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 …