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First time gigs?

B

batmilk

Guest
Sep 9, 2012
46
0
Sydney, Australia
#1
So I've not played a gig before, but I'm in a band (soon to be in 2) and we're probably going to start looking to play a few local gigs.

Just a few questions because I'm a bit unsure of how it all works...

1. Do most venues supply their own cabs? I presume I would bring my own head because it's the sort of sound I'm used to and it's not too bulky to carry around, but my cabinet weighs around 35kg...

2. How much of the time would PA be used? I have a 4x10 cab which can put out about 350W, but would this be sufficient for most small venues?

3. How to know what levels etc the band should use? Will the sound tech help us out there?

Cheers, :bassist:
 
#2
1. Its a gamble. You should bring your cab every time though just in case.

2. I have never seen a venue here, in Australia, that does not supply a p.a. system, but I've heard that in the US that is not the case.

3. You'll know how loud to be when you get there, you will be able to judge by the size of the crowd and venue, and the type of music you are playing. It will be easy and natural, don't worry about this last point.
.
 
#3
One additional question, to do with sharing equipment...

Is it usually common courtesy to let other bands who might be playing after you use some of your equipment? For example, if they asked to borrow your cab for their gig? Or is it not really something which is asked/expected of you?
 
#4
Not sure what it is like over there, but none of the pubs here have their own PA system or anything else, when we play a gig at a pub/bar we have to bring EVERYTHING ourselves!

But in your case, just to be sure I would take your cab with you along with your head and everything else.
 
#7
Every gig is different.

I usually bring my own head/cab even if there is a backline
just in case.

Some places run everything thru a PA depending on the size
of the venue.

Levels again depend on the place. Sometimes you are on your
own and sometimes the sound guy will help. Be nice to the
sound guy. He is your friend.

Personally I NEVER let anyone use my equipment. If other bands
show up empty handed it's there problem not mine.

Plan on learning a lot from your first gig.
 
#8
That's it. Also don't forget to give them a very clear sheet that sums up everything you need and everything you'll bring. If in doubt about something, call them. If still in doubt, bring your stuff.


Sometimes things change and you don't get the info. When that happens you'll appreciate a fellow player lending you his gear. I usually don't mind lending mine but I warn the guy he'll have to pay for any damage he causes. I also watch him (and explain a couple things when needed) to make sure he knows what he's doing.

I (as a drummer) once showed up at a gig without my cymbals, because the small venue provided crappy ones, we only played a 45min set and I was lazy. Turned out their cymbals got stolen and the other band's drummer wouldn't lend me his. My bandmates wanted to cancel but I ended up playing with a glass bottle on the hihat stand, a foldable chair and a metal barrier. Oh, and a kid came to sit on the chair and watched me play half the gig. That was... weird. But fun.
 
#9
Yes - spare a thought for us guys in the UK who typically have to take absolutely everything. Cabs, amps, PA, wedges, lighting rig, mic stands and everything else including all the cables!

vonsparks said:
Not sure what it is like over there, but none of the pubs here have their own PA system or anything else, when we play a gig at a pub/bar we have to bring EVERYTHING ourselves!

But in your case, just to be sure I would take your cab with you along with your head and everything else.
Click to expand...
 
#10
batmilk said:
1. Do most venues supply their own cabs? I presume I would bring my own head because it's the sort of sound I'm used to and it's not too bulky to carry around, but my cabinet weighs around 35kg...

2. How much of the time would PA be used? I have a 4x10 cab which can put out about 350W, but would this be sufficient for most small venues?

3. How to know what levels etc the band should use? Will the sound tech help us out there?
Click to expand...

1. Here in the UK most venues (bar gigs) that I have played do not supply a PA and when they do we have chosen to use our own (except once where it was way better than ours). We always carry our own even when we are told that there is one available.

2. I never have PA support for bar gigs, YMMV. As for will 350W through a 410 be loud enough that varies on what sort of music you play and how loud the whole band is. If you have PA support it should be fine.

3. If you have a sound guy provide he will no doubt set the levels. If you are running your own sound then it is up to you to decide. If the glasses are vibrating off the bar/shelf/tables and you get a load of complaints that you are too loud then you probably are.

Best ask the bar before you go to make sure what is available.

As for sharing your gear that is your call. You always run the risk of someone trashing your amp and/or speakers as they may not be as careful with it as you. I have shared on many occasions and always treat gear respectfully - as if it were my own no matter who it belongs to. Not everyone is like me though.

Hope this helps.
 
#11
batmilk said:
So I've not played a gig before, but I'm in a band (soon to be in 2) and we're probably going to start looking to play a few local gigs.

Just a few questions because I'm a bit unsure of how it all works...

1. Do most venues supply their own cabs? I presume I would bring my own head because it's the sort of sound I'm used to and it's not too bulky to carry around, but my cabinet weighs around 35kg...

2. How much of the time would PA be used? I have a 4x10 cab which can put out about 350W, but would this be sufficient for most small venues?

3. How to know what levels etc the band should use? Will the sound tech help us out there?

Cheers, :bassist:
Click to expand...

