"Pro Level" amplification

wilberthenry · #1 08-02-2010, 02:06 PM

What constitutes a "pro level" amp/cab set-up? What is a generally acceptable rig to show up to an audition with for a rock band that plays bars? I currently play through a GK backline 600 with a GK Goldline 4 x 10 combo. Would this budget style set up hurt my chances at auditions or would my paying make up for my lack of a high $$ rig?

PSPookie · #2 08-02-2010, 02:13 PM

That rig should be fine for audition/rehearsal but you may want a second cab for gigs. If you can get loud enough and sound decent in a band context then it shouldn't matter what the faceplate on your amp says.

If the band you audition for tells you otherwise then you might not want to be in that band.

Gav4003 · #3 08-02-2010, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSPookie

That rig should be fine for audition/rehearsal but you may want a second cab for gigs. If you can get loud enough and sound decent in a band context then it shouldn't matter what the faceplate on your amp says.

If the band you audition for tells you otherwise then you might not want to be in that band.

+1

JimmyM · #4 08-02-2010, 04:02 PM

last night i played a pro level gig in massachussetts. the rig they gave me? gk backline 600 and hartke 410 xl. neither are my first choice for backline rental, but it worked out.

Kwesi · #5 08-02-2010, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

last night i played a pro level gig in massachussetts. the rig they gave me? gk backline 600 and hartke 410 xl. neither are my first choice for backline rental, but it worked out.

I swear this is the ONLY rental rig in the world. Every gig I play where they provide amplification I'm given this exact setup give or take a Hartke 115xl. The weird part is that every time it sounds totally different. First time? Sucked! Second time? Awesome! Third time? Meh.

EricF · #6 08-02-2010, 04:43 PM

In reality, a "pro level" rig is a really broad term. A couple of key elements...

- Enough volume and an appropriate tone for the band and venue.
- Reliable.

If those 2 are met, then playing skill trumps all else.

JimmyM · #7 08-02-2010, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kwesi

I swear this is the ONLY rental rig in the world. Every gig I play where they provide amplification I'm given this exact setup give or take a Hartke 115xl. The weird part is that every time it sounds totally different. First time? Sucked! Second time? Awesome! Third time? Meh.

same here. i find it's mostly based on the cab. i've never been a huge fan of the xl's but they're a good sight better than their other cheaper cabs. it was not my favorite rig i've ever played by a longshot, but the head sounds and works as solid as any gk i've ever used.

OmnitzGarima · #8 08-02-2010, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilberthenry

... or would my paying make up for my lack of a high $$ rig?

I'm sure that if you pay them, they'll hire you no matter what rig you play through.

Sorry, couldn't pass it up.

BigOldHarry · #9 08-02-2010, 04:56 PM

If it sounds good enough, and it pushes enough air, and it is reliable - it's "Pro".

There *are* some folks (guitarists, usually) who will pooh-poo your gear if they don't think it's up to snuff, or isn't "vintage" enough... The heck with them.

Now, you GK "Backline" gear is *not* GK's best gear, nor is it the best rig in the world... but you know that. If you are happy with what it does, and it can cover the situation, your good to go.

That said, you really can't expect to do the job with a 1x15" combo amp that cost you $300 at GC (I learned that the hard way, many years ago). You need to bring enough amp to do the job.

good luck

gastric · #10 08-02-2010, 05:08 PM

Your amp is totally fine. Rock on!

will33 · #11 08-02-2010, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSPookie

That rig should be fine for audition/rehearsal but you may want a second cab for gigs. If you can get loud enough and sound decent in a band context then it shouldn't matter what the faceplate on your amp says.

If the band you audition for tells you otherwise then you might not want to be in that band.

+2

"Pro-level" to me means being reliable and delivering the goods. If the equipment sounds good and doesn't kill the show by crapping out, it's pro-level.

The rig should be fine provided it's all in good working order. "Delivering the goods" is up to you.

BartmanPDX · #12 08-02-2010, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricF

In reality, a "pro level" rig is a really broad term. A couple of key elements...

- Enough volume and an appropriate tone for the band and venue.
- Reliable.

If those 2 are met, then playing skill trumps all else.

This.

And your rig should be fine unless the rest of the band is REALLY loud, which is not always a good thing in many venues.

mikezimmerman · #13 08-02-2010, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricF

In reality, a "pro level" rig is a really broad term. A couple of key elements...

- Enough volume and an appropriate tone for the band and venue.
- Reliable.

If those 2 are met, then playing skill trumps all else.

+1

First off, the vast majority of potential bandmates really know next to nothing about bass gear. All the expensive, high end stuff we drool over here on TB means absolutely nothing to them. I have never, ever had a potential bandmate look at my rig and say "Oh, an Epifani cab and a Demeter preamp? Sweet!"

