BASS PLAYER MAG HAS FAILED ME!!

[edbass]

I would tour with the Jonas Brothers and when the tour is over, I would just call it a day.

+1
Probably a pretty good gig too. No "rat hole" venues, first rate sound systems and support.

 

[mccartneyman]

If reading this article creates one bass player who, after he or she has been playing for a year, realizes there's more than playing bass than being in The Jonas Borthers, it will have served its purpose.

 

[chadds]

His name is David Dyson
And he was their MD as well.
Also was the "other" bass player for Me'shell Ndegeocello (sp??)
Search David Dyson on Youtube....the boy can play!

Thanks for the correction.

 

[kraigo]

Nothing wrong with BP - I subscribed way back when they started.

They cover some worthwhile stuff and they do try to mix it up. I think we should support the magazine it is one of the few dedicated Mags - in all honestly if Bass Gear and Bass Player came together I think they would have a killer combination - not saying I dislike Bass Gear because it is an awesome Magazine done right - but I think combined they could essentially kill it and become "The" Magazine for Bass Players - combining the great gear coverage with the lesson and spotlights on various Artists and Bass Gear IMO is closer to the community.

I disagree. I had also been a subscriber for a very long time - I missed a few of the VERY early issues. I let it go because I felt like I was reading the same issue every month. I could get through an issue in an evening. I got sick of all those "little" profiles on people who got like three questions to talk about their experiences. Overall, I just felt like it was not worth the paper it was written on (for me) any more, much less paying for it. I get better information with online sources.

What a writer for a mag like BP gets is access to big name bass players. They should probably give up most of the reviews and technique stuff (probably not all of the technique stuff, but the beginner's columns for sure - perhaps focus on transcriptions) that is covered well on line and focus on the players.

The magazine keeps getting smaller and smaller.

KO

 

[kraigo]

If someone offered me any paying gig, I would learn the music and give it my all, no matter the gig. Correct if I'm wrong, but I thought that is what being a professional musician is about.

That's pretty much why I like being a non-pro (semi-pro for sure). If I don't like doing a gig, I don't do it again. I'll still have a house and food and a bit of beer money whether I take a gig or not. I have a lot of freedom because I'm not a pro.

KO

Added: For what it's worth, if I had the opportunity to take a gig like the Jonas Brothers, I'd do it. If nothing else, just for the personal experience.

 

[Joe Gress]

I dunno for sure whether it is or not. It would be interesting to put this question to each of our "Ask a Pro" players. I read JMJ's forum regularly, and it sounds like he's turned down some things he didn't care for, for various reasons.

That would be an interesting question. I might ask it.

 

[rodneyat]

I quit reading BP a few years ago. That thing just sucks. Always will apparently.

I have not read it in at least 5 years...

 

[GregC]

Let's examine that 22yo kids options. He could do a national tour in front of thousands of people or or he could stay home and jam in his buddies basement until they get that magical gig that puts him on stage in front some of his friends and 2 guys who just stopped in for a beer and leave half way through the set. There's a tough choice.

If he's good enough to land this huge gig, you're creating a false choice. Not that I'm knocking him for taking it, but this is a straw-man argument.

 

[Dark Horse]

Words cannot even describe how fast I would take that gig !

After the gig was over, I would go home, check out my bank account, and go back to playing gigs that I truly love. Unless Hannah Montana called, and then I'd take that gig too. Or anyone else who pays the bills.

 

[jojobean39]

All the music rags are the same... How many times have you seen Jimi Hendrix/ Jimmy Page/Eric Clapton on a guitar mag?

Premier Guitar is a whole different animal. They do mostly guitar stuff, but throw in some bass here and there. Their reviews are very good and interviews are in depth.

I just emailed them the other day about maybe doing an issue focused on bass. Well, I spoke too soon. Not a week later I received a mag with bass reviews. They always do a "5 somethings you should know about" article. That something might be tele builders, dobro builders, etc. This month it's bass builders. The list includes Jimmy Coppolo, Mike Lull, Bill Nash, Rudy Pensa and Matt Brewster. Great articles it looks like. I have not had a chance to read yet.

For those looking for a good mag to read (usually around 200 pages), I highly recommend it. They have been adding more and more bass stuff to the mix lately. I'm tired of reading about Ibanez's newest bottom of the line bass or guitar. There are nothing wrong with them, I am just at a point in my musicianship where I am not interested in those guitars/basses anymore. This magazine caters to higher end gear and I love that. They have an online version that is free I believe. I still like the hard copy.

 

[JAUQO III-X]

Premier Guitar is a whole different animal. They do mostly guitar stuff, but throw in some bass here and there. Their reviews are very good and interviews are in depth.

I just emailed them the other day about maybe doing an issue focused on bass. Well, I spoke too soon. Not a week later I received a mag with bass reviews. They always do a "5 somethings you should know about" article. That something might be tele builders, dobro builders, etc. This month it's bass builders. The list includes Jimmy Coppolo, Mike Lull, Bill Nash, Rudy Pensa and Matt Brewster. Great articles it looks like. I have not had a chance to read yet.

