It has been said that if you want to get the best advice, seek out the wisdom of an older person. The thought process is that someone who has been on this planet a long time will have seen, heard, or experienced something related to your quest for insight. Seems logical, right?
Does this theory work with bass players? We are a pesky bunch; we argue roundwounds vs. flatwounds and if four strings are (really) enough. Some bass players swear by certain bass designs and preamps, and are convinced that a tube in the signal chain is “the” difference. Others analyze every small critical knob turn to find the sweet spot while watching their bass idols just plug in and play to perfection. Meanwhile, the other side of our brain is making a valiant attempt at being creative, crafting magical basslines and trying to make our presence felt and not heard. Where are we supposed to turn to find ourselves (and a new amp) in this murky, magical musical brain of ours?
My advice? Take in all the information you can. And then take a breath. Now let’s jump in and figure out what you want and really need.
As a new bass player starting out, I was limited in my gear choices by the $100 I had saved from mowing lawns and the inventory on hand that day at Littmann’s Pawn Shop in Norfolk, Virginia. We went the pawn shop route because my money would go a little further, and luckily the shop had two basses on the wall within that budget. My choices for my first instrument were extremely limited, and not helped by my teenaged impatience. I opted for a short scale bass with flats, and my career was on its way.
Luckily, the offerings today are 100 fold what they were in the past. The number of quality “starter” instruments is inspiring as well, which makes playing—and sticking with it—more likely. What no one told me was that all instruments need a proper set up from time to time. Over time, an instrument can become simply unplayable when not properly adjusted, and an unplayable instrument is not going to get anyone anywhere. A little tune up can capture that inspired “better than new” feeling. If you need a breath of fresh air, a set up may just do the trick.
An “old timer” story for you: When I started playing, there was no internet, so the discovery of new gear was organic; I spent a lot of hours in music stores playing different basses and listening to other players, gathering small shreds of knowledge. In retrospect, I didn’t learn the secret formula to bass tone. But what I did learn was there were a lot of opinions on gear, and being an impressionable young man, I made a lot of gear purchases that I should not have made. My needs were not being addressed—only my want to impress my peers.
Fast forward to today, and here we rest (un)comfortably in the information age. The volume of gear being presented to us via social media and forum discussions is staggering. But ask yourself: Why are you buying this gear? What does your gig/personal growth journey/career need? Really do your research when you get into new gear, as a purchase made from a catchy ad can end up collecting dust.
“We already have a Jamerson and a Jaco. We need to hear you.”
Of course, “Just because I want it” is a valid reason to buy a piece of gear as well. I have a friend who owns a beautiful recording studio with 10 different Echoplex-styled plug-ins. He told me he was looking for a real Echoplex simply to be able to feel the knobs and get the real experience. No one is going to listen to a record produced at this studio and know the difference, but if he’s happier as he makes records, that’s a win. The lesson here: If it makes you happy (and consequently more inspired), then go for it.
As I continued down my path, I unknowingly fell into other traps. I started to believe that I had to learn how to play like Flea or Victor Wooten or Geddy Lee to fit in, as if my friends would instantly forget me if my fingers weren't flying around the fretboard. No one told me that these players were glittery unicorns in a dense forest of players. I learned (the very hard way) that a solid bass foundation had to be established before any 32nd notes were to be played. We all need to find the "one" first, then press on.
From your playing style to your instrument choice to your “add-on package”—effects, preamps, LED lights—it’s all unique to you. Your budget, wants, and needs are yours alone. And remember, in the middle of it all, it’s your voice the people want to hear. We already have a Jamerson and a Jaco. We need to hear you.
