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Bass Player or Bassist?

Randyt

Randyt

RAAPT Custom Wood Productions
Jul 21, 2010
1,532
275
Barrie, Canada
#1
I had an in promtu interview regarding my playing and auditioning the other day...the conversation lasted about 30 mins ...we talked about level of education and music knowledge, playing techniques, styles, influences...plus a whole lot more...he's heard me play.

So...it brings me to this awkward pause during our talk... He says ...so your a bassist! ...not a bass player...??
Or am i thinking too much into this?

Is this a backhanded compliment or just a slap in the face...not sure how to take this...

This came from the leader of the band...an accomplished (piano player...not a pianist..LOL...is there a difference?..not sure)

Thanks
 
#2
I see this as a compliment. Anyone can pick up a bass and plunk around on it and be considered a "bass player". Someone who has some skill and knowledge of how the instrument is played and used in various musical contexts is a "bassist". Thats you man!
 
#8
Personally, I don't really see a distinction between the two. Regardless, it sounded like the band leader was giving you a complement. And since you now know that, to him, there is a distinction, make sure you always refer to him as a pianist.



And for god's sake make sure you speak clearly and enunciate properly when you say that! :D
 
#13
I prefer "bassist". There's something about it that to my ear, anyway, denotes a higher level of commitment and skill than "bass player". I feel like as someone with more than 30 years on the instrument who gets paid to play it on a regular basis, I've earned the right to be called that. But that's just me, and I don't get all bent out of shape about it.

I actually react the most negatively to being called a bass guitarist but that rarely happens.

At the end of the day they can call me whatever they want as long as the check clears.
 
#18
ShredderMaximus said:
I like to think that the bass is the most versatile instrument in a band setting, not strictly limited to melody and not strictly limited to rhythm. In the hands of a good bassist miles of extra depth can be brought to a song and can add tons to even the most basic of chord progressions.
And understanding of that basic principle is imo what separates the guys that play bass from the bassists. :bassist::bassist::bassist:
Click to expand...
My view on the topic as I expressed in another thread, I do think there is a difference, but thats just my opinion.
 
#19
The guy made a distinction between the two, and it was a compliment. There IS a difference.

Tony Levin is a bassist. Sid Vicious was a bass player.

At least, if I'm understanding you correctly... did he say: "So you're a bassist!...not a bass player!..." or did he say "so you're a "bassist!"?

If it was the latter, then yeah, tomato toMAHto...
 

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