Joining a band via Craigslist...is it worth it?

[Gaolee]

I have done OK with Craigslist. Take the good with the bad. For what it's worth, I can't slap or tap much at all. I can do the rockabilly slap thing on the upright, but my Larry Graham impersonation is completely unconvincing. Craigslist doesn't seem to mind.

 

[Misfit Wookiee]

I auditioned for a few different bands that I found through Craigslist and eventually found a drummer and guitar/vox in need of a melodic bassist to complete their power trio. The drummer placed the ad, and him and I clicked on the friendship AND musical level. Now he lives across the street from me and we're working on another project outside of our trio.

Like most people say, definitely give it a shot. If security's your issue, bring someone imposing and/or tough as a "roadie". I look pretty close to my avatar pic, so security wasn't an issue, even with the death metal band I tried out for. No cannibalistic moves made towards me.

And L.A. had Bam Magazine, I remember we had Radioactive for a short while. Still kicking myself for not trying out when I saw the Fear Factory ad in it...

 

[Jeff Elkins]

The one time I answered an ad in my old hometown I ended up in a great (IMO) originals band. Two years, small tours, an ep and an album. Proud of them, proud of my work with them. Lead singer & guitarist got married, then pg, and decided to settle down near his folks, across the state. We're all still friends.
New town, spent a couple of years in the scene, played (and am playing) with great musicians, but couldn't quite find my musical home. Posted an ad with a very specific description of what I was hoping to find--got a NUMBER of responses that were musically diametrically the opposite of my post. Turned them down. Got trolled by one of the bands... "This guy just doesn't want to play... Bass players ought to be willing to do what's necessary if they want a gig..." Yadda.
Haven't given up on CL, though. Have an audition on Friday for what looks like a perfect opportunity. Guitarist/BL sent all the right signals in his emails; we shared songlists; their sets are just enough challenge for me and seem to balance good music with what the crowd wants... Neither of us were afraid to use real names, share video and audio files, etc.
It's not my dream band (no horns! and not as funky as I was hoping to dig into), but I know my chops, and I think we're a good match. I'll work on the horns angle down the road...

TL;DR - take the chance.

 

[samson3382]

I've had a running ad all summer, and would occasionally browse others. Had never really tried before that. I have always played with close friends and family, or with those I met normally. Had a few encounters that didn't work out. Couple weeks ago I hop on and search specifically bass. Sent out a quick "still looking?" To a few older ads, and got a response from a very talented blues Americana group looking for upright. Their ad expired the next day, (I asked). Seems it was fate. I'm really excited about it, the songwriting is top notch. Our first gig is the 14th.