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Bass Player Pet Peeves

#424
Being refered to as a guitarist. I don't hate guitar or guitarists but get it right. Also, guitarists who take advantage of the fact that they have a bigger amp and don't see the problem with drowning me out. Luckily, both my guitarists aren't like that. I think i found the only two that aren't jackasses.
 
#426
Munjibunga said:
Are the little Darwin fish OK?
Click to expand...

I have one of those on one of my basses. I got dirty looks when I played a church gig. I hate guitarists who bring massive amps and instead of matching my sound, just play as loud as they can. People not understanding the difference between bass and guitar and consistently call you a guitarist then get really confused when you don't have six strings and aren't playing unnecessary solos.
 
#427
Daresay I'm gonna cop a load of flak for saying this, but here goes..

Folks who complain about how you play bass (pick, fingers, etc). Look, we're all playing bass here - just be happy with that fact, rather than picking holes in HOW we play... Sheesh... :(

I will freely admit I suck worse than a broken Dyson when I play, but I enjoy playing bass; kinda thought that was the point, wasn't it?

UJ
 
#428
Musicians who make faces or move their mouth while playing, especially while soloing or improvising. Or double up as if they had diarhoea. Dunno, I think it just distracts whoever is watching them play. Also sometimes I get the feeling they think it makes them look cool and are just putting up a show.
:rolleyes:
 
#429
Billnc said:
True story, I was at a gig and was continually told I was too loud. This was while I was goofing with the drummer not playing one single not for three songs, this was a five piece with two guitars blaring.
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I read a story a while ago on here about some guy who was constantly told he was too loud so turned his volume off, was still complained at, unplugged the amp, was still complained at, so just picked up and walked off...was it you? (if not you've probably read it on here under "gigs from hell" or whatever it was...) :bassist:

Ok, when you get to a gig and soundcheck goes like this:

soundman: Bassist, just plug straight into the D.I. I don't give a damn about what sound YOU think works...ok play for me..
-1 minute later-
soundman: ok thats done, guitar - is the mic in the right place? just play a bit...
-2 minutes later-
soundman: I'll just move it a bit...ok, play some more...
-2 minutes later-
soundman: oh, you've got more than one sound? Lets hear it...
-1 minute later-
soundman: hang on, gotta adjust the mic again...
-1 minute later-
soundman: play a full 6 minute song for me...
-halfway through-
soundman: WOAH thats a lotta boost you've got on that pedal there, change it a bit...a bit more...nope not working, I gotta come back up and sort out the mic again...

JESUS F##KING CHRIST - I USE AN EXPENSIVE AMP, EFFECTS AND HAVE "MY TONE" TOO Y'KNOW MATE!!!! :spit::spit::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::rollno:
 
#433
nboyer941 said:
Isn't that their job? to put on a show????
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Maybe I used the wrong words, but whatever... The face making and mouth moving is mostly done by top class jazz artists (IME). If they are such great musicians, able to play all that complicated stuff, then surely they can learn to keep their face straight, it can't be that hard, right?

Another distracting thing is musicians grinning their head off when playing a slow sorrowful tune (most unprofessional IMO), but these are usually young amateur guys and will learn not to do this later.
 
#434
CherryWood said:
... The face making and mouth moving is mostly done by top class jazz artists (IME). If they are such great musicians, able to play all that complicated stuff, then surely they can learn to keep their face straight, it can't be that hard, right?
....
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Do you sit or stand perfectly still when you're playing? It's the same thing really...physically communicating the feeling of the music.
 
#435
BillyB_from_LZ said:
Do you sit or stand perfectly still when you're playing? It's the same thing really...physically communicating the feeling of the music.
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I'm not saying it's a sin, I'm only saying it annoys me like hell :p And no, I don't think it's the same as dancing (or moving) to the music. Dancing is great! I guess the mouth moving is supposed to help the musician concentrate on the melody or something... Dunno I've never been told to try that, but then I'm not a renowned jazz artist. As for doubling up and making distorted (or downright painful) faces, all I can say is I do hope it doesn't feel that bad!
 
#438
CherryWood said:
Musicians who make faces or move their mouth while playing, especially while soloing or improvising. Or double up as if they had diarhoea. Dunno, I think it just distracts whoever is watching them play. Also sometimes I get the feeling they think it makes them look cool and are just putting up a show.
:rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Did you ever stop to think that maybe the faces aren't voluntary? According to my wife, I make funny faces when I'm playing. Until she showed me some "bass face" pictures she took of me, I was completely unaware I was doing that.
 
#439
Sorry if this has already been mentioned..MUSIC STANDS on stage!!!!!!! God that bothers me, I'm an old timer from the midwest and moved down south about 8 yrs ago and just about all the bands have at least 1 or 2 members that have a music stand with chords and words and keys..MAN..if can't learn your parts give it up!
 
#440
I only have a couple pet peeves that come to me as serious........

Bass players that scoff at slapping and say that "its not bass playing". This is just a cop out because you never felt like learning. I'm not saying that you have to be like Vic but lets be honest here.... slapping is a part of bass playing and I simply cant understand somebody that plays an instrument not wanting to at least explore all styles and techniques.
The same goes for drummers that rip on double bass..... funny how ive never met a drummer that rips on double bass AND is able to do it.

also..... why is it that when in guitar center or scam ash only the crappy players play loud?

also...... when your bandmates dont practice on their own... nothing is worse than being in a band for 5 years and realizing that certain members are no better than they were when you formed.

also..... when you are setting up to audition for a band and they make sure to say that you need to have "pro gear".... then you show up and they are using an 11 year old pearl starter kit, epiphone les paul, and line 6 1x12 combo

also...... when somebody posts on tb looking for advice on a bass and the vultures swoop in with their wisdom of "all you need is (insert $4 bass guitar)" or "ive been playing for 73 years and I use a made in narnia fender so thats all you need"
 

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