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Backlined amps

wolfkeller

wolfkeller

Supporting Member
Aug 11, 2013
5,715
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detroit
#1
I've read a lot about how guys have Had issues using provided back lines for festive gigs and such, using sans amps to help w crap rigs and things like that. I want to say I've played quite a few of these type shows and they always send their emails about mandatory back lines and minimal switch over times. I've never used the provided heads. I bring my rack, throw it on top theirs swap cables and I'm off. Never once have I been hassled and the soundman doesn't have anything to say either. I will say that I always thought swr to be good stuff but I've used a bunch of their 8x10s and they sucked. Real tinny. They usually provide gk (1001, 800rb ) in my area.
 
#2
That's good. Now try flying instead ;) I've had everything from a Heritage SVT to a broken 400rb to a little Hartke Kickback. I have a fairly decent gig where things usually go smoothly, but some of the promoters are ultra-cheap and will sometimes just bring me their kids' bass amp.
 
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#3
Lol typical . I can surely see flying around being an issue, but with this new micros I could easily toss one in a bag, so I still wouldn't use what I'm told. Is it an issue for others not being allowed to use their own? Being told you cannot use your head?
 
#8
I've thought about bringing a micro head on travel gigs.
but really, when these folks are spending the money flying us out there, if they don't read the tech rider and get us what we need, then it's their problem if they can't hear the bass and the singer is complaining about the gear all night.
I've had some bad amps, but usually the PA pulls through and I am happy I brought the Tone Hammer.
 
#10
BassmanPaul said:
Shouldn't this be in the larger "back line adventures" thread to keep everything together??

Many sound folks insist that you use what has been supplied as it makes their job easier. Causing a problem at a gig is not the way to get return bookings.
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Another thread about it won't hurt. It's a reality we all have to face at some point. And that is exactly right, your last sentence. If you are the supreme headliner with a wallet full of FU money, then you can do what you want. But nobody's going to risk their paycheck on me holding up a show and throwing everything into a tizzy because I have to have my special gear, and I work directly with the supreme headliner on a lot of my gigs. So judge how much a return gig means to you before you start insisting on doing things your way when they clearly want you to do things their way. And just prepare for it with outboard gear such as pedals.
 
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#13
HeavyJazz said:
I did a gig once where the promoter brought me an open-backed Peavey Bandit combo (for electric guitar!). I flipped to passive mode and pulled my bass control back to 20%. The amp quaked and moaned all night. It was just aweful.
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Now in a case like that, I probably would hold up the show ;) Or I'd just turn it off and go through the PA and do the best I could with a monitor.
 

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