Funny Story: You Can't Use Your Bass

[ssabass]

I can understand the control issue. But now since you gave me some insight on the condition of the bass. I would not have played just based on, someone asking me to play a bass in that bad of condition. Because they obviously have no clue.  I also would not have played there bass or mine if they were paying the MOM & not me. 

[phbrown]

I just want to make sure I understand ssabass... (and there are a lot of ifs)

1. If the bass is in good condition and the bassist and the MoM are getting paid you would play the house bass?

2. If the bass is in good condition and only the MoM is getting paid you would not play the house bass?

3. If the bass is in bad condition and only the MoM is getting paid you would not play?

does that about sum it up?

[ssabass]

Well at first what I was saying, if I was getting paid for the gig I would give the MOM what he wants. At that point the condition of the bass & it being a non paying gig was not known.  But after I found out that he wasn't getting paid for the the gig & condition that changes the whole scenario. First & foremost I would not play for someone that I barely knew & he was getting paid & I wasn't. I would do it as a favor for a friend & even that would be limited to once or twice. Then when I talked about the condition of the bass, I was more less saying. If someone wanted me to play a bass that was in that bad of condition, he wouldn't be someone that I would want to play with, even if I was getting paid. Cause now we are talking about someone that either, has no clue or they really don't want anyone to sound good other than themselves. Why else would someone want you to play a bass or any instrument in horrible condition.  Now if I was getting paid & I walked in with my Lakland & the MOM said to me. Hey man would you play the house bass(good condition) I'm just use to that sound, I would not have a problem with that.

[malthumb]

^^^^ well stated ^^^^

[Slappersgotoheaven]

I might step on some toes with my thoughts on this, but if I do understand I mean no disrespect. I have never expected to get paid or sought to get paid to play at my local church. I chose my church not for a position or paycheck, but for the word of God and using my talents for his glory. If another church contacts me about playing for a gig or special event then I will get compensated. I play every Sunday at my church and have never received one dime or asked for it. I give to the church in my offerings and tithe and expect nothing in return as far as monetary gain. I do however expect a feeding of the Holy Spirit to my soul and life. My nephew is not concrned about getting paid to play. He is their to get fed to further his life in christ, but to also use his talents for God. I do not agree with going to a church just for a paycheck to play. My opinion.........

[malthumb]

I'm going to go out on a limb and assume you didn't actually read through the entire thread?

He started the thread.

[Slappersgotoheaven]

I'm going to go out on a limb and assume you didn't actually read through the entire thread?

Of course I have read the whole thread......I actually started it. There have been several references about pay for play and I just wanted to let my opinion be know about it. I feel this goes along with my nephews situation.

[ssabass]

Slapper, you are correct. Money should not be your motivation for playing for a church. Especially your home church. I have never charged for playing at a church.  I have recvd a love offering once & that was only 40$. But if the MOM is getting paid, then I feel that I am entitled to be compensated as well. Is my time less valuable? I think not. His/her time/value is no more important than mine. I don't think it's wrong for any musician to get paid, for playing at church. As a matter a fact I will go a little deeper. If anyone is entitled to get paid for using their talent is us. We see the devils entertainers getting paid millions & living lavish lifestyles & not hurting for anything, but the church musician is struggling to make ends meet. Now something is wrong with that picture. How can we call ourselves Christians & watch the devils advocates outshine God's. God said he will pour out blessings, that we wouldn't have enough room to receives them. That Scripture is referring to us, the believers. But when I look around, I'm not seeing those blessings & when we do see a fellow Christian that God has blessed to that level, he/she is condemned by his own christian brothas & sistas. Sorry if i kind of got off track.

[sixstringpoet]

That is a crazy situation.  I would have definitely left the gig instead of putting up with someone that has a controlling spirit like that.  telling someone that they have to use their equipment is way out of line, especially on a free gig.

On the other subject, i would never tell my church that they must pay me nor do i expect payment under normal circumstances.  If my church starts to pay any other musician then i also would expect to be paid.  Now any other church that wants me to be their bassists must pay.  to me it is only fair to pay those that labour.

[malthumb]

That is a crazy situation.  I would have definitely left the gig instead of putting up with someone that has a controlling spirit like that.  telling someone that they have to use their equipment is way out of line, especially on a free gig.

On the other subject, i would never tell my church that they must pay me nor do i expect payment under normal circumstances.  If my church starts to pay any other musician then i also would expect to be paid.  Now any other church that wants me to be their bassists must pay.  to me it is only fair to pay those that labour.

This is pretty much where I am except for the 4th Sunday choir that I lead, the drummer and pianist get paid, I choose not to.  My kids play a lot on 4th Sundays, but they don't get paid either.....yet.

[phbrown]

Well at first what I was saying, if I was getting paid for the gig I would give the MOM what he wants. At that point the condition of the bass & it being a non paying gig was not known.  But after I found out that he wasn't getting paid for the the gig & condition that changes the whole scenario. First & foremost I would not play for someone that I barely knew & he was getting paid & I wasn't. I would do it as a favor for a friend & even that would be limited to once or twice. Then when I talked about the condition of the bass, I was more less saying. If someone wanted me to play a bass that was in that bad of condition, he wouldn't be someone that I would want to play with, even if I was getting paid. Cause now we are talking about someone that either, has no clue or they really don't want anyone to sound good other than themselves. Why else would someone want you to play a bass or any instrument in horrible condition.  Now if I was getting paid & I walked in with my Lakland & the MOM said to me. Hey man would you play the house bass(good condition) I'm just use to that sound, I would not have a problem with that.

okay cool I can get down with that