How often do you get distracted by gear/technique?

[g-dude]

So saw a few live bands tonight. One of them, I just kept thinking that the bassist is going to end up with carpal tunnel syndrome. With another band at a different venue, I was like, “Cool - a Serek Midwestern!” only to be subsequently surprised by a Strandberg Boden with the following band.

If I think back a decade ago, I certainly paid less attention to things like technique and gear when I went to see live music than I do now.

 

[WI Short Scaler]

I also find myself noticing those things. How are they playing, what are they playing. It comes with the territory.

But since I do our sound and lights I pay attention to how they are managing those things too. And I tend to watch the "smaller" bands in the area, that's our sphere. The smaller bars and clubs, 3-4 members, run their own sound, they don't have a 16ft enclosed trailer parked outside for gear, and you can hear yourself over the music while still hanging out.

 

[mrcbass]

I get much more distracted when I hear musical parts that I don't see on stage.

 

[Parzival]

I get much more distracted when I hear musical parts that I don't see on stage.

There was a band that played after us at a recent event. I was just off stage and saw the bass players set up. Just bass and a monitor. Can't remember if he had an amp/cab behind him or not. There was nothing else. I'm then out in the crowd watching him play and his tone is changing every song and there are obvious effects being used (80's pop band) and I don't know how that was happening. There was a common sound guy that day and he wasn't doing it. The singer was triggering backing tracks, so maybe he was triggering the bass player's effects? Who knows? It was weird.

 

[Parzival]

When there are musicians in the crowd watching your gig

 

[Pilgrim]

I always take a look to see what kind of bass is being played. When I get a chance to watch their hands, I do so - I'm always interested in seeing what they do. But in neither case am I interested in deep analysis. I'd rather have a fresh beer.

When I was in Cozumel recently there was a good band in a small restaurant (The Sundown) and I chatted with the bass player for a couple of minutes as they broke down their gear at the end of the evening. Just casual stuff.

 

[FirewalZ]

So saw a few live bands tonight. One of them, I just kept thinking that the bassist is going to end up with carpal tunnel syndrome. With another band at a different venue, I was like, “Cool - a Serek Midwestern!” only to be subsequently surprised by a Strandberg Boden with the following band.

If I think back a decade ago, I certainly paid less attention to things like technique and gear when I went to see live music than I do now.

I notice specific gear less, unless they have a great tone, than ill pay attention. I do notice sloppy technique, right or left hand, choppy or fluid lines. Maybe how they come across on stage and/or play together as a unit. Always ready to learn or pick up something new or inspiring.

 

[stigbeve]

So saw a few live bands tonight. One of them, I just kept thinking that the bassist is going to end up with carpal tunnel syndrome. With another band at a different venue, I was like, “Cool - a Serek Midwestern!” only to be subsequently surprised by a Strandberg Boden with the following band.

If I think back a decade ago, I certainly paid less attention to things like technique and gear when I went to see live music than I do now.

How was the bass player playing?

 

[Killing Floor]

I love gear, don’t get me wrong. But I usually find I’m watching the drummer because that’s something I am too uncoordinated to do myself. I rarely look too closely the bass player’s rig although watch their hands if the sound catches my attention as something unique. I suppose if there was some flashy bass I’d take notice.
I darn sure noticed when I saw Mitch Easter playing a real deal korina Explorer.
I enjoy live music but I don’t want to feel like a stalker.

 

[2saddleslab]

As a gearhead I can't help but enjoy other bass player rigs, regardless if I deem them good, bad, or other. Technique is always good to note as well.

 

[Grinderman]

Not much, more so when I was younger/greener. I make passing mental observations internally but it rarely requires much intensive focus or thought.

I watch bands performing and I listen to the music they perform in the moment. If it's good, I appreciate it. If it isn't, I leave.

 

[NickyBass]

I notice basses, but it's not really a conscious thing. It's pretty rare that I will glance at a bass and not know right away what it is---save for different brands of Fender Shaped Objects. Though, even some of those are easy to pick up on. Same for amps. I'm actually more curious about pedal boards these days.

 

[Grinderman]

I love gear, don’t get me wrong. But I usually find I’m watching the drummer because that’s something I am too uncoordinated to do myself. I rarely look too closely the bass player’s rig although watch their hands if the sound catches my attention as something unique. I suppose if there was some flashy bass I’d take notice.
I darn sure noticed when I saw Mitch Easter playing a real deal korina Explorer.
I enjoy live music but I don’t want to feel like a stalker.

Oh wow, look... there's another SVT over in the corner.

 

[Pyrrho Epoche]

When there are musicians in the crowd watching your gig

That is The Uptown Baby Killers, a 20 piece jazz band from D.C. Not crazy about their stuff.

Yea, last live show I went to was, Reverend Horton Heat. It was a while ago. Spent $100+ on Gin n Tonics. Just watched Jimbo mostly, i dunno.

 

[coryr1000]

I used to get distracted by gear, technique and sound quality but it always took away from me having a good time. I just go and hang out and try to enjoy myself now.

 

[JRA]

i guess "i've arrived!"

i used to do all the things mentioned so far: scope things out, scan for stuff --- things to pay attention to, things to be distracted by --- but TBH, these days i can enjoy a show (great or small) for what it is, and i can be appreciative of someone else who is making an effort to play and perform...to entertain.

i'm open to all sorts of genres and playdowns, and i'm a loyal fan if i like the playing and/or the effort.

 

[bassbrad]

Hello my name is BassBrad and I am a gear head. Always have been and after many years in the biz it still keeps me interested.

 

[Smith357]

Gear, never.
Technique, often.

 

[Gluvhand]

Notice gear and technique? Yes. Distracted by it? No.

 

[g-dude]

How was the bass player playing?

First player was solid. They covered The Chicken, albeit at a slower tempo than Jaco.

Second player was doing country, and sounded good - nothing fancy, but tone and playing did exactly what they needed to.

Couldn’t hear the third bassist at all. Between drums and three electric guitars, he was visible but not audible.