I don't play much bass , here there at best . That said I usually have a project im working on that is bass instrument related
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Poll | How many TBers don't actively play bass?
- Thread starter tb-player
- Start date
Playing only at a church is a bit of a hobby and not a real indication of what a bass playing experience can be. Typically you're playing 3-4 songs with similar chord structures. Not a lot of variety… unless it's a gospel situation, which can be extremely fulfilling.
Nothing wrong with playing at a church. I did it for most of my adult life. But in addition, I would encourage you to find another playing opportunity… something where the gigs are 2-4 hours and you're having to learn 30-40 songs. Not only will your chops improve, but your catalog will expand, making it easier to jam with other musicians, when invited. You'll be exposed to a wider variety of styles and some different musicians. It's a much better exposure to what playing bass is all about.
Gigging musician, Session player, I also own a small recording studio and do some bass repair and set-ups, I also custom build effects boards, set up sound systems for local clubs...sometimes run sound and lights for local clubs....etc. yada yada yada, blah blah blah...you get the picture I assume...
I have probably played my bass ~10 times in the last couple of years, but I just wrapped up a massive solo house renovation project and I'm lining up a session with a drummer in the coming weeks.
A little context: I recently posted about the fact that I may be hanging it up on bass. If I do, I will likely become one of the non-playing members around here (or maybe I won't. My phone keeps ringing for gigs, so who knows?). I was just curious to know how alone I would be here, if I went that route. Turns out, I'd be in good company.
Im not judging anyone for not being a player. Nor am I insinuating that they have less to offer. I'm trying to determine if I am becoming one of them. And if I am, I still have plenty to contribute.
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What about an option with how many TBers have a custom build coming, and don't gig?
My history is cyclical. I'll play gigs for a few years, burn out, then go into a studio mode for a few years. Miss the live experience and join a band again. Always making music, jamming with folks, recording, feeding tracks to the internet where generally 9-250 or so people will hear them. I also bounce between guitar and bass.
i wanna play live, there's nothing like it....either i move back to the city or settle for blues and jazz...I did both genres and got sick of it. Not too many places out here in the sticks to play. The only open-jam nights venue closed. At 60 i'm not sure i wanna hit the pavement for auditions when none exist round here.
I'm in the same situation right now and doing the same thing , feels like I lose months of practice and playtime every time I leave for a few weeks , thinking about getting a travel bass guitar setup to go in the plane/hotel with me.
I play only at home, but not by choice. I have been advertising to jam with other musicians for over 3 years at no avail. The few that have contacted me have mostly been flakes. I went and jammed with a band that was looking for a bass player and it was a great fit. At the second practice, the guitarist (an arrogant pr**k) got into it with the keyboard player and the band broke up. I'm still in touch with the keyboard player, but he can't find any others either.
I require myself to touch the instrument for at least an hour a day, even if it's just noodling. Ive had this same routine for about 8-9 years now. Usually 1 hour turns into 4, I love the bass! It really helps me express myself and unwind after a long day of dealing with the children we call blue collar workers.
I usually have a gig or so every month. Whether it be filling in for folks or recording people seem to really want me to play bass, and for the kid who was always picked last in gym class and bullied through school, it feels nice to be (even if somewhat moderately) in demand.
I usually have a gig or so every month. Whether it be filling in for folks or recording people seem to really want me to play bass, and for the kid who was always picked last in gym class and bullied through school, it feels nice to be (even if somewhat moderately) in demand.
Haha. That could be its own thread… custom ordering coffee table basses, but taking the Fender on gigs so the fancy ones don't get messed up.
Haha. That could be its own thread… custom ordering coffee table basses, but taking the Fender on gigs so the fancy ones don't get messed up.
Ha, yeah you're pretty good at getting some nice gear in.
I'm also in that camp waiting for my Cliff Bordwell. Will be my one and only custom though, looking forward to flying through some solos at home on that sweet 32" board with banjo frets.
I gave up gigging 15 years ago because I couldn't be bothered with other people. Not sure I'll ever have the bandwidth to do it again. We'll see.
I used to play, gigged a reasonable amount. Played at church for a bit, found that uninspiring. The Mrs. does not like me playing so I don't. Now I peruse talkbass and a few other sites while sitting in the living room pretending to be interested whatever she is watching on television. It keeps the peace.
