Is there demand for a "synth bass only" player in live bands?

[dnp41]

Hi Guys, I've been away for some time from the forum. The main reason is that I was having some issues with my neck that radiates out to my wrist and it has been hindering my ability to play the actual bass guitar. I've now come to the conclusion that it's just not wise to try to play bass in a band. I however would still like to play bass in a band. So here is my real question. Do you think I could land gigs as a "synth only" bass player. Not playing bass guitar, not taking on the full keyboard player job, but being a bass player with a synth bass. And off course I can bring an additional keyboard to add some minor things, but the main focus would be bass. Looking forward to hear some advice from this great community!

 

[JonathanPDX]

It would totally depend on the scene and what your goals are. If you want to make a living as a touring musician who can only do half of what a pro level keyboard player can, then probably not. If you want to jam on some tunes while drinking beer in some dude's garage then sure, there's always a band that needs someone to play the low notes.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Next time you see anad looking for a bassist, offer to audition, explain the issue. As long as the band isn't hung up on looks, no reason why you can't.

But the more keys you can cover the better. Turn your situation into an advantage. In the majority of rock tunes (other than heavy prog, or piano based bands like Billy Joel), keyboards are not the lead instruments.

 

[el murdoque]

The day I saw Okilly Dokilly, I wanted to buy an Arturia Mini Brute and do synth bass with keys.

 

[carsonchilders]

Make your own gigs man, sounds like you have the opportunity to make something original on your own terms.

 

[Pings Bass]

IME seeing bands where the keyboardist covers bass, it's unsatisfying. But that's often because the keyboardist is trying to do too much and neglecting the bass. Dedicated key bass can certainly work, especially in a modern pop context, but seems like a tough sell in rock. Just my $.02 worth.

 

[fishdreams]

One of the best shows ive ever seen in my life was the Bootsy Collins band, with Bootsy on bass guitar handling the (often heavily distorted) low mid range, and Bernie Worrell on keys handling the low end.

So in your case id' look into that kind 80s George Clinton influenced acts who do this right - and need this done right- : which spans old (think Funking for Jamaica/Tom Browne) to modern fusion (think Thundercat) to all of hiphop and every type of post 80s r&b in between - and as that type of specialist keyboard player you might really be onto something.

Good luck!

 

[dnp41]

One of the best shows ive ever seen in my life was the Bootsy Collins band, with Bootsy on bass guitar handling the (often heavily distorted) low mid range, and Bernie Worrell on keys handling the low end.

So in your case id' look into that kind 80s George Clinton influenced acts who do this right - and need this done right- : which spans old (think Funking for Jamaica/Tom Browne) to modern fusion (think Thundercat) to all of hiphop and every type of post 80s r&b in between - and as that type of specialist keyboard player you might really be onto something.

Good luck!

Great suggestion. Yeah EUB is something I still want to try and see if that could work. I played some upright before and really liked it

 

[buldog5151bass]

Some of the best "bass" playing I've ever heard was by Joey Difrancesco, an amazing organ player. Listen to a few of his recordings. It likely will make you feel inadequate.

 

[Michedelic]

Hi Guys, I've been away for some time from the forum. The main reason is that I was having some issues with my neck that radiates out to my wrist and it has been hindering my ability to play the actual bass guitar. I've now come to the conclusion that it's just not wise to try to play bass in a band. I however would still like to play bass in a band. So here is my real question. Do you think I could land gigs as a "synth only" bass player. Not playing bass guitar, not taking on the full keyboard player job, but being a bass player with a synth bass. And off course I can bring an additional keyboard to add some minor things, but the main focus would be bass. Looking forward to hear some advice from this great community!

Find a Kraftwerk, Human League, or Depeche Mode tribute band.

