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What it Really Means to be a Professional Bassist and How Relevant Can This Be?
Meet Igor Saavedra –
The word “Professional” is like a rubber band that can be expanded everywhere on its meaning depending on what somebody would like to express, and quite often depending on what’s convenient, which in fact, in my opinion, is the most dangerous and toxic aspect.
When most of the people make use of the word “Professional”, they don’t have a really clear idea of what they are talking about, and they usually “just say it” because it sounds good.
The big problem with this is that if we don’t know what this word really means, so to assign it correctly to the rest of the people, it’s obvious that it will be even harder for us to “Behave ourselves as Professionals”.
Dictionaries are very clear with explaining the term, but despite this fact it seems that it is still misused, so what I’ll try to do on this occasion is to contextualize the real meaning and importance of professionalism itself within the context of bass playing, which I think is the most important aspect to discuss here.
There are three meanings for the word “Professional”, and obviously those can be applied to any activity, not only to bass playing.
The first meaning has to do with relating Professionalism strictly with an Academic Degree, so that would mean that you should not be entitled to call yourself a professional bassist if you did not study “Bass Playing” in a Music School that issued you a validated diploma certified by a formal institution from your country’s government through its regular channel, which is usually the Ministry of Education.
The second meaning has to do with a behavioral aspect and relating the word Professionalism with an attitude, with positive ethical values like Responsibility and Proficiency.
The third meaning has to do with the remunerative aspect, so that means that if you are being paid for playing bass that would imply that you are entitled to call yourself a Professional Bassist.
A very important philosophical question is the following:
Is it important or not to be a Professional Bassist?
My humble answer is that “it’s not”…. and this is because in my opinion “Being a Professional Bassist” doesn’t even mean that you love and enjoy music, and under any circumstance that you are necessarily a “Good Bassist”….
How is that?
Very simple…and I will answer this in the fewest words I can.
You can have a music/bass degree, being generously paid for what you do, and be proficient, meticulous and responsible in your activity, and anyway be a crappy bass player”!!!
So what I’m intending to do here is to demystify this word and bring it down to earth, because it’s not an absolute fact that being ‘professional’ guarantees that you will be any good.
That being said, we have to accept though that working hard to become a Professional Bassist exponentially increases your chances of being good…. so let’s bring it down to the original question again.
What does it take to really be a professional bassist?
In my opinion, being a Professional Bassist means that you are putting music and bass playing in the first place, mentally and emotionally, within your numerous activities so to assign the best of your efforts and your energies to that purpose. When you do this you are somehow guarantying maximum responsibility and proficiency on what you do… and that couldn’t be bad.
Secondly, when you are paid for what you do, this will mean that you are going to have to “take care of business” trying to provide the best service in exchange for the money you are receiving.
The money issue will imply and mean two very important things:
1) The more money you are offered would imply that is very possible that you are doing a good job.
2) The more money you are offered, the better the service you have to provide, so that will become a factor that will press your improving.
So as you can see, money and professionalism are indeed related.
3) Thirdly, having a music/bass degree from a serious music school means that you have studied a lot and also that this school and the teachers that taught you are somehow endorsing your knowledge and abilities, so I don’t see anything wrong with that.
4) Finally and resuming…. those three aspects/meanings of professionalism make a lot of sense to me, and I think that they can coexist perfectly in the context of a musician/bassist.
In my opinion, being able to achieve them can’t be bad, and not complying with any of them can’t be good… and I stress the fact that in any form you are guaranteed that you will be a great or a good bass player, even complying with all of these three aspects of professionalism….
That outcome has also to do with a myriad of intangible aspects, some of them psychological and some of them ethereal, like your musical soul and spirit, your empathy, assertiveness, “talent”, personal equilibrium, experience, wisdom, IQ, EQ, and thousand more aspects.
Eventually the “implacable final average” that will consider all of these aspects (the professionalism being just one of them), will tell you if you have become a good/great bassist or a bassist that is not, considering of course that every single opinion will be always relative, but the sum of them, with the inherent possible configuration of a tendency, will tend to absolutize the outcome.
See you guys on my next article!
Gear News
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Spector offers Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses…
Spector, a leading authority in bass guitar design, unveils two new Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses. Synonymous with bass excellence since 1987, Wimbish collaborated with Spector’s USA Custom Shop to create the DW-4 and DW-5 models, echoing the iconic instruments that have been favored heavily throughout his recording and performing career.
These signature basses faithfully replicate Wimbish’s originals, down to the smallest details like neck contours and nut widths. Customized EMG pickups, developed in collaboration with Wimbish, capture the distinctive sound that has shaped his monumental musical impact. These models invite players to explore the feel and response that have defined Wimbish’s signature style over the years.
