns a 5.000,- custom-shop boutique bass.

 

[Zbysek]

I haven't.

That being said, I consider it important to have/bring proper tools for the job...

 

[dlb1001]

Check this stickie from the Miscellaneous section:
Advice for aspiring Studio Players or anyone that wants to "Go Pro"
The poster spent time in Nashville so he has some insight about the scene.

 

[ruju]

No, but I have been turned away from a session for just not playing well enough unfortunately.

 

[JRA]

Anyone ever been turned away from a session for not having the 'it' gear ?
no. and i'm dubious of stories that others have had that experience. assuming the producer is competent/real: when a producer hires a player it's because the producer wants what that player does... the way the player does it. also: if the producer wanted a certain player to play on specific equipment = the producer/studio would provide it. no producer would hire a player based on equipment (owned by the player) vs. the players chops/skills.

but of course: the best myths reinforce the most fear and awe!

 

[TheArchitect]

Never heard of anyone being turned away from a session. I have heard of many never being called back..

 

[Watchootognbout]

That happened to Anthony Jackson back in the early days of his six string bass.

Bass Player Magazine December 2008.

"Still some where uneasy about when I pulled out the 6 in the studio.
One of the most negative comments got back to me second hand:
"You tell Anthony Jackson if he wants to bring his 'science experiment' then let him book his own sessions.
I want to see the Fender!"

pg 32 Bass Player Mag December 2008

 

[nutdog]

Old news. Now you need a fodera.