Bandmate Questioning Amp Choice for Gig

jaywa · #1 03-10-2011, 01:16 PM

The gear - I have two amps... a Line6 Low Down 150 "kickback" style combo with an XLR out, and a "concert rig" consisting of an SWR WorkingPro 400 and a 410 cab.

The band - A sort of local "supergroup" comprised of 4 members from 3 different bands. I have played with all of the other people multiple times before. Bass (me), drums, keys/vox and guitar/vox.

The gig - A St. Patty's Day party this coming Saturday night at a smaller venue (capacity 200 maybe) where we are basically reprising our appearance at the same event last year.

The situation - we're rehearsing last night, the drummer has his 7-piece kit set up, the guitarist has his Marshall half stack, keyboard gal has her two keyboards... and I have my Line 6 combo. No problems at all hearing bass in the practice room. We get about halfway through the night and the drummer half-jokingly (I think) asks me, "are you really gonna use that puny little amp on the gig"? I told him I was cause I knew we'd have plenty of P.A. for the room and didn't want to cramp a small stage with unnecessary gear. (Not said, my 410 cab is in my main band's trailer and would be a PITA to get to).

Other - I used the combo amp at the same event last year and had no problems. Ran right out the XLR to the FOH P.A. and good to go.

The drummer and I are good friends and maybe he was just joking but it's kind of out of character for him to say what he did. I don't know if he just wants a bass rig up there for looks or what. I mean, I would never ask him, "don't you think that's way more kit than you need for this gig"? So, just wondering if I should maybe rethink my position or if my original plan is still solid.

troy mcclure · #2 03-10-2011, 01:21 PM

I have been asked a few times where's the rest of your amp when I use a single 15 combo, I say right there and point to my VT Deluxe that runs direct to the PA. If the guys can hear you on stage you are fine.

JoZac21 · #3 03-10-2011, 01:24 PM

Just bring the Line 6... when you sound good and able to be heard, it'll wind up being a nice, "I told you so" scenario.

Floridabwoy · #4 03-10-2011, 01:40 PM

If you are good friends, maybe you are taking his comment a little to seriously.... my band jokes about stuff all the time.

jaywa · #5 03-10-2011, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troy mcclure

If the guys can hear you on stage you are fine.

That's the way I see it. The two singers (gtr and keys) are gonna be running IEMs and I'll have a wedge (plus my Line 6 firing up at my face like a 2nd wedge), and the drummer will have either an IEM or a wedge or both. So I really don't think hearing bass on the stage will be a problem. And I would think the FOH sound will be better than with a 4x10 stack firing bass straight out into the room.

Spinal Tapper · #6 03-10-2011, 01:42 PM

he's probably just bustin ur balls. don't take it too seriously. us bassists ARE the sensitive type

BritPicker · #7 03-10-2011, 02:03 PM

Reckon you are fine. If you can hear yourself and so can they and you have PA support its good. Having too much bass on stage is a pain for FOH mixing anyway.

Some people see with their eyes.

jaywa · #8 03-10-2011, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spinal Tapper

he's probably just bustin ur balls. don't take it too seriously. us bassists ARE the sensitive type

Yeah... if I had been more on the ball I would have shot right back, "yeah, to make room for your BIG-ASS KIT!"

Though in fairness, we are covering a Rush tune so that's probably about the smallest kit he can get away with.

rtslinger · #9 03-10-2011, 03:33 PM

Sounds to me like he was just busting rocks hey I use no amp just a driver DI to the FOH
in every gig accept for outdoor shows more than enough for a 5 pcs two guitars Keys bass and drums

Downunderwonder · #10 03-10-2011, 07:41 PM

"Many a true word said in jest", my Grandma used to say.

You are dead right that you'll sound better without the 4x10 when you've got a real PA. Drummer being off about it doesn't really matter.

UncleFluffy · #11 03-10-2011, 07:48 PM

Tell them you're using a tiny rig because you're compensating ...

prd004 · #12 03-10-2011, 08:22 PM

Don't sweat it, your drummer just want's to hear you, and he's a bit concerned. SOmetimes relying on the PA for support works for everyone except the drummer, just make sure he has monitor if he needs it!

But use the rig you want to use

jaywa · #13 03-11-2011, 08:07 AM

Update, we rehearsed last night again and this time the guy who's gonna be mixing FOH was there too. He's a big-timer in the area who has mixed everything up to and including major outdoor festivals and he asked me if I was gonna use that combo and I said yeah and he said, great, no problem, we've got plenty of P.A. to cover you in the house and we'll make sure you get heard on stage too.

So it's all good.

sbass traveller · #14 03-11-2011, 08:28 AM

+1 on don't take it too seriously. They know the score for bass players and that the PA holds more than we need. If he wants something else, pull a Geddy and use washing machines (or chicken roasting ovens as on the S&A tour), or I dunno, a fridge full of beer you can pull from during the set. I'm sure the club will have one...

Stumbo · #15 03-12-2011, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaywa

..... the drummer has his 7-piece kit set up, the guitarist has his Marshall half stack, keyboard gal has her two keyboards... and I have my Line 6 combo.

I think he might be concerned with stage appearance? Big rigs mean big "rock" band....

AwkwardLoudness · #16 03-12-2011, 11:10 AM

I always offer a band mate to use one of my rigs if I (and/or the band mate) don't think their rig is suitable. I've been a band where both guitars and bass were playing through my amps and cabs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaywa

...and he asked me if I was gonna use that combo and I said yeah and he said, great, no problem, we've got plenty of P.A. to cover you in the house and we'll make sure you get heard on stage too.

That's all the reassurance you need. With a good PA and an amp with DI out, the amp's size doesn't matter.

Medford Bassman · #17 03-12-2011, 11:24 AM

I've got a gig tonight where I'm just bringing my Shuttle 6.0 and NEOX 112 for my on stage monitor. Guitard and key use IEM and no amps and drummer lugs around 2 god awful huge old Peavey monitors with 15" speakers in them. I run the DI out of the Shuttle to the mixer for FOH.

Anyone says anything, they get punched in the mouth!!!! No seriously though, USe whatever you like. If you have FOH to deliver your sound to the public it doesn't really make a difference. We always bring our own PA and I run the sound for the band, so the only stage volume is my little bass amp and the acoustic drums. Very easy to mix FOH like that.

bolophonic · #18 03-12-2011, 12:48 PM

I am always kind of concerned with appearances, so I like to drag around a nice sized rig. I had better be able to hire a roadie if I intend to keep doing this for a long time.

Kenner · #19 03-12-2011, 12:56 PM

I do 70ish shows a year with my GK 700RB/112...and quite frankly, if I didn't have to bring an amp, I wouldn't...I just need a bit in the monitor...and I'll let my VT Deluxe go to the board and do the talkin.

Rudreax · #20 03-12-2011, 12:58 PM

I'm willing to bet the drummer was not being serious. Don't fret about it too much.