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Does bass appearance matter for genre?
- Thread starter fourstringbliss
- Start date
I think it matters to an extent, but in the grand scheme of things it really doesn't... Unless you have a weird colored or pointy bass or something.
I'd say that particular instrument would fit in just about anywhere. It looks classy and not crazy, ya know? Even some of the more extreme shapes in natural wood look "right" for just about any gig. Take B.C. Rich Heritage Classic Mockingbird Bass for example. It's not a "typical" shape but I don't think anyone would bat an eye if you broke it out on a jazz gig.
Aside from the extreme (as mentioned before) the look of an instrument has very little to do with anything. If it sounds right, it probably is right.
Aside from the extreme (as mentioned before) the look of an instrument has very little to do with anything. If it sounds right, it probably is right.
Yeah, playing a pointy bass with LEDs would be a little weird when they're dosey-doeing.
My feeling is that, unless you're doing a tribute act that requires a specific look, there shouldn't be a problem with how your bass looks as long as it has the range of tonality needed for the genre. Which you said it has... so it's all cool.
I've seen plenty metal bassists with Fenders (what is a more flagship vintage/ classic bass than a Fender), so there is no rule.
I've seen plenty metal bassists with Fenders (what is a more flagship vintage/ classic bass than a Fender), so there is no rule.
It is true that the bass you play can influence people's perception of you and your band. I think the question to ask yourself is "what might the consequences be of making this choice"?
Not all of us have the cash to have a bass for every different situation. Maybe in the long run, but if you're starting or scrapping gigs for a living, I guess people should be sympathetic and not being a jerk over having one specific instrument doing the job.
Nope. I'm potentially going to be joining a group that plays mostly 60's/70's pop/rock and am wondering if my very modern looking bass should make the cut.
The Peavey would be fine in any band situation short of a tribute band where image is part of the show.
NicJimBass
Flossin'? I thought your name was Munson!
I agree. To me, sound is fundamental, looks are optional, unless the looks are way off, ie. what someone said about a Tom Araya on a country gig. That Mill will look great in most any situation, and if the sound fits, rock it proudly!
PS- I missed the fact that you modded the Mill... looks very nice! I agree that the J-pickups look slightly off on that model... def prefer the MM/J look.
Thanks! It really does look better with the bigger soapbars. The J/J looked okay to me, but this set of pickups were muffled in the highs. I've owned one of these J/J's before and it sounded fine, so this was definitely an issue with the pickups.
At first I thought it was the preamp so I sold that off, only to find that it was the pickups. This is a passive bass at this point, but I might eventually put a preamp into it.
Looks fine to me.
As with almost everything, I think it's a matter of degrees. The OP's bass will do just fine in the OP's gigging scenarios. OTOH, a Gene Simmons Punisher bass in a church worship band or a Steinberger in a metal act might raise some eyebrows.
As with almost everything, I think it's a matter of degrees. The OP's bass will do just fine in the OP's gigging scenarios. OTOH, a Gene Simmons Punisher bass in a church worship band or a Steinberger in a metal act might raise some eyebrows.
I agree. Like someone said earlier, it shouldn't matter but it does. I don't care what another guy rocks a gig with as long as he does it well. I was referring when people complain they didn't get the gig but don't realize they didn't look the part.
I emailed the band leader to see what he thinks. If it's a problem then I'm going to sell the Peavey and get an G&L L2000 Tribute, which would look and sound great in any setting.
I think its right about the higher profile gigs. I had an audition for a pretty big up and coming, signed to a major label, band. They told me not to show up without a P. I borrowed one for the audition, and figured id buy one if I got the gig.
