Gig worthy?

[BigSamson]

Completely new to the bass, jammed around on guitar for some time. Just picked one up yesterday. Bought unseen from the music store for me, Ibanez GSR200 in Pearl white. I really like it so far, exactly what I need just to get started.

I have a few questions/concerns about gigging out. I have never actually played a gig Not only am I worried about being able to keep up with the band but I am also worried about the gear aspect.

As of right now I am playing through an old Acoustic 126 combo 15". This I am hoping will get me through practice. But what will it spell for a gig?

I was told we will be playing with a PA and I need to bring an amp. Will this guy be enough?

Got concerned while lurking here and seeing everyones giant rigs, making me self conscious of my smaller set up... This was way to open for innuendo...

Anyways, anyone with a crash course for what I should expect or tips on how to run what I am working with?

Oh and a little more backround. Gig is in a little over a month and we will mostly be playing some classic rock covers mixed with a couple originals. So the bass will be more of a supporting role I guess??

[Adam Bomb]

Hi:

Any amp is fine if it's all you've got. Most amps are fine if you also have P.A. support.

I determine whether a rig is loud enough by how it sounds in the mix with my drummer, turned up halfway. Once you start mic'ing drums and running out of the D.I. you leave my small-potatoes world. With my loud goth-industrial drummer, a 700-watt head into a pair of 210s was adequate by this standard. With my current, talented jazz drummer, my little 110 combo would do the job, depending on the gig.

I think you already know not to be too worried about the size of someone else's, um, rig. Another thing to consider is that, unless you are some sort of prodigy, for your first gig on bass it might not be a bad idea to be a little low in the mix ... just sayin' ...

Welcome to the Dark Side.

--Bomb

[Muzoid]

Can it keep up with the drum volume in practice?

If so it should be fine....if a bit low, make sure it's close to you on stage, and maybe slant at you if necessary....if you need more, run a touch through your monitor if you have one.

[BigSamson]

Originally Posted by Adam Bomb

I think you already know not to be too worried about the size of someone else's, um, rig. Another thing to consider is that, unless you are some sort of prodigy, for your first gig on bass it might not be a bad idea to be a little low in the mix ... just sayin' ...

I actually joked with the band that I am going to play the first few gigs unplugged haha

Thanks for your input. I don't plan on playing death metal anytime soon so hopefully this little guy will work.

Will my amp just get mic'd up into the PA?

[Muzoid]

Mic-ing

May get mic'd, or may run direct....usually the choice of the soundman and bassist.

If you don't know or care which way...let the soundman choose.

I go direct....always. (Line out of amp the snake)

[BigSamson]

Thanks for the help

When you say direct you mean wit a "DI" right?

Will I need my own one of those or do they normally have something in house?

[evilt70]

It's good to have a DI in your kit jsut in case they dont ahve one at the venue (or if someone else needs to borrow one). They are pretty cheap, and I have used my spare one at places many times.

[JonnyAngle]

I like to sidewash. Basically, you go direct into the board and have your amp on the side of the stage pointing at you. Your amp is basically just a monitor for you.

One more tip... Boost the mids so you have a frowny face eq, you will sound much better in the mix.

[N.F.A.]

+1 to sidewashing. It's how I play too. +1 to the frowny face eq also. JonnyAngle knows his stuff.