How have you changed as a bass player?

[basslayer]

I used to play drop tuned metal and now I play reggae, so I play the 1 way less. I play with a much softer touch. I play way slower. My gear is way better. I incorporate multiple theories into my playing. I know there is more than 1 theory of music. I have a use for effects. I have played solo gigs.

 

[Knavery]

I'm still on the same plateau I was 10 years ago. I can play a lot faster now, but that's about it. I've tried learning theory, but none of it stuck. I should have gotten a teacher years ago, but at 50 I'm not sure it's worth it. I'm not in a band and it's more of a hobby. But still, I'd like to get gud before I die.

 

[Kael]

Lighter touch.
Less enamored of boutique gear (solid pro level is preferable)
Lighter touch.
Listen more and serve the song on stage not the idea in my head.
Lighter touch.
I care far less about the popularity contest aspects of the biz than I once did.
Lighter touch.
Smaller amps and quieter stage volumes despite turning up my amp louder than I used to due to...
...lighter touch.

 

[bigdaddybass12]

Me?
I am in the over 60 group. Improved yes. A little wiser ? Yes
Gigs?
1 or 2 times per month
Equipment?
Bass:
As long as it stays in tune & sounds really good it’s fine. Right now I don’t have a nice bass, will get one especially if I pick up another gig
Amp:
I am good, Lightweight small gig stuff & rumble 100 practice amp
Playing:
I am still more of a root style player. Play kinda close to the cover, maybe simplified a little
Still don’t practice as much as I need to.
Still miss a note or two.
But I have fun

 

[tb-player]

Lighter touch.
Less enamored of boutique gear (solid pro level is preferable)
Lighter touch.
Listen more and serve the song on stage not the idea in my head.
Lighter touch.
I care far less about the popularity contest aspects of the biz than I once did.
Lighter touch.
Smaller amps and quieter stage volumes despite turning up my amp louder than I used to due to...
...lighter touch.

Yes! The touch thing is huge. Can't believe I forgot that. One of the biggest changes for me is that I learned how to setup a bass & more importantly, ho I like a bass setup. Mine requires a much lighter touch. It creates room for dynamics and it's way more comfortable for long gigs too.

 

[Shindig]

Lots of great comments.
I started bass at 14 in 1963. Over 50 years later I'm still playing - got a gig this Friday.
A lighter touch was needed as my hands grew older. The newer lighter gear is great.
Grooving with a good band is a feeling that's hard to describe but you feel it, and so does the band and the crowd. You can't buy that feeling. You have to earn it. But it's like nothing else.
I feel so fortunate and lucky that I can still do this.

 

[Hypercaffium]

I changed so much than I switched to drums.

 

[LHbassist]

I believe the question actually is- "How have you changed as a Human Being?"

Why? Because you are not the same person that you were when you started playing the bass. I started in 1967. You are not the same musician you were then, either. A LOT has changed. The World we live in is vastly different. In some ways, a lot better..sadly and tragically, now all overshadowed by the evil and the ominous times we live in now. Society is, for the most part, reflected in the Art it produces. Some observations, from memory, of course. Forgive the stupidity of them, when you are 15- 16, your 'other' head does a lot of your thinking for you. This is NOT a political rant- but you will also change many of your political beliefs as you age.

1. The desire to do something that attracts girls, money, and some modicum of fame and fortune, is a powerful incentive to learn to play an instrument. You also really dig that instrument, for many reasons. The sound, look, and place in music.
2. People need to have SOMETHING important, and fulfilling to DO. Working a day job in a dungeon warehouse, or at some tech job where you make six figures, but hate your life, is not either. We need a purpose to our existence. Making music, and sharing it- is one of the most rewarding, fulfilling, and timeless Human endeavors.
3. What you think is important at 18, is not what is important at 70. I know more doctors than bandleaders now.
4. Chasing women, stardom, money, and the stupid crap your ego drives you to, will waste countless hours of your precious limited time in life.
5. Being 'better' than other musicians, is insane folly. There is really no such thing. Is Charles Berthoud 'better' than Anthony Jackson? Stop trying to prove your genius to everyone in the room... it's like trying to teach a pig to sing- it wastes your time, and pisses off the pig. If you play, and enjoy it- regardless of your level and chops- be glad you have been blessed with that. Many do not have that ability.
6. Playing with people who treat you badly, because they are great musicians, or they keep you working, is something that will fry your brain in time. NEVER take crap from anyone. This is not the military, it's music. Quit those scumbags while you can.
Play with people that actually like you, and treat you with respect.

