Do you have any bass rituals?

[Jason Wilson]

I was just wanting a bit of a fun thread.....

So, does anyone have any crazy (or not crazy) bass rituals you perform before you play? Or similar

I know most warm up before you play, any warm down afterwards? Kiss your amp? Wear your special bass undies, maybe you can only play commando. Have to listen to a certain artist/band for inspiration?

All bass craziness welcome.

 

[sumgruuvz]

hmmm. i stretch my fingers, hands, and wrists to where people probably think im warming up for a kung fu fight.

 

[Egbert89]

I usually hang my bass around my neck and have look around at the audience a few seconds before we start. Nothing special really haha

 

[cableguy]

I usually at least try to tune.

 

[phillybass101]

I often just sit and look at my basses on their stands and talk to them.

 

[India_Sierra]

I always run my cable through my strap. It was a habit I got into with Warwick basses and their slightly naff jacks, it was the only surefire way I could get through a whole set without the bass cutting out. I started using it on every bass and have stuck with it.

It's worth putting up with those jacks just to keep the sweet Warwick sound!

 

[Firesalt]

I usually at least try to tune.

+1

 

[chef wong]

If I happen to still be awake at daybreak, I just about always go to youtube and watch Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock. It's good for the soul.

 

[delta7fred]

I make sure I have a cable free patch of stage to stand on. I hate cables under my feet.

A good friend of mine will not play unless he is wearing his special socks. One is fluorescent yellow, the other florescent orange. Thinking about it I bet he has two pairs.

 

[JimmyM]

I sacrifice a turkey sandwich.

 

[Rip Topaz]

I sacrifice a turkey sandwich.

+1. And a shot of Jäger.

 

[spiritbass]

I usually at least try to tune.

You refer to the ancient Chinese ritual of Tu-Ning...

I wipe the bass with a magic microfiber cloth before and after playing. I've also been known to pray for guidance and inspiration!

 

[El-Bob]

I do a lot of the things already mentioned... stretching, cable through strap, survey the audience, etc.

Usually when I first pick up my bass for sound check, practice, or noodling at home I practice some fills in Em, to trick myself (and non-musicians) into thinking that I'm awesome... that's about it.

 

[gumbynotpokey]

BEFORE I play? Hmmm. Ok, I turn the volume on the bass all the way down, THEN plug 1/4 in into the bass, THEN plug the other end into the direct box.

 

[MD]

Before I put my truck in gear, I check the back...

"Bass, amp, cab, gig bag, stand, stool"

OK.

 

[RonniePudding]

Make sure my beer is more than half full, and my bladder more than half empty. If not, address either/both before the show starts. =)

 

[Mystic Michael]

So, does anyone have any crazy (or not crazy) bass rituals you perform before you play? Or similar

"Rituals"? You mean, like an OCD kind of thing?

Uh, no...

MM

 

[SurferJoe46]

Like tossing some fertile clams at the full moon?
No - just PnP.

 

[Jason Wilson]

Before I put my truck in gear, I check the back...

"Bass, amp, cab, gig bag, stand, stool"

OK.

+1000

I once had a gig about 2 hours from where I live & was picking up the vocalist who lived an hour away. When I got to where I was picking her up, I put her gear in the back of the wagon and noticed something was missing, hmmm, amp, cab, stand, gig bag........bass??? F*%$#*!
I'd left it at home and had to drive nearly an hour back home, then get back to the gig. Unfortunately I missed the first set, well, so did the rest of the band as well I guess.
Since then, I am very paranoid about leaving gear behind!!

 

[Gorn]

I always play Chameleon for a few seconds. I just feel like I have to.