Playing on water

[dbase]

I have a gig coming up in August on a riverboat cruise in the bay. I never played over water... Do I bring everything I own which are 2 2x10's and an LH500, or can I get by on one 2x10 cab. I have a feeling the bass will go overboard and I wont be heard.

[JimmyM]

Riverboat cruises aren't known for high volume demands and they're a PITA to load your stuff.

[staindbass]

dont forget dramamine for motion sickness

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by staindbass

dont forget dramamine for motion sickness

That is the doggone truth! Down here they have little gambling ships and I've done gigs on them, and even with the dramamine I still lost my lunch!

[dbase]

Hahahah Hopefully people will be too busy puking to notice my playing... either way.. they will puke. Hahahahha

[Downunderwonder]

Puking aside, it's effectively outdoors unless you have a wall behind you, then you're in clover. I'd take both 2x10 and get there early to stake out the wall loading option.

[perkidan]

I did a couple of riverboat gigs and they definitley are not my favorite ones to do for sure.

[bassguppy]

I saw the thread title & thought you were gonna do a Jesus move.

[bathnapkin]

Originally Posted by dbase

I have a gig coming up in August on a riverboat cruise in the bay. I never played over water... Do I bring everything I own which are 2 2x10's and an LH500, or can I get by on one 2x10 cab. I have a feeling the bass will go overboard and I wont be heard.

Maybe you should worry about losing your gear to the sea more than being heard.

[P-oddz]

We got to do a riverboat cruise last year, and have the gig lined up again for this year. The show was the show of the year for us! The weather was great, the beer was cold, and everybody seems to let loose a little when you're out on the water. Could be the danger involved, could be the sea air, I don't know.

Anyway, good idea on the dramamine. You might not need it, but it's better to be safe than sorry. I would say you can definitely get by with the single 2x10, especially if the boat has some slight PA support, and depending on the size of the boat (I played it with my Fender Bassman TV15 combo (only 350 watts, single 15) and it was good. Be prepared for rocky water (the minute we had to go on we hit some heavy waves that were ridiculous to stand much less try to play your instrument or hit any of your pedals accurately) - but we had a BLAST!

Here is the one we played and are playing again:
Milwaukee Boat Line

[P-oddz]

Originally Posted by bathnapkin

Maybe you should worry about losing your gear to the sea more than being heard.

YES! Make sure anything small is duct taped down!

[stingraysvt]

I went to a riverboat thing last year and the bassist played a Peavey BAM 210 stacked on a roadcase just below shoulder height, he even triggered the internal distortion setting on it for "Devil went down to Georgia" They had a killer PA though.

I'd load it all up and try 1 2x10 and go grab the 2nd if you weren't satisfied.

You might wind up like my old band and the bar manager walks up and says "You guys aren't going to be that loud tonight are you?" As I turn from hooking up the pa... our guitar player was riffing on his cabinet and it was the only thing on at the time!!!

I thought to myself, shheeesh! This is gonna be a long night!

[HolmeBass]

Outside gig, I like the way things sound outside- no flutter echo, no standing waves/mud. But your sound does just "go away", so some more volume might help maintain presence in the soundstage.

[MikeBC]

If you are not only on the water but outside on deck than bring your cheapest bass or the one you care least about. If you only have one buy a cheap one with a sound you can tolerate.

[MrLenny1]

I agreee with Jimmy M , the load in is a PITA. I've done a few boat gigs & the management was a PITA. Band could not drink. Crowds are usually loud & rowdy.
I'd bring all my gear then select what you'll need then.
Hopefully you're playing inside or have some cover, there is always rain to deal with.
Good luck & have fun.