Jam Night - What bass should I bring?

[NKBassman]

P4 unless its too nice to take out.... if so, then I'd go JMJ

The only one I'm concerned with bringing to the bar is the Dingwall. The more dinged up and worn out the P gets, the better. I've been playing that bass for years now, and the thin nitro finish has a few nice chips and dings in it already.

 

[sloppy_phil]

Unless this band goes *full* Can-con, and plays a bunch of Rush, I see no reason, based on the tune list you mentioned, to bring anything besides the JMJ, or maybe the P.

I've got super acidic sweat, I think, and go through new strings like nothing! So, if it were me, I wouldn't "waste" them on songs which don't even really need that sound, and would leave the Lyte and Geddy out of contention for this jam

 

[Killing Floor]

Didn’t see Mothman on the poll.

 

[NKBassman]

Didn’t see Mothman on the poll.

I'm not worthy.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I'd bring the Dingwall. EDIT: Thought again, play whatever you're most comfortable on.

 

[JRA]

i voted for "lyte" just because it's lightweight, a PJ, has rounds, and they're great axes --- just for fun!

since you didn't have a fretless option in the poll = i found it quite narrow and restrictive!

hey, @NKBassman, no matter the ax: have fun at the jam...break a leg!

 

[Jason Bonilla]

bring on the 'tude with the Yamaha Attitude! The classic tone you know and love, with a rock and roll twist! Yamaha Attitude, bring on the 'tude!
rock and roll attitude, leather jacket, and shades, acquired separately

 

[NKBassman]

rock and roll attitude, leather jacket, and shades, acquired separately

Sub denim for leather north of the 49.

 

[nickpc]

I voted for the P4, but I would only say No to the Dingwall. That bass could end up being a bit intimidating to others who may end up on the stage with you and throw them off in the process.

 

[roccobass]

To jam sessions, especially at a bar, I usually pick the one that you’re not afraid to get nicked. My hard won experience is what I come from. You can always adjust tone on the bass and amp. Sounds like it’ll be fun.

 

[NKBassman]

I voted for the P4, but I would only say No to the Dingwall. That bass could end up being a bit intimidating to others who may end up on the stage with you and throw them off in the process.

Given how crummy the backline amp is, I don't think there's much point bringing a 5-string anyway.

 

[NKBassman]

no matter the ax: have fun at the jam...break a leg!

At the end of the day, this is the only answer that matters.

 

[2thAche]

Fender Lyte Deluxe is a PJ? PJ with rounds can do anything.

 

[NKBassman]

Fender Lyte Deluxe is a PJ? PJ with rounds can do anything.

P and double-jazz humbucker in the bridge.
Link Removed

 

[CallMeAl]

P and double-jazz humbucker in the bridge.
Link Removed

I was gonna say Lyte “cuz it’s a PJ”… but that’s even better!

 

[bigdaddybass12]

I don't think anyone else will be playing my instrument since I'm not hosting all night (just dropping in myself), but if they want to slap any of my basses around for a few tunes (except the Dingwall), I wouldn't mind. My basses are all meant to be played.

That is good, we had a gig that was part gig, part open mic & jam. My bass was either in my hands or in the case. We had a few toasted people wanting to play. They could barely walk on stage.

 

[Bob_Ross]

Note that I'm hesitant to bring the Dingwall to the bar when I can't keep it safely on stage all night.

Makes sense. My first thoughts when I read your description of the venue were
- don't bring a bass that you'll need to pamper or babysit or worry about
- don't bring a bass that you wouldn't want other people to play
- bring the most unremarkable instrument you own that still gets the job done
- assuming it already meets those first three criteria, bring a passive instrument

Given all that, I voted for your Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Bass w/ roundwound strings

 

[NKBassman]

Makes sense. My first thoughts when I read your description of the venue were
- don't bring a bass that you'll need to pamper or babysit or worry about
- don't bring a bass that you wouldn't want other people to play
- bring the most unremarkable instrument you own that still gets the job done
- assuming it already meets those first three criteria, bring a passive instrument

Given all that, I voted for your Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Bass w/ roundwound strings

While I would hate to lose any of them, the Dingwall would sting far more than anything else I own. "Unremarkable" though... not necessarily a priority (unless you're talking about stuff being more enticing to steal). The lead singer in the host band plays a legit 70s Les Paul every week that sounds and looks amazing.

The last few times I've gone I had a real hard time hearing myself on stage with either my P4/flats or the Mustang. A zingy Jazz with rounds would probably be easier to hear on stage. However, I know the sound guy, and the mix through the mains will sound great no matter what.

 

[micguy]

Bring a fretless 6 string, un lined.

I'm sure you meant it, but forgot to add: multi scale. And is 6 really enough?

So, the answer is either bring something nobody else in their right mind would dare to play, or bring something that, when someone else succeeds in begging you to play your bass, you don't mind handing it to them. But still, you need to be able to play the heck out of whatever you bring.

 

[DJ Bebop]

I went with the P4 with flats as lately that has been my go to.