Always a good place to start
. I just repaired the output jack on the Geddy Lee, and so now they're all in tip top working order as far as I know.
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Jam Night - What bass should I bring?
- Thread starter NKBassman
- Start date
. I just repaired the output jack on the Geddy Lee, and so now they're all in tip top working order as far as I know.
The Geddy Jazz, for sure. Easy to roll off the tone if needed, will cover whatever, and in general I like J-basses much more than P-basses. But that's me.
FWIW, I'm a regular at a standing monthly jam session, but it's more organized - there is a set list sent out ahead of time, players sign up for specific tunes, etc. I typically have 6-8 tunes to play. One of the things I like about it is that each month the theme change (August was Americana/Roots, September is '90s-'00s Pop-Punk, etc.), so I get to rotate through basses depending on the theme/material. Last month was my '90 Peavey with flats, this month is my Modulus Q5 (because I need a 5er for half of my tunes). Fun stuff.
FWIW, I'm a regular at a standing monthly jam session, but it's more organized - there is a set list sent out ahead of time, players sign up for specific tunes, etc. I typically have 6-8 tunes to play. One of the things I like about it is that each month the theme change (August was Americana/Roots, September is '90s-'00s Pop-Punk, etc.), so I get to rotate through basses depending on the theme/material. Last month was my '90 Peavey with flats, this month is my Modulus Q5 (because I need a 5er for half of my tunes). Fun stuff.
That does sound like fun. Is it an invite-only event, or are there drop ins?
This is just an open jam night at a bar, so literally anyone can come in off the street and sign up. Sometimes good, sometimes very. very. not good.
For the summer, since it's been busier, they've done away with the truly open signup list and the host just vetts/knows who to pick out of the crowd to keep the vibe in proper order and the dance floor full.
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Other than the Dingwall and the JMJ, my two newest acquisitions, they have all been through the ringer already to some extent.
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It's a 'Meetup' group, organized by a buddy of mine. He puts out a set list, folks submit their choices, we all get a spreadsheet with our assigned tunes 7-10 days before the jam. It's a rented space so not bar crowd to entertain, but it usually draws 30-35 musicians and another 10-15 friends/spouses/+1s. Generally a mix of 60-70% regulars like me and 30-40% new or first-timers. He makes it clear it's for intermediate/advanced/pro-level players, so no complete noobs playing in front of people for the first time. It's for sure a bit of work on his part organizing, but it's a blast to play most times. It works remarkably well, many instances of it 'sounding like a real band'.
There is a definite lack of Hello Kitty brand instruments in my roster.
I'd take the one with flats, just to see the initial expression from a borrower that's never played them before!
It sounds like a lot of fun, and you've already got a good idea of what the folks' capabilities are. You'll know they have at least a half a clue when you hand one of your prize possessions to them.
Actually, with the known caliber of folks there, I'd take my main gigging bass and favorite, an L2000 with flats. Hipshot double drop tuner, you never know when DADG or CADG might come in handy.
It sounds like a lot of fun, and you've already got a good idea of what the folks' capabilities are. You'll know they have at least a half a clue when you hand one of your prize possessions to them.
Actually, with the known caliber of folks there, I'd take my main gigging bass and favorite, an L2000 with flats. Hipshot double drop tuner, you never know when DADG or CADG might come in handy.
Before I switched to TI flats, I had GHS Precision Flats on my P4, which were like bridge cables compared to the TIs. I had that bass at a jam (same jam, different bar) one time and the one other player who came up to use it said to me after "wow what strings are those?! Don't you get blisters?!" I laughed and just said "yes I do!". The TIs that are on it now are much easier on the hands by comparison.
My P4 also has a drop tuner, which is definitely nice. I've always meant to get one for my Geddy too, but never pulled the trigger since I greatly prefer my P basses these days.
Take the Dingwall. At least you know nobody will ask to play it. 
I have certain basses I don't gig at bars just for the potential risk of loss. Sounds like you've made the right call.
I voted the JMJ because it's the smallest and lightest. Maybe I am feeling lazy. My second choice would be the P4. I don't think the music calls for new zingy rounds, and I certainly wouldn't bring anything fancy like the Dingwall. Let your playing do the talking, don't call attention to your gear (including so they don't want to steal it).
I have used and intend to always use my Dingwall as my #1 when it's my gig (and when it's appropriate for the sound), but in this scenario the benefit:risk just isn't there.
I've been running a set of these on my flats P bass...
It's an acquired tasted but it produces a glorious sound and really drives the pick ups. With a little foam you got your Jamerson, without you got your Duck Dunn, all the way to Bobby Watson "Rock Woth You" or a little Steve Harris, as he likes heavy flats as well.
I’ve Never used LaBellas. I really want to try the Dunlop flats, but at this point I'll have to buy another bass to put them on because I have no plans to monkey with my P with TIs.I've been running a set of these on my flats P bass...
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It's an acquired tasted but it produces a glorious sound and really drives the pick ups. With a little foam you got your Jamerson, without you got your Duck Dunn, all the way to Bobby Watson "Rock Woth You" or a little Steve Harris, as he likes heavy flats as well.
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I dig, I've played TIs on a friend's Tony Franklin a lot. Love those strings as well. I'm also thinking another P bass to run a set.
