I think the Markbass 121p would be perfect for you. Get rid of the 18lb 180watt head and use this 30lb 300 watt combo.
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Gigging without a cabinet
- Thread starter hernameisrio
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DownUnder, I fundamentally agree with you and this is why I do want to take as much responsibility as I can for this...because I care and I'm interested in becoming a better-rounded and more flexible bandmate.
I've done the hand truck thing and it still just beats the @#$ out of me. I got it down to a science with my keyboards and I would still show up to gigs exhausted, sometimes bruised!, and pretty cranky from having to deal with all that gear. I have a remarkable amount of stamina and upper body strength despite my chronic shoulder injury and my size, but sometimes it's still just not enough, I guess.
I'm gonna see what the band thinks and start looking for a used Genz Benz as a stop-gap for now. I feel like I have a fair amount of options...some of which are not affordable to me at this point but will probably be soon enough.
The Genz Benz gear might be the best route in terms of being light-weight and being readily available on the secondary market. I found a [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] on LI for $325. Not a terrible price. Although Neo cabs are getting a little tougher to come by.
All in all a full rig is really only nice when you do not have PA support other then that a amp with DI would do just fine. Sure you may loose a bit of your tone through the board and not out your cabs speakers, however at least you should be heard. Since you are without a car it would be hard to cart around even a 4x10, but perhaps a 1x12 or 2x10 cab? But of course I would go as far as saying your band may not be happy with anything less then a 8x10. It's a bit unfair they are pressuring you and if they want you to get a bigger cab perhaps they can buy and also someone can come help you transport it too at least.
Lugging gear comes with being a gigging musician. Maybe someone in this band will agree to haul your cab for you, maybe they'll drop the idea entirely. But if you plan to keep playing bass throughout your life you're going to run up against the "I can't carry much due to physical limitations" issue again and again. If not in the form of quiet resentment from the guys picking up your slack, then at least in the form of missed opportunities. You need to figure out how to make it work BY YOURSELF so you're not always dependent upon the kindness of others.
I recommend what many others have mentioned here, either a microhead+neo, or a smallish combo amp. I myself am obsessed with portability, my rig is a MarkBass LMIII and Avatar Neo 210, I paid $550 total. I have carried this rig plus 2 basses all at once for a half-mile, and I'm a scrawny little dude without a handcart. Plus it all fits in the front seat of my tiny car.
TLDR; either figure out how to be self-sufficient, or take up the flute instead
I recommend what many others have mentioned here, either a microhead+neo, or a smallish combo amp. I myself am obsessed with portability, my rig is a MarkBass LMIII and Avatar Neo 210, I paid $550 total. I have carried this rig plus 2 basses all at once for a half-mile, and I'm a scrawny little dude without a handcart. Plus it all fits in the front seat of my tiny car.
TLDR; either figure out how to be self-sufficient, or take up the flute instead
Understandable! When I was taking an Ampeg head and an Eden 2x10 on a cart by subway it was beating the @#$ out of me, too - and I'm a fairly strong guy.
Modern, lightweight rigs change the whole game. MUCH lighter than older bass gear - or keyboards, for that matter.
Just recently, I found an Aguilar TH-500 and matching SL112 cab for $550 on Craigslist. The head and cab combined weigh less than 30 pounds and the rig is loud enough for small club dates with a medium/loud drummer. Now, that was a pretty crazy deal, but if you're patient - and your band is cooperative - you'll find what you need without having to go broke doing it. Check out the small Carvin combos, too: light, cheap and pretty reliable.
I still feel that the way you've approached addressing the band and sorting out your situation is a good plan. Hopefully, it will all work out fine.
Thanks for the link ShoeManiac, I'll check it out.
Oh yeah, so, someone asked what we use in rehearsals. This is where it gets to be kind of an unusual situation, at least in my experience. The guitarist/lead singer has a duplex apartment with a rehearsal space/home studio downstairs. They've been continuously doing a lot of writing as a duo, while playing out (also as a duo) occasionally and trying to integrate a bassist into their workflow (me) and basically start v2.0 of their band more officially.
