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Double Bass Poll: How many gigs do you play unplugged

#21
I've yet to do a fully acoustic gig. I play in the various groups at my school. For a combo in a quiet setting, i bring my little BXR 15-it doesn't sound that bad. It's just enough help to let the bass be heard without being overly "amped" sounding. The Cleveland speaks pretty well on its own any way. That's all
 
#22
100% amplified. In fact, at roughly 20% of my gigs, the volume levels are at the point where the DIY-installed clipping indicator on my GK MB150E combo is lighting up.

I think it's a regional thing. My guess is that volume levels are proportional to disposable income, and inversely proportional to the cost of transportation.
 
#26
Jason Sypher said:
I play all my gigs unplugged. Occasionally I used to use a boom stand and a mic. Now I've got an AMT so I use that through the house system. Completely unplugged I would say about 50%. I think it's absolutely essential, if you want to play upright bass, to learn to play completely acoustic in all kinds of environments.
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I think we would all agree with this sentiment - its just that the real world imposes itself on us. :crying:
 
#27
Jason Sypher said:
So I see a pattern, looking back over the thread. The New Yorkers go almost exclusively acoustic and the rest of the world goes almost exclusively amped (broad generalization).
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Yes, in fact we live in the same neighborhood. But every bassist I have ever seen perform [over the last 30 years of watching in NY] uses an amp. I suppose it depends on what you like to play. It would be possible for me to play as a functional bassist, keeping time, and marking the chord changes, without an amp. I probably would not hear myself but the bass would be audible to the audience as a comfortable bottom cushion whose absence would be noticed. I think that if you like to play melodies or obligatos with other instruments, you need amplification. I'm not prejudicing one or the other. Both are recognized, popular approaches.
 
#28
bassame said:
I think that if you like to play melodies or obligatos with other instruments, you need amplification.
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It's all in the hands. And mine ain't that big. I would have to consider myself out of the counter-voce school of bass playing, and I can get myself up and over in most NYC situations...
 

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