NWB - Community Blog

12 Mar 2010

Playing Live without Bassist

Filed Under : Music

Posted By : Colin H | Comments : 51

Should we do it ??

Our band has been offered a gig at a local festival this summer . Its a gig we really want to do - trouble is , our bassist is away on holiday . The dilemma is - do we do it without him . The boys are are close knit group and it wont cause any upset . Im more concerned with the sacrifice in sound quality . We do have 2 guitarists , so maybe we can modify our songs to make up for the loss . Has anybody any experience in this situation , who could offer any advice , before we make our minds up .

Comments

# Posted by Guns or Roses - 12/03/2010, 16:17 (GMT)

I would consider getting a dep in if everyones ok with that.

If its a free date for GoR....i'd offer to do it if required.

# Posted by Colin H - 12/03/2010, 16:20 (GMT)

Thats a possibility - but I could see it ending up being more trouble than its worth . Not sure we could persuade anyone to fill in for one gig , and it could cause problems during rehersal . All in All I doubt that would happen TBH

# Posted by Call me DIVA - 12/03/2010, 16:23 (GMT)

what festival is it?

# Posted by Guns or Roses - 12/03/2010, 16:24 (GMT)

as I added above...I would do it..no probs for 1 gig. I see you play some GnR too so easier on the learning etc.

# Posted by Mark bassist in Piggery Bandan... - 12/03/2010, 16:30 (GMT)

Would get an experienced dep in every time lads..... The covers are easy enough to get through and the originals you could pass a recording of them with chords written down, an experienced dep will carry it off well enough for rock and roll.... the bass is rarely noticed until its missing and by then its too late. Live (presume its outdoors) festival without someone doing the low end is asking for trouble and will sound so thin, sound quality will be sacrificed.. Would recommend not doing it rather than not having the bass.

# Posted by The Cottonhouse Shakers - 12/03/2010, 16:33 (GMT)

Definately not. Well I wouldn't anyway. If you can't get a dep then I would rather pass the gig. It would be better to use one guitarist and let the other play bass.

# Posted by The Cottonhouse Shakers - 12/03/2010, 16:35 (GMT)

I agree with PG.

@The Ice Band - lol

# Posted by Colin H - 12/03/2010, 16:39 (GMT)

Cheers for that guys - Its the Manor Farm Festival at Hesketh Bank nr Preston , july 17. I also should mention - the lads are 16 yrs old - would a "more experienced " musician still be interested (I`m the manager-aged 45 , and used to play bass myself - but I wouldnt do it - and I`m not sure they`de let me !!! .
Does anyone think its possible to do it without ,using two guitarists or should we pass up the opportunity

# Posted by Evil Beneath - 12/03/2010, 16:50 (GMT)

bass is the driving feature in a band, it adds depth, i think you should get a stand in bass player for the session and see how it goes, you don't want to start a gig and realise it sounds crap cos the drive of the music is lost. It's possible to do it pal but its 50/50 chances of sounding well without it. Good Luck, my advise would be to find a stand in though :)

David Alan Hilton - Guitars

# Posted by Mark bassist in Piggery Bandan... - 12/03/2010, 17:00 (GMT)

Age doesnt matter really - all he will be doing is taking part in laying the solid foundation, he doesnt have to leap around like a lunatic, let the 16 yr olds do that :oD.

# Posted by proshine Artworks - 12/03/2010, 17:04 (GMT)

no bass. dont do it guys!!!!!!
Nige(road dog) sound tech for tuskan

# Posted by Colin H - 12/03/2010, 17:10 (GMT)

Age doesnt matter really ??? depends how old you are PB - lol - you sound like a reasonable bloke - not a teenager I`m thinkin !!

# Posted by Rumble Fat Band - 12/03/2010, 17:14 (GMT)

Plenty of great Bass Playists on this site and you should find it pretty easy to get a dep.

# Posted by Guns or Roses - 12/03/2010, 17:21 (GMT)

HE HE...age doesn't matter...I'm older than the two guitarists and drummer....added together LOL.

# Posted by Keef - 12/03/2010, 17:23 (GMT)

NO NO NO NO NO and again NO. Get a dep in !!!

