1st Post- Tone Hammer direct...

[barrywomb]

Hello- my first post. Thanks for the opportunity to pick your brains...

A bit about me really quick- I'm just starting off playing bass in a side band. I'm normally a guitarist/lead singer for two bands and this is a third. In the band where I play bass, I'll be playing bass and singing lead as well. I was extremely worried about the synching between my vocal and the bass playing, but so far, it's been really fun to figure that out and I'm really loving playing the bass. I've got a Peavey Patriot and while I had low expectations, I'm actually delighted with the sound and feel of the instrument.

Here's the deal- Because I've sunk so much money into music gear over the years and because I'm new and un-tested as a bass player, I'm uneasy about shelling out huge money for some huge, top of the line bass amp. Not to mention, lugging it, storing it, etc. I'm more in the bass band for my singing than bass playing, but I can actually do both.

My solution is to use the Aguilar Tone Hammer and run direct to the PA but also to a powered floor monitor that'll be in front of me. Not a monitor that's tied to the monitor mix, but just a monitor that independently has my bass going through it. From what I can tell with practicing at my home, this is going to be a great approach. The tone with Aguilar is really really good. Much better than some I've played with over the years that had great gear.

I know that sound guys will vary on their opinions. I would think that most would be delighted with this approach as it means less stage volume. I do a similar thing when playing guitar and run a Zoom G9.2TT for my guitar right into the PA. It works great.

We're coming up on our first gig and though I have yet to try this with the band (I do have an amp at my disposal if I need it) I'm meeting with resistance before some even hear it. There's a worry that there won't be enough bass for the stage. The monitor really puts out, but there's still resistance to this idea.
I would think that the sound guy would be able to get enough bass into the monitors (the normal monitor mix) without there being much of a problem and that everyone will be able to hear what they need.

Is this a bad approach to use?

Thanks