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audition....bring my amp?

#22
I agree your rig helps define your sound so I would bring it too. I always try to use my own rig, especially when recording. When my band recorded our last album space was tight in the vehicles we took so I was unable to take my cabinet, but I took my amp. Lucky for me the studio had a cab just like mine there so I was not a huge deal. I would say take your amp because you may not know exactly what they have there to use and also it allows them to hear you as your own sound.
 
#27
Personally, I'd show up with a couple basses and a Sansamp. I can play through anything for an hour or two...I prefer to not haul gear. Easy in, easy out. If the gear they have sucks, they already are aware of it and just want auditions to go smoothly and fast. If the gear that have sucks and they *don't* know it, you probably wouldn't want to play with them anyway. Either way, by just bringing a bass and a Sansamp you win. :)

My $.02
 
#28
I can't read music. I can't play jazz. I know little about theory. I know less about ohms and amps. I know a bit about different bass guitars, but the one thing I feel I've really gotten down is the art of auditioning. I've gone on countless auditions, and I pretty much always get offered the gig. I can count on one hand the gigs I didn't get. In the past year alone I auditioned for about a dozen different bands and got offered every single one. I don't believe it's because I'm the greatest player either, I believe it's becaue I use common sense, learn the material as though the audition was a gig a MSG, dress appropriately, and never do things like wheel my amp into a practice space.

I read somewhere once that the LAST thing a band wants to see when auditioning someone is them fiddling and fooling around to get "their" sound. To be able to plug into anything and make it work, quickly, is the best way to go. I think it shows a lot of qualitites. Confidence, ability to adapt, and proficiency to name a few. Also shows that you're easy going and willing to go with the flow. Lugging an amp in, on the other hand IMO shows a bunch of other not so good qualities. For one, I think it reaks a little of desperation. To haul a huge cab into an audition says to me you may want this gig just a little too much. Especially when the band told you there's no need to. It could also give the message that you can only play your best if you're using YOUR gear, that you're very picky about your sound, and that that might cause you and band some problems along the way. You also run the risk of not being able to dial in the perfect sound you're looking for (who knows what the acoustics in the room are like?), and have them think "OK. This is obviously what this guy is all about," and have it work against you.

I can't think of any good reason to take your amp to an audition, unless they specificially asked you to. Knowing the material inside out and upside down is the most important thing IMO. To be in a place where you don't have to think about what you're playing at all, and just be able to get into the excitement and enjoyment of the music. The deer in the headlights look never impresses when trying out for a band, and I've seen it so many times in bands auditioning other players.
 
#29
Joe Nerve said:
I can't read music. I can't play jazz. I know little about theory. I know less about ohms and amps. I know a bit about different bass guitars, but the one thing I feel I've really gotten down is the art of auditioning. I've gone on countless auditions, and I pretty much always get offered the gig. I can count on one hand the gigs I didn't get. In the past year alone I auditioned for about a dozen different bands and got offered every single one. I don't believe it's because I'm the greatest player either, I believe it's becaue I use common sense, learn the material as though the audition was a gig a MSG, dress appropriately, and never do things like wheel my amp into a practice space.

I read somewhere once that the LAST thing a band wants to see when auditioning someone is them fiddling and fooling around to get "their" sound. To be able to plug into anything and make it work, quickly, is the best way to go. I think it shows a lot of qualitites. Confidence, ability to adapt, and proficiency to name a few. Also shows that you're easy going and willing to go with the flow. Lugging an amp in, on the other hand IMO shows a bunch of other not so good qualities. For one, I think it reaks a little of desperation. To haul a huge cab into an audition says to me you may want this gig just a little too much. Especially when the band told you there's no need to. It could also give the message that you can only play your best if you're using YOUR gear, that you're very picky about your sound, and that that might cause you and band some problems along the way. You also run the risk of not being able to dial in the perfect sound you're looking for (who knows what the acoustics in the room are like?), and have them think "OK. This is obviously what this guy is all about," and have it work against you.

I can't think of any good reason to take your amp to an audition, unless they specificially asked you to. Knowing the material inside out and upside down is the most important thing IMO. To be in a place where you don't have to think about what you're playing at all, and just be able to get into the excitement and enjoyment of the music. The deer in the headlights look never impresses when trying out for a band, and I've seen it so many times in bands auditioning other players.
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This is pretty much my exact experience and the way I treat auditions.
 
#30
The answers have varied from the point a wee bit sometimes, thanks all so much though for ALL the input..here's what was said in emails...partially..

"Will you have drums and a bass amp back-lined at the space? I can bring snare, cymbals and a pedal no problem.
We'll see you then."

answer...

"Our drum back-line is a bit sketchy, but we do have a kick, floor & 2 toms. The hardware is even sketchier. You are certainly welcome to use what we have. We also have a number of amps that Jeff could use."

so there ya go. I don't think they'd be put off by bringing my own really... I really don't want to ask..."well, what kind of amps"...I can set my rig up quickly, setting sound is no problem, the amp is simple to run anyways...(the way I like it!):D

It's just my new set up is so dam nice, I want to deliver the best everything I can..feel me?
So, we'll see I may have it with and play it by what the particulars are..

but thanks again, updates to follow audition this coming Wednesday!
 
#31
I remember an audition where I was between amps. All I had available was a keyboard amp. I know some keyboard amps make decent bass amps in a pinch, but this one was not so good.

I used it at the audition and explained my dilemma. They were very cool about it.

I think they were more concerned with whether or not I could play and lock in with them, and the interpersonal stuff. (I got the gig BTW.)

I think if they have something decent to play through, it would be fine. But if you're ultra-picky about your tone and worry this might compromise your ability, roadie your stuff on in there. Whatever you think will give you the best shot.
 
