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Feeling like hanging it up...

#42
I would keep the band thing going and also create set lists of the songs I can sing, get a looper and play whatever instrument you like. I know people that do this with great success.
 
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#44
I feel you. A buddy of mine who plays in my country band plays in an acoustic duo. They have two guitars, a small mixer, two mics and small PA. They are setup and paying in minutes. He makes more for a couple hours than he does playing all night with the band and doesn't have to set up, tear down and load out the whole band.

I'm a decent guitar player but my singing only matches my writing. If it wasn't for that or my lack or practice I could do the fool on a stool all day and put my bass away. Its easy to do, book and still fun.
 
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#46
I don't think I'll completely hang up bass. Just wondering if I've been focusing in the wrong place for too long. Spread out the skillset for more opportunities and give the solo (or duo) thing a shot. Background - I quit my main gig which was playing for about 750,000 people per year and now I have more free time. (Long story on why I did that.) About the same time my infrequent gigging band decides it wants to go through an identity crisis. I usually joke that bass / music is at least cheaper than a boat but at least your boat is loyal to you, until an engine blows. I guess I'm mostly bummed that I'm in a band with people that I really like and now it's starting to go south. At the same time I'm trying to self reflect to make sure the real problem isn't me. Maybe I'm just expecting too much out of the band.
 
#47
For a solo act, play 7 string bass and get a looper. It gives you all the range you need, and someone to back you up. Brush up on your vocals, and you are ready to go.
Otherwise, work as a duo. I played for 14 years straight every week at the Beverly Hilton with a pianist. Bass and piano are ideal for each other, and there is virtually nothing you can't sound great playing.
 
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#50
It's actually quite easy.
What are your priorities?
Maxing out the possible stagetime by any means possible?
Then absoultely get a Martin and one of them ugly Bose things.
If playing a venue where people are for something else is your thing, do it.
I know myself that I'm into the playing bass thing. With a band - preferably loud.
 
#51
How about joining a vocal workshop? I joined a jazz vocal workshop a year ago and it has been very refreshing for me, besides all the usual bass stuff going on, to be in an environment to not think about playing bass at all, instead just sing and feel and maximize that vibe and spirit. It broadened my mind musically, and now I am working on ways to combine voice and bass in a way that works for me.
 
#52
i do both....sometimes in the same show.

i play DB in a bluegrass band. mostly originals - some months we are busy and some months not so much.

i also play my acoustic guitar (martin d-15) with my wife once a month at a bar where i work mostly covers - background music. i usually bring my DB and do a couple bass and vocal songs - not too many ;)

i like both - there are different rewards in each....and when one gets annoying, i'll just think about the other
 
#53
I've done quite a bit of solo work, and still get asked to do it, but I haven't booked any solo stuff for a couple of years (okay, getting injured last year so that I can't play guitar again is one problem). I don't enjoy being "the Guy" nearly like I enjoy playing with a band. I'd rather stay home and watch SVU than do solo gigs.
 
#58
MultiScaleMale said:
The problem with bass is that we're 100% dependent on a band. With rare exceptions, you'll never see Joe Blow on solo bass tonight at The Red Door. But you do see solo acoustic or acoustic duos all the time. It's a perfect setup for doing bars, the volume is low so people can still talk or watch the game. After 30 years on bass, I'm this close to hanging it up and going acoustic. A Martin and a Bose L1 will cover anything I need and I can still play with some of my pedals.

I like the guys that I'm in a band with, but we've lost all momentum. Maybe I'm just having a bad day, (I am), but maybe it's time to put myself in the driver's seat and control my own destiny. My problem - limited vocal range.
Click to expand...
Rich, have you seen Eric Scott?? He plays around our Baltimore/SoMD all the time. Does solo gigs with 4 string jazz and vox. It is quite possible.
 

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