# Posted by Ian from Bolton - 12/03/2010, 17:31 (GMT)

Bass missing from band? Nope.

# Posted by Colin H - 12/03/2010, 17:39 (GMT)

Hey cheers for resposes guys - and your offer Gor - your a top bloke . Another concern about getting a stand in , is that , although I said we want to do the gig , I cant be 100percent sure what its gonna be like . I dont want to get an experienced muso down , if it turns out to be a bag o shite .
Last year , for example , We rushed home off hols to to play a festival in Scarisbrick(you wont have heard about it !) - having been promised a crowd of thousands . When we got there it was like walking into an episode of 1 man and his dog - literally . we had to compete against a dog show going on at the same time - we came 2nd !!! - hope fully this one will be better !!!

# Posted by Bass Bloke - 12/03/2010, 17:42 (GMT)

Never ,along with Drums its the most important5 part of any band !

# Posted by Charlie & Norma - 12/03/2010, 17:51 (GMT)

Rock band without a bass......no, no no lads it'll sound shite!!!

# Posted by Bass-tard - 12/03/2010, 17:53 (GMT)

im free on the 17th and will do it, I'm a bass prostitute and will play for anyone

# Posted by Charlie & Norma - 12/03/2010, 17:58 (GMT)

# Posted by Rob the bass player from out o... - 12/03/2010, 17:53 (GMT)

im free on the 17th and will do it, I'm a bass prostitute and will play for anyone

And he's good lads.

# Posted by Bass-tard - 12/03/2010, 18:02 (GMT)

why thank you Charlie, are you coming to the cricketers? we are on in 2 weeks and then will be doing that charity gig on the Sunday as well

# Posted by Charlie & Norma - 12/03/2010, 18:04 (GMT)

Yea will see you in 2weeks Rob. Unfortuneatly we're up in Ayr over Easter for a wedding so will miss the charity gig:-((((

# Posted by Colin H - 12/03/2010, 18:10 (GMT)

Well guys - Im really touched by your kind offers ! Please keep in mind though , 1) the bands only 16 and 2) I cant guarantee it wont be shit !! (hopefully not - though) . If your still interested , I`ll chat to the lads and get back to you .
Thanks again for your helping out - its brilliant of you . check out www.myspace.com/ukinnuendo to hear the music .

# Posted by Willow (of somebig™Fish) (Reti... - 12/03/2010, 18:33 (GMT)

just to echo the comments above ... no bass, no gig .. especially a young band like your lot trying to make an impression ... you don't get a second chance at a first impression!!
Willowphilosopher!

# Posted by Bass-tard - 12/03/2010, 18:47 (GMT)

1, I wish I was 16, dont worry I can wear a wig or hide at the back, 2, I have played loads of crap gigs and will probably have a load more to play before I hang up my boots.
If the lads want to do the gig go for it, someone will fill in on bass for them no problem at all, if I cant do it one of the other lads will. I wouldnt worry about the practice issue one of us will be glad to do it off a cd

# Posted by viking - 12/03/2010, 19:28 (GMT)

rob the bass player etc, etc is DAMN good-has a propensity to walk on the dark side in certain fabric finishing establishments and gets himself in bother-but-the guy can PLAY!!!!outstanding, in fact!! (no cheques,please, rob!!) :-D
and-innuendo-to echo the above comments-no bass is a definite no no-makes for a rather flat sound, no matter how good the guitarist(s) are,plus the drummer is left to carry the backup alone-not good-that synch between drummer and basist is what makes for a tighter than tight rhythm section to support the guitar and vocals. ;-/

# Posted by Bass-tard - 12/03/2010, 20:36 (GMT)

just waiting for paul's comments now

# Posted by OUT ON BAIL - 12/03/2010, 20:48 (GMT)

Rob is an awesome bass player, looks a lot younger than his 28 years and will add depth feel sex and fun all in one perfect package !!!

# Posted by OUT ON BAIL - 12/03/2010, 20:50 (GMT)

no bass, no play dudes, sound empty and thin, fekkin awful !!!!!

