Problem hearing

[bopeuph]

In this regular group I'm playing with, I can't hear myself well, even with an amp behind me and being in the PA. It's at the point where I can hear that I'm out of tune, but I can't tell by how much or in which direction. All I can hear is the beats. When we're playing a ballad, I can hear well enough to make the fix. I think it's when we're playing up and the drums are just too loud. But being that he's the leader and the only one that's had this gig for more than a few months (he's been on it for literally years), I don't think I can ask him to play softer. He has already gotten on my case about the intonation because he sings on a few tunes.

The amp is one that belongs to another bass player and he leaves it there. I don't think that amp has moved since it was first put there. I don't know if I can move it anywhere, or even if that would help. It's a Polytone Mini Brute 10". I think a lot of it has to do with my height and being so far away from the amp. But when I turn up the amp, it doesn't help too much either, because then I can't really hear the piano, and I kill the balance.

Any suggestions?

Nick

[charlespf]

Is the amp off of the floor? it might help if you tipped it up towards you, or propped it up on a chair. I play through a Minibrute IV a lot on gigs, and i can't ever hear anything out of it when it's sitting on the ground.

[bopeuph]

Thanks.

I'm thinking about doing that, but first, there is a floor monitor by me that I don't really use; I'm going to see if they can give me more of me in there, since it's right in front of me and aimed at my face.

Nick

[joel kelsey]

Hey Nick,
I was having the same problem when I got my new bass last year. At first I experimeted with turning the volume up on my amp. But, my bass sounds louder out in the room than it does up close so that didn't work. I also play a lot of unamplified gigs with drums where everyone in the room and band can hear me but I still sometimes have problems hearing myself. Instead of worrying about the amp, I have been focusing on my left and right hand technique (Damon Smith has posted some great stuff on left hand technique that really got me thinking). Working on my technique has really helped me hear myself better. I know some rooms are hopeless, but I think technique is more important than worrying about amps and PAs. Sometimes we can be too quick to blame our gear for our problems when we could be playing the instrument better (not that thats case with you). Good luck.

[Menacewarf]

Something to try if everyone can hear you but you could be turning your amp toward yourself and away from the room.

[Martin Sheridan]

Your band is playing too loud! Music should be listened to and not shoved through the ear.

[agreatheight]

How about getting a personal in ear monitor?