MUSIC: How hard is it to actually make a studio album?

It's all a LOT of work. Every aspect of it. And, just as a heads up, studio recording is BORING. As far as the audition, well, it really kind of depends on the genre of the band. Sometimes, those very basic bass lines are exactly what the music needs. Not every band needs a Les Claypool or a Cliff Burton.

Someone else here brought up how desperately they need a bass player, and that holds true. With no offence to any musician, vocalists are a dime a dozen, guitarists are about a quarter, bass players clock in at a dollar and drummers are 10 dollars for one (all metaphorically, of course). Probably triple the costs for each of those based on actually being good, too.

His chances? Well, if he doesn't try, absolute zero. If he tries? who knows.

Depending on the studio, it's easier than one might think. They dont have to all be present at the same time. Each instrument will be on its own track.

Thats how people like Prince, Dave Grohl (Nervana, Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age), Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), etc are able to record albums where they play every instrument in the songs recorded. Also why there are songs you will never hear performed live by some bands because they only have one guitarist who had to play lead and rhythm, recorded on two different tracks. ..or they tightened up a very technical performance that the band is not capable of reproducing live in real time

These days, with auto tuning, I think making a studio album is much easier than it once was. Just like with singers, they can Auto-Tune and adjust the rhythm on bass, guitar, drums, anything.

I think it's more important that your friend has good chemestry with the band, looks the part for the genre of music the band plays and has a pretty face. Also, they need to know their place in the band. There are very few exceptions where the bass player isn't in a last place tie with the drummer in the bands hierarchy.

it kinda depends on how desperately they need a bass player. studio albums often use studio musicians to supplement or sub in for doing recordings. I expect his chances aren't awesome, but there's more to being a touring musician than just the music.

I admire his confidence if not his skill

I think he's as misguided as the ppl who couldn't reliably carry a tune auditioning before Simon Cowell.

Studio albums will still require people who can play by themselves to playback they hear over their headphones, and with actual ability.

It's really easy, all you need is a room, a good computer, an interface and some excellent microphones. To get a silent place you can install sponge panels. Is not that difficult. As a sound engineer you don't need a lot to get a good simple studio. Is the way you use what you have.

Actually making it, easy. Getting it released and get it to record company for a deal
Very hard.
The beatles were turn down at first, joan jett was turned down 23 times before she made it.
If he makes it depends on how much he wants it

AAccording to Cheapeak Shores...just takes a weekend

No chance unless he's really good

I'm old enough to remember when some larger city malls had small "recording studio" kiosks, that was decades ago.

At least they're giving him a chance, many songs are considered only "four chords"...[media=https://youtu.be/5pidokakU4I]