• 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.

Would you have caved in & used a pick?

#122
Butch Bobcat said:
I'd like to hear some opinions from fellow bassists on whether it matters to you that a bassist uses a pick in a cover band when the original bassist recorded with a pick.

To start at the end, I've washed my hands of the mainly 90's cover band I played bass in. The reason stemmed from me not wanting to use a pick because I found the tone that I, like all of us, have sought after.

Okay, so I was in a cover, not tribute band. I feel that gives me more liberties to not have the exact tone as the original bands.

The guitarist & singer argued that we don't play songs that we used to like In Bloom, Killing in the Name, or Song 2 because me picking with my fingers makes the songs "sound like s#&t" even though they take liberties of their own in the music. When I tell them that they & the 2 purist musicians in the audience are the only people that will care that the tone isn't exactly like the original recording.

Ultimately, I decided to leave the band after hanging out the other night for the first time since the lockdown started because of things like being told that my knowledge is inferior to the guitarist because of his master's degree in music. Also that I'm ignorant to what the music needs to be & sound like. There's plenty more drunkardly trash talking & belittling of my abilities that I won't get into. I will however say that for over an hour of this argument, I was literally not able to finish a single point I was trying to make before getting interrupted.

I know this was long winded, but with all the BS aside, what are your opinions on using a pick or fingers in a situation like this?
Click to expand...

Good for you. Life is way too short to put up with being a punching bag in a hostile environment. I’m sorry you are going through this, but there are other bands out there looking for talent. BTW, just because somebody has a masters degree in music it doesn’t mean they are a good musician, or somebody you want to be around. I’ve been around enough self indulgent narcissists to last me a lifetime. I’m glad you are moving on.

Going forward, for argument resolution, a recording is worth a thousand words. Get yourself a pocket recorder and record and review all practices and performances. There is no way you or and band mate can remember every note you and your ensemble has played.

Best wishes.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Butch Bobcat
#125
Lagado said:
From 1.40 on, try it with your fingers. It's difficult enough with a pick.

Click to expand...


Ok. Done, and doable. Yeah it’s quick. It’s also a crap part and totally unnecessary in the construct of the song. The reason this bass solo is in this version is the guitarist couldn’t cut it, or the bassist owns the band.

IMO, the E Street band version is the definitive version and if your going to cover a version, you cover the most popular version.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Butch Bobcat
#127
dbsfgyd1 said:
Ok. Done, and doable. Yeah it’s quick. It’s also a crap part and totally unnecessary in the construct of the song. The reason this bass solo is in this version is the guitarist couldn’t cut it, or the bassist owns the band.

IMO, the E Street band version is the definitive version and if your going to cover a version, you cover the most popular version.
Click to expand...

I think you are giving your mind a treat...
 
#128
Lagado said:
They asked him to use a pick for a few songs...
Click to expand...

The question is why? Are there no other songs in the universe where a pick is not required? In 50 plus years of playing bass in just about any sort of genre and gig possible, with the exception of circuses, and reggae bands, I have never been been required to use a pick.

I still maintain musical relationships that have lasted over 50 years, and two things, my part is my art, and I have no problem saying no.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Butch Bobcat
#134
My band members don't tell me what to do and I try to avoid telling them what to do, despite my being the bandleader. We are a pure cover band. I pretty much can steer the sound through the songs that we play. For example, I would never approve a song like something from Fleetwood Mac. I like Fleetwood Mac just fine, but I just don't believe we could pull off a passable version. We have a very versatile sound. I can make any just about any bass sound that I need to. One of the guitar players is more country oriented and the other is much more heavy metal oriented. Knowing this we can pull off a more classic rock, southern rock and country rock sound.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Butch Bobcat
#135
Butch Bobcat said:
I'd like to hear some opinions from fellow bassists on whether it matters to you that a bassist uses a pick in a cover band when the original bassist recorded with a pick.

To start at the end, I've washed my hands of the mainly 90's cover band I played bass in. The reason stemmed from me not wanting to use a pick because I found the tone that I, like all of us, have sought after.

Okay, so I was in a cover, not tribute band. I feel that gives me more liberties to not have the exact tone as the original bands.

The guitarist & singer argued that we don't play songs that we used to like In Bloom, Killing in the Name, or Song 2 because me picking with my fingers makes the songs "sound like s#&t" even though they take liberties of their own in the music. When I tell them that they & the 2 purist musicians in the audience are the only people that will care that the tone isn't exactly like the original recording.

Ultimately, I decided to leave the band after hanging out the other night for the first time since the lockdown started because of things like being told that my knowledge is inferior to the guitarist because of his master's degree in music. Also that I'm ignorant to what the music needs to be & sound like. There's plenty more drunkardly trash talking & belittling of my abilities that I won't get into. I will however say that for over an hour of this argument, I was literally not able to finish a single point I was trying to make before getting interrupted.

I know this was long winded, but with all the BS aside, what are your opinions on using a pick or fingers in a situation like this?
Click to expand...
My opinion is that aside from a few self important purists, no one cares. If you play the right notes, in the right time, with a good tone, you’re ahead of 90% of all bass players.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Butch Bobcat, DrMole, Vinny_G and 2 others

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back