Which instrument; bass or banjo?

Subject: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: GUEST,slickerbill
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 12:22 AM

I have an itch lately to learn a new instrument. I don't have tons of cash around, but I feel the urge to expand my horizons musically, and so with my limited funds I am faced with a dilemma. I currently play guitar, harp, bodhran, hand drums, singer-songwriter stuff, as well as play the odd band gig now and again (bluegrass, folkie, roots type music). I also am trying to do a bit of home recording. Okay, so given that background, and just for the fun of it, what do you 'catters think would be best to go after; bass of banjo? The banjo has caught my interest of late just because it's such an interesting instrument; so many styles and possibilities, both on my own and in a band setting. I enjoy mucking with open tunings on guitar, so this seems like a natural step. On the other hand bass seems like such a practical as well as fun instrument to learn more of. So I know this is stupid, but what do you think? I'm taking a poll as of now. Thanks. sb

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: Allan C.
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 12:29 AM

If you learn to play the bass well, you will never lack for groups in which to play. However, a banjo is a hell of a lot easier to tote.

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 03:41 AM

Or a bass banjo...one advert I saw somewhere linked from a thread here recently, claimed it sounded like a string bass and was more portable!

RtS
(but what do I know?!)

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: mooman
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 03:47 AM

Or if you search through the used instruments lists and stores...you may be able to find and afford a reasonable specimen of both!

Peace

moo

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 07:45 AM

Are you talking bass guitar or upright string bass?
Bass guitar would be most similar to 6 string.
Upright bass is large and awkward to transport.
Banjo - define whether you are thinking of 5-string or tenor banjo. There are lots of old threads discussing the two types and what they can be used for.
As a 5-string banjo player I may be regarded as biased, but it's a fun instrument to play.
Quack!
Geoff the Duck.

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: Spot
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 07:52 AM

Goldtone do a bass banjo...looks ok from net ads and not ludicrously expensive.. I've never seen a used one for sale, though!! High curiosity value but no idea how they sound...Hope you get sorted..
       Regards to all ....Spot

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: GUEST,slickerbill
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 11:23 AM

No hedging now. Bass banjo indeed! Basically it's between an electric bass or I'm thinking 5 string banjo, though I suppose going the four string route could be considered. Thanks for the input so far. Anyone else care to throw in? sb

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: Damon
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 11:40 AM

My son, who's 15, plays bass guitar as his first instrument(if you dont include drum kit) but recently expressed an interest in the banjo.

So I bought him a tenor banjo and he took to it like the proverbial duck...he can already play Boys From The Blue Hill and he's only had it a month!

As AllanC said, if you can master the bass you'll be welcome wherever you play.

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 12:29 PM

I know how to play bass, but the only time I'll do it is at a session or party. Because it's strictly a backup instrument I can't stand to practice playing it alone. You almost have to practice along with a recording and I just don't like to play with recordings.

The banjo, being a melody instrument, is much more satisfying to play when you're just sitting around by yourself. The banjo can be played in a wide variety of styles and is capable of a variety of tone colors (not as many as a guitar, but a lot more than a bass).

Bruce

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: GUEST,Martin Gibson
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 12:32 PM

Both bass and 5-string banjo were off-shoots of guitar for me years ago. I have played both electric and upright bass professionally in groups as well as currently playing 5-string banjo in a bluegrass group. I also participate in some regular bluegrass jam sessions and I always end up bringing everything (guitar, banjo, upright bass) with me to those because I never know who is going to be there or what instrument application is most needed.

It all depends on what you really want to do. If you are going to play in jam sessions, bass is quite fine and can even make the jam. However more than one bass in a jam setting is overkill. Playing banjo (and I am definately biased toward 5-string unless you are going to be in a dixieland band) is also wonderful, but with it comes the responsibility of taking your turn or part for a lead. There is a confidence learning curve involved.

Personally, I hate a group or jam session without a bass as the bass is the glue that holds it all together. On the other hand, a banjo break can be exciting and differentiate a group from a bunch of guitar strummers.

I guess I have done a good job of just confusing the issue!