So I'm still somewhat on a trial period with them, but the fact that they are asking me about my live rig and if I can provide a rig for the rehearsal space (which doesn't have one), seems promising to me. It also implies that that's just part of the package if I want to play with them, which is why I'm seeing it as an incentive to just do what I'll have to do eventually anyway. In other words, I don't think I'm at a stage in the game to be stubborn or particular when it comes to stuff like this.
So, yeah. It IS a preference of theirs but to a large extent, it's also a very understandable logistical/acoustics issue.
Thoughts?
Oh yeah, so, someone asked what we use in rehearsals. This is where it gets to be kind of an unusual situation, at least in my experience. The guitarist/lead singer has a duplex apartment with a rehearsal space/home studio downstairs. They've been continuously doing a lot of writing as a duo, while playing out (also as a duo) occasionally and trying to integrate a bassist into their workflow (me) and basically start v2.0 of their band more officially.
So I'm still somewhat on a trial period with them, but the fact that they are asking me about my live rig and if I can provide a rig for the rehearsal space (which doesn't have one), seems promising to me. It also implies that that's just part of the package if I want to play with them, which is why I'm seeing it as an incentive to just do what I'll have to do eventually anyway. In other words, I don't think I'm at a stage in the game to be stubborn or particular when it comes to stuff like this.
So, yeah. It IS a preference of theirs but to a large extent, it's also a very understandable logistical/acoustics issue.
Thoughts?
Congratulations on your new band situation.
I've carried small cabs on the subway in NYC and that very amp head you have and other similar ones...not fun.
The right micro head with a small and light 1x12 even the right 1x10 cab can be all you need for most situations you'll encounter in the city. You could leave the cab at the studio and put the head in the gig bag.
I've carried small cabs on the subway in NYC and that very amp head you have and other similar ones...not fun.
The right micro head with a small and light 1x12 even the right 1x10 cab can be all you need for most situations you'll encounter in the city. You could leave the cab at the studio and put the head in the gig bag.
Just a quick comment. Genz Benz would much more than a temporary stop-gap. They're built very well, sound great, and will likely last you to the end of days. Flat-out great gear!
Finally heard back. Here's what the drummer said:
Honestly I think you should hold off and get something with a 15" speaker. I would even consider selling the head & try to get the BA115.
I think having the right amp & playing out with a consistent sound is going to be very important.
As far just bring the head to a gig where they may not have a cabinet waiting for you, it's a waste of energy. It's like just carrying around a really big, really heavy DI box.
Again everywhere we have played & all the years I have done sound, I have almost never just stuck bass in the PA & had the player without an amp. Maybe at Rodeo bar a few times w a very quiet acoustic act or if the bass players amp like broke the day before or something, we'd do it just to make the gig happen. BUT I think you should get a real rig, with a 15" speaker, that isn't murder to bring around.
& then work with it to get tones you like & maybe get a good distortion sound & a few other little things.
I hope that helps!
...I kinda don't know what to say. I kinda feel manipulated. I'm not making money off this band [yet? ha]. I'm not even officially IN the band, although they certainly seem to be leaning that way.
Even the BA115 would be a major hassle to carry and honestly, I just don't want to do it. I can see it wearing me out quickly and making me resentful about something that I ultimately love doing (bass).
So they are basically saying, "Okay, well, just blow at least $1000 that you don't have, on something light."
The only piece of gear I would sell to help pull this off would be the SessionBass head. I almost, almost thought of selling my Juno 106 but I think I would seriously regret it.
They're basically asking me to magically pull a grand out of my @$$ which I already patiently explained I don't have yet, and offering no short-term solution.
I have to not talk about this anymore because I have to go to rehearsal with a different band, but, well, yeah. I think I just need to get a good night's sleep and clear my head about this a little, because suddenly I'm back to feeling annoyed about it.
Honestly I think you should hold off and get something with a 15" speaker. I would even consider selling the head & try to get the BA115.
I think having the right amp & playing out with a consistent sound is going to be very important.
As far just bring the head to a gig where they may not have a cabinet waiting for you, it's a waste of energy. It's like just carrying around a really big, really heavy DI box.
