Fired/not recruited for playing the wrong brand.

[JazznFunk]

The only time I came close to this scenario was in a band with a drummer (yes- a DRUMMER) who liked to micro-manage every aspect of my playing. We played in 2 bands. He didn't like my tone. Didn't like the basses I played. Didn't like the volume I played at. Sometimes I was so quiet (because he didn't like a loud bass amp) that I couldn't hear myself, or I put my amp far away from the both of us just to make him happy and keep the peace. If I refused to acquiesce to his demands he'd get passive aggressive and clam up the rest of the night, and then call me a day later and try to air out his issues. He also did this with almost every other band he freelanced with as well on some level, and eventually he wasn't able to find work. He had a host of other issues as well regarding band management and finances with bands, but him trying to control EVERYTHING that everyone else did on stage (and in rehearsals) eventually ostracized him - and he quit the band I was in with him and said we were all the problem, not him.

After I stopped playing with this guy, it took YEARS before I felt confident enough to turn up and be heard, even when other drummers TOLD ME to turn up so they could hear me better,or who wanted my amp right next to them so they could feel/hear it better. Long story short, don't let anyone gaslight you or have any sort of domain over your choice of instrument, or how you play. Work on things as a group, and if the GROUP decides there aren't issues, then the problematic member needs to can it.

 

[eqvolvorama]

The only brand snobbery I’ve encountered is when a bass looks too high-tech or “active”, which I honestly understand. I think other band members wonder if I’m going to start geeking out with some metallic, bridge-pickup bedroom tone or if I’m going to hold down the bottom end.

My band used to do sound for other bands and, to be honest, I’m there. If someone showed up with an Alembic I knew we were going to have to do some work. If they had an old P Bass copy I knew I could just tell them to plug into my SansAmp and not worry about them the whole set.

 

[Hues]

There are bands/soloists who don't hire or fire people because their hair isn't the right length (too long/too short),the clothes they wear,etc.,...
They're all about image, not substance.

 

[Manticore]

If the guy writing the checks want something specific I bring it. There are only a few "must have" basses. Get one of each example. If asked to play a P I'll bring a P and my trusty Alembic. If asked to play a Ric I bring a Ric and my trusty Alembic. Sting Ray? I bring one, and my trusty Alembic. I almost always end up using my trusty Alembic and guy writing the checks smiles.

 

[fishdreams]

One time when I applied for a job at a tribute act, they required the gear (bas/rig) to be period aka Fender/Fender looking.

That was a reasonable request in that context, and they actually loaned me a good chunk of money to get that gear, to be paid back with my first string of gigs. Good people.

In my current scene nobody gives a sh$t as long as I sound good. Also good people.

 

[Aledal]

My current band won't let me play my Lane Poor Minima live. They're probably right about that one but it still hurts my toothbrush bass loving soul.

 

[Krakmann]

One time when I applied for a job at a tribute act, they required the gear (bas/rig) to be period aka Fender/Fender looking.

That was a reasonable request in that context, and they actually loaned me a good chunk of money to get that gear, to be paid back with my first string of gigs. Good people.

In my current scene nobody gives a sh$t as long as I sound good. Also good people.

Once, in an Elvis tribute, I decided not to use my regular bass (a red, modern prototype made by a friend) and use the spare one, a Jazz Vintera, just for the looks/"correctness". I used it for one gig and then said: ***, and switched back to the main one. No one, Elvis included, said anything, didn't care (although he wears/plays "era-correct" clothes/gear).

 

[Aussie Player]

At an audition on a Sunday I brought a rather large amp. I was told I had the job if I could come up with a much smaller amp by Wednesday. Of course I did and it was the best paying, most organized, business run band I was ever in.

My response to that kind of comment is that my amp turns all the way down to "1".

I often do gigs with a Marshall JCM 800 Super Bass which is only 100 watts. If I use a Marshall VBA 400, I play it at the same volume I would play the Super Bass. Unsaavy musicians never notice. Saavy musicians usually just look at it and smile. That other type we are talking about here........

 

[factory presets]

I got one. Went for a metal audition. They had 2 sisters on GTR and vox and a drummer was still learning his parts. They would've been my height if they all stood on each other's shoulders. The girls dad had made a soundproof practice room for them. I couldn't stand up in it. Fair enough I had short hair and no leather jacket on. OK so I didn't look like Steve Harris. But I thought I would've made a pretty good Eddie.

Pretty sure the red 5 string made not a jot of difference either way. Might not have helped that it matched my jeans. But I'll never know coz I never even got to plug it in.

Fact they weren't finding the situation hilarious spoke volumes. But when one of the girls asked me why I sounded sad, I knew for sure it wasn't real metal anyway.

 

[Thumpinshelton]

I showed up to a sub-gig rehearsal last year with my 5 string Lakland DJ5 and after the rehearsal (which went great) was asked to bring a 4 string fender to the show because the BL did not think 5 string basses are needed. This band was a typical rock/country cover band. I laughed thinking it was a joke and he told me to don't worry about the gig he would get it covered another way. I have also been requested for sessions to bring a P-bass with flats. I can respect a session request or if the band is a particular type of tribute band such as a beetles tribute for example where a hofner would be the best Paul bass. I have also seen ad's posted where the request was to have "pro gear" and went on to say that pro is not homemade nor a Squire that was modded......gear shaming is a real thing!!!! To some people anything other than Fender on the headstock just doesn't scream pro at all....LOL!!!! Personally I would never work for someone that is trying to dictate these things unless it is a tribute going for a replication ascetic. As a pro musician always play what the gig needs.

