Opportunity knocks. But there's a catch.

[Korladis]

There is no need for all that gear.

Who said anything about need?

 

[StraffordMike]

First - take the gig and play on some cool vintage equipment. Are you serious that you would rather use you Peavey and Hartke than vintage Marshall??

Second - You didn't mention volume, but of course everyone is assuming that it will be ear-splitting. Just for the record, My guitarist always uses a Marshall stack, sometimes 2, I play with an SVT and Fridge and we get asked to turn up far more than turn down. If you are an adult and know where the volume knob is, it's not a problem.

Third - a band that takes 6 months to get 40 tunes ready is no prize. That's about 2 tunes a week.

Good luck, and please keep us posted.

In our defense you could count the number of rehearsals on two hands. The singer is in the Guard and scheduling has been tough with summer vacations and what not.
Either way big step up from band before that!! so overall I seem to be moving in the right direction.

 

[StraffordMike]

Find out what the plan is including apparel, bass, hair style, etc. If there is some purpose to all of that gear other than just Showbiz, this may be a great opportunity. Get a copy of the set list and see if you're comfortable with it. Do the songs match the image? Does the whole package make sense or are there glaring holes or obvious mistakes in the routine? Remember, if this is going to be a nostalgia fest, do it right or don't do it at all. Keep the bridge with your current band intact just in case. Hope this works out for.

Bandleader is happy with my all black P. Fits image wise and mix wise. We are a five piece with keys.
Lots of Zeppelin, Foreigner, Styx, Journey, early Metallica, Megadeath, Priest, Maiden.
All this stuff is a stretch for me but it is stuff I liked in my youth. As far as stage apparel I'm told i won't be asked to wear silken kimonos or spandex which is good since I just turned ... old.

 

[EastCoastThump]

Bass through Marshalls can sound tight. Just don't expect a modern Gospel sound....

+1 to questions about whether gigs (and rehearsals!) *need* that much gear. OTOH, if it's primarily Rock Theater 101—and if the BL knows it doesn't all have to be plugged in and dimed, and if someone else is handling load in—maybe. On the other other hand, if the "BL" is really a dentist with middle-aged delusions of grandeur, run! (while you still have enough of your hearing left to hear TB yell "run!").

Bottom line: if the BL has a proven track record, I'd stick around at least long enough to check it out.

Edit: coffee just kicking in. This is a straight up cover band? Not even a theatrical tribute act? I might stick around for one rehearsal just for the story, but bring serious ear protection—and keep your car keys handy. At least you won't have to pack your rig if you have to quickly leave the scene of a disaster.

 

[jamro217]

Bandleader is happy with my all black P. Fits image wise and mix wise. We are a five piece with keys.
Lots of Zeppelin, Foreigner, Styx, Journey, early Metallica, Megadeath, Priest, Maiden.
All this stuff is a stretch for me but it is stuff I liked in my youth. As far as stage apparel I'm told i won't be asked to wear silken kimonos or spandex which is good since I just turned ... old.

Well at least you just turned old. Those of us that have been this way for a while still don't like it. Anyway, the material seems straightforward enough to learn quickly and you should fit the stereotype associated with it. Have fun, wear earplugs, and rock on, dude. Don't forget to keep in touch with you other band, though. If not for today, for tomorrow(s).

 

[StraffordMike]

Bass through Marshalls can sound tight. Just don't expect a modern Gospel sound....

+1 to questions about whether gigs (and rehearsals!) *need* that much gear. OTOH, if it's primarily Rock Theater 101—and if the BL knows it doesn't all have to be plugged in and dimed, and if someone else is handling load in—maybe. On the other other hand, if the "BL" is really a dentist with middle-aged delusions of grandeur, run! (while you still have enough of your hearing left to hear TB yell "run!").

Bottom line: if the BL has a proven track record, I'd stick around at least long enough to check it out.

