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Does bass appearance matter for genre?

#41
:rollno::rollno::rollno:

I think it depends on who you are talking about, the band, or the audience.

'Most' members of the public don't even realise what the difference between a bass & an electric guitar is. Some people on here have an over blown perception of how important the general public puts on the bass or instruments in general.

As far as the band, I wouldn't give a crap what a guitarist (for example) turned up with as long as it sounded correct for the genre and he/she could really play.

If people are more concerned about the look of your instrument over your sound and ability, maybe you are not is the best of bands.

I play a Ken Smith Black Tiger which is more of a Gospel/ R&B bass in a rock, metal, funk band and no one says a thing coz it sounds amazing and I can play.

Play what ever bass you want, it is your bass, your choice, your artistic right to make that decision
 
#42
It really depends, are you planning on being in a professional act or are you doing the bar circuit?

People can say that it is fine you bring that, but I assure you that if it was a high profile gig... image is everything. As the DB side how many of them bring an EUB to a jazz gig.

If you are talking about your average TB band, who friggin' cares? I know I sure wouldn't... but if you got a high profile gig with a hard working BL you better show up with image appropriate gear. If you have any bright coloured cabinets, better toss them too, back line should be black lined.
 
#43
If I were getting paid to have genre/band specific basses I'd have no problem doing so.
If I'm playing occasional gigs in Armpit, USA for $50 a night, I'll play whatever bass I want (Roscoe these days) as long as it sounds appropriate.
 
#44
Your bass isn't for me, but is fine for what you'll be using it for.

Drifting off thread, but this reminds me of my favourite band. Really cool looking, as well as sounding, band. The singer's signature instrument was a '62 Jazzmaster, the lead guy played Teles and Les Pauls, the bassist rocked out on a early 70's Jazz that was black but appeared to be sunburst underneath.

Anyway, met the bass player years later and he told me that all the bass parts for their 3rd album were recorded on a Steinberger. Was pretty surprised, and it would have looked rubbish if taken on the road. Have to say in retrospect though, a great sounding bass!
 
#51
Jason Wilson said:
:rollno::rollno::rollno:

I think it depends on who you are talking about, the band, or the audience.

'Most' members of the public don't even realise what the difference between a bass & an electric guitar is. Some people on here have an over blown perception of how important the general public puts on the bass or instruments in general.
Click to expand...

Big plus one to that... the general audience is not attuned to the differences between a "modern" bass and a vintage one. If it's not a fluorescent orange Warlock, most people in the audience won't care what you as the "other background guitarist" is playing.
 
#52
No one who doesn't play bass sees any difference between a millennium and a pbass. In the grand spectrum of basses they are just about the same thing. I'd argue that a jazz bass looks more quirky to the average person. Giant singlecuts and bc rich styles might get a little bit of attention but 99% of the people still won't be paying attention to it unless you're in a church or country setting. Millenniums are nice looking basses but fall solidly into the normal category.
 
#54
SteveC said:
For some bands/leaders it doesn't matter.
For others, they get really hung up on it. An amazing number of people listen with their eyes.
Click to expand...

bass12 said:
I've found this to be true even amongst musicians....
Click to expand...

I think this is true MAINLY amongst musicians. The average person DOES NOT CARE. I promise. :D

Some of the hypothetical situations in this thread are pretty extreme. Bringing a Peavey Millenium to a classic rock covers gig is NOT the same thing as bringing Ol' Black and Pointy to church. And this is a classic rock cover band; I'm pretty sure there's no major label involved.

OP, I will be VERY surprised if your BL has a problem with that bass.
 
#55
fourstringbliss said:
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.
Click to expand...

LOL...sounds like someone is looking for an excuse to buy a G&L;)
I use a dark see through green (black teal to be exact) Peavey Mill 5 plus. It has been my go to bass for 13 years now. I have used it for old school country, nu/alt-country, 50's/60's oldies, southern rock, classic rock, contemporary rock, etc. The only thing any musician has ever said about it is how nice it sounds.
Just don't see a problem unless you don't like the way it sounds.
 
#56
I play in a classic rock band. I left my rick at home and gigged this on Saturday night.

P1020175_zpsd6bef3c5.jpg


One of our guitarists calls it my "poncey bass", but since I'm the bass player I'll play what I want...and nobody in the audience cared that I was using a new fancy topped 6 string with active EQ instead of my 40 year old Ric. In fact, when I strapped it on a couple of people in the front row pointed and said "wow" and one of the women who was dancing gave me a big thumbs up when I hit a low C and my Barefaced cab caused a minor earthquake across bar.
 

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