FinnDave

[quote name='rogerstodge' timestamp='1479032470' post='3173370'] It might!! [/quote] Now he'll definitely want to leave!

Just back from my first gig with the Bob Bowles Band. Great to play in a three piece that believes in improvising around the songs. Had a very enjoyable time, I was actually hear exactly what we were all playing, which is rare in my other band. Paid well, and we're doing two more in the next couple of weeks.

[quote name='Twincam' timestamp='1478909611' post='3172715'] Is the point of Jazz basses to play Jazz? Lol [/quote] That could where I'm going wrong!

Let's get this straight, no one tells me what I should play, but if I take both J & P basses with me, play both, and then ask which sound the band prefers, the answer is always the Precision. The same thing happens with guitarists, they may try a strat and a les paul on a certain number and ask which sounded better. In that case it may one or the other, depending on the song and musical style, but with my basses, the answer is always the Precision. Which makes me wonder why I have over 2 grand's worth of J basses sitting upstairs unused! I only play in bands, never record at home or noodle in my bedroom.

[quote name='Cuzzie' timestamp='1478894817' post='3172607'] Have you recorded live play not necessarily through a board with each bass and them, then sat back and listened, or have you bass line on loop they play and you sit out front? May help [/quote] I record nearly everything I am involved with, and it is true the P base always fit better in the mix, both live and studio, so I am at a loss as to why I keep buying Jazz basses! I'm still paying for the lovely US Standard Jazz I bought in March, and have only played it a few times.

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1478880115' post='3172381'] Probably because they are used to the sound of how a Precision fits with your music. [/quote] This has come from people in 3 different bands in the last couple of weeks, some of them hadn't heard me before, so it's the overall bass sound rather than me that is being commented on.

Don't me wrong, I love my P basses as well, and I agree with bandmates when they say they prefer the sound of P in the mix. No one is telling me what bass to play, but they always prefer the sound of the P over the J, so that's what gets used. I started out on a Jazz yesterday, then switched to a Precision after half a dozen for so songs, and the guitarist and drummer immediately said how much better it sounded. To be honest, I am increasingly finding the Jazz basses to sound a bit thin and lacking that authority thump of a decent Precision, but I suspect I'd forget that if I sold the Js and a year or two down the lone would splash out on another!

Now don't get me wrong, I love the aesthetics of a Jazz bass, and I love the sound when I play them alone (as you do when trying them out in a shop...) but whenever I turn up to play with a band and get one of my JBs out, they always ask if I've brought a P bass with me, as no matter who I play with, they always prefer the sound of the Precision. So I have a Fender Classic 60s Jazz, nitro finish, lovely beast, and a new US Standard Jazz both sitting in cases upstairs and I never get to use them in anger. Is this a common experience? I suppose in an ideal world I'd meet someone with a pair of little-used Precisions because they always play Jazzes and we could arrange a swap! Glad I got that off my chest, now back to learning tomorrow's set....on a Precision!

[quote name='molan' timestamp='1478703866' post='3171060'] Similar situation for me. I auditioned via a recommendation from a singer I was in another band with. I didn't know any of the guys and they'd all played together in various bands for over 20 years. I got the gig and we soon became good friends. There's no 'politics' and lots of good natured banter and simple respect for each other's role in the band. I really enjoy rehearsals and gigging with them. Generally my favourite days of the weeks are when we are playing together. Wouldn't change anything at all about the setup. I play at home as well, generally just having a go at learning songs I like. I rarely play completely 'solo' though. For me, the bass doesn't work as a solo instrument. [/quote] Must be an Oxfordshire thing, I agree 100% with everything you wrote (except the recommendation!) Though come to think of it, I joined up (strictly as a hired hand on bass) with a couple of guys last week for a string of gigs, and that came out of the blue when the drummer rang and asked if I was interested. First gig this Saturday!

[quote name='Barking Spiders' timestamp='1478689056' post='3170900'] I'd rather not be in a band at all than join one through an ad. [/quote] It's not always so bad, I joined the Wirebirds nearly four years ago through a wanted ad and I now consider the other members to be my closest friends.

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1478682405' post='3170803'] Band Membership 101 - Never join a band with a keyboard player unless he has lost his left arm in a tragic industrial accident. [/quote] And if not, arrange one ASAP

Only just discovered this thread, where has it been hiding? Anyway, as at least 75% of the posts simply say 'missing plugin' I might not be getting the full benefit of Basschat wisdom, but has no one mentioned Dutch band Focus, who had two hits simultaneously with 'Sylvia' and "Hocus Pocus'? Both of which feature some stunning guitar playing by Jan Ackerman.

[quote name='Mickeyboro' timestamp='1457921193' post='3003064'] Every track I know on here I adore! Except Brilliant Mind by Furniture - my first band shared a bill with them once at the Moonlight Club and ended up with the ****ty end of the stick. Actually, the song's not half bad. But I still hate 'em after 36 years. What a sad b@stard I am! [/quote] Sorry to drag this one up, but only just seen it. The guys in Furniture were friends of mine (I played with most of them in various West London bands back in the day) and wrote some good songs, but got seriously stitched up by their record company. I even managed to wangle a flat for Hammy (their brilliant drummer) across the hall from the one I was in when he needed a place in a hurry. Happy daze!

Blue, we used to play White Rabbit when Jenny Haan was in the band, it always went down well. One gig we had to play it 4 times before the audience would stop calling for more and let us go home.

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1478551222' post='3169881'] It use to be a joke but now it seems it might be true. I never grew up. Please let us know how things go on Saturday. Blue [/quote] I'll do that. To be honest, I wasn't particularly looking forward to what would have been the first gig with the pub covers band that same night, so a good move on all fronts for me.

Thanks, Blue, but I am 59 next month, spent most of this year recovering from a motorcycle accident and part of last year from a fairly serious illness. I was still gigging as much as I could, but I know all about collapsing at the end of the gig, believe me! I am looking forward to my first gig with the new band (next Saturday) as much as I was to my first ever gig. Maybe there's something wrong with me!

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1478549313' post='3169849'] Good advice and commentary. I hope I'm not the only one on Bass Chat that is always looking for upgrade opportunities. Blue [/quote] Definitely not, but perhaps many aren't setting their sights as high as you are. I just spent a few weeks rehearsing with a pub cover band (filling in gaps from the Wirebirds) but left a few days ago when I was asked to join a band with a much better reputation. Still kicking myself over the pro offers I walked away from 40 years ago, but I did the same as you, went to uni to satisfy my family. Total waste of time.