Double Bass What does a bass player really add, anyway?

[lefty5]

the bass is the glue for a bluegrass band... it holds it all together... timing is king. play on top of the beat. the best bass players you will ever hear are the ones you never notice. until they are off or removed, my wife plays an old kay and is always complaining that she doesn't walk the bass as much as others do but her timing is perfect.. i tell her she is doing her job keeping the time dead on,, it tightens up the whole sound.


terry m

 

[martinc]

Glad to see some recognition given to Gene Libbea by Jake.
Gene left the Nashville Bluegrass Band many years ago...but he left us bluegrass bass players with something to measure our playing by. When he was playing bluegrass he had solid timing with great rhythm. He also added a subtle touch of touch of colour to his playing that came from a jazz background but it never got in the way of the music. He was also one of the few bluegrass bass players who could do a truly musical and appropriate bass break whenever it was needed.
There is true glory in being able to nail a hard driving bluegrass tune with a root-five beat that is right on the money. It's the first requirement in a bluegrass band. But if that gets boring, look for other styles of music to expand your horizons. Or... listen to Gene Libbea ( lots of his stuff on YouTube) and find out how bluegrass bass playing can be notched up musically without sounding busy or losing the bluegrass feel.I never get tired of listening to him. Also check out the "Craig Smith" banjo CD on Rounder. Gene really shines...and Craig Smith's banjo work is wonderful.
As for his bass....I read somewhere a long time ago that it was carved bass that had a new top added. I believe he used medium Spirocores. Whatever it was it was, in his hands it produced a good, solid sound.I have seen some recent videos of him and it looks like he still has the same bass.

 

[Gremson]

This has been a great read for me. I've mostly been a rock musician for the past decade, and I'm just recently getting into the folk/bluegrass scene. I've been having trouble knowing when to maintain the standard 1-5, and when to branch out.
I'd love to know how many of you work with percussionists and drummers, and how that might change you performance.

 

[promotive]

Bass playing to me is like salt and pepper on your food. The right amount is great and too much screws it up! I step out of the 1-5 area sometimes when I think it needs to be done, but generally do small walks and fill in notes. I am proud to play at a festival and people walk up to me and say "I love to hear you play that bass".