 

[Bag of Lazers]

The Yamaha BroadBass series ARE quality basses. Just ask Michael Anthony who's used them off and on for decades. The band leader is an idiot and knows zero about basses.

Or, you could go with Sir Paul.

 

[MechaSparky]

As I mentioned in another similar thread......this must be a ROCK thing!!! I play R&B music. I have never, in my 40+ years of playing, ever, ever been asked to change or play a certain bass!! I can see if it is a tribute band and you are trying to capture the look and vibe of a certain band but outside of that, I'm not posing for anyone or band. I play what I want.

Having said that.......if you want me to play a particular instrument that I don't own......you buy it.......and I'll play it. I'm not buying anything.

What bass(es) do you play?

 

[MynameisMe]

Never fired for the instrument. At a recent show a guy who was “a really good bass player” (his words) asked me about my Muckelroy. I told him a bit about it and he said, “Dude, why are you playing this homemade thing? Get a Fender, man!” I just said, “I guess I’m just not good enough for that yet.” and excused myself. Just couldn’t…

Now that's funny!

I wasn't picked in a pop-rock band audition because "you play too good...and you have too many strings"
I went with my Conklin Bill Dickens 7 strings bass.

Intimidation.

 

[BlueTalon]

Im a beginner with a Tbird and I’ve not yet auditioned for a band but I’ll be waiting for the day someone complains about my gear rather than my playing.
I have no ambitions to play anything else than a Tbird.

If you show up to an audition driving a Viper, people might not even notice what bass you're playing.

 

[BlueTalon]

I have a frankenstein precision. It will be my main bass until I feel otherwise (yes I'm in the p bass rules club - except I play rounds not flats) but I keep my mint condition '93 EBMM Stingray for those times that I need a "proper" bass.

But here's the relevance to my comment - I bought the Stingray when the band I was in voted that I needed a new bass because they were tired of my fretless (we were a rock band) and it didnt really fit. So they voted to donate the money from a gig to help fund it. It wasn't an ultimatum but a strong suggestion. I got the hint and scored a sweet bass in the process. Brand new for under a thousand bucks. Can't do that anymore.

Gotta respect band members who will put their money where their mouth is. It's not their job to buy your bass gear for you, but neither is it their prerogative to spend your money for you. They wanted you to play something else that you wouldn't have otherwise been inclined to buy, and they made it easy for you.

 

[40Hz]

If someone showed up with an Alembic I knew we were going to have to do some work.

Interesting.

Back in the 80s I used to own an Alembic. Used it in a Motown/Soul band I played with. Got a lot of compliments on my Jamerson tone.

Guess a lot depends on if you understand how the Alembic filter based EQ actually works, and know it well enough to be able to dial in a given sound quickly. Because you can get just about any tone you can imagine out of an Alembic. Stanley Clark kinda got people to think that “staccato snap” thing he did was all an Alembic was good at. Much like Chris Squire made bass players think that ‘clank’ was a Ric’s only voice.

There’s really no substitute - and really no excuse for not - knowing your gear.

 

[Wesley R]

My response to that kind of comment is that my amp turns all the way down to "1".

I often do gigs with a Marshall JCM 800 Super Bass which is only 100 watts. If I use a Marshall VBA 400, I play it at the same volume I would play the Super Bass. Unsaavy musicians never notice. Saavy musicians usually just look at it and smile. That other type we are talking about here........

It was not a volume issue. It was the general look of the band as well as perception.

 

[Ed455]

As previously mentioned, I went to my last audition with my Stingray 5H. It's just a local cover band. While my Yamaha is my favorite instrument, not everyone recognizes that its a "pro-level" instrument. However, most generally recognize a Stingray. I chose to use it for the audition because I kinda feel a pro should use pro tools. The Stingray gave at least a first impression that I have invested in strong gear, so the assumption was made that I'm heavily invested in my craft. Truth is, my gear deserves a better player than me. But pro gear solidly plants your foot in the door and the band will just focus on your skill.
If I show up with a Squier Affinity, the thought *might* be: Is this a $200 player with his $200 instrument? Now I have to disprove a negative (crappy gear=crappy player) rather than live up to a positive (I hope he's as good as his gear).
Simple human nature as sh*tty as that is.
On the other hand, DEMANDING a bandmate to buy different equipment is taking money from his pocket to satisfy your aesthetic preferences. To that I would say "then you pay for it or GFY."

 

[eqvolvorama]

Interesting.

Back in the 80s I used to own an Alembic. Used it in a Motown/Soul band I played with. Got a lot of compliments on my Jamerson tone.

Guess a lot depends on if you understand how the Alembic filter based EQ actually works, and know it well enough to be able to dial in a given sound quickly. Because you can get just about any tone you can imagine out of an Alembic. Stanley Clark kinda got people to think that “staccato snap” thing he did was all an Alembic was good at. Much like Chris Squire made bass players think that ‘clank’ was a Ric’s only voice.

There’s really no substitute - and really no excuse for not - knowing your gear.

I think the trick with the very high-tech active basses is how much control they give the player. And honestly, most venues suck acoustically. And what they do or don’t hear on stage may have very little to do with how the band sounds out front.

Seeing someone with a P Bass said something that was more important than the actual instrument. A P Bass player, especially without an elaborate pedalboard, was probably going to use one setting for sound check and leave the knobs be. If you knew how a room worked, how to set up the SansAmp, and how to cut highs at the board, they WOULD sound good. Guaranteed.

If you had someone on stage with a parametric EQ under their right hand, there were good odds they’d try to use it. And each time you’d need to react to keep the mix in balance.

So it’s less about the instruments, more about more hammers illuminating more nails.

 

[staurosjohn]

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

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