Practical Bass

Can you cut your gig load-in down to one trip? Absolutely, listen and learn! Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix). Show notes Certainly gear for gigs will greatly depend on venue size and type, but for this weeks topic we will mostly talk about traveling light for those smaller gigs.   …

Myths abound about caring for your bass fretboard. Let’s cut to the facts. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix). Image courtesy Dávid Kótai (CC-BY-SA). Show notes First, thanks to our listener Darrell Denlinger for suggesting this topic: “I am amazed at the amount of disagreement on this subject: Use lemon oil Never …

Spending more and spending smarter: the same thing, or not? Let’s talk cost vs. value. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix). Show notes When is it a good idea to spend an extra $1000 on a bass? What about $3000? What does it buy you?   Dave, tell me about the …

The sound guy can be your best friend at the gig. Help them help you, and the whole band. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix). Special shout out to our listener Paul Towsley for suggesting this topic, based on our Episode 015: 10 Stage Mistakes to Avoid! Have you subscribed already? Show notes …

What to look for in a sub player, and how to slay the gig when you’re filling in for someone. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix). Have you subscribed already? Show notes What to look for in a sub player Experience Compatible with band Able to take shorthand notes (not that kind) …

Strings lend a lot to the sound of your instrument. Learn some basics about how to pick the right one for you. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix). Show notes What kind of strings do you use? What brand and gauge? Dave Generally, nickel round-wounds. But I am a fan of …

When you’re on a gig, how do you make a good impression? Start by refraining from these on-stage boo-boos. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix). Show notes Dave: Mostly this episode is a collection of ideas on what not to do on stage. What’s the worst habit you ever broke about …

Why are some bassists drawn to 4 vs. 5 strings (or more)? What’s right for the gig? Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix). Image: Jade Palmer. Dave: Have always only played 4 Well, once I had a 5 string Mexican Jazz (scored at a gig) I only gave it 2 months and …

Polishing to be a super sub, developing songwriting, taking a specific style gig: broadening your genres pays. Show notes What genres do you play now and what areas have you spent time learning? Dave: Currently playing in two projects – Classic Rock/Beatles and Indie Rock Indie Rock project incorporates funk, salsa, …

A compressor smoothes out your bass sound, or squashes it flat. Learn how to get the sound you want. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix). Image: David Pacey. Show notes What is a compressor? Squashes signal that gets past a certain level Considered a must-have effect for bass, vocals, some …

What are your strengths and weaknesses beyond bass? Know your skills and bring your best self to the gig. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) Show notes What’s your role at the gig and in the band? While this is a very broad question, it can help to …

In this episode, Paul and Dave break down the mysterious and often misunderstood effects loop. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) Show notes What IS an effects loop? If you’re more experienced you might be used to an FX loop But we run across bassists who have them …

Being a bassist/vocalist makes you an even more valuable player. Start to sing your way to success. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) Show notes So you’re hearing from two guys who sing and play all the time… Up front… We can’t teach you how to carry a tune. …

You’re at the gig and your sound isn’t grooving. How do you react? How can you guard against it? Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) Show notes Backdrop: The inevitable Dave: most recent experience with this issue – why I recommended this topic That day after the …

Did you finally get everything in your life together, and forgot where you put it? Time to get organized. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) Show notes Do you write everything down, or do you prefer to memorize everything? Are you usually early, or usually late? Are you …

Being prepared isn’t just about knowing the tunes. What do you carry to make yourself successful? Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) Show notes Do you have a small pouch for your gigs? Can you cram everything you need into the side of your bass case? Or do …

Before you lay money down on a new amp, consider this episode about combos and separates. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) Featured photo by Joe Seggiola. Show notes What was your first “real” amp, a combo or separates? Dave: The Ampeg BA115 – 150 watts with easy …

In a venue, on the road, or even in your home, disaster is always a risk. Are you protected? Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) Show notes Topic introduction: Should I buy insurance for my music gear? Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance? Not usually… Refer to your homeowner’s policy …

Pedalboards go from barebones to NASA space command. What are the minimum effects you need as a bassist? Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) Paul: One of the toughest topics in our initial list that I looked at! Dave: This is a struggle for me for a …

Learning songs is an important skill for any player. Hear about tools and strategies to help you meet the challenge. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) Show notes Topic introduction: Efficiencies in learning new songs Dave’s experiences/journey Hit a hard wall as salsa breaks, changes and fills grew in …