Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Why do bassists tend to be heftier fellows?
- Thread starter MJMB
- Start date
If i really tried to answer that question seriously, i'd argue as follows:
Playing the bass is as much about the notes you don't play as it is about the notes you play. In your normal bandsituation, you're not very likely to do 8 finger tapping leadparts, but rather you're very likely to play some roots, fifths, walk the bass a bit (don't run) and maybe do the occasional fill.
The mindset of a person perfectly suited for that is the
type that can sit back and enjoy things. One that's not running around hyperactively and one that does not require to stand out in a crowd or be the center of attention. A person that knows his or her value without the urging need to prove it on every single opportunity.
With a mind like that, you're very likely to gather a few unnecessary pounds if you're not watching out for it.
That said, i'm a lot slimmer than the 2nd guitard.
Around here, they use to be the fat ones.
Playing the bass is as much about the notes you don't play as it is about the notes you play. In your normal bandsituation, you're not very likely to do 8 finger tapping leadparts, but rather you're very likely to play some roots, fifths, walk the bass a bit (don't run) and maybe do the occasional fill.
The mindset of a person perfectly suited for that is the
type that can sit back and enjoy things. One that's not running around hyperactively and one that does not require to stand out in a crowd or be the center of attention. A person that knows his or her value without the urging need to prove it on every single opportunity.
With a mind like that, you're very likely to gather a few unnecessary pounds if you're not watching out for it.
That said, i'm a lot slimmer than the 2nd guitard.
Around here, they use to be the fat ones.
Why are bassists heftier fellows?
It's because they eat so much "comfort' food to deal with their insecurities....
They are bassists......
(and that's not a "bassist" remark.....)
It's because they eat so much "comfort' food to deal with their insecurities....
They are bassists......
(and that's not a "bassist" remark.....)
I'm a bigger guy and I chose bass based on my hand size and what felt natural to me.
So I'm not a guitar player who was or did convert. Bass is what I play and it is all I play.
I have been told it is the reason I am as good as I am because it is all I want to play.
Thanks
So I'm not a guitar player who was or did convert. Bass is what I play and it is all I play.
I have been told it is the reason I am as good as I am because it is all I want to play.
Thanks
Because middle and high school band directors try to nudge the larger kids towards their larger instruments. After growing up holding down the low end those larger kids make the adult talent pool unbalanced
Ha! I was really fat until I got out of my teens, and you want to know what instrument I played in my high-school band? Tuba. There is indeed truth to what you say.
)
I am 5'11" and weigh 150#.......
Although on the low end it is still within the normal height/weight parameter.
6'2 230...
...and falling. Decided to get skinny for my older years and I'm doing it. Why? Well, how many fat old people do you know?
...and falling. Decided to get skinny for my older years and I'm doing it. Why? Well, how many fat old people do you know?
