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Doubling instruments

tjontheroad

tjontheroad

Jun 8, 2006
598
387
South Jersey
#1
I play bass, guitar, sax, and can fake my way with a few other instruments. I never like to say any one of them is my main thing. They're all just musical tools to me. I recently joined up in a band with guys who I know real well and they know me. I agreed to play bass only. But, almost right away they want me to bring my saxophones and double up on them while one of guitarist plays my bass for a few tunes.

I’m like… NO! NO! NO!

I mean... I get the idea of the band having something else to offer. But, I just don’t want the hassle of bringing to rehearsals and gigs a couple saxophones (baritone and alto), setting them up, and keeping an eye on them in case some drunk wants to pour his beer onto the bell (this happened to me once. But, that’s another story). Plus, playing sax requires a whole different set of musical challenges. It’s just not that simple a pick up a cold sax and play it HOT right in the middle of a set. Believe me, I’ve tried this before and I just can’t pull it off to the level I’m satisfied with.

Really, I just wanna play my bass and keep it simple. Finding another bass player and having me play just sax doesn’t really work either. That would mean splitting the already measly night’s pay even more. So what do you think? Should I suck it up and stop being a snob or should I keep standing my ground?

Thanks,
TJ
 
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#2
I don't see it as being "a snob". From my own perspective ... it's my life, my choices. If I joined a band to play bass only, that's what I'm gonna do. I'm too old to let others direct MY musical experience. I'd explain my feelings to the band, and let it be ... the rest is up to them.
 
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#3
I hear ya----- I don't even like to sing if I don't have to---- but I do.

In the pro world----- guys get paid to "double". I'm not sure if upright and slab qualify.

I know a trumpet player who got paid "cartage" to bring his vibraphone for local symphony gigs.

IMO, you shouldn't have to play/bring another instrument if you don't want to play it.
 
#5
Sax player here too. I'd pass on playing sax, it's not worth it for a couple songs, and having a 2nd bass rig along, or loaning my equipment isn't going to happen. Singing is kind of expected if you can do it, but playing sax is a whole nother field and should be treated as such. If they want a sax played, hire a sax player who will keep his reed ready to go and protect his instrument/s from drunks & band members - and PAY the sax player. You are the bass player. Why not ask the drummer to play sax?

I regularly sub on tenor in a blues band, but this past weekend I subbed on bass. They never once asked me to play tenor, or expected anything beyond playing bass - it was the job description.
 
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#6
here's my related story -- played bass for a rock cover band. didn't have time for constant rehearsals and quit. they find a new bass player (really good, too!) and ask me to come back playing keys (they frequently rehearse without me). this has since grown into me playing keys, rhythm guitar, and trumpet. when bass player left we found a new guy who couldn't learn tunes fast enough so I filled in on bass for about four songs that night.

here's what I have to bring to shows:
roland juno + stand, di box
epi LP guitar, B3 effect pedal, guitar wireless
carvin IEM
trumpet
mic + mic stand, vocal harmony pedal (only used on two or three songs)

not trying to make it about me -- but you might also get sucked into bringing tons of stuff. It's a slippery slope!!!!!

trumpet is also very difficult to pick up cold and just play your best. I really only do two songs on it in a whole night (superstition and vehicle), and while it's a fun novelty, I can't be as solid as I would if given a few minutes to warm up first. Is it even worth it for two songs (or however many you might play in a night on sax?)

switching between bass and guitar immediately is hard for me. I'm mediocre at either one but I feel clumsy for the first five or ten minutes after I switch.
don't know if your guitarist would have the same experience or not.
 
#7
In our band, our utility guy plays tenor sax, harmonica, violin, mandolin and lap steel. Our banjo player even doubles with the banjo and lap steel in the same song, playing the verses with the banjo and the chorus' with the lap steel. They agreed to it and seem to enjoy it. If they didn't agree to it and enjoy it though, I can see how it would be incredibly awkward and uncomfortable.
 
#11
I have to agree that it's a pain to double up, especially if you're the bassist. my opinion is like yours. It's not worth it, especially if it requires someone else coming in to play while you aren't. The added equipment on sometimes already crowded stages leaves less places to be. I've doubled up on keys, but that's easier to get away with, by a small margin, and even that...yeah. just not worth it. Again, it comes down to the added equipment. As a sax player myself, I know full well what needs to be done before playing it. Granted, you can suck on your reed (provided you're not using a synthetic) during the song beforehand, but you have to breathe into it to warm everything up, and in the middle of a show, switching for a song or few just really isn't practical.

Personally, I'd stand your ground on this one.
 
#13
morgansterne said:
but you might also get sucked into bringing tons of stuff. It's a slippery slope!!!!!
Click to expand...

Well put. That's exactly it!!!

xgator4u said:
I learned a LONG time ago, something I call the "Columbo Effect".
If you let people know that you CAN do something, they will expect you to do it.
If they don't know, they will not ask.
Click to expand...

Lol

Colombo walks towards the door, turns and says, "just one more thing sir". I can't hide behind the bass with this band since the BL is my Brother. Oh boy :)

carl h. said:
That'd be me TJ. Good to see you too.
Click to expand...

:thumbsup:

raventepes said:
I have to agree that it's a pain to double up, especially if you're the bassist. my opinion is like yours. It's not worth it, especially if it requires someone else coming in to play while you aren't. The added equipment on sometimes already crowded stages leaves less places to be. I've doubled up on keys, but that's easier to get away with, by a small margin, and even that...yeah. just not worth it. Again, it comes down to the added equipment. As a sax player myself, I know full well what needs to be done before playing it. Granted, you can suck on your reed (provided you're not using a synthetic) during the song beforehand, but you have to breathe into it to warm everything up, and in the middle of a show, switching for a song or few just really isn't practical.

Personally, I'd stand your ground on this one.
Click to expand...

Not only is there the physical challenge, it's a whole different mindset between a reed instrument and bass guitar. Sax is all about tone within most popular music. Bass is all about forming a bottom end that's rock solid. There's a mental switch that takes place sort of when taking up the roll of doubling the two. I want to be focused.

This band is cool and they'll be happy with just bass. They couldn't find anybody for months and that's why I said I do it. That said, I'm sure they'll still keep bugging me for the hell of it anyway.
 

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