Vocal harmonizer live. "Cheating"?

[Smallmouth_Bass]

So, I would like to know what you guys (and gals) think of using vocal harmonizers in a live band. Do you considering it cheating? If you went to see a band in a bar and they were using one (or more), would that make you think differently of them and in what way?

I've kept the poll choices very simple. No carrots in this one! Discuss in the text.

 

[micguy]

There was, at my company (we have lots of musicians there) a group that played at our our Christmas party. Their act was a Chipmunks tribute, with tiny guitars and a little drum set. The guys sang through harmonizers so they could do the Chipmunks’ voices justice.

It was kitschy, and awesome.

Using harmonizers in a serious setting? I don’t know - I’d have to see it to make a call. Guitarists and bassists use octave pedals - is it that different?

 

[flannel cat]

Maybe....but if the crowd likes it and digging it ...cheat away..

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

There was, at my company (we have lots of musicians there) a group that played at our our Christmas party. Their act was a Chipmunks tribute, with tiny guitars and a little drum set. The guys sang through harmonizers so they could do the Chipmunks’ voices justice.

It was kitschy, and awesome.

Using harmonizers in a serious setting? I don’t know - I’d have to see it to make a call. Guitarists and bassists use octave pedals - is it that different?

What? They couldn't find any real chipmunks to sing?

 

[ryco]

I don't think you'll go to jail for it.

Several years ago my band was coming out of a multi rehearsal room facility. The band across the hall wanted to "check out our harmonizers." Showed 'em we weren't using any.

 

[Nuage420]

The only people who care what a band uses live are other musicians.

As the audience I'm there to live in the moment and enjoy the show. Not be a jerk looking for frivolous critiques.

 

[Killing Floor]

Is a distortion pedal cheating if you’re a guitarist? Or a delay or a chorus? Is a mute on your P bass to play the upright part cheating? Is a click track in the drummer’s headphones cheating? Is a synth instead of an organ? If the singer is still singing it’s not cheating, it’s a tool.

 

[themickster]

So, I would like to know what you guys (and gals) think of using vocal harmonizers in a live band. Do you considering it cheating? If you went to see a band in a bar and they were using one (or more), would that make you think differently of them and in what way?

I've kept the poll choices very simple. No carrots in this one! Discuss in the text.

I saw a singer songwriter with a harmonise and didn't mind at all.

 

[Artman]

A harmonizer is not cheating. Auto-tuning definitely is cheating.

 

[pbass2]

Dude, if you can get those to work and sound actually good, then no, it's not cheating.

 

[Marko 1]

It's not a backing track...

more like an effect.

 

[Lostgallifreyan]

I'm waiting for the long overdue renaissance of the Vocoder. Beats Autotune every time.

 

[buldog5151bass]

It's more than a distortion pedal. Yes, I've been a band that used them, and yes, I consider it cheating. It's the equivalent of a backing track

 

[Lostgallifreyan]

A harmonizer is not cheating. Auto-tuning definitely is cheating.

The singer (and broadcaster) Catherine Bott likes Autotune, and in a program she showed how cool it can be. Unfortunately virtually no-one using it has that kind of skill and invention. I can't stand it now, heard enough for a lifetime. A really good pitch-to-MIDI converter still doesn't exist. If it did, Autotune would be history, immediately obliviated. Well, as fast as people could learn how to make the best of it. I doubt anyone would think of one of those as cheating, if it extended real skill to electronic instruments. It would likely beat most of the recent alternative control systems people have tried to establish, but technically it's never really worked well, despite many decades of trying.

 

[rashrader]

Imagine if you jumped on TB folks for using effects on their bass….

 

[dieggsy]

I don't really consider anything cheating except actually cheating. That is, if the intent is to use a given tool to deceive people about what it is you're doing or how talented you are, that's when it's cheating. On the other hand, if the intent is to use that tool to just make cool music while being honest and sincere about it, I'm ok with just about anything.

 

[GreyBeard]

Given the amount of sequencing, tracking, and otherwise prerecorded crap some bands are handing out as live, a vocal harmonizer isn't that big of a deal.

 

[Hounddog409]

Is a distortion pedal cheating if you’re a guitarist? Or a delay or a chorus? Is a mute on your P bass to play the upright part cheating? Is a click track in the drummer’s headphones cheating? Is a synth instead of an organ? If the singer is still singing it’s not cheating, it’s a tool.

Those do not play the guitar for them, or make them play better.

If you cant sing, you shouldnt be in a band.

 

[Lenny JG]

Happens way more often than people in this thread seem to realize.

As an extreme example, ever heard of 'FUN'? You'd be hard pressed performing any of that stuff live without one. Haha

Those do not play the guitar for them, or make them play better.

If you cant sing, you shouldnt be in a band.

I think you missed the part where they said 'if the singer is still singing' and they were correct.

 

[TyBo]

In general, I would find it off putting.
Cheating? Idk. Not my cup of tea? No, it's not. But to each his own.