Reader Spotlight: Dave Siff
Meet Dave Siff, a bassist and dad who takes playing bass and gigging seriously while also having a lot of fun. And he gets the role of bassist.
Dave is this week’s No Treble reader in the spotlight (you could be next!) Here’s his story…
Bio:
I’m pretty much your run-of-the-mill suburban dad who refuses to grow up. Music is my creative outlet and bass guitar is my vehicle. I try to “be the bass player” at all times, whether I’m at home, at work, or playing with the band: be supportive, keep things moving, try not to mess up!
Location:
Avondale Estates, GA
Day gig:
TV news producer
Years experience:
30 years
Bands & Gigs:
I play in a band called Space Giants, mostly originals with a few covers. We gig around Atlanta. I joke that we’re “four guys in their late 40s/early 50s taking one last stab at local semi-notoriety,” but really, we’re just trying to write some good songs, have fun and give the people who come see us play a good time.
Gear:
I have three Roscoe Century Standard 5-strings – a headless with an awesome cocobolo top which was a 50th birthday present to myself and which No Treble featured as Bass of the Week in May of this year; a mahogany fretted 5-string with Nordstrand J/J pickups; and a lined fretless 5 with an ash body and a Bartolini MM pickup. Last but not least, a killer Fender Am. Std. Precision 5-string with a Nordstrand pickup and Ernie Ball flatwounds.
Rig-wise: Carvin BX-1500 head and a Schroeder 21012 cabinet, plus a TC Electronic BG500 1×15 combo.
Why I play the bass:
I’ve always been drawn to music that has a strong bass component, but when I heard Rush for the first time, that was it. Geddy Lee’s tone on Moving Pictures, specifically the song “Red Barchetta”, set me on the path.
My bass superpower/claim to fame:
I never cancel band practice! I also make sure to leave it all on the stage when we play. I tend to thrash around with a lot of energy up there and drive the band as hard as I can.
My influences:
Geddy Lee, Karl Alvarez, Mike Watt, Mike Dirnt, Bob Thomson, James Jamerson
More on the web:
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