When I started, even the most innovative bass players like Entwistle, McCartney, Joe Osborn, Glen Cornick, Chris Squire, and of course, many more- still were playing bass in the 'traditional' sense, all in bands, or on session recordings. Today, players like Berthoud, and others have made themselves You Tube/ social media stars, never showcasing their ensemble abilities- just using the bass as a stand alone solo instrument, as if it were a piano. Times, and players, and technology, have changed. Radically, from the 60's to now.
The technology- is amazing now. Wide 6's, fanned frets, preamps.. man.. a lot is different. My first amp, was a 30 watt Supro Thunderbolt. Sounded awful for bass. Then, an Ampeg BT-15C, about 150 pounds, and I loved it... I WAS strong enough to move it anywhere. Next was a'69 SVT.. same thing, but now- I own light weight neo cabs, and ' Class 'D' 'switching' heads.
In addition, before my involuntary semi-retirement, most of the gigs I was playing, were in-ears.
About ten years ago- I had, and still sometimes have, a huge issue with 'soundmen' that use the ridiculous power of subwoofers to prioritize what THEY believe is the real important bass in bands- the bass DRUM. So, I have come to these conclusions, as of my 70th. year here, and 55 years playing bass. Some are unpleasant to hear, but this is the reality of this petty and cold business. Making music will never change. The business has. Life has taught me that the only thing I can control, is my own belief system, and behavior. We have no real power other than that. The fact is, that's a lot of power.

No one really gives a damn about your 'sound,' or your 'tone.' You just need to be a body onstage, that plays the changes and looks the part. They don't care if you bring a Hartke combo, an SVT, or a high dollar Glockenklang or Mesa Subway rig- if the singer doesn't like your hair, or your face- or who you vote for, you'll be told to turn it down, or you'll be replaced with a woman with big boobs, who took up the bass three years ago. Don't think so? I KNOW this to be true.
Your chances nowadays of actually earning a living playing bass- are even less than in my day, and it wasn't exactly a lucrative career then.

So, is this 'bitter?" Nope it's just true. I'm not resentful, I'm grateful. I still love playing bass. I am waiting for my newest bass to arrive- a Sire V7 lefty. I have one, and dig it so much, I ordered another. I have one weekend gig this month. Not enough. But one gig is better than none. I practice frequently. Always trying new strings, pickups, preamps... and am as into it as I was more than a half-Century ago. I just really don't care about the music business anymore. Never forget this:
Music Business, is an oxymoron.

 

[sheltjo6]

I've been playing bass since 1989. Over the years I've changed as a bassist and musician. But I've also stayed the same. Here's an off-the-top-of-my-head list. I'm curious how many of you can relate or even add to these...

- My skills have improved
- I own better gear
- I have better ability to lock-in
- I play less on a song
- I don't 'gig' as much
- I like to practice now more than I used to
- I still don't practice as much as I'd like
- I have less time to play and practice
- I now enjoy the hang as much as the playing
- I'm definitely more enamored by gear
- I can definitely afford better gear
- I definitely don't need more gear
- Deep down I still somehow believe I can 'make it'
- I don't enjoy playing out like I used to
- When I do play out, it's still a rush
- I'm much more comfortable in the studio
- I still feel like I need to get better at sight-reading
- I no longer find my fulfillment in playing music
- I still enjoy making music
- I have a better sense of what a song needs
- I have less desire to fix other musicians
- I still don't understand those fast walking jazz basslines
- I appreciate drummers more than I used to

I'm sure there are plenty more. Please share yours and I'll steal a few.

I've learned to appreciate other music genres: Classical, Jazz, Soul, R&B, Blues, etc.... I've expanded my musical palatte beyond hard rock and heavy metal.
I've learned that the tone that fits in the mix, doesn't always sound good on its own. Mid-frequencies are key to being heard in the mix.
I still struggle with syncopated bass lines. I guess I'll never play like Rocco or Jaco.
I would rather play a walking jazz bass line than slap n pop. I suck at slapping.

Deep down inside, I still dream of being a guitarist shredding like Eddie Van Halen.

 

[klejst]

I've tried more bass models by different manufacturers/builders, however always been faithful to my Fender Precision's. Overtime my rig improved, got large and now has gone down in size a lot. I've gone from an 810 cab at one time down to a 410 and now a 210 (cannot stop the age clock). My playing has gotten better and my stamina as well over the years. I have not changed a lot per say, but I have embraced most changes I have done.

 

[Richard Lindsey]

Changes? Hmmm ... well, after 50+ years playing bass, I feel confident in saying that I'm a substantially better player--and, FAR more important, overall musician--than I was when I first *thought* (rather overoptimistically) that I was pretty good. Better time, better technique, better adaptability, better ears, better reading, and better understanding overall.

Understand, I'm not saying this in relation to the titans of the bass world, like I think I'm oh-so-great or anything. I'm pretty aware of my limitations. No, I'm just saying it in relation to where I was when I first picked up a bass as a young guitarist in high school--basically because my buddy already had the guitar chair in the school stage band and nobody else wanted to or could play the bass parts. Progress is relative, and looking back to where I started, I can say I've made quite a bit of relative progress. That makes me happy. And I'm currently playing a lot of challenging music that I love (Brazilian jazz), which makes me even happier.