1. Don't bet on it. In fact, don't even think twice about it. Just bring your whole setup and be ready to go. Be self-sufficient as far as possible with everything. Unless, of course, you have been explicitly instructed otherwise.

2. Your setup will be more than enough for small to medium venues. Bigger venues will also have/need a decent PA in any case, so no need to have an amp loud enough to fill a stadium.

3. Do a sound check before you play, with or without a sound guy. It's not all that different to having the right levels when you rehearse together. When we play and use our own PA, our guitarist just goes out front for one song and we make adjustments accordingly.

EDIT: I live in Australia too, and the only venues with their own PA are in larger cities. We usually run everything ourselves - literally, we are usually just given an empty corner of the pub to work with.

Also, I only lend gear to people I personally know or have met. At the very least, if someone wishes to borrow something at the same gig I prefer them to ask me personally a few days before the night. Even then, it might inconvenient for me so ill say no.
 
#13
as people have said, it varies! do a thorough check with the venue and promoter beforehand. if in doubt, bring your rig.

based on my experience:

350watts though a 4x10 should be OK for small venues, unless your guitarists play at ear-splitting monster volume.

kit-share is the norm here for the vast majority of unsigned gigs. i've never had any trouble with lending my amp to the other bands, but some people are a bit funny about it. it's your call whether you do or don't lend, at the end of the day. on the other hand, if you absolutely want or need to borrow e.g. a cab, try to email/message the other bands beforehand.

be nice, work hard, have fun. get ready to smile when something goes wrong - it will :cool:
 
#16
Some bars have PA's some don't that we play in. By far most of them do IME.

But I've never run into a venue of any sort that had an amp for me except a church.

If you're in a band and expect to be gigging regularly, you need enough to set up from ground zero and do a show. PA, soundboard ( and someone to run it) amps, monitors, mics and all necessary cables......everything.
 
#17
I play mostly smallish clubs in SE Michigan. Never had a PA provided, never mind any backline gear. Bring everything you think you will need and several back-up pieces (I try to bring 2 of every cord I will use) just in case.


Edit: I remember having PA provided a couple of times in 39 years of performing in bars. Now outdoor festival type gigs I have played at always had a decent PA.
 
#18
1. Do most venues supply their own cabs?
Depends on the place. Most of the ones I've been to haven't but some do. Scope the place out or get in touch with the sound guy if possible. Best to bring your own if you have a specific sound you're going for, and most of the places I've gigged have combos is they d have them.

2. How much of the time would PA be used?
Luck of the draw? If you have a competent sound guy, he'll mic everything up and use the PA when needed or to its best use.

If you don't have a competent sound guy, you're on your own setting your levels on your own amps. :scowl:

3. How to know what levels etc the band should use? Will the sound tech help us out there?
A competent sound guy will do most of that for you, just set it up so everyone can hear each other on stage and everything else will be handled by sound guy.

If you don't have a competent sound guy (it shouldn't take long to figure out if they are or not,) set your levels and go out into the room to check.

As you can guess, we've played some gigs with awful sound guys. :rollno:

As for sharing equipment, that's your call. If you know and trust the other bands go for it, just make sure you know your settings on everything before you let them borrow it so you can get back to what you like. There's no real standard for this. I've done it, since my drummer was in the band after us as guitarist and I let his brother use my amp/head to save on space and setup time.

Most of all, just relax and have fun. :bassist:
 
#19
1. No, not around here
2. That depends on the venue and if their PA is up to it.
3. We play loud enough to be heard over the drummer. The manager or sound guy will usually tell you to turn up or down.

All of these questions should be asked when booking the gig. Well, question 1 & 2.
 
#20
Hi I know you've had a lot of responses as well but I thought i'd join in too! Overall everything depends as has been said before but:

1 - On the whole I try to take my own cab everywhere just because i like the sound and i know its gonna give up and me halfway through a set. I've played lots and lots and lots of gigs over the last 10 years ranging from crappy pub backrooms and empty warehouses to top of the range clubs with immense soundsystems and, very few have their own backline. In the smaller pub/club venues they often encourage kit sharing (which i think has been mentioned is the norm in london and the uk) mainly to provide quick change overs and less hassle for soundmen. It tends to be left up to the bands to decide who is providing it but we always assume that if no one has contacted us before the show everyone is bringing their own. Once again its down to you whether you want to lend it but dont be too mean or rude in case you need to borrow something last minute! (this has happened to me after my amp broke just before my set. embarassing as hell)

2 - As long as the venue treats itself as a music venue I find they tend to have their own PA, the more pub-like the less likely it is to provide one and even then they may have an old battered one knocking around out back. What and how much its used once again this depends, but I should think at least any vocals will go through hopefully the entire band with some decent monitors for you to hear yourselves..

3 - Levels and soundmen-wise, if the place has its own PA they usually have a soundie to operate it or at least someone who knows how to turn it on and what goes where. If they do have a soundman then they probably do that club all the time and know how to get a decent(ish) sound out of it. Again be nice to them as they will help you out and potentially be useful in getting more gigs elsewhere.

but all that aside ENJOY YOURSELF and dont get too bogged down worrying about long posts like the one i've just written.... Gigging is one of the best things in the world. Good luck!
 

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