lost in translation

[kevbass5]

Hey Justin

This is issue i've been struggling with for as long as I've been playing music. What are some ways to ensure that the more subtle, nuanced aspects of your sound and performance will project in a larger venue?

It has always seemed that certain things that sound fantastic in a smaller rehearsal space fall flat when being translated from stage to audience. Specifically things like tone and group interplay.

I'm sure that having the right gear and good sound reinforcement are a big part of this, but I have a feeling there is also something that is in the hands of the performer that can make a difference.

Thanks, looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

 

[jmjbassplayer]

Hey Justin

This is issue i've been struggling with for as long as I've been playing music. What are some ways to ensure that the more subtle, nuanced aspects of your sound and performance will project in a larger venue?

It has always seemed that certain things that sound fantastic in a smaller rehearsal space fall flat when being translated from stage to audience. Specifically things like tone and group interplay.

I'm sure that having the right gear and good sound reinforcement are a big part of this, but I have a feeling there is also something that is in the hands of the performer that can make a difference.

Thanks, looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

This is a tough nut to crack.

That stuff just gets lost, plain and simple. Part of what helps for me is really focusing on the midrange character of one's tone, and being as economical as possible with the bottom end. This is particularly germane to dense musical situations like Beck and NIN. Air, as an example, has room for a fatter bass, I feel. It just has to do with the density of the music. So there is that.

Then factor in ****** venues and craptastic PA systems.

A lot of that is beyond one's control, unless you chill out on the low end a bit, and find the right spot tonally for the bass. One thing I continually re-learn is that the SIMPLEST way that you can get to that economically, well-placed bass tone, the better. Meaning, the less on your chain, the better.

Your hands, your skill, your "intention" all play a huge part. Do you "mean" every note? Do you hear it in your head first, before you execute it in the physical domain? Intangibles like this actually play a significant role. But it's certainly not easy to articulate how, exactly. A worthy discussion topic, for sure!

Best,
Justin

 

[JimmyM]

It really helps if you have a soundman who's good at slotting instruments into frequency ranges that don't step on each other, especially in the bass drum/bass dynamic, but also with guitarists who use a lot of low end. Ultimately, that seems to be the usual source of a muddy sound in a big room. Or small rooms for that matter. Every instrument can't take up the entire frequency range, no matter how good it may sound in your bedroom

You do lose some nuance to a big room, but I've found that what Justin says about meaning it when you play brings a hell of a lot of those nuances back. If you believe in your music and you play it with conviction and confidence, people will pick up on what you're trying to convey regardless of the size of the room.

 

[kevbass5]

many thanks for the insight, fellas.

I think you are completely on point about having to "mean" each and every note. And I also think that is a perfect way to get yourself to play with more economy and taste; when you know that excess noodling is going to seriously muddle things up.

I'm sure I will have a follow up question on this fairly soon, as I continue to focus on this issue. I feel like getting your sound and concept to speak clearly in any venue is a crucial part of being a successful bassist. Something that can really separate the platinum from the bronze, so to speak.

 

[Justyn]

Then factor in ****** venues and craptastic PA systems.

Points for using 'craptastic' in a sentence.

J.