I mean, they might recognize an SVT--and conversely, know a little cheapo Behringer practice amp when they see one--but for the most part, they are relying on you to be the authority on bass gear. If it sounds good, is loud enough for the gig, and isn't breaking down all the time, that's fine with them.

That's not to say they don't notice a difference if you move up to better gear, but everybody I know would rather play with a great player using mid-level gear than a mediocre player using expensive high-end gear. They are auditioning you, not your rig!

Mike

Buster Brown · #14 08-02-2010, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kwesi

I swear this is the ONLY rental rig in the world. Every gig I play where they provide amplification I'm given this exact setup give or take a Hartke 115xl. The weird part is that every time it sounds totally different. First time? Sucked! Second time? Awesome! Third time? Meh.

HEHE!!! You need new management!! See, I ALWAYS get the very best rig out there..it's part of the contract...that and ONLY red M&Ms

But seriously folks...I have had a tad different luck...usually it's a CL and a 8X10...just seems to work out that way...

svtb15 · #15 08-02-2010, 07:49 PM

man i have used a GK800 and hartke 410 on backline for pro-level gigs..that was for a live HBO broadcast..
Doesn't matter what gear it is. just as long as it meets the needs of the gig, volume, tone and of course. when you flip the switch to on.. The amp actual does come on....

I have used esoteric stuff as neve pres and crown amps when you flip the switch it goes on all the time but that one time when a connection wire between pre and power amp was ripped out.. by someone searching for the internal DI... And then i ask the guy with the $200 used Peavey TNT if i could borrow his rig..

I say just play what you have if you like it... until you need something else .. and really learn about your gear... Its like a relationship with ya girl.. you get to know the right technique after you mess with it enough.

TimB 619 · #16 08-03-2010, 05:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

last night i played a pro level gig in massachussetts. the rig they gave me? gk backline 600 and hartke 410 xl. neither are my first choice for backline rental, but it worked out.

Just for the record, I attended this show. Jimmy gave the wife and I a tour of the stage, and was kind enough to even let me play his bass!!

The rig sounded great. In fact, the whole band was absolutlely amazing!! If you guys ever get a chance to see Bowzers Doo Wop party-even if you're not a big doo wop fan-check them out, you'll have a great time.

JimmyM is a real class act too. If any of you guys get to meet him, you'll see what I'm talking about.

Bowzers drummer is also a really cool guy.

JimmyM · #17 08-03-2010, 06:08 AM

thanks for coming out, tim! glad you and your wife had a good time, even with the painfully long show length. i blame it on kc jones

anyway, one of my favorite stories was this gig i did about a year and a half ago...there were 3 bassists on the show, and we all used only stage volume...one guy used a modulus 6 with a walter woods into a schroeder 112. i used a p lyte into my 64 b-15n. the third guy used a mexican jazz into an old crate head and an old crate 215. he sounded as good as any of us. doesn't mean i would trade him rig for rig, but it says a lot about how ultimately meaningless the gear you play is.

rbonner · #18 08-03-2010, 06:45 AM

All you guys are too busy defining the term PRO LEVEL and are arguing theoretical concepts.

Unfortunately the boys in the band are thinking, "we need to interview a few new bass players"... The other guys show up with TOOB SVT's and you show up with a 13YO's combo amp.

Who's going to be the brunt of the band's jokes for the next 5 years? Even if they give you the job, they'll still be cracking jokes long after you buy new gear. "Yeah he showed up with a couple cans and a string... or you should have seen how screwed up he was until we straightened him out"

There's going to be so many preconceived notions working against you before you even fire up no matter how good you play you might not be able to overcome them.

Oh you can argue, well those guys aren't worthy and BS like that, but who's to say those guys aren't worthy? Everybody has their character flaws... Except me.

And that's the way the real world is... The show must go on.

BOB

Lester4string · #19 08-03-2010, 06:53 AM

I think any "PRO" level rig, is a rig that you go out and make money with.

We could put all kinds of qualifiers on that, but those qualifiers would only hold up in certain situations. For Example, my 1x10 combo amp doesnt hold up volumewise in my hard rock cover band, but works great for (or is too loud) for Musical Theatre gigs. Likewise if I brought my 1000W tower to the next production of The Mikado, I wouldnt get called back for the next show.

I have made money with both, so they are both PRO rigs.

lowendblues · #20 08-03-2010, 06:53 AM

A "Pro Level Rig" in my opinion comes from a "Pro Level Attitude"

A rig that has plenty of volume, good sound, dependable and a asset to the band as a whole is Pro level. I always strived to be the best sideman I could be. I made sure my rig was big enough, or small enough depending on the gig, If I thought a five string bass would sound better on a song, I pulled out a five string.

Brand? Read the reviews. Do your homework. Dont buy something just because you or your bandmates think its cool.