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: Les from Hull
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 01:58 PM

I'm an electric bass player (the bass not me is electric) and Bee-dubya has it right. As long as you've people to play with bass is great fun. But I seldom take it to sessions as I already carry bouzouki and melodeon, so it wouldn't get played too much. Practice is boring, but one trick I found useful was to accompany the TV (even the adverts). You get pretty quick in picking up the key and the style etc.

I'm not sure that guitar players have that much of an advantage in learning bass, though, especially if they've been doing chord stuff such as rhythm or accompaniment. It's a very different thing. But then I'm a really bad guitar player.

The tenor banjo is also used to play melody in Irish tune sessions, and can play melody or counter-melody is a band set-up as well as the dixieland stuff.

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: GUEST,Martin Gibson
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 03:16 PM

I have some differences in opinion with Les From Hull above.

I firmly do believe that guitar players do have an advantage learning bass. As the four bass strings are tuned the same as the top 4 strings on a guitar EADG one automatically knows what notes are natural bass notes for any chord. For example, on a D chord on guitar, the D and A strings are open, so these notes are naturals to be used as bass notes on a guitar. The same goes for an A chord with the E and A strings.

I do agree that the best way to learn is to play along with the things like CDs and such. Playing by yourself on bass is very boring indeed.

As far as tenor banjo goes, I feel it is a very limited instrument. A five string can definately simulate what a tenor can do such as single notes, strumming, etc., but is hard pressed to do so the other way around.

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: jimmyt
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 03:21 PM

I have spent my entire life messing about with musical instruments and when I was 53 I started playing Upright bass.   By far the most fun, fascinating and generally welcome and invited instrument I have ever played. Teaches me way more about music than anything else ever has. Hard as hell to sing along with in a group. SOmehow playing a bass line and singing something completely different is quite difficult for me to master, but it can be done. It is a pain to lug around. It is also as you said, hard to play alone with unless you are playing to a recording. Another positive side is there are very few jokes about basses like there are banjos! I am actually thinking about learning banjo myself!

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: Johnny in OKC
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 05:07 PM

WANTED ~~ BASS PLAYER, with car and credit card.
Send photo of bass.

Here's another vote for standup bass. You can come and play with me any time, even while you're learning.

Johnny

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: GUEST,Martin Gibson
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 06:02 PM

My upright bass fits easy in my Toyota Corolla.

Just put the front seat all the way back and in it goes. Only room for one passenger though and they have to sit behind the driver. But I usually request that she massage my head and neck on the way.

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: wanderhope
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 08:16 PM

I am a banjo player. When my son asked me, I said, with Allan C., "you'll never lack for gigs" if you learn bass. He did. He hasn't. That's electric bass. The standup seems to be coming back.

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: Damon
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 09:03 PM

They seem to be coming back, but have you seen the price of 'em?

Its alot of wood, I guess!

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: GUEST,Martin Gibson
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 09:09 PM

Used upright basses are not easy to find. Never were. I gave up years ago and bought a halfway decent new Asian made one from Sam Ash. I got it on a very decent sale 5 or so years ago. It performs well for bluegrass. I recently put new D'Addario Helicore strings on it and it really punches.

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: jimmyt
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 10:11 PM

Martin. I use the same strings. they really kick ass

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: red max
Date: 18 Mar 04 - 10:13 AM

I don't think guitarists play bass very well. OK, they can usually get by, but they never seem to do it right- there's no fluidity to it

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: GUEST,Martin gibson
Date: 18 Mar 04 - 12:44 PM

That's kind of BS red max. I learned guitar first and learned bass much easier because of what strings on a bass worked with their guitar chord counterparts. I am proficient for 40 years with guitar, banjo, and bass, electric or upright. People consider me a bassist first. I don't think it has much to do with fluidity, whatever that is.

With a bass, keeping proper timing along with knowing your scales is what really matters.

