Dude, really, a Fender?!

[retslock]

This is the aforementioned instrument by the way. Scored it in rough shape for $100 CDN and cleanup it up. Nice straight, smooth, stable neck and about 8.5 lbs.
View attachment 3022085

I’ve used roundwounds on my 4 string P for years. I play with my fingers and when you dig in and get angry that bass can really bite your backside. I love it. It cuts through. I like your avatar quote by the way. I’m with you on that.

 

[2muchcoffeeman]

Long story as short as possible. I played a Rick 4003 with my band for about two years and love it, still have it. Then I got a precision 63 AVRI and started playing it and have been playing it for the last year, love it too. A couple of times in the last year, I played my Gibson Bird.

So we play a gig last night, and this guy who comes to almost all our shows confronts me and says “Really Dude, a Fender?!” and tells me he much prefers the Rick because of the grind and if not that I should play the Bird. He was adamant and very much against Fenders. I smiled and took it in stride but he came up to me twice and said all this. I guess I will switch to the Rick for a while but I wanted to share this anectode and was curious about your thoughts. For what it is worth, I play in a metal band. I’m still shaking my head.

Play whatever you want. It ain’t any of his business. But don’t change now — he’ll think he was responsible and then you’ll find him that much harder to be rid of, if it comes to that.

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

Because of the "grind"? I believe the fan was referring to the different tone of the Rick (some might call it a growl) compared to the Fender. I don't think he was against the brand, he just meant that the Rick sounded better for that music

 

[Wulfensteiner]

Eh, Ric's do have that inimitable 'growl' that just plain works for what you're doing, but I'm with the guys. F that guy, you be you.

 

[walkbassman45]

Duude, Is there any other??????

 

[chadds]

Here’s a special response.

“Many intelligent people share your opinion.”

 

[mesaplayer83]

Duude, Is there any other??????

Or, "Good enough for Steve Harris, good enough for me"

 

[mikeoso]

"Dude...who hired YOU? "

 

[Rattfink]

Mantis, you got a great attitude brother. There have been alot of negative replays about fans. I've had them too, mostly when I was younger. But fans are the reason we get to play out, and hopefully make a few bucks. These days I always try to be humble and remember most are there to have a good time.

 

[Xhaxo]

A lot of people want some of the band's coolness to rub off on them, so they try some (more or less) informed comments to get themselves included. I have to agree with Rattfink, that the best option is to stick to your guns yet try to make the guy feel listened to. "Thanks for the feedback, I'll bear it in mind" or some such.

 

[RockinJohnny]

There always seems to be these types of people around. It's like any other form of criticism. Consider it if you think it has some validity or ignore it if not. Smile and thank him for his opinion and move on.

 

[JtSD619]

FENDER

 

[DavesnothereCA]

Play whatever bass you feel like playing.

Unless the guy complaining is the person who pays you for the gig, you are under no obligation to him.

~
And even THEN !

(unless it was in a written contract which you signed prior to accepting the gig)
~

 

[LarryCrabtree]

Some of us are not wealthy enough to afford multiple basses and play just one. Some of us are not gear heads and play only one. Some of us took the advice if our bass teachers and played all the types of instruments they could get their hands on until they found the one instrument they could not let go of and now play only that one.
For example look at Palidino or Nitti or many others.
Then there are some people who like change and play multiple basses just because they like to.
Nothing wrong with any of these scenarios.

 

[Peteyboy]

Tell him you have an endorsement contract with Fender and are obligated to play it at least 50% of the time. Sucks right? But what can you do?

 

[Tom Gallo]

Just tell the guy that a P bass is easier to swing at jerks who question your choice of basses.

 

[Power Dreamer]

If you aren't playing a fanned fret Spalt Magma bass with seven strings and lightwave pickups then you aren't playing bass. ;P

 

[Vinnie Boombatz]

If the guy has mentioned it to you three times at three shows, he may just have a point. He cares enough about your shows to keep coming back, and that counts for something.

Or he's just a nerd who trolls local bands and needs to get a life. Is he a player or just some wannabe know-it-all who lives in his mom's basement and has never even played an instrument?

The fact that the dude came up to the OP twice just means the guy's loser. I'd never go up to someone who's playing a gig and tell them their playing the wrong instrument. Big words coming from a guy who just has to stand there in the crowd and probably doesn't even have the nuts to get up there and do it himself.

He probably is too insecure to talk to women, but felt like a tool just standing there at the club so he went up to the OP.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Or he's just a nerd who trolls local bands and needs to get a life. Is he a player or just some wannabe know-it-all who lives in his mom's basement and has never even played an instrument?

Hey that is also a distinct possibility.

 

[Clarence j]

g'n'r, Megadeth and Rush all have/ had fender players. I am one too. given the right set up, whats there to complain about? they are as solid as anything else out there..?!