Using a Sub Bass Player

You should play whichever gig is booked first.

 

If you can't make the gig and you have found a sub that doesn't stink, I don't see the issue. If the band is your job, and your job is your life, then yeah, if you can't make it cancel the gig. For a cover gig with plenty of advance notice, I think someone is taking this just a little too seriously.

 

I'm of the mentality that the first gig that's in the books is the one that gets the gig. So, if your cover band booked a gig first and then your other (more well paying) band tries to book a gig on the same night, you need to hold fast to that initial commitment. Because, you're telling the cover band that "I'll play with you guys unless my other band books a gig, regardless of what we already have in the works." I can completely see why your cover band would not want you to sub out gigs at this point.

I try not to get a sub just because another gig has come along. It just looks bad, and I'm guessing that your cover band is getting upset with your subbing, regardless of how many times it's been.

 

I swear I thought this was about a bassist playing only sub bass frequencies.

 

Sub whenever you need to, but as others have said, the gig that gets booked first should be the gig you play.

 

They should hear your sub before making such a decision. Can he come to a rehearsal?

But be careful - I just got a steady gig by being a sub that they liked better!

 

If the band has decided they do not want members playing in two bands, that's it, it's been decided, there is no debate. There are good reasons for bands to feel this way, whether or not you agree or think it's fair.

They've put the ball in your court: Play by our rules, make this band your #1 Priority, or be replaced.

 

Me too. I was intrigued.

 

Subbing 3 gigs in a years time doesn't seem too bad to me, but really it's their call. For general rock stuff I can't imagine it would be a big deal, but it's not my band. Some people just aren't comfortable playing with subs.

 

I agree, personally, I think it's a bit nitpicky. But I've been in bands that would accept it, and I've been in bands that would not.

It's actually the kind of thing that should come up during the audition stage so you know what you're getting into. But some bands change the rules as they go along. It would seem this band has learned they have zero tolerance for subs outside of a bonafide emergency.

 

Well, you clearly lack commitment to your cover band. If I were them, I'd be looking for another bass player. If you commit to a gig, then later back out and ask them to hire a sub, you are breaking your commitment. That light doesn't shine well on you as a band member or as a person.

 

If you say to the cover band when a gig comes up, "I'm already booked, so I'll get a sub for this one", that should be okay.

If you say to the cover band when a gig comes up, "Great, I'll do it" and then later try to change that to "A gig's come up with my other band, so I'm going to book a sub for the one I said I could do," that is far from okay. That's backing out on a commitment you already made and it's a matter of pretty basic professional etiquette.

 

They want you to honor your committments and you want to know if that is unreasonable?

Your replacement "did a very adequate job when he subbed for you." Maybe your cover band wants to sound more than adequate. I don't care how good someone is, it's rare that they can nail all the intros, changes and endings like the regular guy.

Sorry, I've been in this situation (on the band's end). If you make a committment, stick with it. If you can't honor your committments, let them know so they can find someone who can.

 

Just curious. How much prep time do you need when you gig as a sub? Do you already know most of the material? Fast learner? I never subbed

 

A good sub will be able to step in with minimal (or no) prep time. If it is standard covers then he/she will probably have played most of it before. I like to have a setlist and keys in advance but I have stood in with zero notice.

 

That's it exactly. Additionally, I've played with plenty of great subs over the years (and been one-well, an adequate one-too) and it is extremely unusual, even for a general rock cover band, to have that situation not involve some sort of hand-holding or other mild sacrifice on the part of the band when dealing with the sub. So your band dealing with a sub for you involves a bit more effort than if you were there-all while you are out making more $$.

 

Ask your bandmates a simple question: 'Would you rather not play and not get paid because I can't make it, even though I have provided a qualified sub, OR would you rather land the gig and advance the fortunes of the band in a professional manner?'

They have to understand that losing out on good gigs is a step backwards, no matter the reason.

 

You forgot the third option: "Or would you rather find a bass player who will be at our shows and kick me out of the band for backing out of commitments I made because something better came along."