This.
You gotta sound good. Use the gear that makes you sound the best you can be, but what you play gets you the gigs.
I've played with many guys who have asked if I'll join their side projects. I've also been asked to join a band by a band leader who was in the audience. Every gig is an audition.
I'd say you can play any bass as long as you make it sound good and play well, but @Doddy is right, the further you travel into the pro world, more is expected of you and your gear.