Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
P bass..professional instrument?
- Thread starter bass71
- Start date
The P bass is most definitely a "Pro" instrument, when in a "Pro" players hands. For me "Pro" means that the money you make as a musician is paying for your mortgage.
Yes Steve Harris of Iron Maiden has been playing P-Basses forever and a day. There was a brief stint with an Ibanez as his second, but he's an avid P guy with a signature model.
The reason the theater bass player had a more modern bass, is because of the set list. Theater is a whole different ball game from your average bar band gig. Versatility is the name of the game, and although the P can get a few different tones based on how and where you play it, the modern bass is simply more flexible. Theater musicians don't get the luxury of playing only one style, they have to jump from blues, to swing, to choral and orchestral stuff, often withing only a few moments, without time for gear changes. I think this is simply just a case of context.
Yes Steve Harris of Iron Maiden has been playing P-Basses forever and a day. There was a brief stint with an Ibanez as his second, but he's an avid P guy with a signature model.
The reason the theater bass player had a more modern bass, is because of the set list. Theater is a whole different ball game from your average bar band gig. Versatility is the name of the game, and although the P can get a few different tones based on how and where you play it, the modern bass is simply more flexible. Theater musicians don't get the luxury of playing only one style, they have to jump from blues, to swing, to choral and orchestral stuff, often withing only a few moments, without time for gear changes. I think this is simply just a case of context.
Wow, your definition of pro is even more limited than the OP. I know lots of guys where music is their only source of income, yet by that definition they are not pros
In fact, taking it further, I am not a professional programmer: I already paid off my mortgage
Nikon FM......oh the memories!!
I would equate the P Bass more with the F2AS with the MD-11 Motor Drive......or maybe the D-90
Buster Brown said:Nikon FM......oh the memories!!
I would equate the P Bass more with the F2AS with the MD-11 Motor Drive......or maybe the D-90
I started out with a Pentax K-1000. Remember those? I think there's a case for that being the P Bass.
Nikon FM......oh the memories!!
I would equate the P Bass more with the F2AS with the MD-11 Motor Drive......or maybe the D-90
I had a Nikon FA. When it was 15 years old, I sold it for more than I paid for it.
I wouldnt be surprised if P basses where not as common in orchestra pits. Simply cause most of those are probably wanting a somew3hat more modern sound, including active bass approach. Doesnt make P basses non pro. Just not so commonly wanted sound for the music being done. Of course theirs exceptions in caberet type shows. Examples including Dimmu Borgir and their bass players P pup and neck set with active eq warlock bass. But thats probably not the type of caberet show he's been attending. Lol.
Well obviously the P bass is a very serious professional instrument, but it depends on the music played. For example, I think I've almost never seen a p bass played in those countless gospel groove videos on youtube; that scene seems to be saturated with active 5's and 6's, and that's cool. But on the other hand, I've never seen and indie rock band bassist flying onstage with a huge 6 string in his hands 