#32
Joe Nerve said:
I read somewhere once that the LAST thing a band wants to see when auditioning someone is them fiddling and fooling around to get "their" sound. To be able to plug into anything and make it work, quickly, is the best way to go. I think it shows a lot of qualitites. Confidence, ability to adapt, and proficiency to name a few. Also shows that you're easy going and willing to go with the flow.
Click to expand...

+1. Couldn't agree more. Plus, what are you going to do when you open for another band and their stuff is already set up? That's how I've learned about Ampeg by the way. You have to be able to play through other people's gear once in a while anyway.
 
#33
+100 to Joe's answer.

I'd bring the rig but leave it in the car just as a backup. Like others have said, be easy to work with, nail the material, don't over think things, and you'll likely do just fine.
 
#35
Joe Nerve said:
never do things like wheel my amp into a practice space.

I read somewhere once that the LAST thing a band wants to see when auditioning someone is them fiddling and fooling around to get "their" sound. To be able to plug into anything and make it work, quickly, is the best way to go. I think it shows a lot of qualitites. Confidence, ability to adapt, and proficiency to name a few. Also shows that you're easy going and willing to go with the flow. Lugging an amp in, on the other hand IMO shows a bunch of other not so good qualities. For one, I think it reaks a little of desperation. To haul a huge cab into an audition says to me you may want this gig just a little too much. Especially when the band told you there's no need to. It could also give the message that you can only play your best if you're using YOUR gear, that you're very picky about your sound, and that that might cause you and band some problems along the way. You also run the risk of not being able to dial in the perfect sound you're looking for (who knows what the acoustics in the room are like?), and have them think "OK. This is obviously what this guy is all about," and have it work against you.

I can't think of any good reason to take your amp to an audition, unless they specificially asked you to. Knowing the material inside out and upside down is the most important thing IMO. To be in a place where you don't have to think about what you're playing at all, and just be able to get into the excitement and enjoyment of the music. The deer in the headlights look never impresses when trying out for a band, and I've seen it so many times in bands auditioning other players.
Click to expand...

Sorry, but all of this couldn't be more off base. "Never" do things like wheel your amp into a practice space? You mean like you'd presumably be doing every week if you get into the band? "Reaks" of desperation? Having pro gear and wanting to use that and being willing to bring it rather than take your chances on a setup that could be less than ideal is desperate? keep in mind that your sound is the sound of the band too. So if one guy sounds like crap, the whole band will probably sound like crap.

And what's going to take longer, bringing in your setup that has a sound you're familiar with so you can plug in and go, or messing around with something that might be totally alien, and then maybe not being able to get a good sound anyway?

Any group of people that would look down on you for being prepared with your own pro equipment and taking a few minutes to bring it in and set it up is probably not the kind of group you would want to be involved in.

On the other side of the coin, if I'M auditioning someone, I want to know that they DO have their own sound, so that I can consistently know what to expect from them soundwise. Also, if they do bring their own gear even knowing there is gear available, at least that indicates they aren't lazy about hauling stuff around.

The specifics of what you do aren't really all that important, as long as you do it in a professional manner and in a way that fits with what the band is looking for.
 
#36
jungleheat said:
Sorry, but all of this couldn't be more off base. "Never" do things like wheel your amp into a practice space? You mean like you'd presumably be doing every week if you get into the band? "Reaks" of desperation? Having pro gear and wanting to use that and being willing to bring it rather than take your chances on a setup that could be less than ideal is desperate? keep in mind that your sound is the sound of the band too. So if one guy sounds like crap, the whole band will probably sound like crap.

And what's going to take longer, bringing in your setup that has a sound you're familiar with so you can plug in and go, or messing around with something that might be totally alien, and then maybe not being able to get a good sound anyway?

Any group of people that would look down on you for being prepared with your own pro equipment and taking a few minutes to bring it in and set it up is probably not the kind of group you would want to be involved in.

On the other side of the coin, if I'M auditioning someone, I want to know that they DO have their own sound, so that I can consistently know what to expect from them soundwise. Also, if they do bring their own gear even knowing there is gear available, at least that indicates they aren't lazy about hauling stuff around.

The specifics of what you do aren't really all that important, as long as you do it in a professional manner and in a way that fits with what the band is looking for.
Click to expand...

You're the guys who keep giving me my gigs. Thanks. :)
 
#37
Doubtful. When I do go on auditions I almost always get picked (why would anyone NOT choose me because I have my own gear and know how to use it? That makes ZERO sense), and when I don't it's usually because of a mismatch musically.

But actually, I get into most projects through word of mouth, without really even having an "audition".

You seem to insist that because someone would prefer to use their own gear at an audition that somehow makes them "difficult". No, it makes them a musician. Would you still bring your own bass if they had one at the audition? Your own effects?

Not to mention, 8 or 9 times out of 10, there ISNT going to be gear waiting for you at the audition (unless it's at a rented facility or the band just happens to have extra stuff lying around). Your philosophy counts on that 10-20% of times, and then within that, the people that would actually PASS on you because you brought your own gear instead (which is probably 10% of the 10%). And again, if someone is upset or offended that I brought my own gear, that's not the kind of band I want to play in anyway.

Now the exception would be if there's really nice stuff at the audition, and you insist on bringing crappy quality gear instead, and/or take too long setting up, and/or still sound like garbage after all that. But that probably means you're not very good anyway, so your lack of ability is still ultimately what would most likely cost you the gig.

Time for an informal poll... Hands up, who has been denied a gig and told the reason was "well, you brought your own amp when we told you we already had one here"? Anyone?
 

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