• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Covid gigs

We have played 6 large shows since August. Two of them were Drive In style. The others were big open areas for safe social distancing. We had to wear masks at all venues to access the venue and wear them while setting up and breaking down...but not while performing.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DJ Bebop
Our band did a farmer's market gig earlier this summer. It was ok because the stage was under a gazebo on top of a small hill, far away from the market traffic. We didn't even have to walk through it coming or going because the load in was from behind on a non-market street. I wasn't crazy about showing up on a Saturday to play at 8 AM, but you know how these things go. Once you're there it's pretty fun. They asked us to do another, but we declined it.

Now my bandmates are talking about doing a live streamed performance right from our studio. That could be fun.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DJ Bebop
I've been doing quite a few gigs this summer.
I did four in June,six in July and nine in August. They were all outside & the distance rules were applied at first.Some were township gigs in small park band shells. Local bars & restaurants were doing them outdoors.As the summer progressed I saw people getting a lot more careless about masks & distancing. People want to dance & you are supposed to wear a mask.That bothers some people. In my state you are supposed to wear a mask until you are seated.That includes wearing one to use the restroom. I did an under a tent gig for a jersey shore bar.Everything was fine until the last set when young guys & cute young girls showed up & packed the place.Social distancing went right out the window.Gigs my way are moving indoors. I do not want to do indoor gigs! I checked out a place where I was booked. I was told all precautions & audience limiting would be followed,
The place was packed,there's no stage for the band,people were dancing real close to the band & many weren't wearing masks. I bagged out of that one.
I have one outside this Friday & I could have one every Sunday.I probably am going to start refusing gigs. There's a couple more on the books but I'm getting more uncomfortable.People are letting their guard down,especially when the booze kicks in & there are a lot of folks who think this Covid isn't real.Don't even get me started about the anti maskers.(one tried to grab my mike the other night).I'm 67 years old,have some health issues & don't think I could shake it off if I caught it. When the colder weather kicks in the outdoor stuff will stop & local venues are planning indoor gigs.
I think this might be a good time to bow out for a while.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SteveC and DJ Bebop
We have not played since early February. Played two hours this past weekend in a warehouse hosting a farmers market behind a plexiglass screen, masked folks wandering around checking out the various vendors. A different experience but was fun to play again! Be glad when this COVID is all over. Attached a cell phone video that was posted on youtube (you know what that means, get out the headphones if you want any chance of hearing the bass!)

I was wonder what you're playing on and your info indicates it's a DIY EUB.
Pictures?
 
I am very sorry to hear of anyone who catches covid 19, let alone looses their life to it. I have had the same experiences, as I am sure everyone does. In regards to the bass, I have attached a pic. I would be happy to discuss anything about it.

IMG_9229 Duke comp.jpg
 
I am very sorry to hear of anyone who catches covid 19, let alone looses their life to it. I have had the same experiences, as I am sure everyone does. In regards to the bass, I have attached a pic. I would be happy to discuss anything about it.

View attachment 3984017
Nice work!

What's the scale length and pickup system?

I remember two cats back in the 70s that had something like that going on. One had just a Kay upright neck with what looked like a 2x4 extension, no body, that he played like an electric on a strap. He wore the strap over his shoulder and it came up between his legs. The other cat had a Fender neck but, it was attached to a long oversized Jazz bass type body. Set up a bit like yours, in that it seemed he was using upright strings as they also went passed the bridge to a trapeze tailpiece.

No doubt you've seen these, The Barker Vertical Bass.
cf2c880177aaa5afc1dbb2f52331a51c.jpg
 
Last edited:
Per earlier report I did an outside in the south suburbs of the city, Tinley park on Friday ton of people there and you swear there was never any kind of virus crisis. The next night we played indoors, a "inner ring" suburban bar and outside of the guitar players girlfriend, you'd swear there was never a virus crisis.
 
Nice work!

What's the scale length and pickup system?

I remember two cats back in the 70s that had something like that going on. One had just a Kay upright neck with what looked like a 2x4 extension, no body, that he played like an electric on a strap. He wore the strap over his shoulder and it came up between his legs. The other cat had a Fender neck but, it was attached to a long oversized Jazz bass type body. Set up a bit like yours, in that it seemed he was using upright strings as they also went passed the bridge to a trapeze tailpiece.

No doubt you've seen these, The Barker Vertical Bass.
View attachment 3984036
Yes, I have seen Barker's, cool bodies, frets, mag PU's, 34 " scl len. This particular bass I did in prior pic has a scl len of 29.75, piezo saddle PU's.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DJ Bebop
I've been gigging pretty regularly this summer. A bunch of outdoor private parties and several times indoors at a club downtown. The outdoor gigs have been cancelled lately, and the indoor gigs have gotten more risky. Last weekend the place was packed to the point that I couldn't make it back to the stage after going to the bathroom during our break for all the people. I'm really concerned about how careless our audiences have gotten but since getting laid off in June, this has been my only way to make money.
 
We’re supposed to play a wedding tomorrow. Our guitar players daughter is being tested. Because his wife is a health care worked at an elderly care facility, they must quarantine until a negative test. He also was told to leave school (he’s a teacher) and teach from home. Won’t get results till maybe tomorrow. We can’t play without him and we have no other subs. Trying to work with the bride but at some point she has to understand that Covid is beyond our control. She wants a live band. We offered DJ. Still don’t know what will happen. It sucks but what can we do.
 
Nice work!

What's the scale length and pickup system?

I remember two cats back in the 70s that had something like that going on. One had just a Kay upright neck with what looked like a 2x4 extension, no body, that he played like an electric on a strap. He wore the strap over his shoulder and it came up between his legs. The other cat had a Fender neck but, it was attached to a long oversized Jazz bass type body. Set up a bit like yours, in that it seemed he was using upright strings as they also went passed the bridge to a trapeze tailpiece.

No doubt you've seen these, The Barker Vertical Bass.
View attachment 3984036
 
  • Like
Reactions: DJ Bebop
For the story of the Barker Bass, check Amazon for: Plausible Gumption: The Road Between a Christmas Toolbox and the Barker Bass. Paperback or ebook. Now back to our regular programming.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DJ Bebop
For the story of the Barker Bass, check Amazon for: Plausible Gumption: The Road Between a Christmas Toolbox and the Barker Bass. Paperback or ebook. Now back to our regular programming.
Good to see your up and around!

Had be wondering about you, since my only GTG out in Hood River. I think @4mal house?
Enjoyed meeting you and your fabulous basses.

:)
 
Last edited: