Bass Solos

jhatpro · Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2022 8:32 am Post subject: Bass Solos

Our trad jazz group sounds pretty good most of the time. We mix up the keys, tempos, and vocals and keep the solos short.

One area remains problematic, however: when our bass player solos it’s like the music stops. All we hear is drums and guitar chords.

What’s the solution?

No bass solos?
Horns fill with footballs?
Bigger amp?
_________________
Jim Hatfield

"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus

2021 Martinus Geelan Custom
2005 Bach 180-72R
1965 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1946 Conn Victor
1998 Scodwell flugel
1986 Bach 181 cornet
1954 Conn 80A cornet
2002 Getzen bugle

Richard III · Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2022 8:36 am Post subject:

Tuba. Bass inherently is lost in a group. We had a gig yesterday and I did the mic down the bell set up with my own amp. No issues being heard.

Plus, frankly, the character of the tuba works much better in that style of music.

Funny aside. My trombone player says I play tuba like a trumpet player. It is true. I get melody solos like everyone else. Fun stuff.
_________________
Richard

King 1130 Flugabone
King 12C mouthpiece

jhatpro · Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2022 8:39 am Post subject:

Tuba definitely comes thru better, but they’re so heavy!
_________________
Jim Hatfield

"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus

2021 Martinus Geelan Custom
2005 Bach 180-72R
1965 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1946 Conn Victor
1998 Scodwell flugel
1986 Bach 181 cornet
1954 Conn 80A cornet
2002 Getzen bugle

Richard III · Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2022 8:51 am Post subject:

I play a Conn 10J BBb. Not heavy at all.
_________________
Richard

King 1130 Flugabone
King 12C mouthpiece

kehaulani · Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2022 9:03 am Post subject:

I'm not quite sure what the problem is, but if it's Bass volume, just use an amp. Seems obvious to me. Also, if the bottom drops out when the Bass solo comes, perhaps your bass isn't loud enough, to begin with.

If it's a matter of audience interest, instead of a full chorus of Bass, go around the band, trading fours with the Bass.
_________________
"If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." Bird

Yamaha 8310Z Bobby Shew trumpet
Benge 3X Trumpet
Benge 3X Cornet
Adams F-1 Flghn

jhatpro · Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2022 11:19 am Post subject:

Problem is the bass player is not playing loud so bigger amp is probably the best solution. Trading fours also a good idea.
_________________
Jim Hatfield

"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus

2021 Martinus Geelan Custom
2005 Bach 180-72R
1965 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1946 Conn Victor
1998 Scodwell flugel
1986 Bach 181 cornet
1954 Conn 80A cornet
2002 Getzen bugle

delano · Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2022 10:10 pm Post subject:

No bass solos, everybody happy

Speed · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2022 4:29 am Post subject:

During a bass solo, the bass needs to be RELATIVELY louder. That can be accomplished by the drums and piano playing at a lower volume. I once noticed how sparsely Ellis Marsalis played during his bass player’s solos. The combination of lower volume and sparse playing from the drummer and the pianist may do the trick.

cheiden · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2022 8:31 am Post subject: Re: Bass Solos