[Psychoface]

upsides to bass: if you fuck up 99% of the audience wont notice, its just hella fun...
downsides: rarely lead parts

[Suho]

There may be some 200W-400W amps that aren't good, but I haven't seen them. I play 350-500 through mine, which is plenty loud. Generally 300 is a good number to shoot for with a loud band, but also it makes a difference what cabs you are running it through.

I have played guitar slightly longer than I have played bass, but I have always played bass in the bands I have been in. I was in one band years ago where it was frustrating in that I was a better guitarist than the guy we had, but he was a friend and the singer and I had to kind of coax him along. That band went nowhere, but it was a fun thing while it lasted.

But hell yeah, one of the best advantages about playing bass is that your mistakes will not be noticed, unless you like really F#$% up and stop playing. I have had gigs where I flubbed a note or two, but when I asked my wife later, she said no one could tell - but they COULD immediately tell when the guitar player goofed. [And believe me, she would not hesitate to tell me I F'ed up if she heard it!]

The bottom line is, if you find a bass that really locks in with you, and you can jam with the drummer a bit without guitars (I think this is essential if you want to really switch over), you will enjoy it immensely. If you don't like your sound, you will never like it.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Suho

The bottom line is, if you find a bass that really locks in with you, and you can jam with the drummer a bit without guitars (I think this is essential if you want to really switch over), you will enjoy it immensely. If you don't like your sound, you will never like it.

this is part of my style, locking in with the drummer. i REALLY get into playing a rhythm right next to the kit, getting into the same frequency as the drummer, and pushing it.

whoo! that's fun

maybe i should switch to bass myself?

i've actually played some bass in my old band, and it was indeed a LOT of fun, but i also like playing guitar. i should talk to my new bandmates about switching it up a bit, a la King's X.

[ibznorange]

switchups rock if you can find capable people. we always had a bit of a problem cause my brother and i were seemingly the only people in a group of 4 that could switch up, play guitar, bass or drums for different songs. the other guitarist, and the drummer were at a loss for anything that wasnt their own instrument

[Suho]

Hehe,
yeah, although I stated my desire to switch up (not much, but like maybe a song or two) from bass to guitar when my current band was formed, there does seem to be that problem of getting others who can fill in for you.
When our second guitarist moved to another state, the remaining guitarist saw me playing guitar and asked if we should instead look for another bass player.

Although I can play guitar decently, I don't think anyone wants to step up and fill in on bass, and from what I have seen, they just don't seem to have the 'bass player feel.' The rhythm seems forced.

Leon, you have it right on! Locking in with the drummer is more important than it seems to get credit for. I have been fortunate to always seem to play with some amazing drummers, although they also seem to be the pickiest and quirkiest band members. Best jams ever... just me and drums.

I like that my bass catches people in their gut, not just their ears. You can feel that PUNCH.

Just FYI, this is an example of the amps I was referring to in an earlier post:
Peavey Bass Head - 400 watts