You have every right to say no. And if I were the one asking I wouldn't even hold it against you. I can understand not wanting someone else to use your gear, especially when breaking in something brand new.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Bassists using your equipment at gigs
- Thread starter rapidfirerob
- Start date
I'll let anybody use my equipment as long as I'm there. Or if it's a fellow bassist that I trust a lot, I'll let them use it without me. If people ask for the opportunity, I'll give it to them. I don't want to rob them of that. Obviously if they're some idiot that is asking for the wrong reasons, then I won't let them. I let a 5 year old play with my stingray classic whenever he asks me haha.
I've let opening acts use my rig before, but I've known those guys. In fact, last year at a benefit my band opened and I provided my rig as a backline for the evening and encouraged all to turn whatever knobs they wished. But that was a situation where I knew that everyone envolved were experienced players so there was nothing to worry about. I would not be so generous with a bunch of guys I don't know or have a clue about.
As far as cover band pay we make about 500 a night, give or take 50. The originals scene around here is pathetic. Not there aren't good bands out there, but there aren't many places that bring in originals bands. If you want to steadily gig out around here it's pretty much cover oriented. We throw a few originals in during the night, but it's mainly covers. Back 20-25 years ago there was a very healthy originals scene here and lots of places to play but that worm has turned.
As far as cover band pay we make about 500 a night, give or take 50. The originals scene around here is pathetic. Not there aren't good bands out there, but there aren't many places that bring in originals bands. If you want to steadily gig out around here it's pretty much cover oriented. We throw a few originals in during the night, but it's mainly covers. Back 20-25 years ago there was a very healthy originals scene here and lots of places to play but that worm has turned.
we follow the same rule, and then "trade shows" so that the carrying of equipment evens out.
But as many have mentioned, I have to see a band/bassist play before I will let them use my stuff....mostly to see how they treat their own stuff, and also to see if I can get a good sound out of their cabs. I ALWAYS bring and use my own amp. I just don't want to get stuck at a gig where the cab is destroyed or just a 2x10 or whatever...
There are also probably only 4-5 players who i would let use my actual bass. Obviously in a pinch is different....
RaginRog
Last guy you want to see is Employee Relations guy
I see the mentation on it now. I am not opposed to playing covers, but am opposed to cover bands ( does that make sense?). My original only band can cover 2 or 3 hours no problem, and we've never been on a bill with more than one other band unless it was a festival. But, I see what you mean, and I completely understand what you meant now. I would have issues with letting a bunch of people play on my rig, one or event two guys I trust is one thing, but a half dozen people is a bit much.
Thank you for the clarification, sincerely!
I'm what they call a gear borrower. I know, I'm scum.
What can I say? I like to plug directly into the PA
Honestly, I own a bit of amp gear (Ampeg B18, Markbass LMII, an Aggie GS410, and an Ampeg 115 cab) but it doesn't mean I always want to lug it around. For the longest time I would supply the backline for shows because I didn't want to waste time between bands, I was headlining, I had the best gear, etc.
After awhile I got lazy and I started using whatever the backlines were provided or I would plug directly into the PA. At about this time I stopped caring so much about my bass tone because the audience didn't either. I owned a DI and would sometimes carry my LMII in a bag. Sometimes, if they said that I couldn't plug into the PA, I'd ask to borrow an amp if I knew one of the bands playing. If not, then no dice and I begrudgingly bring my own.
I lend out basses and guitars (sometimes for weeks or months on end) to friends all the time. I rarely ask to borrow anything.
What can I say? I like to plug directly into the PA
Honestly, I own a bit of amp gear (Ampeg B18, Markbass LMII, an Aggie GS410, and an Ampeg 115 cab) but it doesn't mean I always want to lug it around. For the longest time I would supply the backline for shows because I didn't want to waste time between bands, I was headlining, I had the best gear, etc.
After awhile I got lazy and I started using whatever the backlines were provided or I would plug directly into the PA. At about this time I stopped caring so much about my bass tone because the audience didn't either. I owned a DI and would sometimes carry my LMII in a bag. Sometimes, if they said that I couldn't plug into the PA, I'd ask to borrow an amp if I knew one of the bands playing. If not, then no dice and I begrudgingly bring my own.
I lend out basses and guitars (sometimes for weeks or months on end) to friends all the time. I rarely ask to borrow anything.
