Please provide input on ad...

neurotictim · #1 03-31-2008, 08:22 AM

Hey all, my band is losing one of our guitarists soon, so we're taking the proactive approach and want to audition new guitarists before he leaves. I (as the most eloquent of our happy little tribe) have been tasked with writing the ad for Craigslist... You guys mind taking a look at it? What would you change?

---------------------------------------------------
Guitarist wanted for established original rock band

Twice Removed (http://www.myspace.com/twiceremovedvb) will soon be losing our lead guitarist to a bigger and better job in far-off Canada, so we are looking for someone who can fill his shoes. We’re hoping to find someone who can come in and learn with him, rather than after the fact.

We are a Virginia Beach based original rock band that has gigged around quite a bit, but our schedules have prevented us from really hitting the grind hard. That being said, we’ve decided to branch out into covers. In this area, covers = gigs. We’re planning on covering mostly Billboard rock music, classic rock, and southern rock. This has a little room for playing with, as we’ll be changing the covers some to fit our sound.

Requirements:

Schedule. We are currently comprised of three commercial airline employees, who all work different schedules, and one Navy enlisted guy. We would like to find someone who has a fairly open schedule, to lessen the complexity of figuring out when we can all get together. Preferably non-military, local 9-5 type. Absolutely no sea duty or deployable military. It’s nothing personal, but we need to be able to plan well in advance.

Must be able to rehearse at least once a week at our location in eastern Virginia Beach. We leave our gear there, safely locked away, and you are welcome to either leave your gear, or take it with you every practice, either way’s fine with us.

Must be open to many different influences and sounds, be able to bring something unique to the table – our sound is very identifiable, and you must be able to fit in and grow with us.

*Decent chops is a must* You don’t have to be Zakk Wylde or Joe Satriani, but being able to hold your own in a solo situation is a huge plus, and we can work around other things if you can play.

Must own professional rig – meaning tone, and lots of it. The guitarist we’re losing plays PRS through a BOSS effects pedal and Mesa head into a Marshall half-stack, if that gives you an idea of what sound we’re looking for. A good combo is okay, if it sounds good miked. It’s really all about the tone. You’ll need to be fairly well-equipped with effects, specifically delay, chorus, and meaty distortion, others are a plus.

Vocals are another huge plus. Our lead singer is our only singer, and we’d like to branch out with some backing vocals, maybe even splitting the duties. Again, you don’t have to be a classically trained vocalist who can hit super-high Cs or anything, just be able hit pitch and keep it there.

Must be looking to work. I know how this sounds, but you’re not doing us a favor, you’re joining a group. If we decide to take you, you must be willing to commit and work. There’s a lot of BS out there that bands have to deal with, and we don’t want to hire someone one who’s going to leave as soon as the going gets tough.

Must be at least interested in pursuing music as a career – if the right offer comes our way, we would like to get a deal, and we’re planning on studio time to help that along. We don’t make our livings playing music, but we’d like that opportunity, if it comes along.

If all of this sounds like you, and you can hang with us and just fit in, you’re in. Shoot us an email with gear list and influences, even better if we get a clip of your playing, and we’ll get back to you, to set a time to get together and jam.

----------------------------------------

So? Thanks.

invader3k · #2 03-31-2008, 08:48 AM

It's a decent ad. I tend to fluctuate on this...I think your ad is a bit lengthy. I understand you want to get as much info out there as possible to cut out the BS people, but at the same time, I could see some of the stuff in there scaring off people who could potentially work out in the long run.

Also, no offense, but I think your request about scheduling is a little bit of a double standard. It kind of sounds like you're saying "Well, none of us have our schedules wide open, so we'll be creating some issues with availability, but we expect you to be available at any moment's notice." I could see that being a turn off.

I didn't quite get the part about "making music a career." You mention getting "a deal" but before that said you're going towards covers. Most cover bands don't get record deals. I would probably leave that out for now, to be honest.

Good luck either way. I know how hard it can be to find reliable quality people for a band. Cool Myspace page, too.

BassChuck · #3 03-31-2008, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by invader3k

.....I didn't quite get the part about "making music a career." You mention getting "a deal" but before that said you're going towards covers. Most cover bands don't get record deals. I would probably leave that out for now, to be honest.....

I agree with this statement. Also, I would think that any musician who has the chops that you are asking for would have decent equipment. Have you had experiences otherwise?

Depth_Charge · #4 03-31-2008, 09:55 AM

I have! I've auditioned with a guy that had a Hello Kitty pink Squire guitar, an old ratty amplifier and a cheap Digitech pedal and the guy could play rings around most other guitarists! The guy was a walking jukebox too! He knew every tune called out!!

