bass choice for audition

[ELG60]

My first thought is: "Which bass are you most comfortable and familiar playing?" Second thought is that the '69 P with flats would seem to fit for that kind of almost muddy EB tone on Sunshine, and the reggae style of I Shot the Sheriff.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Semi related question. What is the effect used on the intro to Bad Love - chorus?

 

[Chrisk-K]

Most Clapton fans wouldn't pay attention to bass. So use the most comfy bass.

 

[MattZilla]

No Bernie Rico double P? No Warwick or Dingwall? You're woefully underprepared for this gig. Were I you, I'd not even show up.

 

[Element Zero]

Clearly you need to take a fretless Wal.

 

[tpaul]

Take the oldest P and J. You will make an impression. If you can only take one, take the 69 P.

 

[mikewalker]

Clapton tribute act?? That's really cool. I have always thought Clapton to be highly under-rated as a singer and songwriter... he's got piles of great tunes! Money & Cigarettes,Behind the Sun, August, and Journeyman - I can basically just spin those 8 sides in a row for a good road trip

 

[micguy]

The Lull with rounds would be my pick from your litter - You can tame rounds with the tone control if need be. If you bring a P with flats and things get loud, you're more likely to struggle hearing what note you're playing. That's the last thing you need at an audition.

If you get the gig, and determine flats will work, you can bring that into the mix later.

 

[2112]

Be true to yourself and bring the bass you're most likely to gig.

 

[16notes]

One with flats s and one with rounds.

 

[buldog5151bass]

The BL is a splitting image of EC. Hope he plays and sings like him.

 

[Ric5]

I am auditioning for a Clapton tribute band. Songs for audition include:

"Forever Man," "Sunshine of Your Love," "Have You Ever Loved a Woman," "Bad Love" & "I Shot The Sheriff."

I plan on bringing one bass to the audition. Here are my choices:

- 2001 Fender P with Chromes
- 1969 Fender P with Precision Flats
- Lull P4 with Nickel Low Riders
- 1976 Jazz (P neck for what it's worth) strung with worn Roto nickel Swing strings

Obviously the choices include a wide selection for tones. But which do you think would be best at nailing a tone that works?

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[joebeadg]

overthinking it, grab a bass and go! Really, whats the difference.

 

[ShortyGetLow]

Some band members might notice if you brought a tuba, some wouldn't.

 

[Tony In Philly]

The audition calls out for a retro sound, thus the '69 Fender P with flats would be my choice. Also the look of it would probably provide a nice visual. I would stay away from rounds, even dead ones, for this gig too.

 

[lucianoxrp]

I'd pick my favorite between the 2001 P and the Lull P. You'll need a classic vibe but you'll also need to make your tone heard. Lower your bright with your tone control or preamp if you use one to emulate a little the thump of flats.
And, break a leg!

 

[Real Soon]

If it were me, I'd prooobbably go with the '69 P, esp if they seem like they're organized and able to put together the requisite sounds effectively. Worth betting on. But... if the flats are super dead and worn in and thumptastic and sound like the tone knob goes up to 3, I might grab the '01 for a little more clarity.

If you've got room for a second bass, take your pick. I'm thinking the '76 Jazz if it were my audition, and while it'd probably stay in the bag, just giving the option to choose will likely impress them. Everyone likes musicians who open up sonic options.

 

[bordinco90]

I'd go with the 69 P.

 

[pbass2]

carl radle played an old p with a jazz neck as i recall. or an alembic. from your list, the 69, assuming it's a sunburst.

Radle was the man. He was also an early Stingray adopter.

 

[braud357]

Semi related question. What is the effect used on the intro to Bad Love - chorus?

If memory serves - Pino Palladino played on the studio cut (on fretless). When I saw Clapton live - Nathan East played the intro on an electric upright !