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country bass question

B

Bobbybunante

Sep 15, 2009
16
0
Kkk, Illinois
#1
I have a question and would like input. I am a bassist. I play, for many reasons, five string. It is what I like and what I have grown acustomed to. Recently, I left a country band. The guy leading the band had no real idea how to arrange music but thought he did. He had three accomplished semi professional musicians (seasoned and experienced) working with him. In order to gain knowledge, instead of drawing from the musicians in his band he was reading mags and talking to the "techs" at Guitar Center.
Someone there at GC told him in order to obtain the country sound he was looking for one thing that would have to happen is that the bassist would have to trade his five string bass in for a Fender P bass. (Along with the drummer needing a new specific type of kit) Stated that "the Fender P bass is the standard in the country music genre" and that "no one plays a five string bass in country music." Is there really a standard that I missed?
I am wondering if this is a true statement and if so, so be it. If not could you all help me discover who else in country music plays a five string bass?
Thanks for helping me out. Bobb
 
#2
Strictly from the standpoint that the majority of country bass players I've seen do use the P, just as a great majority of pickers use Teles. Granted they do have a specific sound, and can be fitted to a good deal of country. I'm not so sure that with a good rig and EQ, you could duplicate that sound fairly closely. Maybe not. Another factor is the visual factor. You just usually don't see a bass player in a country band playing a Hofner or Rick or BC Rich etc. :cool:
 
#4
GC tech and the former bandleader aside its true the classic look of a country band is/was P basses and teles and big old Gibson acoustics. I played country for a year and a half and i used all P basses, one was standard, one a 51 tele reissue. The bandleader played a tele guitar.

Todays new country there are allot of 5 string basses and more exotic custom basses entering the scene. The classic look is going away. A five will work fine...dont worry about it. If you are trying to look old school country then a P bass might fit the bill better.
 
#5
A lot of country bassists USED to play a Fender Precision bass. I bet you can't find a modern country bassist nowadays that DOESN'T use a 5-string! The GC employee probably just wants you to trade in what is probably a nice bass for 30% of what it's actually worth, so he can turn around and sell you a new Fender. Not to mention that singer is a moron. :D
 
#7
Lots play 5. He just wants to sell more Fender basses. I've played a 5er for years and I mostly play country. But, I'm a nobody so maybe I should go to GC and get some free advice from those techs at GC and my career will take off!
 
#11
Thanks Gents. I know a p bass is common, but for someone to say "all country players play 4 string P basses" hit me funny. I am 40 and have been playing for over three decades. I had never been confronted with anything like this before. It took me off guard. He told me if I wouldn't agree to play a P bass he'd find someone who would.
Oh well.
Habe an audition for another band tomorrow night. Wish me luck.
 
#14
Michael Rhodes- possibly the top Nashville session bassist. A 5er and not a Fender, or a P style for that matter.

rhodes_3.jpg
 
#16
There are many, many big country hits in the last 10 - 15 years where, if you listen closely, you will hear the bassist on the recording drop down to the low B-string fairly regularly, and this includes both "new" country and cuts by the more "traditional" current artists. Fives were more or less standard on many major country tours throughout the 90's and into the 2000's though I've noticed that 4's have made a bit of a comeback.

Part of the question depends on what KIND of country this guy wants to play. There's a lot of interest these days in "retro" country acts, complete with taco hats, nudie suits, and stand-up steel players, and some of those guys are wanting a very specific look and sound to the band. If a bandleader is trying to cop that 50's/60's persona, I can see them wanting everything to be authentic. They didn't have 5's and active preamps back in those days. On the other hand, if this is a variety country or new country band, it is ridiculous to specify either the number of strings or the type of bass played. Find a band that appreciates YOU as a musician, not someone who judges you by the gear you play.
 
#18
Having been around and played in the country scene in Nashville I can say that is the most ridiculous thing I have heard. over half of everybody plays a 5 or 6. Granted a P is the standard in the studio, 5's are most common in a live situation. As a matter of fact country is the only thing I like a 5 for. I prefer a 4 for rock. Your former band leader and the tards at guitard centre are complete f****** morons, and thats putting it nicely.
 
#19
nashvillebassma said:
Having been around and played in the country scene in Nashville I can say that is the most ridiculous thing I have heard. over half of everybody plays a 5 or 6. Granted a P is the standard in the studio, 5's are most common in a live situation. As a matter of fact country is the only thing I like a 5 for. I prefer a 4 for rock. Your former band leader and the tards at guitard centre are complete f****** morons, and thats putting it nicely.
Click to expand...

Toledo ohio eh? Is it as bad as john denver says it is?
 
#20
Geeez, just LISTEN to some country music. Seems to me at least 30% of it, maybe up to half, use notes below a low E.

I think there's more 5 string in Country than most other genres.

Oh, I got an idea. Let's give this guy a list of country songs recorded on 5 string, have him put together a mix and give it to the singer.

I'll start. "When I said I Do" by Clint Black and his lovely wife. Recorded prolly a decade ago. A classic, at least in my book.
 

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