Available in 4-string and 5-string versions, each model boasts unique features & finish options. The DW-4 comes in Amber Stain Gloss and Black Stain Gloss options, while the DW-5 offers Dark Blue Stain Gloss and Faded Natural Gloss. Every purchase includes a certificate of authenticity signed by Doug Wimbish. Wimbish comments, “Spector took the time to get every little nuance right, and that to me is dedication and being thoughtful enough to know ‘I want to nail it,’ and they did. I’m able to pick these instruments up for the first time and play them like I’ve already had them for years.”
For more information, visit spectorbass.com/doug-wimbish-usa-signature-series/.
Photo: Doug Wimbish, pictured with the new Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses
Bass CDs
New Campaign: Alberto Rigoni, Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings
Italian bass master and composer ALBERTO RIGONI is thrilled to announce his brand new project “Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings”.
Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings features a super talented drummer from Japan (TBA) and tons of female guitarists such as SAKI, Giusy Busetto, Alexandra Zerner (TBC) and many many others (TBA). Furthermore, Alberto has also launched a Fundraising Campaign for the project. 20% of the income will be donated to Lega del Filo d’Oro legadelfilodoro.it/it, an Italian association that helps deaf and blind children!
Alberto shares:
“Hello friends and music lovers! I’m Alberto Rigoni, an Italian composer and.. a BASS GUY! Between 2008 and 2024 I released 13 solo albums, spanning from progressive, rock, ambient to funky and experimental music, which also features contributions from musicians such as keyboard wizard Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) drummer Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) and Marco Minnemann (the Aristocrats), keyboardist Kevin Moore (ex Dream Theater), singer John Jeff Soto (ex Goran Edman (ex Y. Malmsteen), bassists Nathan East, Stu Hamm (Joe Satriani), Nik West (ex Prince) and many others. I’m also bass player for BAD As, Sunset Groove Society, Kim Bingham, The Italians bands and co-producer of Mistheria’s Vivaldi Metal Project.”
Alberto on the new project Nemesis Call:
“Even if my latest album “Unexpected Lullabies”, dedicated to my newborn Vittoria Parini Rigoni, will be released on June 4th, 2024, when Vittoria came to life I felt the need to compose new music (yes, I really can’t stop!!!!!). This time will be quite challenging because I’m willing to release an instrumental ambient/prog/rock/metal album, that will feature a talented and young drummer (TBA) and tons of female guitarists (that’s why I will call the album “Queens of the Strings”) such as Alexandra Zerner, YOKA and many others (TBA/TBC)). It won’t be easy to manage all such great musicians but I will make it!! Are you ready to face a new prog experience? The album will be released in Digipack CD and in high-quality digital format approximately at the beginning of 2025.”
The Fundraising Campaign:
As an independent artist, Alberto is looking for supporters who can help him reach the budget for the production (recordings, mix, mastering, artwork etc.) of this new album and has started this fundraising campaign that will end successfully on October 15th, 2024.
Get further information about Alberto Rigoni’s new project Nemesis Call Fundraising campaign at albertorigoni.net/nemesiscal
Bass Videos
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
Bassist Derek Frank…
Many of you will remember the last time I chatted with Derek Frank was back in 2017. The main thing that impressed me was how busy Derek was and how he juggled playing with many huge acts.
Now, I am happy to hear that Derek launched a new album last March titled “Origin Story” where he digs deep into his roots and pays homage to Pittsburg.
Join me as we get caught up after all these years and hear the details about the new album, how Derek gets his sound, and his plans for the future.
Photo, Stephen Bradley
Featured Videos:
Visit Online:
www.derekfrank.com
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www.youtube.com/derekfrankbass
www.facebook.com/derekfrankbass
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This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Check out our top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week…
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Gear News
New Gear: Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Internationally renowned bassist ALBERTO RIGONI (soloist, BAD AS, Vivaldi Metal Project, TwinSpirits, etc.) is proud to announce the release of his signature bass VPR5 made by renowned Italian luthier Gaetano Costanzo!
The bass is entirely handmade in Italy, without the use of CNC or other machinery, and has rather special features. The VPR is a 5-string bass (but also available as a 4-string) with 30 frets, Seymour Duncan pickups, Music Man Alnico style, passive electronics (volume, tone and a switch to select series/parallel/single-coil mode), alder body, and American maple neck and fingerboard. Gotoh tuners that ensure perfect intonation. The bass is totally painted white (nitro finish) but other colors can be requested. The VPR has a weight of about 2.9 kg and suitable for any genre.
For more information contact Gaetanobass77@gmail.com or visit online at www.instagram.com/gaetanocostanzoluthier or www.facebook.com/GaetanoCostanzoLuthier
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