For those looking for a good mag to read (usually around 200 pages), I highly recommend it. They have been adding more and more bass stuff to the mix lately. I'm tired of reading about Ibanez's newest bottom of the line bass or guitar. There are nothing wrong with them, I am just at a point in my musicianship where I am not interested in those guitars/basses anymore. This magazine caters to higher end gear and I love that. They have an online version that is free I believe. I still like the hard copy.

Premier Guitar really is a decent mag. Very informative and the interviews are indepth. I recently read the Sept issue and the interview with the bass builders mentioned above are spot on and informative.

 

[davidjbass]

I would take that gig in a heartbeat! To be in that position you could consider yourself a very lucky and successful bass player. Can't say I would love the music but I could over look it.

 

[levis76]

i only read it because the subscription was a gift from a friend. every time a new issue comes in, i scan through it then toss it in the pile with the rest of them. they'll all go to recycling soon enough. i don't think i'll miss much when the subscription ends.

+1 to this. I get BP because the subscription was a gift from my wife. She didn't know any better. Now I have a magazine rack full of them next to the can, so when I run out of TP I have plenty of backup. BP sux.

 

[jtkennedy9]

MikeBass, if you read through this thread, I've never said anything negative about the bassist for JB. Good for him! My point is anytime says anything derogatory about a bassist, they are immediately dismissed as being "jealous". Just getting tired of hearing that argument. As for the Wentz thread, once again, nothing negative said, I just thought it was funny that he was writing a comic book. Sorry for offending anyone.

 

[MusicBokonon]

i read it, the guy seems like a cool guy--he had an opportunity and took it...it's by no means my 'kind of music', but i wouldn't blame someone for taking an opportunity like that when it presents itself...the interview wasn't that bad


i recently gave BP another shot after not renewing a couple of years ago, and i experienced some difficulties receiving my first 2 issues, but i had the chance to email Jonathan Herrera for help clearing things up, and he's a stand up guy--and doing a good job with a limited budget, imo

he seems like someone who is open to ideas and suggestions

+80,921,434,637,455

I'm not afraid to say that I'd honestly be willing to play for them if I had the chance. A gig's a gig. Also, how many of you can say that you've honestly given them a chance after listening to them?

 

[Stu L.]

I have not read it in at least 5 years...

Hey, I got quoted!

Anywho, I'm not knocking the Jonas Brothers or their musicians. Would I take the gig? Most likely not. I'd rather be at home with the wife and kids, fishing, and enjoying my career. More power to them though.

My beef is BP mag. When I forgot about it, I recall alot of issues leaning towards the jazz side of the world. Nothing wrong with that, I prefer variety though. Same thing with Guitar World, nothing but (bad) heavey metal guitarists. Now, Premier Guitar is where it's at. Great articles, reviews, Q&A's, everything. I highly reccomend it!

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

I've played MUCH worse gigs - Hell, he gets paid, he gets treated nice - even if the music is weak, he's making his living playing. Who here doesn't want that?

However...

I stopped reading BP a long time ago - - there just isn't enough that's new in the bass world to rate a monthly mag. I want info on gear? I go on line (here!). I want info on a new player? I go on line.

What might be a better mag is a "backline" mag - just bass/drums/percussion - backline guys - - groups, gear - no big puff pieces on headliners or rehashing history - just good info on the guys no one ever hears about.

 

[Jim Campbell]

I've played MUCH worse gigs - Hell, he gets paid, he gets treated nice - even if the music is weak, he's making his living playing. Who here doesn't want that?

However...

I stopped reading BP a long time ago - - there just isn't enough that's new in the bass world to rate a monthly mag. I want info on gear? I go on line (here!). I want info on a new player? I go on line.

What might be a better mag is a "backline" mag - just bass/drums/percussion - backline guys - - groups, gear - no big puff pieces on headliners or rehashing history - just good info on the guys no one ever hears about.

how many guys want the transcriptions.....thats the only reason i buy them.....i wonder if fewer
puff pieces and more dots would be the way to go

 

[Joey3313]

If you're unimpressed by that dude being in a mag, I just got the new Modern Drummer (which does, in fact, use printed characters which occasionally resemble words)...there is an article on Nick Jonas, who apparently plays drums in his spare time.


Hundreds, upon hundreds of talented drummers in the world who should all realistically be featured in the magazine, and they give it to Nick Jonas. I got no beef with the kid, but I seriously doubt his "drumming" on Demi Lovato's new album really warrants an story about it.


I take it back, drummers are stupid.

 

[tombowlus]

His name is David Dyson
And he was their MD as well.
Also was the "other" bass player for Me'shell Ndegeocello (sp??)
Search David Dyson on Youtube....the boy can play!

Damn straight! David is a killer player. I love how he is able to solo, but never lets the groove drop. He's a heck of a nice guy, too.