Ya know, there's something to be said for this. As much as we spend on amps, cabs, and what not, is it really all that important? In the end we are slaves to the soundman. I know I am sent through a DI 99% of the time and the guitarist is mic'd. Maybe we should all invest in a good DI and carry a little combo amp for the stage. My amp will work as a DI without a load, maybe I can swing just carrying it without a cab. There are a few venues I can think of where this might really work. Why do we spend so much time tailoring our sound when its a second or third thought to those hearing it?!I'm what they call a gear borrower. I know, I'm scum.
What can I say? I like to plug directly into the PA
Honestly, I own a bit of amp gear (Ampeg B18, Markbass LMII, an Aggie GS410, and an Ampeg 115 cab) but it doesn't mean I always want to lug it around. For the longest time I would supply the backline for shows because I didn't want to waste time between bands, I was headlining, I had the best gear, etc.
After awhile I got lazy and I started using whatever the backlines were provided or I would plug directly into the PA. At about this time I stopped caring so much about my bass tone because the audience didn't either. I owned a DI and would sometimes carry my LMII in a bag. Sometimes, if they said that I couldn't plug into the PA, I'd ask to borrow an amp if I knew one of the bands playing. If not, then no dice and I begrudgingly bring my own.
I lend out basses and guitars (sometimes for weeks or months on end) to friends all the time. I rarely ask to borrow anything.
This is a powerful concept. You have given me a lot to think about. (This is all serious btw, no sarcasm intended at all, sincerely.)
- Jan 27, 2010
- 4,141
- 471
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Genz Benz Amplification
RaginRog said:
Actually there are far more people making a good living solely from playing covers. Why? Because most people that go out to bars would prefer to hear songs they know and like.
Now I promise you if a band sucks they won't be getting those $1000 gigs, and they won't be getting asked back to any decent gigs if they run off the crowd. But a great cover band is worth there weight in gold to a bar owner. I filled in for a friends band this weekend, all covers. There were about 400 people there, buying lots of drinks, and they stayed until the place closed. We got $1200 for our trouble, and the owner wouldn't let us leave until they booked another gig. They wouldn't pay that kind of money if the band wasn't worth it, or if they were making more money without the band there.
Conversely, the sound guy (and every employee we talked to) told us about the previous nights band, who will never be booked again at any of the 11 bars in the chain. Took too long on breaks, too many breaks, didn't follow the rules laid out in the contract, played horrible music nobody had ever heard, were rude to the crowd, and quit two hours early, which turned out to be a good thing because they were running the crowd off.
My answer is always nope (okay, exceptions stated below). I put too much money into my rig to let some schmoe who doesn't even care enough to bring his own rig use it. Plus, my Sunn 2000s and the JBLs in my cabs are not easily replaceable gear incase something does happen. I know what my rig can do, I know how it works, I know its quirks, and am not about to let someone else mess with it.That doesn't just apply to the head either. Someone mentioned letting other bands use their cabinets, but I would even refuse that. JBL K140s aren't exactly easy to come by or cheap, so I'm not taking the risk of some guy plugging in his 5-string active bass, cranking the bass knob and bass boost on, and blowing my speakers. And personally, I find it unprofessional not to bring your own gear. It's like they can't be bothered. What if none of the musicians had been bothered enough to bring equipment? Then everyone would be standing there like idiots with no gear to use on the assumption that SOMEONE would bring gear.
There are only three musicians I trust enough to play my rig (only one I trust to play my bass). And they're people I've known for several years now. If I know it's like an open mic, or a jam session, I'll bring a cheap ampeg B2 combo I have, which I'm not worried about. Otherwise, not a snowball's chance in h*ll that I'm letting someone use my rig.
There are only three musicians I trust enough to play my rig (only one I trust to play my bass). And they're people I've known for several years now. If I know it's like an open mic, or a jam session, I'll bring a cheap ampeg B2 combo I have, which I'm not worried about. Otherwise, not a snowball's chance in h*ll that I'm letting someone use my rig.
RaginRog
Last guy you want to see is Employee Relations guy
temmrich said:
We can probably cover about an hour...it's punk rock, so the songs are all within that 2 minute margin. Bar owners primarily do it to increase the chance of having a better draw though.