Again everywhere we have played & all the years I have done sound, I have almost never just stuck bass in the PA & had the player without an amp. Maybe at Rodeo bar a few times w a very quiet acoustic act or if the bass players amp like broke the day before or something, we'd do it just to make the gig happen. BUT I think you should get a real rig, with a 15" speaker, that isn't murder to bring around.
& then work with it to get tones you like & maybe get a good distortion sound & a few other little things.
I hope that helps!
...I kinda don't know what to say. I kinda feel manipulated. I'm not making money off this band [yet? ha]. I'm not even officially IN the band, although they certainly seem to be leaning that way.
Even the BA115 would be a major hassle to carry and honestly, I just don't want to do it. I can see it wearing me out quickly and making me resentful about something that I ultimately love doing (bass).
So they are basically saying, "Okay, well, just blow at least $1000 that you don't have, on something light."
The only piece of gear I would sell to help pull this off would be the SessionBass head. I almost, almost thought of selling my Juno 106 but I think I would seriously regret it.
They're basically asking me to magically pull a grand out of my @$$ which I already patiently explained I don't have yet, and offering no short-term solution.
I have to not talk about this anymore because I have to go to rehearsal with a different band, but, well, yeah. I think I just need to get a good night's sleep and clear my head about this a little, because suddenly I'm back to feeling annoyed about it.
we played with a band out of Chicago last year and the bassist had a teeny, tiny markbass combo amp. i want to say it was just a single ten incher, but it may have been a 12'er.
That thing was LOUD! I was shocked how well it filled the room. Albeit a small room, it was plenty for any onstage monitoring, or at least should be.
My point is this tiny combo was light, light, light! This guy from Chicago doesn't have a car so he needed a combo amp he could carry on his bike! The markbass stuff certainly isn't cheap, but it's super lightweight and you can carry in a basket attached to your bike.
That thing was LOUD! I was shocked how well it filled the room. Albeit a small room, it was plenty for any onstage monitoring, or at least should be.
My point is this tiny combo was light, light, light! This guy from Chicago doesn't have a car so he needed a combo amp he could carry on his bike! The markbass stuff certainly isn't cheap, but it's super lightweight and you can carry in a basket attached to your bike.
If a handcart is off the table I think you're stuffed.
Either you need a limo service to carry your gear for you or go piccolo.
Put the cart back on the table, what can you pick up and carry out your front door one handed? Rotator cuff should be rested, not carrying a bass over shoulder.
Either you need a limo service to carry your gear for you or go piccolo.
Put the cart back on the table, what can you pick up and carry out your front door one handed? Rotator cuff should be rested, not carrying a bass over shoulder.
I'll say three things:
1) If you're a bassist who is at the stage of playing bars/small clubs regularly, your next purchase should possibly be a van, small SUV, or a hatchback of some sort. My home is also in Queens, and when I was still doing the NYC scene thing someone in the band had to have a vehicle if it was a serious project. I know money doesn't come easy for everyone, but that's a part of the trip to being a working a musician. Being the guy with the van makes you more valuable.
2) I've played tons of places. The drummer being able to hear you via some sort of monitor setup is a 50/50 proposition at best. As well, louder stages require larger cabs. I thought a 410 was adequate until the very first week I started touring. You're the bassist, and as such need to make it so that your band can hear you. If you can't/won't figure out transportation and a cab, consider learning to setup a bunch of IEMs and put together a lightweight IEM rack for your band. It will be more expensive, but it will be easier to carry around. Also, you will be the man.
3) Just because you injured your shoulder previously doesn't mean you're hosed. Most (i.e., over 50% of) people have a partial thickness tear of some part of their rotator cuff, labral fraying, lumbar disc herniations at multiple segments, and torn hip labra... with NO symptoms. No pain. No dysfunction. I'd be willing to bet that you can safely rehab your shoulder to the point of being rock-solid. Feel free to PM me -- if you have insurance I may have some people in NY you can see. If you don't, I may have some resources for you to check out.
