Everyone's downsizing these days..

[georgestrings]

That question leads me to believe you are getting ad hominem. I'm playing an 1000 seater venue on Friday, so I'll let you know how my rig copes with that.

That's not where I was going with that at all - the backline you've described that your band is using is unlike that of any working metal band I've ever seen, so I thought it was relevant if you typically play in front of good sized crowds, or are just starting out...

If it seemed like an ad hominem attack, I apologize, since that wasn't my intent... When someone posts something that directly contradicts my real world experience, it's my nature to ask questions... I don't believe I've ever seen a working metal band with as small as backline as you've described...



- georgestrings

 

[guy n. cognito]

I'm just wondering - experience and situation *should* mean something, right??? - especially since he brought it up...



- georgestrings

True.

An experienced musician would tell you that, with the right PA, NO BACKLINE is necessary for ANY type of music, even metal at blaring levels.

Just because it's "metal" to have a bunch of stack in the backstage doesn't mean that it's necessary.

 

[I play metal]

True.

An experienced musician would tell you that, with the right PA, NO BACKLINE is necessary for ANY type of music, even metal at blaring levels.

Just because it's "metal" to have a bunch of stack in the backstage doesn't mean that it's necessary.

Doesnt need stacks,maybee true, but in hundreds of gigs,I've never used a P.A that does true justice for my sound.Obviously I do hook into the PA with 300+ venues but.And when I do,I insist it be mic'ed up always!I never go in D.I to the board because I use distortion-never sounds good goin in DI,In my experience.

 

[coreyfyfe]

Just because it's "metal" to have a bunch of stack in the backstage doesn't mean that it's necessary.

100% true, I saw glassjaw a few weeks ago and they didn't have any amps on stage. They did have a pile of monitors around the drums though. IMO most clubs that local bands will play don't tend to have anywhere near the desire to pull this off. You ask for more bass in the monitor and you get a blank stare. No one cares about your band/sound/etc unless you're paying them to. I've gotten more helpful soundmen at 75-100 capacity bars than at 500-1000+ capacity clubs.

 

[I play metal]

That's not where I was going with that at all - the backline you've described that your band is using is unlike that of any working metal band I've ever seen, so I thought it was relevant if you typically play in front of good sized crowds, or are just starting out...

If it seemed like an ad hominem attack, I apologize, since that wasn't my intent... When someone posts something that directly contradicts my real world experience, it's my nature to ask questions... I don't believe I've ever seen a working metal band with as small as backline as you've described...



- georgestrings

Not slaggin the dude,but also different(not bad) that his gutarists are using 10's.Different sound fir sure..

But a metal band using a single 10 for bass, and a coupla
210 twins for guitar is different.Nothing wrong with breaking the mold.I cound'nt imagine that set up for my band-but as always,to each there own...


hoooowa

 

[I play metal]

100% true, I saw glassjaw a few weeks ago and they didn't have any amps on stage. They did have a pile of monitors around the drums though. IMO most clubs that local bands will play don't tend to have anywhere near the desire to pull this off. You ask for more bass in the monitor and you get a blank stare. No one cares about your band/sound/etc unless you're paying them to.

Agreed...then we bought our own PA,which we often insist using haah.Then I do sound(I'm wirless) and take the sound man's share of the nights $$$.Thaaannnk youuuu sirr and check mate...

 

[coreyfyfe]

Agreed...then we bought our own PA,which we often insist using haah.Then I do sound(I'm wirless) and take the sound man's share of the nights $$$.Thaaannnk youuuu sirr and check mate...

That works for bars, but clubs with big pa systems don't tend to be as willing to let you use your own PA. They are usually pretty willing to allow you to bring your own sound guy though, and we have done that on occasion.

 

[guy n. cognito]

Doesnt need stacks,maybee true, but in hundreds of gigs,I've never used a P.A that does true justice for my sound.Obviously I do hook into the PA with 300+ venues but.And when I do,I insist it be mic'ed up always!I never go in D.I to the board because I use distortion-never sounds good goin in DI,In my experience.

This is opinion, not fact. The fact is that any band, even a metal band, can go direct to the PA. You don't need a backline, you want one. There's nothing wrong with that, of course; I'm just making a point to georgestrings last post.

 

[Jim C]

That question leads me to believe you are getting ad hominem. I'm playing an 1000 seater venue on Friday, so I'll let you know how my rig copes with that.

It would be unusual 99% of the time for a metal band to have a bass player with 1x10 cab; sounds interesting

How about a link to you bands myspace or web page?
Curious to see how it's being done in the UK these days

 

[waleross]

I'm just getting back to the bass after many years of not playing (no equipment at all) ...I started with a Fender Rumble 60 in May and now I'm all Ampeg. On Thurs I'll be getting my Svt 810E (190 lbs) shipping weight....F it, all I need now is to get into a band....Funny huh? The truth is I'm 59 and I was in groups many years ago but for some reason, I want to give it one more run. Downsize? I did purchase the Ampeg micro with (2) cabs and it wasn't happening. So for my own jamming I'll use my new SvT810 and the solid state Svt450 (AC / DC).....Whats next is an Svt 4-pro tube.......I did buy a SvT-CL but it was B-stock so it went back same day. The fan was so loud that the bass couldn't be heard..... ....Take care and good luck

 

[I play metal]

This is opinion, not fact. The fact is that any band, even a metal band, can go direct to the PA. You don't need a backline, you want one. There's nothing wrong with that, of course; I'm just making a point to georgestrings last post.

