Band rehearsal: amp or no amp?

BassGuyNL · #1 02-28-2005, 06:25 AM

I had a band rehearsal for the first time in months: jazz standards with vocals, piano, trumpet and yours truly on DB, in my music room (about the size of a small living room). No drums.
After a few tunes, one of the other musicians asks if it would be possible to amplify the DB. I have a Realist on board, but my idea was NOT to use an amp during rehearsals, just for good practice. Also, I fear I might be tempted to use the amp even when playing with less than 3 other musicians. BTW, I could hear myself reasonably well.
Any ideas? Would you advise not to use it for rehearsals?

Lowtonejoe · #2 02-28-2005, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anton Visser

I had a band rehearsal for the first time in months: jazz standards with vocals, piano, trumpet and yours truly on DB, in my music room (about the size of a small living room). No drums.
After a few tunes, one of the other musicians asks if it would be possible to amplify the DB. I have a Realist on board, but my idea was NOT to use an amp during rehearsals, just for good practice. Also, I fear I might be tempted to use the amp even when playing with less than 3 other musicians. BTW, I could hear myself reasonably well.
Any ideas? Would you advise not to use it for rehearsals?

Well, if your other band members had trouble hearing you shouldn't you be responsible and fit into the mix a little better?

Or...just a thought...what about changing seating arrangements?

But do what you need to to fit in the mix. Even amplify.

Joe.

mchildree · #3 02-28-2005, 07:21 AM

Before you amplify, you might try repositioning yourself in different parts of the room. I did this not long ago and found that the bass in a corner made a big difference.

anonymous0726 · #4 02-28-2005, 12:12 PM

I'm alway suspicious when I can hear myself clearly. Acoustically it often means that the sound isn't getting out where it needs to go. With the amp it usually means that the first row is getting a new part in their hair.

If it a drummerless thing, especially, find a better spot (a la mildtree, above) and tell the piano player to lighten up a bit (close the lid or something). There really shouldn't be a need for an amp in that situation.