Fired/not recruited for playing the wrong brand.

[Nek07]

I was twice.
The first time, the band I was playing was on an upward trajectory, I was in that band for two years, playing the band owned Squier Mickey Way Mustang Bass when at some point the band leader wanted me to change that bass for a more serious model as we were getting traction. So I brought my Yamaha BB614 just to be laught at, the band leader wanted a Rickenbacker (as the previous bass player used to own...well a cheap copy really). As I said that at that time I could not afford a bass that was two month salary for me, he showed me the door.

Second time, I show up to give a try to a band, nothing too serious, weekend warrior type with a few paying gig a year. I showed up with my Yamaha BB434M and was immediatly told "you do not have a real bass?". That band was loosing gigs because they cant find a bass player and they didnt wanted me to play with them because only Gibson is good enought for them (actual quote).

So I was thinking about that these days (the tread about the guitarist requesting the bass player to change his gear comes to mind, standing your ground) and I wondered if that happened to other peoples. I have noted Bass Brand, but it can be anything really, like people wanting you to play a certain rig.

 

[dalkowski]

Fire me because I suck or because I'm a bad fit, fine.
Fire me because of the gear I use, also fine because you're doing me a big favor by ejecting me from your ecosystem of utter jive.

 

[Sharko]

I was twice.
The first time, the band I was playing was on an upward trajectory, I was in that band for two years, playing the band owned Squier Mickey Way Mustang Bass when at some point the band leader wanted me to change that bass for a more serious model as we were getting traction. So I brought my Yamaha BB614 just to be laught at, the band leader wanted a Rickenbacker (as the previous bass player used to own...well a cheap copy really). As I said that at that time I could not afford a bass that was two month salary for me, he showed me the door.

Second time, I show up to give a try to a band, nothing too serious, weekend warrior type with a few paying gig a year. I showed up with my Yamaha BB434M and was immediatly told "you do not have a real bass?". That band was loosing gigs because they cant find a bass player and they didnt wanted me to play with them because only Gibson is good enought for them (actual quote).

So I was thinking about that these days (the tread about the guitarist requesting the bass player to change his gear comes to mind, standing your ground) and I wondered if that happened to other peoples. I have noted Bass Brand, but it can be anything really, like people wanting you to play a certain rig.

Can I have that Mikey Way Mustang if no one is using it?

 

[RSBBass]

No one has ever straight said that but it has been implied.

 

[pepj]

I'm sure it happens but I'd like to know how they would justify it and then i could gauge what they might be full of.
However if you turn up with anything less than a Tele, all is fair in love and war

 

[Old Blastard]

My BL has asked me to gig with My Drake Mk 7 because he likes the sound, but I've also used other basses at different times

 

[primussucks9126]

I was strongly encouraged to play a Fender P by a producer/project facilitator, but nothing actually came of it. The actual band members were happy with me playing ny Ric, Ibanez, or Danelectro.

I would love to know how that upwards trajectory of the first band ended up.

 

[RattleSnack]

Never.
I have been advised couple of times, when I was young musician, that I can't be heard clearly so if I could please try another bass guitar? Since that comment came both times from much more experienced musician, I took that as good advice and did my best to correct my sound.
Even now, after 25 years of active playing, I would listen carefully if someone with musical knowledge told me that my sound or playing don't work, because there must be something behind those words. Not that I get anything beside compliments

 

[godofthunder59]

Unfortunately it happens all the time. I don't put up with it.

 

[lug]

My guitarist has ASKED me not to ever show up with the stienberger spirit at any gig.

 

[Snaxster]

Hello. If the requirement is for either 1. a certain calibre of gear and/or 2. a certain sound and/or 3. a certain image, then the employer (they are paying you, right?) should either 4. have hired you with full disclosure of that or, 5. upon the requirement changing, be willing to either 6. advance you the money for buying the new gear or 7. simply supply the new gear for you to use.

In your own examples here, I think that you should find some better people to make music with. Not better musicians, but better people.

 

[And I]

I don't want to be in a band with the type of people that don't want to be in a band with me solely because of the brand of instrument I play.

 

[Aussie Player]

I usually change bass every session looking for the one that fits the room and the band sound, but whenever a band has commeted, usually the drummer, with a comment like stop there, use that one, I have a Alembic in my hands. Other than that, the Gibson's stand out over the boringly common Fenders.

I find overall that Guitarist like Fenders, singers like Gibson's but they all like Alembics, and many don't know the brand.

 

[Swerve]

I've been asked to play a P bass on a recording, but never rejected from a band due to my gear.

I've also seen musician wanted ads for bass (like Craigslist) where the band says up front they are going for a specific look and want you to play certain gear. I just avoid these. Though I do appreciate the honesty.

I would only change my gear for A: lots of money B: lots of sex or C: a tribute band I really wanted to join.

 

[KenD]

If a band thinks you're playing the "wrong" brand of bass, you're in the wrong band.

 

[Jazzdogg]

From the sixties through today, nobody has ever commented on a bass I've played in a negative way.

Perhaps the OP is unfortunate enough to play with children or those lacking in objectivity and social skills.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Not cool, but on the other hand I’ve bought basses based on the music/band/style/
aesthetics of the gig.

 

[mikeswals]

Never. Not even suggested.

 

[Chrisk-K]

If you don’t want to be told by the BL what you should play, start your own group and be the BL.

 

[40Hz]

only Gibson is good enought for them (actual quote)

Wow! That’s a first for my aging ears!

I play Gibsons (plus other brands of bass) and I never once heard anyone - including myself - insist on having a Gibson bass in their band. Quite the opposite actually on those thankfully rare occasions when someone did feel compelled to comment on the instrument I was playing.