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First band; first practice. Which bass to take?

#41
Thespis said:
I'm a high school teacher and a group of us were asked to play at the beginning of the school talent show (we're not competing; somebody thought it would be fun.) We're playing Comfortably Numb.
This is my first "band" experience, so I'm wondering which bass to take with me. Here are my options:
1. Gretsch 2202 - My first choice. I love this bass and feel very comfortable with it.
2. Squier SS Jag - The closest thing I have to a P bass.
3. Ibanez Talman SS - I think this might have too much growl for the song we're playing.
4. 1967 Mustang Bass (all original) - definitely has the cool factor, but needs some work and buzzes in places.
Help me out here TB!
:)
Click to expand...


Take the first three!

Get the 'stang repaired.

You! Go prepared!
 
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#46
Thespis said:
I'm a high school teacher and a group of us were asked to play at the beginning of the school talent show (we're not competing; somebody thought it would be fun.) We're playing Comfortably Numb.
This is my first "band" experience, so I'm wondering which bass to take with me. Here are my options:
1. Gretsch 2202 - My first choice. I love this bass and feel very comfortable with it.
2. Squier SS Jag - The closest thing I have to a P bass.
3. Ibanez Talman SS - I think this might have too much growl for the song we're playing.
4. 1967 Mustang Bass (all original) - definitely has the cool factor, but needs some work and buzzes in places.
Help me out here TB!
:)
Click to expand...
Option 1! Why? Well just read what you "yourself" wrote about that particular bass! good luck, Rock out, have fun !!
 
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#47
The last time I bought a new bass and brought it to practice I figured I'd wait for the other guys to notice.

An hour goes by and nobody has said a thing. Finally, with about fifteen minutes left in the practice session, I started clearing my throat conspicuously. The drummer turned to me and said, "Hey, Sam ... are you getting a cold?" At that point, I got slightly annoyed, waved the new bass in the air and cried, "Anybody notice?"

Singer: "Is that a different bass?"
Guitarist: "That's not the same color as last time."
Saxophonist: "How much did that cost you?"

Once we started playing again, that's when everyone started remarking on how good it sounded. I guess mission accomplished, then.
 
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#50
Ill answer differently.For comfortably numb you need whichever of your basses has the most sustain. Flats aren't going to do it for this song
Thespis said:
I'm a high school teacher and a group of us were asked to play at the beginning of the school talent show (we're not competing;
somebody thought it would be fun.) We're playing Comfortably Numb.
This is my first "band" experience, so I'm wondering which bass to take with me. Here are my options:
1. Gretsch 2202 - My first choice. I love this bass and feel very comfortable with it.
2. Squier SS Jag - The closest thing I have to a P bass.
3. Ibanez Talman SS - I think this might have too much growl for the song we're playing.
4. 1967 Mustang Bass (all original) - definitely has the cool factor, but needs some work and buzzes in places.
Help me out here TB!
:)
Click to expand...

Ill answer differently: For comfortably numb you need whichever of your basses has the most sustain. Flats aren't going to do it (I know its just a HS show...).
 
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#51
My two bits of advice:
1. Bring the bass you're comfortable with and have played the song the most on.
2. Don't play musical basses at rehearsal until everyone is comfortable.

I've played with several people who always show up with new gear and never get any good at just playing the songs. Whenever I meet new band members I am careful not to give that same kind of impression. Now, Steve Bailey can show up to rehearsal with new stuff every week, but I'm not that good :D
 
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#53
Thespis said:
I'm a high school teacher and a group of us were asked to play at the beginning of the school talent show (we're not competing; somebody thought it would be fun.) We're playing Comfortably Numb.
This is my first "band" experience, so I'm wondering which bass to take with me. Here are my options:
1. Gretsch 2202 - My first choice. I love this bass and feel very comfortable with it.
2. Squier SS Jag - The closest thing I have to a P bass.
3. Ibanez Talman SS - I think this might have too much growl for the song we're playing.
4. 1967 Mustang Bass (all original) - definitely has the cool factor, but needs some work and buzzes in places.
Help me out here TB!
:)
Click to expand...
You didn't tell us the colors or post pics. How can we make such important decisions without knowing the insignificant details? Without that information, my suggestion is to take the short scale. :roflmao:
 
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#54
Nice pic of two nice basses. I hadn't noticed the first practice bit but, for a single song performance, I'd practise with what I intend to perform with so it still holds.
I was in similar sitch; the Year 11s last assembly where the students perform. Supportive audience, but not just a high school thing; no-one wants to look a tool. Anyhoo, the Head of Year had the idea for the Year 11 Teacher's band. How do your partners in crime feel? I and the guitarist were nonchalantly cool but the drummer and keyboardist (a few lessons between them) were terrified. Seeing as you're confident, take time to encourage the others if they need it.
I chose Born to be Wild for us and used my 5-string, koa-over-mahogany thru neck because I didn't give a dang about what was used on the original; I used it because I can play it on one of those astronaut-training devices if I have to and still knee-slide to the guitarist during the solo - which the kids thought hilarious (the knee-slide, I didn't bring the astronaut thing).
So, I'd go with the Gretsch. Also, the HS kid who plays bass will look and, seeing a Squier logo, assume that theatre teachers don't get paid (correct). Also, I wanted to downplay expectations by calling the band Steppen:poop: but the HoY vetoed it.
M0ses said:
I don't think I've ever heard anyone, even working pros, pull of an enjoyable version of that song.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
I don't know, these guys nailed it. Tough act to live up to

Thanks to the TBer that flagged this one in another thread.
 
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