New P.A.

[toothguy]

So, our powered P.A. head sucks.I have offered to front the money for a new one but the rest of the band seems luke warm to this idea at best. They talk about getting the existing unit repaired but can't decide on who to take it to. They just seem to accept the horrible P.A. as it is because "that's just how it is". This is driving me crazy because it affects every practice: bad sound, anger, frustration, etc.
Has anyone else had to deal with anything similar? Does anyone have any thoughts on how this should/could be handled?
Thanks.

[Floyd Eye]

Either buy it yourself and let them all know it's yours or split the cost with one or more of your bandmates.

[Drop-the-One]

+1.

Don't mention it, but they'll see how happier life is after this is dealt with

[modulusman]

Buy one for yourself. Do some research first and don't buy a POS.

[Stumbo]

You might want to check out the "Being in a band" link in my sig. below. There's a whole section on PA/FOH issues.

Let us know how it goes.

[Pat C.]

Originally Posted by toothguy

So, our powered P.A. head sucks.

Can you be more specific - not enough power, not enough channels or features, in need of repair?

What brand/model is it, and what speakers are you powering?

Is this head being used just for rehearsals, or is it for gigs as well?

I have offered to front the money for a new one but the rest of the band seems luke warm to this idea at best. They talk about getting the existing unit repaired but can't decide on who to take it to. They just seem to accept the horrible P.A. as it is because "that's just how it is". This is driving me crazy because it affects every practice: bad sound, anger, frustration, etc.
Has anyone else had to deal with anything similar? Does anyone have any thoughts on how this should/could be handled?
Thanks.

Are you offering to buy the head outright for band use, or are you expecting them to chip in for their share down the road? This becomes tricky because, unlike the way most musicians treat their personal gear, IMO a PA should be treated like a business investment. A small PA is usually the cost of entry (to even just rehearse) for any band with vocals. The PA could be owned by one member, or the cost could be shared. Either way, members with a investment in a PA should be compensated for their investment when income starts coming in from gigging.

A serious discussion about this with the whole band is usually necessary, and IME many musicians don't even want to think about the "business" side of things. There has to be agreement amongst everyone as to how to proceed. If you go and upgrade things on your own it may or may not improve the situation, and you could just end up with more frustration for your money. At the same time, sometimes someone just has to take charge and do what needs to be done.

Have a band meeting and hash it out, see what comes out of it.

[Jim Campbell]

Originally Posted by Pat C.

Can you be more specific - not enough power, not enough channels or features, in need of repair?

What brand/model is it, and what speakers are you powering?

Is this head being used just for rehearsals, or is it for gigs as well?

Are you offering to buy the head outright for band use, or are you expecting them to chip in for their share down the road? This becomes tricky because, unlike the way most musicians treat their personal gear, IMO a PA should be treated like a business investment. A small PA is usually the cost of entry (to even just rehearse) for any band with vocals. The PA could be owned by one member, or the cost could be shared. Either way, members with a investment in a PA should be compensated for their investment when income starts coming in from gigging.

A serious discussion about this with the whole band is usually necessary, and IME many musicians don't even want to think about the "business" side of things. There has to be agreement amongst everyone as to how to proceed. If you go and upgrade things on your own it may or may not improve the situation, and you could just end up with more frustration for your money. At the same time, sometimes someone just has to take charge and do what needs to be done.

Have a band meeting and hash it out, see what comes out of it.

i f you own it i think it would be fair to assess a nominal rental per gig to the rest of the band,to offset repairs,and or eventual replacement......if you go for too much some might feel entitled to some equity.....if want to leave the band at later date,owning it yourself is a better option

[MatticusMania]

Yup, if youre that concerned over your band's sound, and they are not, just buy the PA yourself and own it. Its always good to own a PA anyways, they actually can serve a lot of purposes.