Random Thought..gigging in NYC???

Bayou_Brawler · #1 08-10-2006, 02:08 PM

A friend of mine just moved to NYC....and it made a random thought pop in my head....

when my band gigs we have A LOT of gear....

how do bands gig in NYC with people living way up in buildings....little private transportation....or parking...loading and unloading gear????? seems like it would be tricky....

Ed Fuqua · #2 08-10-2006, 02:19 PM

velvetkevorkian · #3 08-10-2006, 02:29 PM

Thats that sorted out then

Tbirdbassist · #4 08-10-2006, 02:51 PM

A lot clubs/bars have gear already set up, most of the time it's crap but still. Usually the drummer only has to bring his symbols and pedals and what not.

For bassist and guitarist though. If we don't know someone with a car and we dont own one. It's to a taxi or to the train/bus. This is why a lot of gigging NYC bassist have smaller rigs or atleast easier to transport.

2x10's and 1x12's are a NYC Bassist' best friends.

evertalbers · #5 08-10-2006, 03:11 PM

Last time I got back from a gig with a small amp and a bass the taxi driver enthousiastically said: "Are you a DJ? Cool!".

tplyons · #6 08-10-2006, 06:50 PM

Most places in NYC provide PA and most everything you need except amps. And even sometimes in those cases.

I'm an hour outside NYC and use 1x12's just in case.

**David Wilson** · #7 08-10-2006, 07:51 PM

yeah, one of my favourite venues to play was the C Note in East Village cos they had drum kit / bass amp so it was a real plug in and play gig.

At other gigs where I was taking small combo I used to have problems getting cabs to stop. That's where having a cute wife comes in handy, she'd step up and hail the cab while I stayed in the background

Joe Nerve · #8 08-10-2006, 08:23 PM

Combos, gigbags, luggage dollys, cars, cabs, busses, trains... I think that about covers it.

Marhsall stacks and 8/10 bottoms are not the norm here.

It actually isn't even all that hard to park nowadays in the city. Used to be harder for some reason. All original venues always have a PA, and sometimes have drums and a backline (as already mentioned). If it's a cover gig then you're responsible for everything includiong the PA. If ya don't have a PA there are lots of guys doing sound and bringing a PA for anywhere from $150 (usually a friend at that price) to, I guess whatever you're willing to pay for.

beyondhairy · #9 08-10-2006, 11:42 PM

just dont take ur pedalboard on a bus, i never got a seat so fast in my life, hearing whispers "omg, is that a bomb?" haha i sat down and started tweaking witht he knobs, freaken people out so bad