• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

My rented backline adventures

#608
So, I had some timing issues between flying home and having to drive out on this weekend's run. I live an hour from the airport and was landing 2 hours before van call. Knowing this I asked my gf to bring me a bass that I know had a DI, strap, and cable in the case. I figured I'd suck it up and run direct all weekend.

Get to the gig yesterday and the sound guy informs me that, "he doesn't run bass through his monitors." Guitar center was two blocks away so I ran in and grabbed the cheapest combo that would have even volume for me. I walked out with a Peavey Max 115 for $300. I am SOOOOOOOOOOO thankful they have a 30 day return policy. This thing is definitely going back as soon as I'm back in town.
 
#609
semiprohooker said:
So, I had some timing issues between flying home and having to drive out on this weekend's run. I live an hour from the airport and was landing 2 hours before van call. Knowing this I asked my gf to bring me a bass that I know had a DI, strap, and cable in the case. I figured I'd suck it up and run direct all weekend.

Get to the gig yesterday and the sound guy informs me that, "he doesn't run bass through his monitors." Guitar center was two blocks away so I ran in and grabbed the cheapest combo that would have even volume for me. I walked out with a Peavey Max 115 for $300. I am SOOOOOOOOOOO thankful they have a 30 day return policy. This thing is definitely going back as soon as I'm back in town.
Click to expand...

Yep. Nightmare material. Some soundguys won't run bass in their monitors and are willing to sink a gig because of it. One of the reasons I'll never understand the 'I only bring a DI' guys around here.
 
#611
Throw a $20 headphone amp in there, too, and get yourself some quality IEMs and appropriate length cabling (or just get a complete wireless IEM setup if you need to be more mobile). Better than nothing, cheaper than $300, and easily stowed in a lot of cases and bags.
 
  • Like
Reactions: semiprohooker
#612
JimmyM said:
Advance your gigs, folks! Have one representative from the band call the sound and light company and work all that stuff out in advance.
Click to expand...

Recently we shared a bill with some guys downstate and offered to share our backline so they didn't have to drive it up here. During the Advance, when I offered I included the detail that that we don't carry a floor tom for our kit, two rack toms only, and no ride, but that I would provide on request for the situation. Of course whoever from the other band was in on the communication didn't share that with their drummer, who came in and promptly got upset at us not having a floor tom or a ride.
 
#613
JimmyM said:
Advance your gigs, folks! Have one representative from the band call the sound and light company and work all that stuff out in advance.
Click to expand...

that's what tour managers are for :)

On other note Nels Cline the guitarist had a blog about this. One tour he said no amp and would just play whatever the house had and he documented his findings. It's hilarious.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: semiprohooker and JimmyM
#615
JimmyM said:
Advance your gigs, folks! Have one representative from the band call the sound and light company and work all that stuff out in advance.
Click to expand...

Years ago, wouldn't have been an issue. But I relinquished all responsibilities aside from playing in this group. The singer, who's responsible now, does his best but he doesn't know any better and is learning as he goes.

Honestly, as "nightmarish" as it sounds, it was never a big deal to me. I only post the stories to hopefully entertain at least one other bassist. As long as the bass is making it to the FOH, I'm fine.

On a side note: how about a round of applause for the guitar center free amplifier rental program?
 
  • Like
Reactions: rolandm, mrb327, vmabus and 2 others
#616
Jimmy wins for the weekend. He got this:
Link Removed


And I ended up on a theater sized stage with an ankle-biter, Aguilar GS-112 with SWR Amplite head with no bass in the monitors. Luckily it was a short short set (30 minutes) because I didn't hear a damn thing. But then neither did the audience, I watched the next set with the same rig and it was just an undefined washy lowend even though the player favors a fairly bright tone.
 
  • Like
Reactions: semiprohooker, S-Bigbottom, beans-on-toast and 1 other person
#618
JimmyM said:
Well thanks for saving me the trouble, Bill! Sorry bout the dark pic but that's how the stage was lighted at the time. But don't not feel bad for me...the cab was a dark era SLM 810e. However, it was Hershey Park, and for the first time ever, I got the 810e, so things are looking up ;)
Click to expand...

IIRC the drummer is your Advance guy? Have you been paying him off?

Our gig I was squeezed a bit. Short set, and the gig which we do yearly, they don't like much if any gear switchover so they can keep the change over tight. Next year I'll be making a change to that dynamic...
 
  • Like
Reactions: JimmyM

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back