Talkbass demographic check....

[DreadyDiggs]

I cast my vote as working - supplement a little. I pretty much begin that Saturday. My first paid gig, and the band normally plays every weekend.

I work for myself as a mechanic (a bass player mechanic has to be really careful with his hands lol). I can play bass for roughly 3 hours and that's $100 (for now). Tonight I have to change a thermostat in an Explorer and that'll probably net me about $100. That'll take what? An hour and a half?

I hope to play music more once people get wind of me, but cars are my first love and I would never want to stop turning wrenches to play bass full time. I'd rather do BOTH full time haha.

 

[Space Pickle]

I supplement my income significantly from music, but that's only because I make so little.

 

[Lee Moses]

Presently I fall under the Amateur umbrella, but I've been each one of those categories at some time or another in my life.

 

[Leadfoot]

I generally gig 2-3 times a month as that is all I have time for and feel like doing.

I guess that could be considered "working musician", but if I had to rely only on the money i was paid from gigs, I would be living on the street for sure!

That's me for sure! It pays for my gear and supplies.

 

[KevInDaBassment]

I'm definitely an aspiring musician, if I could pick anything to do for a living that would be it. I have a hard time finding other dedicated, professional-minded people in my area.

 

[Ric5]

I am a skilled player who doesn't gig much ... with a family and a career it is hard to find time to be in a bar.

 

[Mike N]

It was a toss up between hobbyist and other, but I went with other.

While I've been playing for 20 years I know no theory and can't read music. In fact, other than being able to learn a tune by ear I honestly don't have a clue what I'm doing.

I am a gear head first and foremost. If I never picked up a Bass again and/or never stepped foot on another stage I wouldn't be terribly disappointed. I'm only playing along in a studio project because it's something to do.

 

[pcake]

i was never a pro, but i used to get paid when i played. life got in the way (had to care for my elderly mother, and some serious family health problems), so right now i'm an enthusiastic player who's been playing bass since the '90s and guitar since the late '60s. recently things calmed down a bit, so may be looking for a band situation again.

 

[MrLenny1]

I have to add to Working Musician, supplement a little to my living.
Now, it's use to be a Working Musician since the scene has literally dried up
over the last 10 years.
I use to pay my taxes and heating bill with weekend gigging.
One paying gig, a blues jam in 2 years has been it.

 

[digmeout]

Former Working Musician - supplemented my living significantly from music. No longer gig.

 

[Basshappi]

I think we need another category - former pro. I played full time in the 70's and have played part-time ever since.

This.
I was a pro up until my late 20's making all or most of my income from playing bass. Since then I have considered myself a serious hobbiest still playing in bands, recording and performing but the income is low to nonexistant.

 

[crucislancer]

Currently in the hobbyist/years of experience category. Used to gig enough to supplement my income but not interested in that at the moment.

 

[Big Hoss]

As a hobby musician, with modern technology, and some knowledge, you don't have to make a penny making music to have band mates, or record. Just about anyone with basic music equipment, and some sort of basic audio interface to a computer can leap into recording now. it's the heart and soul of indie music... And is likely where a large percentage of us are.

I personally am employed full time in a professional field, and have music as a hobby, I have zero aspirations to making it big. I am in my mid 40s and overweight, the odds are majorly against me making it big... But that doesn't mean I can't make a contribution, and enjoy myself in the process...

Not sure how to vote in your poll though. I have been playing on and off for over a dozen years, but I consider my experience moderate at best...

 

[WorkingBassHero]

I make my living in music. Always did. Gigging and part time working as a recording studio assistant/drum programmer/bassist.

 

[johndough247]

Wasn't sure if you were referring to strictly playing bass to make money, but I voted "make my living in music". High School music teacher/band director by day, live/session bassist by night and private bass lessons + gigs/sessions on weekends.

 

[stevecaronna]

Music has always been my passion. I have been playing since I was 8. In my early 20's to my late 20's from bars to the road then Bourbon Street. Many of my friends have been there for many years. I had to get out and get a real job and now am about to retire. One thing stayed common, gigging as much as possible. I have been supplementing my income all my life from music and now it is better than ever. Current band getting better every time we get together. Started playing country music right out of high school then went on to rock and classic rock and now back at country which is really where the money is and has always been for me.

 

[TripleDouble]

Other - used to be a "pro", but somewhere between just getting by and starving to death but that's what I did. Now I'd say it's working-supplemental, but really it's "artist" or "Lifer musician who can't do anything else very well nor do I want to" or something like that.

 

[gsquare]

"Other" explanation: Was a full-time professional musician for 15+ years, changed careers to raise my kids, which became especially important after the loss of my wife to cancer. Just now getting back into playing this past year or so, have a few gigs here and there, I'm planning on making another run at playing full time after my daughter graduates high school in three years.

 

[CGremlin]

Been working as a full-time software developer for close to 30 years, and spent about 20 years playing theater shows starting in high school. The gigs brought an extra $10K or so a year on average, but I haven't played professionally in about 13 years although I do try to keep in practice. I'd like to get back into doing pit gigs, but where I live now the pickings are pretty slim. I've also given some thought to joining a band to play local places on the weekends, so maybe one day I'll actually do something more than look at the local CL ads.

 

[MisterFabulous]

*Edit* I'm now a Hobbyist / Amateur with moderate experience...upgrade!

Other--I'm a hobbyist but don't have years of experience yet. I'd love to be amateur or even mediocre.