Blasting a Wasp Nest with Dynamite?

[MdC64]

I carried two basses to practice today. I only took one out of its bag. We went over three CCM songs that were all half and quarter note root notes in the first position. This is my only gig. What is the point in caring about gear so much if don’t actually need it for what I get paid to do? I guess some perspective does not hurt.

You get paid to play Worship? That’s cool. I’ve been playing Worship at church for over 10 years and never been paid. I always thought it’s a voluntary gig. I’m thankful to be able to play weekly when others are shut down though.
As for gear, I enjoy switching out my basses weekly.

 

[g-dude]

In my experience it’s about the worship in that situation.

I’m not accusing you of this, but a lot of people say this as a justification for forcing the bass or other instruments into the background.

It ends up ringing super hollow when you have a guitarist noodling away, or excessively involved strumming patterns...or when you are told to stop playing a bass line, and then the keyboardist starts playing the EXACT same thing and gets told “oh, that’s awesome - definitely do that”.

Bach is the greatest church musician ever. He knew harmony, his counterpoint was on point, he didn’t shy away from embellishments, and he was known for his improv skills.

 

[pie_man_25]

For wasps, use brake cleaner spray and a lighter. Dynamite is overkill.

For your bass playing situation, maybe only bring one bass?

Brake cleaner and a lighter... I'll write that down for the future.

 

[LBS-bass]

I hate to be that person, but if you aren't satisfied playing the music you're asked to play, maybe it's time to look for other opportunities. I know this isn't the best time to be looking for those, but if your musical experiences aren't satisfying, it might be time to rethink some things.

 

[g-dude]

I hate to be that person, but if you aren't satisfied playing the music you're asked to play, maybe it's time to look for other opportunities. I know this isn't the best time to be looking for those, but if your musical experiences aren't satisfying, it might be time to rethink some things.

Yes. It doesn’t even have to be a this OR that. I can be this AND that.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I hate to be that person, but if you aren't satisfied playing the music you're asked to play, maybe it's time to look for other opportunities. I know this isn't the best time to be looking for those, but if your musical experiences aren't satisfying, it might be time to rethink some things.

It’s not totally unsatisfying. In my old age, I am trying to be a more disciplined player, and playing this sort of music is a good challenge. My initial thought in my OP was really more aimed at bass gear overkill than dislike of the style although the thread certainly moved in that direction partially based on my statements.

 

[leche]

seems like more fun to deal with wasps nests with dynamite, than say, with a stick.

 

[LBS-bass]

It’s not totally unsatisfying. In my old age, I am trying to be a more disciplined player, and playing this sort of music is a good challenge. My initial thought in my OP was really more aimed at bass gear overkill than dislike of the style although the thread certainly moved in that direction partially based on my statements.

I kind of hear that. I'm expecting two more basses to show up here this week, one that I bought and one that is being gifted to me. That will make a total of eight, but I really only ever play one of them.

 

[Ronzo]

All parties will be reconciled when you start busting power cords on that flying v of yours

...especially playing through the Sunn Concert Lead head and Cerwin-Vega 2x12 folded horn cabinet I store there!

 

[Ronzo]

Bach is the greatest church musician ever. He knew harmony, his counterpoint was on point, he didn’t shy away from embellishments, and he was known for his improv skills.

And, he got paid!

Of course, having to come up with a brand new piece of music every week, plus an oratorio for each major church event/holiday, probably wasn’t stress-free...

 

[Doctor Morbius]

Well, IMO, it's better to go to the party overdressed than underdressed.

 

[ModuMan]

So you showed up on time with appropriate gear (and a backup plan) and played to support the music and reach the audience?

Sounds pretty professional to me!

IMHO, this is the right approach to take with any gig. Show your worth, people will notice.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

So you showed up on time with appropriate gear (and a backup plan) and played to support the music and reach the audience?

Sounds pretty professional to me!

IMHO, this is the right approach to take with any gig. Show your worth, people will notice.

Thanks!

 

[Johnny21]

Do what makes life easiest and most enjoyable for you.

I carry only 1 bass and to be perfectly honest--the bass I bring depends on my mood. Nobody's gonna be like "omg I can't believe you brought a Jazz bass when we needed a P Bass" (or vice versa).

Sometimes I want a Jazz sound, sometimes a P sounds, sometimes a P with flats. Having a variety of options makes things fun.

 

[Neil Folkard]

For me, I guess, something I enjoy about being a hobby bassist, is that it seems liberating to be able to choose what projects I want to be in. I don't have to play in an oldies cover band, for example, which is not so much my thing, because I don't need to make money at it.

I'm in three bands, and two of them are quite challenging to play in. There are no songs that are just root notes. Mostly, this is a good thing, lol.

All I need to choose, regarding gear, is do I want to play my 4, or 5-string fretless, and on which songs!

 

[knight of ni]

For me, I guess, something I enjoy about being a hobby bassist, is that it seems liberating to be able to choose what projects I want to be in. I don't have to play in an oldies cover band, for example, which is not so much my thing, because I don't need to make money at it.

I'm in three bands, and two of them are quite challenging to play in. There are no songs that are just root notes. Mostly, this is a good thing, lol.

^This.
Either you're happy with playing half notes and quarter root and fifths in the 1st position. Nothing wrong with that, and if you feel your gear is overkill sell everything and buy a Squire or a MIM (but there's basically nothing wrong playing this stuff on a Fodera if you like).
Or you're not happy and you have to join another band/structure/school.
Whatever it is that you have to do, do it, @Dr. Cheese . Life's too short.

 

[oldcatfish]

That is very true!

Ok,

I always go in with the chord structures memorized, so I can focus on what's going on around me (the musicians, the vibe in the room, etc), and play parts that work with that. It takes more time, but it leads to real music much more often.

You would be surprised just how much power the bass player has to completely change the feel of a song with subtleties.

For example, I was at a church rehearsal with a perfectionist type music director, and he wasn’t happy with the vocal harmonies on one particular song that was basically just eighth notes throughout. He said, the band is good, but we need time to work on the vocals. And he kept having us repeat the song over and over. After a few times (just to keep my sanity), I started to replace some of the eighth notes with muted ghost notes and accents on different beats. Every time we repeated, I did something slightly different. The drummer (a really good one) loved it and gave me a huge smile.

After awhile, I noticed that the singers had their harmony parts down well, but the music director had a perplexed look on his face, and had us keep repeating. Over and over. Then it hit me....he could feel the difference from the bass changes, but couldn’t figure out what was going on. So without saying anything, on the next repeat I went back to the original line....and the music director stopped us halfway through and said excitedly, “yeah, that’s it!”

So, Dr Cheese, don’t underestimate your ability to funkify a song with some subtle ghost notes and displaced accents! They can work surprisingly well on a wide range of styles. But being subtle is the key.

 

[Roxbororob]

Gig? Rehearsal?

 

[baileyboy]

What is the point in caring about gear so much if don’t actually need it for what I get paid to do?

Is this a rhetorical question? I think you already know the answer.

 

[chris_b]

I carried two basses to practice today. I only took one out of its bag. We went over three CCM songs that were all half and quarter note root notes in the first position. This is my only gig. What is the point in caring about gear so much if don’t actually need it for what I get paid to do? I guess some perspective does not hurt.

Hey Doc, I'm jealous, you got a gig! I always bring two basses but only ever use one. Even for a rehearsal I make sure I'm ready for anything. IMO root notes are fine if the song and context is good. If there is a lot of waiting, take a Sudoku book next time. Be safe.