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: GUEST,slickerbill
Date: 18 Mar 04 - 01:26 PM

Great discussion guys. I guess the other thing I'm realizing is that generally the type of music I think of playing differs depending on the instrument; the banjo mainly rootsy folk and bluegrass stuff, the bass more the jazz, rock side of things, as well as backing my own demos. It does seem the banjo offers more possibilities in the singer-songwriting area which is going well these days; I'm wondering what the writing possibilities are on something like banjo. sb

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From:
Date: 30 Mar 04 - 09:27 AM

Well, I have really never played a bass that much, but I have been playin' banjo for two years now. I am sixteen years old. I enjoy the banjo alot, it's something to do. O fcourse I had to pick up the guitar, so I could get the girls. Not many girls like the banjo. Not in high school anyway. The love that "rap". Well anywayz, play the banjo......Its awesome. Or you can go both routes and play the banjo bass, they sell those in Musicians friends magazine. Good day.

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: Dave of Mawkin
Date: 30 Mar 04 - 09:48 AM

Neither?!

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: GUEST,Al
Date: 30 Mar 04 - 10:40 AM

You obviously need both a banjo and an upright bass. Nothing beats the growling sound and feel of a good old dog house. Electric bass doesn't come close. And you might consider getting a tuba while you're at it. Don't worry. It's only money. Al

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: Les from Hull
Date: 30 Mar 04 - 12:55 PM

Sorry Martin, I think we've been slightly at cross purposes. As you say guitar players do have an advantage in learning bass. The real point is 'learning'. I'm upset by the guitar players who just pick a bass and think they can already play it, 'cos it's a bit like their instrument only simpler! I'm more than happy to let them have a go if they're interested in learning. If a guitarist spends some time in learning timing, scales, runs and technique - well I'm sure that a fine bass player can result. (I've been playing bass on and off for 35 years.)

I'm also sure that some 5-string banjo players can flatpick Irish tunes really well, it's just that it doesn't happen much over here in the British Isles, and tenor banjo gets used instead. But you don't see tenor banjos played clawhammer.

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: GUEST,Martin Gibson
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 11:55 AM

And you sure don't see tenor players picking the Foggy Mountain Breakdown. Tenor banjo does have it's limits. Throw away those fingerpicks.

I agree with you about all the fundamentals of bass playing. I do consider bass to be my primary instrument for most of 4 decades. I have seen absolutely superb guitarists literaly flatulate when they attempt to play a bass. It is far from automatic, but I still feel for the one who really wants to take up bass, knowing the guitar neck is a distinct advantage.

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: Coyote Breath
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 06:01 PM

I first learned to play bass. Upright, acoustic, of course. Then guitar and then banjo. I haven't played a bass since 1960 but I still play guitar once in a while and banjo, constantly.

I think that you should play the five string banjo, old timey claw hammer style. It is true that few will want to have you play with them but think of the many hours of sweet solitude you'll be able to count on.

Later when you are in your dotage, you'll still be able to play the banjo because it requires so little physical effort to do so. As your voice cracks and fades and your playing becomes more and more basic you'll begin to sound like an undiscovered "source" and you can spend long periods of time talkng endlessly about the good old days.

Works for me:)

CB

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: GUEST,slickerbill
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 09:21 PM

well....someone gave me (GAVE me, mind you) a tenor banjo. Out of the blue someone phones up who had'nt a clue I was even thinking about it and says " hey, you interested in a free banjo". Some things are just meant to be I guess. haven't got a sniff in terms of playing the thing, but i'm having fun trying. hey! Now I've got enough cash for that bass? (No space to keep the bloody thing but....) sb

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: Once Famous
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 10:48 PM

I'd take a tenor banjo for free.

Hell, I'd take any instrument for free.

Subject: RE: Which instrument; bass or banjo?
From: Kaleea
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 12:14 AM

If you are into bluegrass & folk, then it seems that the 5 string banjo would most fit your fav music. If you are a finger picker on the guitar, that is how most play the 5 string banjo, and then the old time frailing style, which is terrific.
    As for the bass, dare I mention what is obvious to many of us--that other "stand up" bass for those on a budget. Mine is a medium sized galvanized trashcan with a terrific lever handle which makes it really easy to play. When many experienced musicians hear it in recordings, they are unaware that it is not a regular Bass Violin! Of course, the washtub bass is more popularly known. Then there is the really fun electric Bass Violin with the neck, strings, bridge, etcl, but no body--you wear it against your belly & play it just like a Bass Violin & it sounds like one, too. Very popular in bluegrass bands these days.