I think the ad is too long. I also agree that there is a double standard on availability, and non-military personnel seeing as both these criteria exist in the band. It would put me off responding.

neurotictim · #5 03-31-2008, 10:47 AM

Good points, no offense taken! I'm looking for this kind of info.

I was worried about the availability thing, but the rest of the band is saying, "We need someone who can be available when we are - we don't want someone else who's schedule we have to work around on top of our own..." My schedule (I'm the military guy) is wide open because I'm non-deployable. If we hire on a sea-duty guy or gal, they could be gone for 6 months or more with little or no notice, so that's that.

So I don't know what to write that doesn't sound like a double standard.

I think I'll take the bit out about getting "a deal." FWIW, I'm playing for the enjoyment, but it has been made very clear to me that "we" are playing covers to get our original music out there... Might just be best to take that out, though.

As far as the length... I'll chop that up and try to make it shorter. I suppose we can go over the in-depth stuff on the phone or 1-on-1.

invader3k · #6 03-31-2008, 12:18 PM

[quote=Depth_Charge;5528593]I have! I've auditioned with a guy that had a Hello Kitty pink Squire guitar [quote]

Oh man, that is too funny. What was his excuse for that?

mambo4 · #7 03-31-2008, 03:48 PM

I'd chop it down a bit.

Maybe separate the concise points from the details; so you have a quick bullet list of what your looking for,followed by a paragraph of more detailed explanation:

- Pro gear/tone
- pro attitude/work ethic
- flexible schedule
- 1 rehearsal/week commitment minimum
- decent chops a must
- vocals a plus

[ more detailed info here...]

I imagine a really competent pro would want something quickly scan-able.

Although a "really competent pro" probably gets his gigs word of mouth anyhow.

Kudos for including the myspace link...I have never tried out for a band whose sound I hadn't previewed first.

baalroo · #8 03-31-2008, 03:58 PM

I would include at least SOMETHING about age (are you guys 20 somethingers or bordering on retirement etc) and apostrophes are your friend so use them.

Spinal Tapper · #9 03-31-2008, 04:16 PM

I would shorten it up a bit, and also maybe not put so much emphasis on what your ex-guitarist used to use/have/sound-like, etc...this may only make things uncomfortable for the "new-guy". Remember, he's going to be with you for the long run (at least according to your ad).

Coming from a band that has gone through a few members, things are going to change whether you want them to or not: sound/looks/equipment/attitudes - hopefully for the better. Take it in stride. I wouldn't advise trying to replicate exactly what you've already had - think of it as a way to branch out musically.

Be a bit more general with the ad, then try to audition as many players as possible, and see who works the best with your "vision" as a band.

neurotictim · #10 03-31-2008, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baalroo

apostrophes are your friend so use them.

I'm a little confused on that one... Did I miss an apostrophe somewhere?

Currently re-writing with points taken into consideration.

neurotictim · #11 03-31-2008, 05:16 PM

Take two. Better?

-----------------------------------------------

Guitarist wanted for established original rock band

Twice Removed (http://www.myspace.com/twiceremovedvb) will soon be losing our lead guitarist to a bigger and better job in far-off Canada, so we are looking for someone who can fill his shoes. We’re hoping to find someone who can come in and learn with him, rather than after the fact.

We’re a Virginia Beach based original rock band that’s branching out into playing covers, including blues, classic rock, southern rock, and modern rock.

Requirements:

Schedule. The more open your schedule is, the better. We’re pretty flexible, and we need someone who can be flexible within a reasonable amount of time. Bonus if you can regularly be available to rehearse at least once a week.

Pro gear/attitude/ethic. Must be open to many different influences and sounds, be able to bring something unique to the table – our sound is very identifiable, and we want someone who will be able to fit in and grow with us. It helps a lot if you’re fairly serious about your sound, and serious about putting the time in to make good music.

*Decent chops is a must* You don’t have to be Zakk Wylde or Joe Satriani, but being able to hold your own in a solo situation is a huge plus, and we can work around other things if you can play.

Vocals are another huge plus. We’d like to get another set of pipes for backup.

We’re all in the mid to late 20’s, and while it’s not a deciding factor, it helps if you fall into our generation. No “emovers” or “fauxhawks” here, no leather biker jackets either.

If all of this sounds like you, and you can hang with us and just fit in, you’re in. Shoot us an email with gear list and influences, even better if we get a clip of your playing, and we’ll get back to you, to set a time to get together and jam.

----------------------------------------

baalroo · #12 03-31-2008, 05:38 PM

I counted 3 "were"s rather than "we're" and 1 "youre" rather than "you're." Not a big deal, just tryin to help.

the style of the new draft is much better btw.

neurotictim · #13 03-31-2008, 05:43 PM

No big deal at all, my friend, it just goes to show you how even proof-reading can slip up. I still don't see them. *shrug* Any typos or lack of punctuation in the second one?