Mostly opinion yeah, but seems like fact when you dont acheive the sound you desire haha.I've gotten close(our yorkvill elits system).But,safe to say it's FACT that distortion in DI always sounds wonky.Dont know if you've used distortion DI, but if have you know what I mean.

 

[Mudfuzz]

This is opinion, not fact. The fact is that any band, even a metal band, can go direct to the PA. You don't need a backline, you want one. There's nothing wrong with that, of course; I'm just making a point to georgestrings last post.

This depends on if you are playing a place with a big PA or drag around your own PA. Sometimes going through a PA is not a option.

 

[michael_atw]

I love the fact that alot of bass players are "downsizing".

Between that and the economy, over the past year or so I have picked up 3 big Mesa cabs on the cheap (2 RR's and 1 PH).

+1.

I got ahold of a B25 head with B25B cab with 2 15's and a ST42 Colossus with 2 15's all in a package deal for less than $600. Everything was near-perfect condition as well.

 

[BritPicker]

I haven't read all this thread but!

Big cabs look cool I must agree. Well actually, I'd say mid-sized like one of those Ampeg things, I think that's cool.

But, just having bought a new 2x10 TC electronics cab, which is great being a bit smaller and lighter, yet I thought sounded much better than the other cabs I tried, I'm sold on the small thing.

The high tech gear looks less rock and roll its true, but gear has come on leaps and bounds since the 70's where most guitarists seem to be living.

Us bassists are much more willing to try new things!

I don't know if anyone's said, but as you get older, you appreciate not having to lift heavy stuff. It's not that you can't, you may well be stronger than when you were 21, it just that you feel it the next day/week/year!

And having a bad back in return for playing bass isn't so great. It's important to look after yourself. I lifted a load of not-that-heavy stuff once and ended up with a ruptured disc, sciatica, 2 years of PAIN, then spinal surgery. All whilst I was under 30 years old. Not good!

I think the nature of cabs bulk and size and the fact we may not be warmed up, or in a hurry or just mostly sit down all day, then go heavy lifting is not a recipe for healthy back.

I recommend :

(a) light gear
(b) not to much gear
(c) help - my band has a 'policy' of 2 people to lift amps and cabs into car/stage
(d) hand trolleys
(e) sufficient time for (un)loading
(f) a roadie!

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I got back into playing after 25 years w/out any equipment. First I got a MIM Jazz Bass, and the store maneger told me all I would need was the "new" Fender Rumble 100w,2/10, cuz "thats what everyone is doing ".It"s now a $300 CD player.So, I went Dinosaur.70"s Traynor Mono-Block II 375w @2ohms into an old SWR 4/10(says made by David Eden) and a Peavey 1820.I leave the 1820 at our practice facility and can get the 4/10 in the back seat of my 2 DOOR Grand Prix. When I can afford it, I"ll get another 1820 and leave the 4/10 at home.Bassasaurus is the tag i"ve gotten, and I may not be the biggest and loudest, but I can feel it and the Guitards with their Randall and Marshall stacks still cry for me to turn it down. And ,by the way , I"m 51 and fat and I wheeze a lot.

 

[Pilgrim]

Big cabs may look great in the opinion of many here, but whether you need them or not depends on the type of music you play and the size of the venues. For that matter, if you're going to play a coliseum, then do you really need big cabs, or should you just use enough cab for stage sound and do the concert through the PA?

Lots of us have no desire to play huge venues, nor to play at extreme levels. For those who don't, the new lightweight amps and neo cabs offer a wonderful way to avoid dragging around hundreds of pounds of gear cabs with no loss of sound quality or the volume we need. I also suspect this downsized gear would serve admirably for many of those who are using big rigs.

Those of you who want to drag around big cabs because "it looks cool" are welcome to do so...but many of you could be using much more compact systems that would be easier to move and would sound just as good.

I do understand that the downsized amps and neo cabs are expensive - and if what you have is working well for you, and you're OK with moving it around, then that's fine. You don't NEED to downsize, and it could be smart not to spend the money to do so. I'm just saying that many would be just as well served with more compact equipment, and would save themselves a lot of work and transport space.

 

[guy n. cognito]

This depends on if you are playing a place with a big PA or drag around your own PA. Sometimes going through a PA is not a option.

Yes, I think I made that clear.

 

[Jim C]

Walleros & Hossier Daddy:
Well done men; at 51 I'm right there with you with a 100lb Berg cab and a 60lb rack
We need a forum just for over 50 players on this board; seems like their might be a bunch of us

 

[Pilgrim]

Walleros & Hossier Daddy:
Well done men; at 51 I'm right there with you with a 100lb Berg cab and a 60lb rack
We need a forum just for over 50 players on this board; seems like their might be a bunch of us

You're right - I'm 59. Carrying around that heavy stuff lost its appeal some time ago.

I just sold my heavy gear for a G-B Shuttle 6.0 and pair of 33-pound 12T cabs. IMO they do everything and more that my previous 4x10 or 15" cabs did.

 

[IbanezATK]

seems so common people are downsizing so much these days.I guess it's given with the technology out there.
Like people cutting to a single 10 inch rig.What on earth are you playing for that to be enough?(I play loud and heavy music so no offence)

But am I the only one who looooves to wheel in a giant bass rig??(I'm also young and fit haha).Love to look behind me and know I can Level the place if need be.

But serious-why downsize so small to limet yourself so much.I mean...sure my rig is overkill half the time but it's nice to *have the headroom and ability* to rally bigger shows,etc and have all basses covered.Ya dig?

what'd you think?

I'm not downsizing at all... I love my SWR Basic 350 and Henry the 8x8, but I'm looking for a nice old Ampeg 8x10... biggy size it