On small stages, I can't hear myself.....

[audiorep2]

I have used a variety of gear.
Presently have Fender Dual Showman and custom made repro of 60s Dual Showman cab with D140s.
I usually end up pretty much sitting/standing within a foot of my amp.
From there , my sound is terrible, that is, when I can hear anything.
Suggestions ?

[Muaguana]

Step away from the amp.

[Jeff Scott]

Get a bigger stage.

[LowDownWays]

Try a tilt back stand

[rodl2005]

Tilt it back- Are U using a FOH PA for out front sound?? If so- U can easily sit it on a stand/crate to get it up near yr ears

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by LowDownWays

Try a tilt back stand

+1. The dispersion angle of those drivers is very slight, so the cab must be tilted back for you to hear it. That's why the original Fender cab had tilt back legs.

[LAG]

I was in a band not long ago where I often found myself sandwiched on smaller stages between a rather hard hitting drummer, a loudish guitarist and couldn't hear my bass properly. I tilted my cab back, asked band mates to turn down/play quieter, etc. Well, getting into the latter part of the first set, things would start getting louder and harder for me to hear my bass. A simple solution for me in that situation was to turn up the volume on my bass amp a bit to where we would eventually be asked to turn down because the band was too loud. Everyone would then turn down, play quieter and I could hear myself again. It worked for me, lol.

[BassmanPaul]

Let's look at realities. You have an amp rated at 80W (possibly actually 100W) and a cabinet with 300W of speakers. Simply put, you do not have enough power for your needs. Back in the Sixties that would have been plenty but not in todays world. Some players can manage with a setup like yours but I, for one, could not and it seems neither can you.

Paul

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

Let's look at realities. You have an amp rated at 80W (possibly actually 100W) and a cabinet with 300W of speakers. Simply put, you do not have enough power for your needs.

D140s are displacement limited to less than 100 watts. But that's immaterial. If he can't hear even 40 watts into two 15s at a range of a few feet it's a dispersion issue, not power.

[butchblack]

+1 to tilt back or speaker stands

[Caca de Kick]

If the speakers are pointed at your feet it's not helping you hear your sound. But more importantly, worry more about what the audience hears since you're on a small stage. While the amp may be pointed at your feet, it probably disperses out to them and sounds fine.

[BillyB_from_LZ]

If the sound is a sea of mud, try standing away from your amp and using earplugs (if you don't already).