Doddy Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 I've been finding myself being asked to play more and more synth bass on gigs lately and was wondering if many other people on here have found that using synth bass has added to their sound and reportoire? I'm not talking about using effects pedals to get a synth type sound (which I also do),but using an actual keyboard to play basslines like players such as Greg Phillanganes and Michael Boddiker and the pop/R&B guys like Kern Brantley. Any opinions,influences,gear choices etc.? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 No disrespect meant but if they want keyboards played why don't they employ a keyboard player?? - are they going to get horn players to play a synth that sounds like horns?? They devalue your talents as a bassplayer by asking you to play something else!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crez5150 Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 I do with my disco band.... I use a novation Nocturn 25 running either macbook or ipad using soft synths. Mostly Novation Bass station Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crez5150 Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 [quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1319545839' post='1415500'] No disrespect meant but if they want keyboards played why don't they employ a keyboard player?? - are they going to get horn players to play a synth that sounds like horns?? They devalue your talents as a bassplayer by asking you to play something else!! [/quote] You get a completely different feel with keys..... have you listened to any Jam & Lewis material.... killer bass parts even though terry Lewis is a very accomplished bassist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibob Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 [quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1319545839' post='1415500'] No disrespect meant but if they want keyboards played why don't they employ a keyboard player?? - are they going to get horn players to play a synth that sounds like horns?? They devalue your talents as a bassplayer by asking you to play something else!! [/quote] Couldn't dis-agree more. It's just a sound, if you can't get a bass sound from guitar/effects, you might look to create that low-end from something more programmed. I play some bass-orientated keyboards in my dubstep band, although it's about 80% bass guitar. I don't think of myself as bass guitarist, more that I'm in charge of the low end...however that may come. Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JakeBrownBass Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 (edited) [quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1319545839' post='1415500'] No disrespect meant but if they want keyboards played why don't they employ a keyboard player?? - are they going to get horn players to play a synth that sounds like horns?? They devalue your talents as a bassplayer by asking you to play something else!! [/quote] Because your not playing the keyboard parts, your playing the synth bass part, the part that was recorded on the album with a keyboard and is part of the song. Its all about getting the right feel & sound for the gig. Also, Why hire an extra musician when the bass player can double up, its all about costs. You'll generally find keyboard players have enough on their plate than having to deal with the synth baseline as well, they've only got two hands. Edited October 25, 2011 by JakeBrownBass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JakeBrownBass Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 [quote name='Doddy' timestamp='1319545431' post='1415488'] I've been finding myself being asked to play more and more synth bass on gigs lately and was wondering if many other people on here have found that using synth bass has added to their sound and reportoire? I'm not talking about using effects pedals to get a synth type sound (which I also do),but using an actual keyboard to play basslines like players such as Greg Phillanganes and Michael Boddiker and the pop/R&B guys like Kern Brantley. Any opinions,influences,gear choices etc.? [/quote] I've just bought a Roland Gaia after a recommendation from Phil Simmonds and at the moment i'm loving it. I find it so much easier to use than my previous laptop set up as it's so hands on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doddy Posted October 25, 2011 Author Share Posted October 25, 2011 [quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1319545839' post='1415500']No disrespect meant but if they want keyboards played why don't they employ a keyboard player?? - are they going to get horn players to play a synth that sounds like horns?? They devalue your talents as a bassplayer by asking you to play something else!![/quote] Not at all. You're still playing bass,just not on a bass guitar. You get a totally different sound,timbre and feel playing synth bass than you do on a stringed instrument that works really well for a lot of things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 Playing a bass part on keyboards is about the feel as much as the sound. There are some synth bass parts that feel best when played from a keyboard, and some which feel better when played on a bass guitar through effects. The trick is to pick the right combination to suit the song. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowdown Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 Another Synth user here - Novation A station and a two Octave Keyboard. I have used it on a couple of pit shows. Function bands as well. Its just another sound at the party. You are not trying to sound like a Bass Gtr. And as said above, Keyboard players only have two hands, and they are usually tied up with playing other lines. Different feel as well. Its not devalue, its double value. Garry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doddy Posted October 25, 2011 Author Share Posted October 25, 2011 [quote name='JakeBrownBass' timestamp='1319547064' post='1415525'] I've just bought a Roland Gaia after a recommendation from Phil Simmonds and at the moment i'm loving it. I find it so much easier to use than my previous laptop set up as it's so hands on.