RaginRog
Last guy you want to see is Employee Relations guy
lowfreq33 said:
Congrats.
I've seen some great bands pull a big numbers at the door...and I've seen some not great ones. The problem I have is that some of these booking agencies end up making it impossible for other decent acts to get their foot in the door at the "A" rooms. Not that I've ever been in that great of a cover band, but I've had friends in great bands who could never get great rooms because they couldn't commit to the 5-6 shows the agency wanted them to play per month. Then your stuck seeing the same house band.
You'd be case in point for "my rig is not only expensive but rare" so I'd say anyone who didn't recognize the head / cabs would know it was vintage - at least I hope - and should be ok with not being aloud to touch / examine it up close - let alone play through it. Some vintage pieces of equipment cannot be replaced at any price.
I wonder that bass players are so piky about their sound,don't take their gear to the gigs.
Yeah. I don't gig, not yet anyway, but I guess equipment sharing is a courtesy - so You bring what you need to make your sound... I'd be frustrated if I had to use a cab with a tweeter I couldn't attenuate / bypass - likewise with someone used to a particular amps features - figuring out a new palette on the fly can't be good for most situations.
I apologize for not reading all the previous posts, but I have to chime in as devil's advocate. I played a show recently 6 hours away from home and stupidly forgot my case full of cables. Basically, I had a rig minus any way to power it or connect cabs to my amp. The guy in the other band had this crappy Hartke rig and let me use it to play our set. Had he been a nit picky anal retentive chap, my band would have had to play without any bass. Luckily he was a gentleman and allowed me to use it.
RaginRog
Last guy you want to see is Employee Relations guy
If you are going to ask for something as an adult you should be prepared for the answer to be no as well as yes.
There are many examples where someone's gear goes down and they need help. Much like a stranded motorist you of course will help them while not giving a ride to every person you see walking toward your destination.
What seems to rub folks here is the selfishness or inconsiderate expectation that you should do something when they couldn't take personal responsibility for their own needs and wants.
There are many examples where someone's gear goes down and they need help. Much like a stranded motorist you of course will help them while not giving a ride to every person you see walking toward your destination.
What seems to rub folks here is the selfishness or inconsiderate expectation that you should do something when they couldn't take personal responsibility for their own needs and wants.
I have a friend who is very dear to me, but every time we plan a long trip or a drive of any significant distance, he wants us to use my car. My car is old, rusty, high mileage, and questionably reliable whereas his car is newer, nicer, rust-free, and dependable.
While I don't mind helping someone out when something beyond their control has gone wrong, and I don't even mind sharing the trip (meaning I drive half the time, he drives the other half), I don't like when someone with all the gear they could possibly need wants to use yours instead, to spare theirs the wear and tear. Generally in such cases, the person in question can afford nicer gear, or replacements if anything went wrong, or a backup/gigging rig, but they look at your gear as being worth less, so they figure they'll use it to keep their own nice and clean.
While I don't mind helping someone out when something beyond their control has gone wrong, and I don't even mind sharing the trip (meaning I drive half the time, he drives the other half), I don't like when someone with all the gear they could possibly need wants to use yours instead, to spare theirs the wear and tear. Generally in such cases, the person in question can afford nicer gear, or replacements if anything went wrong, or a backup/gigging rig, but they look at your gear as being worth less, so they figure they'll use it to keep their own nice and clean.
I'm not a fan of letting strangers use my gear.
I would never ask a stranger to use there gear either.
I worked hard for my gear and work hard getting it
to gigs (especially if I bring back up). I'm responsible
for my part in making sure MY band can do there job.
I am not responsible for others. I realize poo poo happens
but I prepare for it. So should you.
If you show up empty handed at a gig (no gear/bass) you
don't deserve to play IMO.
If I set up gigs with other bands that I know and trust I don't
have a problem with sharing equipment but that is worked
out well in advance.
I would never ask a stranger to use there gear either.
I worked hard for my gear and work hard getting it
to gigs (especially if I bring back up). I'm responsible
for my part in making sure MY band can do there job.
I am not responsible for others. I realize poo poo happens
but I prepare for it. So should you.
If you show up empty handed at a gig (no gear/bass) you
don't deserve to play IMO.
If I set up gigs with other bands that I know and trust I don't
have a problem with sharing equipment but that is worked
out well in advance.
