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Bass for school's marching band
- Thread starter SiriusXMOctane
- Start date
Man, you guys had it easy. I had to carry ALL my own gear 
As far as the original question, go for something basic. You're not going to be in the studio, so anything with a decent EQ and two pickups should be fine. I'd recommend something active, because if you do need to make dramatic tone changes on the fly, it's easier to do it on the instrument than the amp.
Just be sure to go cheap. I got a pretty nasty ding when a Freshman (bass drummer? I forget the term) who was too short to see over his drum properly walked straight into me. Really made me wish I hadn't been using my personal bass.
As far as the original question, go for something basic. You're not going to be in the studio, so anything with a decent EQ and two pickups should be fine. I'd recommend something active, because if you do need to make dramatic tone changes on the fly, it's easier to do it on the instrument than the amp.
Just be sure to go cheap. I got a pretty nasty ding when a Freshman (bass drummer? I forget the term) who was too short to see over his drum properly walked straight into me. Really made me wish I hadn't been using my personal bass.
I can't believe I'm seeing this!? No offense intended, but I love the sound of a tuba in a brass band. The "Roots" band from the Tonight Show has a great bassist AND a tuba player!
My friend who plays bass in our marching band (half-time shows and competitions and whatnot) used a squier affinity jazz. It didn't sound the best, and didn't play the best, but it got the job done for relentless hours of practice in the heat. I would recommend some Ibanez SR, preferably a 5 string (bands play in Eb ALOT). They seem pretty "industry standard" for marching band, at least here on the east coast. There is not really any huge focus on the bass in marching band however, because of tubas/sousas, so it is very much a "bass is bass" situation IME. The best advice: ALWAYS BE IN TUNE.
Edit: Also, get something lighter than you would think you will need. Hours with a heavy bass strapped on will be quite tedious for even the strongest backs.
Edit: Also, get something lighter than you would think you will need. Hours with a heavy bass strapped on will be quite tedious for even the strongest backs.
Never had to march, but played all of the tunes, including marches, in concert (sometimes out doors).
Two tubas and me on string bass. Played with a bow--- was plenty loud--- pizz only worked on the quiet sections.
For the pep band in the gym--- my Ric 4001 through an acoustic 360---- wish I still had that gear.
Two tubas and me on string bass. Played with a bow--- was plenty loud--- pizz only worked on the quiet sections.
For the pep band in the gym--- my Ric 4001 through an acoustic 360---- wish I still had that gear.
I played bass for a year before switching to marching baritone this past year. If your director wants another player on lows, either pit yourself next to the mallet instruments or extend your knowledge of playing a brass instrument to playing tuba. Then again, if your director is marching Sousaphones, it's better to stay in the pit and play bass.
FWIW, I have seen cellos with shoulder straps. Maybe wouldn't work for marching, but fine in it's particular setting.
I too played bass in a marching band in college, but only during pregame and halftime, and from a stationary position.
I too played bass in a marching band in college, but only during pregame and halftime, and from a stationary position.
That poor, poor cello.