# Posted by OUT ON BAIL - 12/03/2010, 20:53 (GMT)

# Posted by Rob the bass player from out o... - 12/03/2010, 18:47 (GMT)

1, I wish I was 16, dont worry I can wear a wig or hide at the back, 2, I have played loads of crap gigs and will probably have a load more to play before I hang up my boots
you'd better believe it toss pot B-)

# Posted by HAPPY DAIZE - 12/03/2010, 20:55 (GMT)

Definitely use a dep - age doesn't matter.

Rob

# Posted by Bass-tard - 12/03/2010, 20:58 (GMT)

I'm having this blog framed

# Posted by Bass-tard - 12/03/2010, 20:59 (GMT)

keep it clean and nice Paul or freebird goes public !!!

you know what I mean

# Posted by OUT ON BAIL - 12/03/2010, 21:00 (GMT)

Ok, love you man !!!

# Posted by viking - 12/03/2010, 21:03 (GMT)

@rob the bass player etc etc....-never mind "having the blog framed"-you're going to be spending an awfull lot of time at the crickies bar watching brenda's shiny hand pumps in two weeks time!!! lol!! ;-)

# Posted by Bass-tard - 12/03/2010, 21:17 (GMT)

might not be there, I could be in my new teenage band by then and will have left you old dudes behind

# Posted by viking - 12/03/2010, 21:23 (GMT)

@ rob the bass player etc etc-what-you're joining dyebabes/suga house?? nahhh-you'd never find a t-shirt.......!! ;-P

# Posted by Roj (Black Rose) - 12/03/2010, 21:35 (GMT)

No bass player, no gig, simples, ceeek

# Posted by Bass-tard - 12/03/2010, 21:37 (GMT)

and Roj is available

# Posted by Rob Redfern, Black Rose,more f... - 12/03/2010, 21:45 (GMT)

without a bassist- like having a lady keeping her scenery covered up.

# Posted by Roj (Black Rose) - 12/03/2010, 21:47 (GMT)

Absolutely Rob's LOL

# Posted by viking - 12/03/2010, 21:47 (GMT)

@ robert redfern-i've said this before,i know-but you have such a poetic way of putting things into context, bro!! pmsl!!! ;-)
pity you just edited it (but, perhaps as well!! heh heh!!!) :-D

# Posted by Rob Redfern, Black Rose,more f... - 12/03/2010, 21:51 (GMT)

ok.... like having sex with two coats on, rubbish.

# Posted by viking - 12/03/2010, 21:55 (GMT)

@robert redfern-true-mind you- i can remember when "safe sex" was a padded headboard!!! ;-D

# Posted by Rob Redfern, Black Rose,more f... - 12/03/2010, 21:57 (GMT)

lmao ha ha, or giving a false phone number?

# Posted by Bass-tard - 12/03/2010, 22:03 (GMT)

its like a roast beef dinner with no gravy

# Posted by Rob Redfern, Black Rose,more f... - 12/03/2010, 23:40 (GMT)

bass is awesome

# Posted by DANGEROUS BROTHERS - 14/03/2010, 01:30 (GMT)

Chaps, I'm a drummer, and despite the mick we all take out of each other, bass is ace. This is the best site ever for North West musos, so take every offer of help. You will not regret it.

Creamy

# Posted by Colin H - 16/03/2010, 15:23 (GMT)

Hi Folks - Just thought I`d bring up trhe half century (polite ripple of applause , please !) , by saying a big thank you to all those who offered help and advice - this is a great forum , by the way !!.
Weve decided to take the overwhelming opinion of advice , and recruit a super-sub for the day .
Thanks to those who offered - we were genuinely touched by your generosity . After a very close contest - weve offered the position to Rob , whose youthful charm and obvious enthusiasm won the day (and he has the same christian name as our bass player - which makes things simpler )
Hope some of you can get along to the event in Hesketh bank - july 17 - its all for charity (cancer research) - so well worth the effort . Check our myspace www.myspace.com/ukinnuendo and look for the link (manor farm festival) on there .

All the best to you , Colin .

# Posted by Chipps the Bassist - 30/03/2010, 00:08 (GMT)

Great to hear Rob is gonna dep for Rob. Hopefully with all the locals we know attending, plus all the other bands the show should be top notch & not a pile of brown sticky stuff

Nige - the Synergy

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