Concerned about sharing backline

andruca · #1 09-17-2004, 04:07 AM

Hi everybody!

I've been living in Madrid (Spain) for a year now and my band's sharing gigs with some other bands. The thing is allways my bass rig's the best among us so everybody always gives for granted I'm bringing my rig. Ok, no problem with that, but hey, if my equipment gets severely broken or stolen I probably won't be economically capable of replacing it (maybe I could, but that could probably cost my marriage, ok?). So, the thing is, what are the usual deals on sharing backline. We usually do the "you take the drums, I take the guitar amp and you take the bass amp" deal, and it's ok, BUT my bass rig always gets involved in these deals. There's also a couple of unhappy stories about my amp/speaker being ****ed up by other bands (my previous rig) so I'm concerned. On the other hand, I'm in a "hostage situation" at this point. As an example, on a couple of gigs in the last two months I decided to only take my amp if each band put 30 EUR (to make myself a fund for eventual future repairs/replaces). But the result was no one wanting to pay anything and me (all of us bassists, in fact) sounding like **** (and quieter than the Peavey TKO80 I use at home) through someone else's amp that sucked big time (when each band could resign 30EUR of our pay for a definitely better sounding and louder amp). So, if I use a ****ty rig, then I regret it a lot. Because, despite I care a lot about tone, in these cases I would definitely be satisfied just to hear myself onstage!!!

Back a year now I lived in Argentina and my band there gigged a lot with bigger bands that didn't let their equipment for anybody so I always had to use my rig and very few times I shared it (also with rather pro bands). The situation has changed and now I sometimes have to share it with much less experienced bands whom I don't know and won't absolutely take resposibility in case of damage.

Tell me your experiences and give me ideas. Any point of view is appreciated. Thak you so much.

ANDRUCA

wulf · #2 09-17-2004, 05:09 AM

It's your rig and so you get to make the rules (although if you get too restrictive you may end as a solo bassist

). I haven't had to share my rig too often but, when I do, I make a point of talking to the other bassist(s) as soon as possible. I'm not happy about the controls being turned up past 3 o'clock or about the input meter going into the red zone for more than an occasional flicker and I'll reserve the right to get up on stage and turn the amp down if either of those rules are broken. Likewise, no drinks on top of it or anywhere near the plug.

In fact, if possible, I make these rules clear before the gig - if someone isn't happy with that, they can provide their own equipment. I'm not so desperate to play that I'm willing to let myself or my equipment be abused.

Likewise, if I'm borrowing someone elses amp, I'll find out their parameters well in advance and stay within them. It's all about respect.

Wulf

johnvice · #3 09-17-2004, 10:03 AM

I got this idea from Frank Zappa. I noticed that on his amp head (a Carvin at that time with dial controls like a Marshall) that he had a piece of masking tape over the length of the dials. On it was the number that each dial should be set at. I do this as a reminder where to set things if they get changed. If my bass rig is used on a multi-band bill, I put another piece of tape over the controls to prevent aspiring tonemeisters from changing things.

That is my only rule...don't touch any of the controls.

NJL · #4 09-17-2004, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wulf

It's your rig and so you get to make the rules

it's your rig and that's it. period!

secretdonkey · #5 09-17-2004, 12:10 PM

I hate to be this way, but I'm a total hypocrite on this issue... I will use an available rig in a heartbeat, but I am very reluctant to allow someone to use mine. I dislike the inconsistency, but it's what my 'real world' experiences have dictated I do.

NJL · #6 09-17-2004, 12:12 PM

i'll use donk's rig but that's it......that's were i draw the line!!!!

secretdonkey · #7 09-17-2004, 12:56 PM

Hey, knowing what's in your rig right now, you're lucky you're on the list of people who I wouldn't think twice about letting use it!

Viviuos · #8 09-17-2004, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wulf

It's your rig and so you get to make the rules (although if you get too restrictive you may end as a solo bassist

). I haven't had to share my rig too often but, when I do, I make a point of talking to the other bassist(s) as soon as possible. I'm not happy about the controls being turned up past 3 o'clock or about the input meter going into the red zone for more than an occasional flicker and I'll reserve the right to get up on stage and turn the amp down if either of those rules are broken. Likewise, no drinks on top of it or anywhere near the plug.

In fact, if possible, I make these rules clear before the gig - if someone isn't happy with that, they can provide their own equipment. I'm not so desperate to play that I'm willing to let myself or my equipment be abused.

Likewise, if I'm borrowing someone elses amp, I'll find out their parameters well in advance and stay within them. It's all about respect.

Wulf

Whole heartedly agree

The Golden Boy · #9 09-17-2004, 02:11 PM

I don't have a problem with letting people I know use my stuff. The musicians that I'm friends with in our "scene" are respectful enough that if they broke anything they'd pay for it. On the other hand I don't appreciate not being asked ahead of time- just a courtesy thing.

andruca · #10 09-20-2004, 12:49 AM

Sure I let people I know use my amp, of course. The problem comes with people I don't know and they have no commitment with the responsible use of my amp. Thanks everybody for the good ideas. I might make some rules (as an example, no one can use the graphic EQ, no one can move the pre and master gains further than I do, etc.). Take care...

ANDRUCA