How Important Is a Bass Player?

[SmootSmack]

So I got kind of a weird question. I'm working on scheduling this band for my wedding. And one option is to schedule a band that includes a drummer, keyboard player, guitarist, and singer. They would be playing a variety of music.

Anyhow, for extra they would throw in a bass guitarist. So my question is it crucial to have a bass player? I mean like I wouldn't want to be without a drummer, but does a bass player really, truly matter? Apologies to all bass players out there.

[EternalEnigma21]

I dont know, but I think its really weird that you have to pay extra for the bass... I'd ask them, if they truly have a good enough keyboardist, they could throw out the drummer and guitarist and save you some serious dough...

Just hook up the ipod to some speakers and put the Humpty Dance on a loop!

[SmootSmack]

It's not so much that I have to pay extra. It's that they have three options. Group of four, group of five (with bass), group of six (with bass and conga drums)

[TheMalcolmConnection]

I went steel drums alone for our wedding and it was awesome.

[Hog1]

Did they not give a copy of their stuff? If you like it. it's a go, if not, Back to the Steel Drums.
As you are already aware, many very successful bands are comprised in unconventional ways.
PS, forget apologizing to all the bass guys out there. They are like place kickers.................sorry to all the place kickers out there!

[Redskins247]

There are plenty of bands out there that play without a bass player IF they have a really keyboard player...but I'm sure it opens up THEIR 700 page song list if they bring a bass player....my advice...if it's not too much more money...bring the bass player!

[onlydarksets]

Poison without Bobby Dall?
Motley Crue without Nikki Sixx?
Def Leppard without Randy Savage?

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by onlydarksets

Poison without Bobby Dall?
Motley Crue without Nikki Sixx?
Def Leppard without Randy Savage?

Van Halen without Michael Anthony? (now Wolfgang Van Halen)

Thanks for the advice...Hoyas Rule

[onlydarksets]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Van Halen without Michael Anthony? (now Wolfgang Van Halen)

Thanks for the advice...Hoyas Rule

I was close to pulling the trigger on the bet about a month ago, when the Orange were 12-3 (and 2-0 in the conference), but unranked. Then I saw G-town was #6 or something, and I figured I'd let you bring it up this year. Helluva game though - it always is!

[That Guy]

you want the bass player unless there are NO subwoofers (or bass amps) included, or you don't really want people dancing.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by That Guy

you want the bass player unless there are NO subwoofers (or bass amps) included, or you don't really want people dancing.

So if subwoofers are included, then I don't want a bass player?

[jamf]

For $500, That Guy, AMD and Dmac will play rock band at your wedding!

[That Guy]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

So if subwoofers are included, then I don't want a bass player?

no, if you got woofers, you want bass to play out them.


if you don't have speakers for < 400hz, a bass is sorta pointless, but otherwise it's a good idea. and i'm sure the dude will have an amp

[That Guy]

Originally Posted by jamf

For $500, That Guy, AMD and Dmac will play rock band at your wedding!

hell yeah :P

you gotta pay for my plane ticket though and promise me a guitar.

or i could get an old band back together, but i've never really done covers besides a soilwork or tool song... and again, plane tickets, convince my supervisor its life or death (he's pretty anti-leave right now), etc.

[DynamiteRave]

Originally Posted by That Guy

hell yeah :P

you gotta pay for my plane ticket though and promise me a guitar.

or i could get an old band back together, but i've never really done covers besides a soilwork or tool song... and again, plane tickets, convince my supervisor its life or death (he's pretty anti-leave right now), etc.

I think playing Tool makes for a great wedding reception.