1) If you're a bassist who is at the stage of playing bars/small clubs regularly, your next purchase should possibly be a van, small SUV, or a hatchback of some sort. My home is also in Queens, and when I was still doing the NYC scene thing someone in the band had to have a vehicle if it was a serious project. I know money doesn't come easy for everyone, but that's a part of the trip to being a working a musician. Being the guy with the van makes you more valuable.
2) I've played tons of places. The drummer being able to hear you via some sort of monitor setup is a 50/50 proposition at best. As well, louder stages require larger cabs. I thought a 410 was adequate until the very first week I started touring. You're the bassist, and as such need to make it so that your band can hear you. If you can't/won't figure out transportation and a cab, consider learning to setup a bunch of IEMs and put together a lightweight IEM rack for your band. It will be more expensive, but it will be easier to carry around. Also, you will be the man.
3) Just because you injured your shoulder previously doesn't mean you're hosed. Most (i.e., over 50% of) people have a partial thickness tear of some part of their rotator cuff, labral fraying, lumbar disc herniations at multiple segments, and torn hip labra... with NO symptoms. No pain. No dysfunction. I'd be willing to bet that you can safely rehab your shoulder to the point of being rock-solid. Feel free to PM me -- if you have insurance I may have some people in NY you can see. If you don't, I may have some resources for you to check out.
I refuse to accept the "oh too bad LOLZ play flute thing." I'm sorry, but....really?!!! Seriously?! $&@!??? that! Ugh! You know, I go through enough $&@ just trying to do what everyone else on this forum is trying to do. I don't need to be told that I NEED a car...a hand truck...a giant cab that weighs more than me....or else I'm TOTALLY F
$&&&ed and I can't play?! Whatever, dude...where there's a will there's a way! I'm sorry but comments like "oh well too bad" are so, so not helpful. 
$&&&ed and I can't play?! Whatever, dude...where there's a will there's a way! I'm sorry but comments like "oh well too bad" are so, so not helpful. 
I play flute. There are no gigs.
If it was me, I wouldn't say that a handcart is off the table. Rather, I'd say that a handcart is "necessary but not sufficient" to borrow from mathematical terminology. The basic problem is still that the payload is too heavy. The cart makes it worse if one has to carry everything up stairs, over a snow bank, etc. I've got a cart, but I still prefer to load it with the lightest possible gear.
I don't think you need to give up bass playing. A lot of bass gear is heavy for no reason, but unfortunately, the heavy stuff is cheaper because it uses conventional electronics, ceramic magnets, and speaker cabinets made from what amounts to extra thick cardboard.
If it was me, I wouldn't say that a handcart is off the table. Rather, I'd say that a handcart is "necessary but not sufficient" to borrow from mathematical terminology.
The basic problem is still that the payload is too heavy. The cart makes it worse if one has to carry everything up stairs, over a snow bank, etc. I've got a cart, but I still prefer to load it with the lightest possible gear.I don't think you need to give up bass playing. A lot of bass gear is heavy for no reason, but unfortunately, the heavy stuff is cheaper because it uses conventional electronics, ceramic magnets, and speaker cabinets made from what amounts to extra thick cardboard.
Oh and ps. I don't have a drivers license. It's a long sh$$$$$ty story that makes me feel like an idiot. I just was too much if a mess in high school to ever bother. So yeah....but even so...no piccolo for me!!!
Here's the thing, the superlight cab that you could carry in your good hand is way too expensive. Next best semi affordable option still needs wheels under it. Something has to give, not your shoulder.
Wow. The drummer sounds like a complete d!c#. He seems to have completely disregarded your concerns about your shoulder and suggested that you get a pretty big & cumbersome combo amp. And I have to say that I understand where you're coming from on the shoulder front. I've been having issues with my left shoulder for the past 6 months or so. I've been able to function a bit better since I started seeing a chiropractor, but I make a rule of favoring my left arm when I'm lugging gear.
I'm just wondering where this act is gigging. Because I've been wracking my brain over every venue I've played in the past few years in NYC. And for the life of me, I can only think of 3 or 4 that didn't have any bass house backline to speak of.
I'm just wondering where this act is gigging. Because I've been wracking my brain over every venue I've played in the past few years in NYC. And for the life of me, I can only think of 3 or 4 that didn't have any bass house backline to speak of.
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