Edit: coffee just kicking in. This is a straight up cover band? Not even a theatrical tribute act? I might stick around for one rehearsal just for the story, but bring serious ear protection—and keep your car keys handy. At least you won't have to pack your rig if you have to quickly leave the scene of a disaster.

I have jammed with these guys a few times and can attest that practice volumes are keeping up with the acoustic drums so volume is actually less than some other bands I've played with. Since it's all mic'd I'm hoping stage volumes will be reasonable but I will take the advice and get some quality ear plugs.

 

[obimark]

--OMFG--- that is enough gear to play a sold out Lakewood Arena show!

If he hauls that into a typical Pub/Bar- you will be thrown out for volume.

 

[Korladis]

--OMFG--- that is enough gear to play a sold out Lakewood Arena show!

If he hauls that into a typical Pub/Bar- you will be thrown out for volume.

Not if they knew who they were booking.

 

[the yeti]

Yikes ! Who's gonna move all that stuff ?

this is the 1st thing i thought. using whatever rig the dude wants? no problem. moving all that gear? big problem.

 

[buldog5151bass]

What's the $$$ situation? Is he/she paying you to start, or just a piece of gigs? Speaking of that, how many gigs arebooked, where and how far away?

I would play along, and see where it leads, but no reason to dump your current band. It is a rare band today who can keep someone so busy they can't at least freelance.

 

[DrayMiles]

When I auditioned for Gary Moore, he insisted that I use his Ampeg 8X10 and a 4 string precision, so he could get "his sound." I did as requested. It's a gig... Don't be precious about your gear. The goal ultimately is to make music, and marketing is a big part of it. Somebody has to lead, and somebody has to ride in the bus.

 

[Korladis]

When I auditioned for Gary Moore, he insisted that I use his Ampeg 8X10 and a 4 string precision, so he could get "his sound." I did as requested. It's a gig... Don't be precious about your gear. The goal ultimately is to make music, and marketing is a big part of it. Somebody has to lead, and somebody has to ride in the bus.

For me it depends. Is it a gig with a paycheck up front and I'm a hired gun? I'll play whatever they want if the money's good enough.

 

[pnchad]

There is no need for all that gear.

except in BLs head - bookings or dreaming

 

[ultra60]

I love it! I spent a lot of time in clubs, in the late 70's, where that much gear was frequently used. It's rock and roll! But the music stand has to go! Very un-rock-and-roll.

 

[taliesin]

I would definitely want to know if the parrot would be coming to the gigs.

 

[StraffordMike]

I love it! I spent a lot of time in clubs, in the late 70's, where that much gear was frequently used. It's rock and roll! But the music stand has to go! Very un-rock-and-roll.

The music stand!!
There's never anything on it either. There'll be new pics tonite. The Hartke stuff is the previous bassists so I hope to have pics of the Marshalls. Actually for a guy who's only been playing for 6-7 years I'm pretty happy where I'm at. Wish I had stuck with it after high school, instead of motorcycles and cars.

 

[hrodbert696]

So I've been offered a spot with some guys with big plans and an even bigger budget.
Focus on classic rock, 70's -90's hard rock and metal.
Big opportunity for me, BUT! The BL has an image he's trying to portray on stage and has a full bass rig he wants me to use.
It's all restored Marshall stuff from the 70's and 80's.
Two 400 watt heads with 4 cabs
A4x12,4x10,1x18 and a 2x15. Now, this guy seems pretty knowledgable sa far as bi-Amping and using crossovers and such.
My stuff is new but of budget level quality:
A peavey mini mega, through two Hartke 4x10 Hydrives.
Id give more specifics and I'll know more details tomorrow but do I pimp myself out? See what it all plays like? Or insist on my rig. All this is getting mic'd. You see the level of equipment sorry it's not closer. More details tomorrow.
That's not my Hartke cabs in the shot those were the previous bassist's. I'm running Hydrives. View attachment 942880

Wow. I think I saw that ad on the NH CL, am I right? I was looking for possible new gigs, but didn't reply. The swimming pool was what killed it for me. Indoor pools are generally echo-city and I just couldn't imagine it.

