Tone from 5 to 4 piece

[jsteez]

Typically i've played in 5 piece Bands, 2 guitars, 1 drummer, me playing bass, and a singer. As a 4 piece band with 1 guitarist, 1 drummer, me playing bass, and a singer, how differently should i set my tone?

Before we had a rhythm and lead guitarist, but now we have a lead guitarist who plays just a little bit of rhythm. Also should i tell the sound engineer the kind of tone i like, or no?

Typically at practice we have equal volume bass and guitar, but how much of a difference should there be?

 

[TimmyP]

Ask 10 people when they are equal, and you may get 10 answers. Tell the mixperson whether you prefer a Motown sound, a Kansas sound, or a deep sound with a growl, and let him take it from there.

 

[cableguy]

I've found I like the same tone with a 4 piece. But when the guitarist does a lead or solo I boost my volume a tad too. Maybe add a lttle more grind to my sound as well. I use a VT Deluxe so I have a few presets. This helps fill out the sonic territory left vacant by the guitaist dropping out of the rhythm role. Also most of the time our sound is run from stage with no soundguy. With FOH I let them deal with the volume.

 

[waleross]

I don't know but turn it up until the rest of the band says differently...............bring your A rig.................have fun until they get another 2nd guitarist.....................

 

[MycooLeeyun]

My band somewhat recently did the same transition. I love it because I have a lot more room to explore. The sound is a lot cleaner and tighter. I think you should set your tone however you want it, really. Now that people can actually hear you, make sure they're hearing what you want them to. Good luck to you and your band

 

[Groove Doctor]

I would think the arrangement of the song would need to be altered more than simply volume or tone changes eg. a few more bass fills in 'empty' spaces, accenting/playing more off-beats (syncopation) to contrast between bass vs drums. Also, play some sections up an octave esp on thicker strings near/above the 12th fret (eg U2). A bit more variety is key to filling the space.

Paradoxically, by playing rests for a few beats/bars, you create more impact when you come back in (eg Sting in The Police).

 

[walterw]

+1

arrangement matters as much as EQ here. a little busier with the bass, and a little less noodly on the guitar, and you can get a solid sound with three players.

 

[Ender_rpm]

Play a 12 sting......

 

[MNAirHead]

Longer sustaining notes - settings to below guitar and vocals spectrum

 

[badstonebass]

Personally I like a little more overdrive in my sound when playing as a trio.