Thanks, good advice goes a long way. I know who to turn to.

thombo · #14 03-31-2008, 06:03 PM

in my humble opinion, it is good but a bit too wordy- people don't want to read that much.
instead of using paragraphs, try bullet-points. you can give more
example:

Twice Removed (http://www.myspace.com/twiceremovedvb) are losing our lead guitarist to a bigger and better job in far-off Canadia! We are looking for someone who can fill his shoes. We’re hoping to find someone who can come in and learn with him, rather than after the fact.

We’re a Virginia Beach based original rock band that’s branching out into playing covers, including blues, classic rock, southern rock, and modern rock.

Wanted:
-Guitarist with good chops!
-Flexible Schedule, Commited to X Rehearsals a Week
-Vox are a Big Plus!
-Pro Gear is a must!
-emovers, fauxhawks, and leather biker jackets need not apply

Shoot us an email with gear list and influences, clips or links to your playing.
We’ll contact you to set a time to get together and jam!

Depth_Charge · #15 03-31-2008, 07:09 PM

[quote=invader3k;5529219][quote=Depth_Charge;5528593]I have! I've auditioned with a guy that had a Hello Kitty pink Squire guitar

Quote:

Oh man, that is too funny. What was his excuse for that?

I never thought to ask him, as I am trying to curb the gear snobbishness I never knew I had

McDreads · #16 03-31-2008, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thombo

in my humble opinion, it is good but a bit too wordy- people don't want to read that much.
instead of using paragraphs, try bullet-points. you can give more
example:

Twice Removed (http://www.myspace.com/twiceremovedvb) are losing our lead guitarist to a bigger and better job in far-off Canadia! We are looking for someone who can fill his shoes. We’re hoping to find someone who can come in and learn with him, rather than after the fact.

We’re a Virginia Beach based original rock band that’s branching out into playing covers, including blues, classic rock, southern rock, and modern rock.

Wanted:
-Guitarist with good chops!
-Flexible Schedule, Commited to X Rehearsals a Week
-Vox are a Big Plus!
-Pro Gear is a must!
-emovers, fauxhawks, and leather biker jackets need not apply

Shoot us an email with gear list and influences, clips or links to your playing.
We’ll contact you to set a time to get together and jam!

Much shorter, much better! Remember, you're looking for a guitarist, haven't met one yet with an attention-span of more than 30 seconds!

Munjibunga · #17 03-31-2008, 08:24 PM

You've incorrectly used the word "comprised." The whole comprises its parts. Your band is composed of ... Alternately, the band comprises ...

Oh yeah. The ad is WAY too long. You can discuss the details on the phone when you get a bite.

neurotictim · #18 03-31-2008, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

You've incorrectly used the word "comprised." The whole comprises its parts. Your band is composed of ... Alternately, the band comprises ...

Oh yeah. The ad is WAY too long. You can discuss the details on the phone when you get a bite.

Good catch, I didn't know that. See post #11, I took that out altogether.

I rather like the length now - hopefully some wordiness will help weed out the flakes.

invader3k · #19 04-01-2008, 09:49 AM

Your second version is good, IMO. I'd go with that.

baalroo · #20 04-01-2008, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neurotictim

Guitarist wanted for established original rock band

Twice Removed (http://www.myspace.com/twiceremovedvb) will soon be losing our lead guitarist to a bigger and better job in far-off Canada, so we are looking for someone who can fill his shoes. We're hoping to find someone who can come in and learn with him, rather than after the fact.

We're a Virginia Beach based original rock band that's branching out into playing covers (removed comma) including blues, classic rock, southern rock, and modern rock.

Requirements:

Schedule. The more open your schedule is, the better. We're pretty flexible, and we need someone who can be flexible within a reasonable amount of time. Bonus if you can regularly be available to rehearse at least once a week.

Pro gear/attitude/ethic. Must be open to many different influences and sounds, be able to bring something unique to the table our sound is very identifiable, and we want someone who will be able to fit in and grow with us. It helps a lot if you're fairly serious about your sound, and serious about putting the time in to make good music.

*Decent chops is a must* You don't have to be Zakk Wylde or Joe Satriani, but being able to hold your own in a solo situation is a huge plus, and we can work around other things if you can play.

Vocals are another huge plus. We'd like to get another set of pipes for backup.

We're all in the mid to late 20s, and while its not a deciding factor, it helps if you fall into our generation. No emovers or fauxhawks here, no leather biker jackets either.

If all of this sounds like you, and you can hang with us and just fit in, you're in. Shoot us an email with gear list and influences, even better if we get a clip of your playing, and we'll get back to you, to set a time to get together and jam.

* fixed