Keyboard Issue

[Bomsmack]

I've joined a band with a keyboard player, great guy and adds a ton of sound to the band. Problem is, he is heavy on the bass notes, sometimes just hanging on one pedal-tone and is washing out any nuanced bass parts I may be playing. Any tips on how to tactfully correct this issue?

 

[john_g]

Either talk to him politely and tell him (which is what I had to do in my band at one point) or record a practice and point it out in a constructive way.

 

[BassBrass]

I've joined a band with a keyboard player, great guy and adds a ton of sound to the band. Problem is, he is heavy on the bass notes, sometimes just hanging on one pedal-tone and is washing out any nuanced bass parts I may be playing. Any tips on how to tactfully correct this issue?

It really depends on how reasonable he is. [The topic has been covered hear this last year, there were lots of suggestions.] Basically, there is a big difference between keys in a band with a bass plr and keys like a solo piano where all the parts are covered. Ex piano players might be challenged to change what they are used to, but it's necessary. ALL successful band keyboard work fills An open space, not cover the whole dXmn thing!

If the keyboard player is unreasonable, you should either just not play low notes when this happens [it's useless to try] or use drive/eq and sharp rhythm to cut through the WALL of sound. Or come to terms with your limited, 2nd class roll. You have to make yourself understood. If the rest of your band mates are musicians with ears, they should support you. If the keyboard player is unreasonable and the rest don't support you, get a new band.

 

[Bomsmack]

Sound advice for sure, thanks. I wasn't "hear" last year, so I'll do a further search for that thread.

Keyboard guy is reasonable, but in non-sound guy gig situations people tend to get excited and forget their ideal, cranking up amps and such. As we move forward I definitely won't accept a 2nd class roll, no bass player in their right mind would or could.

 

[WayneP]

You might try making a recording of you guys playing. (To be tactful, say you’re doing it to analyze and fine-tune your parts.) Then play it back for either him or the whole band, and show how the bass parts are clashing, how the keys are burying you, etc.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt


Administrator, Pedulla Club #45
Administrator, Tobias Club
Big Cabs Club #23
Pedulla Club #45

 

[MNAirHead]

When I'm running sound for others.

I'll always get production permission

Biggest slotting "rule" is that bass can't go above middle C. And keys can't go below