OK, I kid, but I’ve seen listings for the last example. As mentioned, the style of music is what’s going to determine your gig. Classic synth pop might be a way to go, or some of the current mainstream pop/non-rock, if you can tolerate it. Or else find some experimental band wanting to do a modern take on that sort of thing. What’s your comfort zone?
There was a time when I split my efforts between bass guitar and synth bass, but it was back in the day when it was all fresh, Ultravox, New Order, and Numan were happening, let alone Parliament’s “Flashlight” and the Gap Band.

 

[HolmeBass]

The Doors and Soul Live both used exclusively key bass, admittedly for recording the doors often added electric bass but live it was always keys.

This can definitely work.

 

[mambo4]

find a band that covers 80s synth pop, or EDM or dubstep etc
seek music where the keyboard "bass" part is not replacing a bass guitar
but is actually the "original bass line"

and, if you go that route, start learning how synths work.
Know your square wave from your triangle wave, your VCO from your LFO, etc.

 

[W_R]

It’s possible and feasible, but it’s atypical. I do support your idea.

You will (1) be subject to perception and need prospective band members willing to give it a try, and (2) likely have the burden of showing that you can make it work, quality wise.

Check out what’s happening here, keyboard handling the bass back in the day, i.e. I believe the bass is synth on the album.


But more recently playing it live on a bass guitar


Acknowledging the nerve and pain issues, are there some bass guitar parts that don’t cause a problem? I.e. is it possible to play some bass guitar, and approach it as having both bass guitar and synth bass options available?

Not to ignore the medical problem, but it might do a few things for you… introduce you as “bass player” regardless of the instrument, give you more options including an electronic music sound aspect, and keep you in touch with bass guitar perspective to shape your synth approach.

One more item, maybe helpful vs the pain if it’s better/worse in one hand. Regular synth, bass = left hand. Bass synth and keytar seem easier to involve the right hand for bass synth.

I think it sounds fun to work on this. I picked up a keytar for other reasons, but would certainly play bass parts on it wherever it might be a good solution. Good luck.

 

[Michedelic]

Some of the best "bass" playing I've ever heard was by Joey Difrancesco, an amazing organ player. Listen to a few of his recordings. It likely will make you feel inadequate.

All of that sort of thing comes from Jimmy Smith, using his feet, but I did see Joey(RIP)performing at NAMM one year.
However, currently this girl is mind blowing…

 

[erratick]

Saw Cornelius and his bass player was on Moog and electric bass.

So now I do it too. Depends on the band though. Some just want electric bass, some want both, some just want moog.

It's definitely an acquired taste and depends on genre.

 

[pbass2]

Depending on genre, absolutely, go for it.

 

[pb9717]

I saw Steve Miller recently on Austin City limits. No bass player. Keyboard is covering it. I was saddened actually.

 

[mpdd]

noise pop, stoner doom, space rock, and goth industrial would be just peachy with a keyboard handling the fuzzy sub bass

 

[iqi616]

IME seeing bands where the keyboardist covers bass, it's unsatisfying. But that's often because the keyboardist is trying to do too much and neglecting the bass. Dedicated key bass can certainly work, especially in a modern pop context, but seems like a tough sell in rock. Just my $.02 worth.

I think it depends on whether the keyboardist knows how to play bass; some keyboardists I've played with only understood the harmonic side of playing bass and hadn't a clue about the rhythmic function of bass. And it helps if they interact with the band and audience rather than just standing there like a lemon.

 

[Michedelic]

I saw Steve Miller recently on Austin City limits. No bass player. Keyboard is covering it. I was saddened actually.

A latter day version of John Kay and Steppenwolf was doing that sort of thing. But it’s always been around. As I mentioned earlier, Jimmy Smith was the inspiration for jazz and a subset of rock players like Steve Winwood and Lee Michaels for the footpedals, and besides the Captain Obvious example of Ray Manzarek(for left hand technique), the keys person back in the day who I was most impressed with was Pete Solley with Terry Reid. Plus, the concept and execution of bass synthesizer specifically dates back to the 60’s.