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Does bass appearance matter for genre?
- Thread starter fourstringbliss
- Start date
It totally matters. Why play music live if you aren't putting on a real show? But that is my rock and roll opinion. As many have said, in high profile situations, it certainly matters. But each player's definition of high profile is different. I don't bring my Ken Smith out to my original band's shows for a myriad of reasons, the first being told by my band mates that it isn't "Rock & Roll". The most highly paid cover bands in my area are the ones that dress up like Kiss and put on the full show. You put effort into sounding vintage, try looking vintage.
Something else to consider is your own abilities. It isn't very wise to change instruments right before a gig, as you will be prone to making mistakes as you get used to the different instrument. Even simple songs can suddenly be full of mistakes. So ask yourself which is more important to you: your image to other people or your own personal ability to tame the instrument. I'd care, but I have a chip on my shoulder, heh.
I personally think the Peavey Millennium is a poor man's Fodera and is best used in virtuosic music or high-pressure situations such as broadway, cruise ship, or recording situations where a variety of tones are required rather than in a classic rock band where I would prefer a few fantastic tones such as a Fender or Ric-style instrument.
Wait.. we're talking about looks.
Something else to consider is your own abilities. It isn't very wise to change instruments right before a gig, as you will be prone to making mistakes as you get used to the different instrument. Even simple songs can suddenly be full of mistakes. So ask yourself which is more important to you: your image to other people or your own personal ability to tame the instrument. I'd care, but I have a chip on my shoulder, heh.
I personally think the Peavey Millennium is a poor man's Fodera and is best used in virtuosic music or high-pressure situations such as broadway, cruise ship, or recording situations where a variety of tones are required rather than in a classic rock band where I would prefer a few fantastic tones such as a Fender or Ric-style instrument.
Wait.. we're talking about looks.
Back in 1987, I saw Slayer at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. One of their opening acts was a local band called Zoetrope. When Zoetrope came out on stage, three of them turned out to be your typical late-80's metal, big-hair, white guys. The bass player, however, was a skinny black dude, who looked like he might have gotten lost on his way to a gig with Jamaican Sunshine. He was playing a P-bass (IIRC), but what really struck me was how high he wore the freaking thing! We're talking bow tie territory, here. I mean, he made Mark King look like Paul Simonon... 
Anyway, my too-cool-for-school 12th grade bandmates and I thought that it was just about the funniest thing we'd ever seen...until he started playing. The really scary part was, his playing looked completely effortless. The other guys were banging around, all pointy guitars and neck injury, but this guy just sauntered back and forth across the stage, cool as can be, laying down a wicked heavy foundation, non-stop.
So, I guess my point is, (even though you've already made up your mind...) keep rocking the Peavey.
BTW, during this period, our band's bass player was doing R.E.M. covers on a B.C. Rich Warlock, so, go figure...
Anyway, my too-cool-for-school 12th grade bandmates and I thought that it was just about the funniest thing we'd ever seen...until he started playing. The really scary part was, his playing looked completely effortless. The other guys were banging around, all pointy guitars and neck injury, but this guy just sauntered back and forth across the stage, cool as can be, laying down a wicked heavy foundation, non-stop.
So, I guess my point is, (even though you've already made up your mind...) keep rocking the Peavey.
BTW, during this period, our band's bass player was doing R.E.M. covers on a B.C. Rich Warlock, so, go figure...
Back in 1987, I saw Slayer at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. One of their opening acts was a local band called Zoetrope. When Zoetrope came out on stage, three of them turned out to be your typical late-80's metal, big-hair, white guys. The bass player, however, was a skinny black dude, who looked like he might have gotten lost on his way to a gig with Jamaican Sunshine. He was playing a P-bass (IIRC), but what really struck me was how high he wore the freaking thing! We're talking bow tie territory, here. I mean, he made Mark King look like Paul Simonon...
Anyway, my too-cool-for-school 12th grade bandmates and I thought that it was just about the funniest thing we'd ever seen...until he started playing. The really scary part was, his playing looked completely effortless. The other guys were banging around, all pointy guitars and neck injury, but this guy just sauntered back and forth across the stage, cool as can be, laying down a wicked heavy foundation, non-stop.
He was probably a sub.
Thats probally the first thing i notice wgen watching a band. My freinds and I always are keen avout tge basses being played
You have a modern jazz bass. It can cover anything. Unless you're a tribute act, don't worry, be happy. Great looking bass, btw.
It does to an extent.
I wouldn't show up to an old time country gig with this for example...
I think that would be a hoot! I play mostly blues, and if you lend it to me, I'd rock it silly!
I think the OP's bass looks very traditional, not a Fender but considering the wood finish it is fine for pretty much any genre - a wicked looking bass will never make you a wicked sounding player.
I've played my wood finish Paolo Gregolotto Warlock in churches and had little commentary other than from the occasional person who knew it was a Warlock. Wood, pickups,strings, quality of build and the player make a bass work or fail. Aesthetics are just aesthetics.
The star-shaped bass - I'd play that at a country gig and try to find me some rhinestone studded pants to complete the look. "Like a rhinestone cowboy..." Or is that bass really screaming (Prince), "Oh Baby I'm a star!"
I've played my wood finish Paolo Gregolotto Warlock in churches and had little commentary other than from the occasional person who knew it was a Warlock. Wood, pickups,strings, quality of build and the player make a bass work or fail. Aesthetics are just aesthetics.
The star-shaped bass - I'd play that at a country gig and try to find me some rhinestone studded pants to complete the look. "Like a rhinestone cowboy..." Or is that bass really screaming (Prince), "Oh Baby I'm a star!"
I feel that generally it doesnt matter. However, there are a few extreme looking basses that would look completely out of place in some genres. For example, a BC Rich Warlock or a Gene Simmons ax bass would look ridiculous in any non-rock genre.
Maybe my wife is right, I'm a bit eclectic/odd in my style preferences - I think a Warlock in wood-grain is kind of "artsy" looking.
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patlozrox
Guest
In music, a mood is always trying to be brought about. If you are playing live in a band, like I am, appearance is only somewhat important. most important is getting a bass that produces the sound for your music, next is finding one you can play with comfort for an extended time, THEN the looks come into play. For example, if you are in a heavy metal band, you don't want a neon pink bass. Try to find a bass that brings on the mood of the music you play. I use a Music Man Stingray HH in Cherry Burst ( black around the edges, bursting into red in the center) with a rosewood fingerboard for my metal band. If you play classic rock, try a more vintage looking bass (Fender P/J, Music Man Stingray Classic, Gibson Ripper, Gibson Thunderbird, or a Rickenbacker 4003 just to name a few). The main thing to worry about with a bass style would be color. For a classic rocker, a good choice would be clear coated wood, burst paint-jobs, or light sparkle blue. The only important rule to follow is to please yourself first. If you think it is a good bass for your music, use it. In the end, you will have to see it and use it more than the crowd will.
mark beem
Wait, how does this song start again??
I'd say yes. I really can't see this bass going over at a country / western gig.
I'd say yes. I really can't see this bass going over at a country / western gig.
Just tell `em it's a big fiddle!
Short answer: Yes. Whilst it shouldn't matter, I find it does matter in the blues world. I own a Gibson Flying V Bass which has a great blues sound but I don't get treated with a lot of respect when I play it instead of my 63 P-Bass. I know Buddy Guy played a V guitar but I get no respect for playing a V bass. So I play it as often as possible at blues gigs just to spite them
