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What's with all these people who don't know the difference between bass and electric guitar?

#61
when I first started getting interested in playing guitar, I had only my grandfather's ancient Yamato acoustic. My dad & grandfather chipped in to buy me a good one for xmas, but they couldn't afford one of the ones with 6 strings, so they got me one that only had 5.
I've been a bass player ever since.
 
#62
lpdeluxe said:
I remember hearing Crosby Stills Nash and Young's recording of Teach Your Children and asking a friend, "What's that really cool solo instrument?"
"Jerry Garcia on pedal steel." -- with a look that implied I had just dropped a couple of levels in his esteem.

So I don't care. I care if they dance or if they walk out the door, but in all the years I have played bass, I think I have run into exactly two audience members who knew that I was playing "bass."
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At least you didn't say "What's that really cool solo instrument? Is that the BASS?!?!?"
 
#64
And I've heard people call Congas bongos, many musician don't know what timbales are or many other percussion instruments. There are some brass instruments I don't even know what they're call. Some people know, some don't. Teach 'em.
 
#67
It's funny. Those who know the difference between bass and guitar can't remember the time when they did not know the difference. I don't know why you are angry or annoyed with those people. Just be happy they are recognizing you are playing an instrument. After a few years of gigging, I just learned to play along with "Oh you were awesome on guitar up there!" comments. It's easier, leads to more WOMEN talking to you, more potential friends and so on.
 
#69
Just got back from church, where I played bass for the kids. Then I switched electric guitar when we practiced for Sunday morning. There was definitely a difference, though I'm not sure I'm able to put my finger on it.

Also, when we play and practice for Sunday morning, there is this other guy who plays a funky big guitar that only has five strings. It's weird, but it makes me want to dance.
 
#70
gln1955 said:
How many here know the difference between an oboe and an English horn?

How about the difference between a baritone horn, euphonium and tuba?
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I agree that a bass guitar and an electric guitar are similar instruments, about as similar as those you name, the difference is that bass and guitar have enormous mainstream exposure. They are not only ubiquitous in most genres of modern popular music and jazz, they are cultural icons. It would be difficult to go twenty minutes on a top forty station without hearing both. In the past, you couldn't go a single song without hearing them, but that seems to have changed in the past decade or two.

I'd say not knowing the difference between a guitar and a bass is more on the level on not being able to distinguish a car from a truckm Sure there are things like SUVs and El Caminos and stuff, but the fact that there are hybrids doesn't mean cars and trucks are the same thing, even if they have essentially the same parts and serve a similar function. I think people only have slightly less exposure to rock music than they do to automobiles
 
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#71
crucislancer said:
But, I can see how someone who is a casual listener might not understand the difference between a bass and a guitar. Too many similarities for those that don’t pay attention to the details. I’ve learned to just roll with it, and if the opportunity presents itself, I will show them the difference first hand.
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I had this long-winded thing typed up and decided it probably sounded a bit strong, but this would be the best course of action, as opposed to just letting it go.
 
#74
Yes, I've had this conversation with several people, including my stepmom and of course my WIFE. I was primarily a guitar player, then switched to bass about 3 years ago, so I have about 6 electric guitars and 3 basses. I was honestly a bit dumbfounded by her ignorance, she couldn't tell the difference! "They all look the same to me!" I patiently pointed out that the basses have longer necks, MUCH MUCH thicker strings, and BIG tuning keys. Same with my stepmom years ago, our family went to a country bar, and while the band was setting up step mom asked if the "big guitar" was the bass...well, no, it wasn't. It was an ES-335, the bass player was playing a Fender. I pointed out the thick strings and big tuning keys.

Ninjaaron, Honeyiscool, apparently this place is a refugee camp for lost Harmony Central forumites ('Mr. Grumpy' here). the HC forums are up and running smoothly now, and a virtual ghost town.
 
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#75
My lady friend, who is no slouch of a percussion player, had an older brother who played bass in soul bands in the '70s. She told me he was usually the only anglo in the band.:D So I don't have a problem...she digs bass, she's knowledgeable, and she's in my combo. Everybody else? If they get up and dance, they know all they need to about the bass.
 

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