How often do BL's request you use a particular bass?

[Bar Band Bassman]

Really just what the title says. I have a BL who is also a good friend (was a guest and played at his wedding, etc.) who I've worked with off and on in everything from duos to 8 piece horn bands for 40 years or more. I have played MANY different basses (and amp rigs) with him over the ensuing years with little or no comment from him. Recently we did a gig and I played my MTD Kingston LK 4. He specifically asked me to bring it to the next gig, which I did. Last Saturday we had another date and while I brough the MTD, I also brought my new to me Ric 4003, which I opted to play all night (it was my Xmas present to myself, after all). He mentioned the Ric "didn't sound too bad"! Talk about damning with faint praise! I think I'll play the MTD next time! I always bring a backup, though... Anyway, this is so uncommon in my experience that I wondered about others' experience.

BBB

 

[LowEndOperative]

The leader of a Beatles tribute band required me to play a Hofner. I understand why, of course, but I never liked playing them. I switched to my Ric 4003 as much as I could.

 

[pfschim]

Never had that happen in 5 decades of gigging. I have had a producer or 2 ask me to use a bass that they specifically wanted and provided, but beyond that, it's never happened to me. Now, FWIW, I play Fender Jazz basses, or at least FSO's, so maybe that's part of it in my case.

 

[el murdoque]

Really just what the title says. I have a BL who is also a good friend (was a guest and played at his wedding, etc.) who I've worked with off and on in everything from duos to 8 piece horn bands for 40 years or more. I have played MANY different basses (and amp rigs) with him over the ensuing years with little or no comment from him. Recently we did a gig and I played my MTD Kingston LK 4. He specifically asked me to bring it to the next gig, which I did. Last Saturday we had another date and while I brough the MTD, I also brought my new to me Ric 4003, which I opted to play all night (it was my Xmas present to myself, after all). He mentioned the Ric "didn't sound too bad"! Talk about damning with faint praise! I think I'll play the MTD next time! I always bring a backup, though... Anyway, this is so uncommon in my experience that I wondered about others' experience.

BBB

Well, that sounds like the MTD really struck home with that BL. I'd ask him what about the bass it is that he likes so much.

I've never been asked to bring a certain piece of gear, but I did own a Steinberger Paddle copy made by Washburn that everyone hated.
I actually saw on one small gig (we played for a bar opening) that the local press stayed for our first set where I played that paddle and they were just about to leave when the second set started. On the second set I played a beautiful, Luthier made coffee table bass because I needed a five string. The photographer swore audibly, unpacked the gear again and took more pics - the one that ended up in the local newspapers featured the coffee table, not the paddle.

And my P bass is seafoam green with a maple board. It is the only bass I ever bought where getting the right color was mandatory. People dig it a lot and sometimes comment that I should bring it more - but when I ask them what it is about this bass that they like so much the answer is always that they like the color.

 

[crazycloud]

Never happened.

 

[Petethebassman]

Here’s a similar story, sort of.. on gigs I mostly play a Fender Jazz Bass and the BL doesn’t really usually say anything about that - positive or negative. At the latest rehearsal for this week’s upcoming gig I brought the P-Bass just for a change and lo and behold, the BL and lead guitarist were very excited about the sound, saying I really should play it on the gig. The funny thing is, I used the P-Bass on the last gig too and nobody said anything, I don’t think they even noticed.

 

[Thumpin6string]

If I was told what bass or what gear to bring, my response would be. My bass, my gear.

 

[BassAgent]

Never. That being said, I really try to think which of my basses fit the gig best. Most BLs don't even know half of the basses I own so they can't pick one anyway.

 

[fretno]

Rics have a different voice and many have never heard them live. Use what makes the boss happy but it’s not the bass. If you want to use it then get them acclimated, fake a typical bass sound, roll off the treble and don’t go all Chris Squire on them just yet.

 

[pepj]

I think you need to be aware of what is sound appropriate.
I use FSO's but some don't quite work in the song.

Singles and a pre amp sometimes misses the mark, ime.

So, I'll record the track...and see how the sound sits.
Even if a Jazz type sounds like a Jazz..it might not be the one.
I have found this to be the case so I thinks is a fair call by the BL...but I would expect the bass player to be aware too.

But yep...you do hear some things and think why are they using that bass sound.. so why would not a BL with good ears hear that too...

 

[Kerem Koseoglu]

So far, BLs (and sound engineers) only commented when a certain bass sounded really good to them. I tend to follow the positive feedback, but I was never enforced to bring a certain instrument.

 

[danelectro42]

Never in my 30+ years of playing have I had this happen. I guess I am just lucky!

 

[JC BASS 91]

Never.

However, I have had the guitarist ask me NOT to use a specific bass. He doesn't like my Ric. I guess it cuts through TOO well and he thinks it sounds too loud.

Unfortunately for him, he doesn't get to make that decision. I will add, though, that now that we have someone running sound, he isn't going to hear it near as much.

 

[Slevage]

The leader of a Beatles tribute band required me to play a Hofner. I understand why, of course, but I never liked playing them. I switched to my Ric 4003 as much as I could.

Lefty?

 

[Slevage]

Sometimes when I double I’m asked to play something with a bow. At that point I put the BG down.

 

[Krakmann]

Salud!

I was asked to play a Hofner style bass in a pop-folk band whose BL was a big Beatles fan. I told him no problem if he provided the bass. No bass was provided, so...

 

[bikeplate]

Never

 

[Tim Skaggs]

At least the BL of your band notices the bass / tone. I play in a band that doesn’t notice if my amp shuts down in mid-song.

I did play in a blues band years ago that the BL asked that I play a P-J style Peavey (Foundation S) and play it on the neck (P) pickup most of the time. It was obvious he wanted to solo over a PBass tone..

 

[buldog5151bass]

Not since college, in1984 or so.

 

[2strings2frets]

Really just what the title says. I have a BL who is also a good friend (was a guest and played at his wedding, etc.) who I've worked with off and on in everything from duos to 8 piece horn bands for 40 years or more. I have played MANY different basses (and amp rigs) with him over the ensuing years with little or no comment from him. Recently we did a gig and I played my MTD Kingston LK 4. He specifically asked me to bring it to the next gig, which I did. Last Saturday we had another date and while I brough the MTD, I also brought my new to me Ric 4003, which I opted to play all night (it was my Xmas present to myself, after all). He mentioned the Ric "didn't sound too bad"! Talk about damning with faint praise! I think I'll play the MTD next time! I always bring a backup, though... Anyway, this is so uncommon in my experience that I wondered about others' experience.

BBB

I have brought all of my seven basses to my regular church gig. My stuff is in the moderate price range, from three different manufacturers. I don’t use pedals only a DI. To my surprise, just this past Sunday I was told that my TMB-100 which is my lowest priced instrument was the best sounding,he had ever heard. Bring it again. Lots of variables here, the strings, the setup,the room,the sound system etc but this beater hit the sweet spot,go figure.