[/quote] I've been looking at getting the Gaia recently...either that or a Moog little Phatty. Although the Gaia appears more versatile. I've been using the Akai Miniak,which has got some really cool sounds,but is a pain in the arse to program. I like using a hardware synth as I don't want to take my laptop to gigs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JakeBrownBass Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 [quote name='Doddy' timestamp='1319548255' post='1415542'] I've been looking at getting the Gaia recently...either that or a Moog little Phatty. Although the Gaia appears more versatile. I've been using the Akai Miniak,which has got some really cool sounds,but is a pain in the arse to program. I like using a hardware synth as I don't want to take my laptop to gigs. [/quote] Yeah, i got tired of having to take my laptop with me & using a 2 tier stand with it. What i love about the Gaia is how easy it is to use & manipulate the sound, i've only had it a couple of days but i'm already loving it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doddy Posted October 25, 2011 Author Share Posted October 25, 2011 [quote name='lowdown' timestamp='1319548131' post='1415539']. Its not devalue, its double value. [/quote] Exactly. I look at it as kind of modern doubling. I've doubled on electric and upright for years and got more work from doing it,but for a lot of modern music it can be more important to double on synth bass rather than upright. Of course,if you can play all three (trebling?),then it gives you alot of versatility and options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crez5150 Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 Bought this yesterday.... will give it an outing this weekend - http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/animoog/id471638724?ls=1&mt=8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowdown Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 [quote name='crez5150' timestamp='1319549040' post='1415569'] Bought this yesterday.... will give it an outing this weekend - [url="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/animoog/id471638724?ls=1&mt=8"]http://itunes.apple....38724?ls=1&mt=8[/url] [/quote] Now that looks interesting. Lets us know how it goes. Garry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crez5150 Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 [quote name='lowdown' timestamp='1319549494' post='1415582'] Now that looks interesting. Lets us know how it goes. Garry [/quote] Yeah Will do.... I bought it as we are covering Jacksons 'P.Y.T' Should do the trick ;o) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Alsatian Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 I've used synth for bass on some songs as it sounds better than if I'd played it on bass. My current two are a Yamaha CS-15 and a Roland SH-09. Just different timbres - I like doubling up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete.young Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 I've been using a Roland V-Bass for a couple of years, mostly to get synth sounds. I bought a Xiosynth and I'm currently trying to find time to set up the patches I need so I can use that instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allihts Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 I've got a micro-korg XL that I take onstage, the presets are definatly more based on dance music than anything else but once you learn how to programme sounds on it it is very versatile. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matski Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 *raises hand* I play some basslines on keyboard live too. I use an Akai MPK49 in combination with my MacBook Pro, and favour softsynths such as the GForce ImpOscar & MiniMonsta, Arturia ARP 2600V & Minimoog, and Native Instruments Massive and B4. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
risingson Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 Playing Synth Bass doesn't concern me at all, although I'll only play synth if its right for the song. I put some down today on a track we're recording. I much prefer to use a real synth than a pedal as well, much more control and much less faffing around etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
risingson Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 [quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1319545839' post='1415500'] No disrespect meant but if they want keyboards played why don't they employ a keyboard player?? - are they going to get horn players to play a synth that sounds like horns?? They devalue your talents as a bassplayer by asking you to play something else!! [/quote] It's another string to your bow. Also, if your keyboardist is occupied with playing something fairly intense on keys then it's going to be a great help if you're able to play synth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 [quote name='risingson' timestamp='1319561990' post='1415839'] Playing Synth Bass doesn't concern me at all, although I'll only play synth if its right for the song. I put some down today on a track we're recording. I much prefer to use a real synth than a pedal as well, much more control and much less faffing around etc. [/quote] Totally agree. I can remember seeing a bassist at Bass Day several years ago doing some amazing synthy stuff with his bass guitar and a floor full of pedals. However I couldn't help thinking that he could have replaced it all with something like a Moog Voyager or a Nord Lead and got the same results faster and more accurately. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowdown Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 [quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1319566904' post='1415934'] However I couldn't help thinking that he could have replaced it all with something like a Moog Voyager or a Nord Lead and got the same results faster and more accurately. [/quote] Lack of Keyboard chops might have been the culprit. [Which is not a crime of course] Garry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RhysP Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 I've written & played bass parts on synths as well as bass guitars for ages & really enjoy it. I personally think that for anything below a bottom E a synth sounds better, even though I've got a pretty nice 5 string bass. I've never heard any kind of synth add-on for a bass guitar that sounds anywhere near as good as a decent keyboard synth does. Used lots of stuff over the years - Moog Prodigy (awesome!), Sequential Circuits Pro One, Roland JP800 & Currently using a Korg Triton LE for all my keyboard stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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