Urgent Help needed on how to move forward in gigging

[John K]

The OP is playing slap-style. Would different strings help with his E string deficiency? (See post #24)

Yep, not sure what gauge he is currently using, but a 45-105 set should be perfect. I use DR Hi Beams. They are great for slapping and tapping.

 

[SLO Surfer]

I would suggest getting a bass amp with a built in DI. Don’t change anything on your bass (yet).

 

[klyph]

If the bass plays well, and in tune, you may want to experiment with adjusting pickup height to get a better sound. However, you need to do this at home, playing through some sort of amplification to monitor your progress…

You may find that you get a good sound with the pickup raised from where it is now, but you might hit a pole piece while slapping, which I makes an ugly sound. At that point you will need to put in some practice to refine your technique. I find slapping on a P bass kind of challenging in that regard, YMMV.

It sounds like you’re really against getting an amp which is a bit of a shame. I know we live in the 21st century, amps are a pain to carry, etc… but honestly, a bass guitar with no amp is only half an instrument. You will eventually want to insert yourself into a band without relying on other peoples equipment. It’s time to take steps towards that end. A DI is a good start, an amp with a built in DI is a better start…

 

[turf3]

I dont actually have an amp, thats why im thinking of getting myself a DI. On stage im having no issues with how i play its just my low E string does not slap it just sounds muddy and muffled in the mixer even after adjusting the eq in the mixer. My pops are heard through the speakers but none of my lower strings really have that punch. Thats mainly what I have an issue with it does not have the power or a punch like an active bass. And yes I play with guitarist, synth, drummer and a vocalist as well , but my bass is still heard through cuz my bandmates dont mind having my bass volume high. I have come to the conclusion that I wanna get a di or a preamp. Does anyone have any idea what DI./preamp I should get thats under 70$ , i am on a budget thats why i was gonna go for behringer BDI21

How do you practice bass guitar without an amp? I don't understand. Don't you try to work on tone as well as playing notes, when you're practicing? At least get a little practice amp.

Your instrument comes in two parts. 1) The guitar 2) The amp. That's how the electric bass guitar WORKS. Now for performance you may choose to have the amplifier be part of a PA, but you have to have an amp. And for practice at home, you need an amp.

 

[bruhmana420]

1. Don't get into the weeds with changing pickups, electronics, etc. Often times the change can be barely perceptible or something you didin't want. Worry about this stuff when you have some experience to know why you are changing out parts, etc

2. Going straight into a mixer is just fine. I did that for a while. Guess what, recording and live sound engineers prefer to have that sound when mixing. Now, will a preamp make you feel better about your sound? Maybe, but you may have expectations a little high here on the difference it will make at $30. If I could recommend something more useful: get something like a Zoom MS 60 B- it has a lot of things to play with to eventually what more expensive equipment you would want later. While it does not have XLR, it does have preamp emulations to play with and many effects if you want or need to get started with

3. Someone said get an amp... I like that idea, but you will have to decide if that is practical or necessary for your situation.

If you are plugging into the PA mixer without a direct box, then you need one. The Behringer will work as a direct box but will also give you the simulation of playing through a bass amplifier which you will probably like. So buy it, it’s not expensive.

You don’t need any other gear, your bass is fine as is.

Thank you thats all I needed to know

 

[bruhmana420]

Yep, not sure what gauge he is currently using, but a 45-105 set should be perfect. I use DR Hi Beams. They are great for slapping and tapping.

oh yea one of the main issues i ran into was, i actually had my strings changed from 45-105 to 45-100 but i regret that a lot now, but i will switch over to 105s once again

 

[bruhmana420]

I have a Behringer I'm not using anymore, I'll send it to you. I'm happy to help out a student.

Thank you so much im so happy to here that.

 

[bruhmana420]

Thank you so much everyone for the help. I have come to the conclusion that I am gonna get a setup done and change my string gauge back to 105s. and hopefully figure out how to get a behringer BDI21. (sorry I want to clarify that I do have an amp, its a fender mustang 1 and i use that for practice at home)

 

[bassicmike]

All the best with your journey @bruhmana420!

 

[bruhmana420]

I have a Behringer I'm not using anymore, I'll send it to you. I'm happy to help out a student.

Is there anyway i can get in touch with you

 

[Elmstreet]

Is there anyway i can get in touch with you

Yes sir, I just replied to your private message.

 

[P. Aaron]

[...] I am a student and I am on a budget. I need help figuring out on how to sound better, I am planning on buying the behringer V tone BDI21 (cheaper version of sans amp) will that be enough. Also if I just change my strings and do a setup will that do me any good in sounding better on stage. Do I need to upgrade my electronics and tuners overall to sound good overall if I need to sound professional on stage? The only mod I have done on this bass is changing my pickguard.
[...]

I've been gigging for years and there's almost a l w a y s going to be something a player thinks could be better. What's important is that you keep up your studies both in school and with the bass. Keep at it and love doing it, you will get better, you'll get noticed and acquire gear that works in most situations.

Upgrade the amp first...when you can. A great amp makes any bass sound better.

As far as a live sound; IF you're the band at the pub, the party, or the arena, you'll time to adjust your sound. at most gig quick hits, where you're on next for 40 minutes, just perform well as a band. Rare are the times one can really dial in a likable tone unless you have a sound guy with you at every gig. Nice work if you can get it.

Your ears and how your playing reacts to what you hear is the ultimate, long-term test that never ends. As long as you're gigging, every stage is a new experience. Just keep at playing, learning, growing. We've ALL been there. In many ways, a lot of us are still pursuing that tone or sound.

It's why we're still playing.

 

[pepj]

Rubbish in, rubbish out.
So your bass signal starts with you.
I agree, you can get a set up so the bass is easier to play but you need it to kick back so you get a response out of it too.
Your touch..both left and right hands are the first and most direct consequence of the way you sound. How long have you been playing?

 

[JohnnyChatter]

Base?

Haha. My phone must have auto corrected that. I do apologize.