I also have better, smaller, and LIGHTER gear now, which makes my 66-year-old back and knees very happy!

EDIT: Oh yeah, a fairly big change I almost forgot about, I guess because it was a while ago: in the early '90s, I went from 4-string to 6-string (without passing through 5-string) and have stayed there ever since. I haven't owned a 4-string since 1996 or so.

 

[bassdude51]

After trying out and owning Jazz Basses, Stingrays, Ken Smith, PJs, Custom Shops, active basses, 5 strings and new pristine basses............at age 71, I've finally settled into the good old simple "tried and true" Precision Bass, both split coil and single coil models.

I don't like new and spiffy bass guitars anymore. Used ones for me. Rude and crude.

Have gone from pick to two finger plucking and now single index does 95% of the work.

Now, flats and only flats (TIs). Rounds, no more.

"Duck" Dunn is still my #1 bass hero. That's not changed.

It's taken me too damn long to figure out that simple is best in all aspects of life including bass.

A slow learner but at least I've learned.

Bass will always be "king" for me!

 

[Sparkl]

I've been playing bass since 1989. Over the years I've changed as a bassist and musician. But I've also stayed the same. Here's an off-the-top-of-my-head list. I'm curious how many of you can relate or even add to these...

- My skills have improved
- I own better gear
- I have better ability to lock-in
- I play less on a song
- I don't 'gig' as much
- I like to practice now more than I used to
- I still don't practice as much as I'd like
- I have less time to play and practice
- I now enjoy the hang as much as the playing
- I'm definitely more enamored by gear
- I can definitely afford better gear
- I definitely don't need more gear
- Deep down I still somehow believe I can 'make it'
- I don't enjoy playing out like I used to
- When I do play out, it's still a rush
- I'm much more comfortable in the studio
- I still feel like I need to get better at sight-reading
- I no longer find my fulfillment in playing music
- I still enjoy making music
- I have a better sense of what a song needs
- I have less desire to fix other musicians
- I still don't understand those fast walking jazz basslines
- I appreciate drummers more than I used to

I'm sure there are plenty more. Please share yours and I'll steal a few.

Over time, as I grew up, I grew a beard.

 

[bassfootballguy]

I’ve been playing 40 years and I’ve gone full circle, so to speak.
I started with passive basses and then fell for active circuit, 5 string super basses. While I remain impressed with them and some I’d love to have back, I went back to passive four string basses because the music dictated it.
Plus, I really discovered how much I really enjoy that tonal spectrum with my own ears and how well it fills the cavities in the music I play.
Amp wise, I went from solid state, boat anchor combos to lightweight cabs with a mix of different heads - mostly high-power, higher end stuff.
It’s a good time to be a bass player.

bfg

 

[neddyrow]

Love the OPs list @tb-player !!

I would only have added that my touch and a better sense of dynamics over time

I too am playing less gigs. Still playing but on better stages for decent money.

I also have chosen to play with people who I can work with over the super talented or a person or band that can, "take me to the next level"

 

[TerribleTim68]

Well, I used to be young, cool looking, fit and played in a band where we had shows almost every other weekend.

Now, I'm old, kinda fat and no longer play in a band. But I own way more gear than I ever did.

 

[PennyroyalWe]

I used to think I needed to be “the best”, now I’m perfectly ok with being “good enough”. Other bassists that are better than me no longer make me feel like a lesser person, they just get better gigs and that’s ok. I barely have the time for the gigs I do play.

 

[mambo4]

hmmm since '89:
- the single greatest difference: improved my rhythm by learning to read notation
- abandoned perfect tone for consistently good tone
- prioritized musical fundamentals over equipment
- as a result of the previous 2, found a bass and rig I'm 100% satisfied with, no more GAS ing
- moved the tonal versatility from gear / pedals / amp channels to my fingers
- moved my attention from execution of parts to listening and responding

 

[Shelly]

Wow, great question...

1. I don't participate on TB anymore, but I feel compelled to start again
2. I don't buy nearly as many basses as I used to, probably due to #1.
3. Having said that, I used to be a stone-J fan. I have since REALLY seen (and heard) the value of P-basses and will add a Fender P-bass V soon.
4. I don't slap nearly as much as I used to.
5. Piano lessons have really opened up how I respond to chord changes while playing bass.
6. I won't even consider heavy basses or amps, I don't care how nice they sound. My 50+ back is worth it.

 

[Bass Dood]

I'm still on the same plateau I was 10 years ago. I can play a lot faster now, but that's about it. I've tried learning theory, but none of it stuck. I should have gotten a teacher years ago, but at 50 I'm not sure it's worth it. I'm not in a band and it's more of a hobby. But still, I'd like to get gud before I die.

You're only 50!!!! Of course it's worth it! I'm 68 and since I retired 5 years ago I've been taking lessons in person and online, playing at local blues and bluegrass jams, and getting a lot better that when I got my first bass 28 years ago. Do it!