You get on to his game plan, you play by his rules. I wouldn't even suggest using any rig but the one he has in mind. He will quickly 86 your ass and move to the next candidate.

You find a band leader with a sure-fire game plan to get you gigs and money, and he has his ducks in a row and a format/aesthetic/angle/target client in mind, you have two choices: Accept, or Thank Him For His Time and Consideration and Move On.

See? Some people just don't get it. The OP early states it's 70's to 90's hard rock and metal. It's what the audience expects. If you're going to nit-pick the BL's vision and make snarky comments, you're better off just saying thanks but no thanks and moving on.

Well, yeah... possibly.... UNLESS -

...this has delusions of grandeur written all over it.

Mmm hmmm. +1. If the guy has gigs booked or at least contact with places to gig, proceed. But that does not look like the setup for a gigging band around here - not one that's on a scale that they need to advertise on CL to find a bassist.

Third - a band that takes 6 months to get 40 tunes ready is no prize. That's about 2 tunes a week.

Given the OP's statement about how new he (and I assume his bandmates) are to the band thing, I'm not too surprised. My very first band stalled out at about 20 tunes for months and months before disintegrating. At least they DID get to a giggable repertoire.

 

[StraffordMike]

I would definitely want to know if the parrot would be coming to the gigs.

He sings and manages the groupies

 

[StraffordMike]

Wow. I think I saw that ad on the NH CL, am I right? I was looking for possible new gigs, but didn't reply. The swimming pool was what killed it for me. Indoor pools are generally echo-city and I just couldn't imagine it.

Quite right sir!! I've known the drummer for a few years,and he's a talented player and great guy. We'd done a thing a few years back and really gelled so when he left for this opportunity I told him look me up if they found themselves in need of a replacement. The current bassist was unable to make the necessary time commitment so I got the call. I personally question my abilities but they've heard me play and seem to have the confidence I lack so who am I to say no?

Well, yeah... possibly.... UNLESS -



Mmm hmmm. +1. If the guy has gigs booked or at least contact with places to gig, proceed. But that does not look like the setup for a gigging band around here - not one that's on a scale that they need to advertise on CL to find a bassist.



Given the OP's statement about how new he (and I assume his bandmates) are to the band thing, I'm not too surprised. My very first band stalled out at about 20 tunes for months and months before disintegrating. At least they DID get to a giggable repertoire.

 

[StraffordMike]

Wow. I think I saw that ad on the NH CL, am I right? I was looking for possible new gigs, but didn't reply. The swimming pool was what killed it for me. Indoor pools are generally echo-city and I just couldn't imagine it.



Well, yeah... possibly.... UNLESS -



Mmm hmmm. +1. If the guy has gigs booked or at least contact with places to gig, proceed. But that does not look like the setup for a gigging band around here - not one that's on a scale that they need to advertise on CL to find a bassist.



Given the OP's statement about how new he (and I assume his bandmates) are to the band thing, I'm not too surprised. My very first band stalled out at about 20 tunes for months and months before disintegrating. At least they DID get to a giggable repertoire.

Wow. I think I saw that ad on the NH CL, am I right? I was looking for possible new gigs, but didn't reply. The swimming pool was what killed it for me. Indoor pools are generally echo-city and I just couldn't imagine it.



Well, yeah... possibly.... UNLESS -



Mmm hmmm. +1. If the guy has gigs booked or at least contact with places to gig, proceed. But that does not look like the setup for a gigging band around here - not one that's on a scale that they need to advertise on CL to find a bassist.



Given the OP's statement about how new he (and I assume his bandmates) are to the band thing, I'm not too surprised. My very first band stalled out at about 20 tunes for months and months before disintegrating. At least they DID get to a giggable repertoire.

I was trapped in a jam band for almost two years wher the guitarist took weeks to learn a tune and the singer never memorized all his parts.
I was going crazy!! I'm not much into being social and the local scene is mostly country or acoustic so a bass player who's into metal isn't in much demand