Where do you stand?

[mellowgerman]

Yeah, I'm a slightly-forward-and-to-the-left-of-the-drummer kinda bassist. I also share vocals 50/50 with the guitarist though. Not sure why, but stage left has always felt comfy for me. I suppose, being right-handed, turning to face the drummer feels a little more natural to me in that position. Less likely to bonk the headstock on a mic stand or guitarist that way

 

[cripula]

hat side

 

[PennyroyalWe]

I like left of drums. Dunno why, just where I’ve always stood.

 

[Zoffy]

@Zoffy Dude you are in my spot! But these daze I sit to play, have for quite a while now.

Ha ha, I like that spot except for the fact that I have to wear hearing protection in my left ear.

 

[SLPimp]

Usually by the PA because no one else seems to know how to understand live mixing.

 

[Sid the Kid]

Only reading the OP, I always set myself up on the snare and high hat side of the kit. Just always felt right to me.

 

[jamro217]

There are times when you have no choice. Parade floats, revolving platforms, drum risers, being in the front line in order to share a mic (pre-COVID), soul revues (the ones with the pastel tuxes, platform shoes and cheesy choreography where you're forced to step out front and dance while you play), etc. This is when the show becomes more important than the music. As entertainers (don't fool yourself for a minute, that's what we are) it's our job to make our audience forget their troubles and enjoy life for a brief respite. Whatever we must do to accomplish that goal is the job description. If it means pounding out eighth notes on a pointy black bass while grimacing and yowling, so be it. If it means smiling and walking the P bass through a medley of '50's doo wop hits, that's your job. If it means wearing trendy shades and a tiny hat while showing off your fretless intonation skill during a jazz tune, that's what you do. If your monitor system is adequate there is no excuse for you not to perform your task. Personal preference is fine for bar gigs or the like, but the ultimate goal is forming a cohesive unit that successfully wows the audience. That should always be your first priority. Not a rant, just a friendly reminder. Have a great night!





OP, that black pizza box stand next to you is tilted too much and out of the drummer's reach.

 

[Thud Staff]

Exact same, for me...

Definitely left of the drummer if possible. It’s the closest to the high hat and snare and I can see the kick foot better, so I feel it makes me tighter because I can key in better visually.

 

[MVE]

I prefer right, mostly because it’s easier for me to read what chord the guitar player is playing.
But either is really fine by me.

 

[TomB]

Wherever

 

[Kaplan]

Left side for lock in with Hi-hat. Don't want to crash my ears on crash cymbal side.

 

[bobdabilder]

I always make sure i can see the drummer. More importantly, i make sure i have a good, solid, direct line of sight to the lead guitarist so i can point my 800 watt 4 ohm 4 x 10 cabinet (powered by an equal 800 watt gk head) at him. You know...to make sure he can hear the bass.

Tonight my band played a party and it occurred to me that I have just always fallen in on the right side of the drummer. I've noticed that bass players generally, but not always, hang out to the right of the drums. Anyone hang out on the left? And would there be any reasons regarding acoustics or sound that I am overlooking as a reason to favor the bass on one side or the other?

View attachment 4158413

 

[StatesideRambler]

Over the years I’ve stood wherever there’s space. I like being on the high hat side but it’s never been a thing. As long as I can play with decent musicians for a half-plus-interested audience I’m good. I’m among the least prima of the donnas.

 

[Killing Floor]

Up front. Sometimes a boot on the wedge. I can hear the drummer pretty well cuz he whacks on things with sticks. I look over before starts and at change ups. But ain’t no way I’m hiding behind the amps.

 

[packhowitzer]

I bought a wireless so I can sit at the bar and drink during sets or even nap in the car in the parking lot. I suppose sometimes that places me on the left and other times on the right.

 

[NOVAX]

I flail stage right/ house left because they make me. One would think that they might prefer to have my headstock pointed away from their faces.

 

[LBS-bass]

Always to the left. I can hear the snare and kick from anywhere, but what I really need to hear is the hi-hat. Plus I'm less likely to smack someone in the teeth with my headstock if I'm on that side of the stage.

 

[Dluxe]

 

[bezo420]

I'm on the left, because we're a three piece, A.K.A. a "power trio".

 

[dkelley]

Stand?

You mean, like, still???

I don't understand. We're bass players. What the hell else do we get to do if not run around the stage like maniacs during each show?