Klassic rig

[Pilgrim]

Nice “smile curve” on the graphic!

Yes, and that curve is wrong about 80% of the time - maybe more.

 

[H Nighttrain]

That a PRS bass with a whammy on the top of the head?

That's my buddy's PRS guitar.

 

[H Nighttrain]

The interesting thing about the Bourbon Street bands is that they are not bands. The bars just have a roster of musicians they can call...
.

I'm just getting into the scene down here, and that's kinda true, but from what I've observed the bars hire a bandleader who has a regular band of players and also a stable of sidemen to call on if someone is out. The first few gigs I got were sitting in for a regular bass player, which came from weeks and months of networking with other musicians. I even sat in on one gig where I was on the street, saw some of my musician buddies about to start their set and their bass player couldn't make it at the last minute - it looks like I've worked my way into the role as their regular guy for now. One time a drummer didn't show up and the BL couldn't find anyone, so we played a jazzed-up set with no drummer. If there's no bass player the keyboardists fill the role with their left hand.

You're correct that the musicians are generally freelancers, there's plenty of drama and it can get fairly cutthroat, guys do switch in out of groups like interchangeable pieces - and there've been a few times when the bass chair has been double-booked. But for the most part the bar patrons here see players who have all played with each other many times and are skilled enough to sound great in any situation. The hardest thing about breaking in to the scene is building up the huge catalog of songs you need to know, on command, to keep the tips flowing from people who are in town from all over the country. In whatever key the singer calls (Midnight Hour, cool... wait, what, in C?!)

I think we've veered off... so, how 'bout that naugahide, eh?

 

[Stylee Mousse]

Yes, and that curve is wrong about 80% of the time - maybe more.

it would be fun science to create a graphic with highs and lows in the middle and mids at the ends. Would people still go all smiley?

 

[NOLAbass55]

I played thru this amp at the Bourbon O last night on gig. This amp was a new addition since I last played there and caught me by surprise. Is that a Kustom?! But it's called Klassic?! I played through it and was very impressed. I really liked being able to bypass the graphic equalizer (the white button on face of amp). I was apprehensive as I used to go direct thru the PA which is no longer allowed (Who ever made that decision apparently doesn't know about crossover circuitry). I loved Kustom amps in the 70's. I wish this would of had the old style sparkly naugahyde (preferably blue) to make this nostalgic experience complete.

 

[NOLAbass55]

I returned to the Bourbon O this past week and sadly the Klassic is gone and replaced with a Fender Rumble 500. I'd never used a Rumble before so in comparing my first impression of each amp, the Klassic handily wins. This is all from the perspective of my personal amp being a Genz-Benz- the only amp I've ever loved- 26 yrs and never a problem!

 

[fdeck]

But for the most part the bar patrons here see players who have all played with each other many times and are skilled enough to sound great in any situation.

It certainly sounded that way when I visited New Orleans for a conference, before Katrina. The musicians were definitely high caliber, and the bands were tight, but the music had that "chain restaurant" appeal. I didn't have time to explore the less tourist-y districts.