I've been in the band about six weeks, it's not working out. If I quit at the next rehearsal, which I might very well do, they'll have about 8 weeks before the next scheduled gig to get in a new bassist. Am I giving them enough time? After a certain point I'll feel obligated to play the gig, no matter how much the band situation stinks. I'm just not sure if I'm already there or not.
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walking out
- Thread starter OmnitzGarima
- Start date
If you feel concerned about it, why not "give notice" and tell them you'll stay on until they find you replacement?
When I drop out, I usually offer to play the gigs we have booked if needed. Or give 'em to the new guy - whatever works best for the transition.
8 weeks is a lot of time. If they can't get it together in that span, you are very wise to quit!
8 weeks is a lot of time. If they can't get it together in that span, you are very wise to quit!
Staying until they find a replacement might be a long wait. The band apparently has a long unhappy history with bass players. I don't think it's working for me, I just don't want to be a jerk about it.
Well you really aren't obligated to anyone other than yourself.
8 weeks is really generous, and if they nab a bassist that plays the same kind of music, he should have no trouble getting it together relatively quickly.
If you want to play in that gig, I would offer to stay for that but no more. Not "until they get a replacement," just through the next gig.
8 weeks is really generous, and if they nab a bassist that plays the same kind of music, he should have no trouble getting it together relatively quickly.
If you want to play in that gig, I would offer to stay for that but no more. Not "until they get a replacement," just through the next gig.
8 weeks is a long time, but depends on where you live. I know around here, we were hard pressed to find a singer 21 and over. For bar reasons of course. But, I know bass players around here are like finding a bar of gold in a landfill. So, I think that plays a factor. If it was me, I'd offer to play that gig if they can't find someone and get them broken in.
svtb15
Inactive
- Mar 22, 2004
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- I play it all. Whatever works for the gig. Q+
You can't leave it open-ended like that. If you want to leave the band, you have to do it on your own terms - not on their terms.
Committing to remain "until they find a replacement' allows them to drag their feet indefinitely - should they be inclined to do so. Give them a finite period of time upfront: either play through the next scheduled gig, or for a certain number of weeks. Period.
What they do beyond that point is their business - not your concern...
MM
Good advice, all. Thank you. The next rehearsal is Wednesday. I'm going to tell them to start looking for another bass player. I'll cover the gig in August if they need that, after that gig I'm on my own.
- Oct 7, 2000
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- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
Seems to me the right thing is to play any gigs that were booked while you were in the band, and tell them you're done after that or as soon as they find a new bassist. I don't think time has anything to do with it.
The only thing booked is the one gig, so I'm covering everything currently on the calendar. That sounds right to me.
If the band is ready to play out, I would suggest offering to show up for a minimal number of rehearsals before the gig. A single "dress rehearsal" may be sufficient. The biggest time commitment to any band is rehearsing.
This, more than anything else, will prod the band into finding your replacement.
This, more than anything else, will prod the band into finding your replacement.
We're not ready, and as the new guy I'm the least ready. I'm okay with the rehearsals - the playing time does me good, it's not all negative - but this isn't a good long-term band for me. I might as well make that clear now.
