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what does the term "Pro Gear" mean to you?

#83
Do I have Pro Gear? I use a MM Bong HH5er, a GK 800RB head on a Epifani PS410 cabinet. I ask this because I think the question about Pro Gear is objective(what ppl see). I get asked about my bass all the time, most people that I play with or other musicians don't know what it is, my cabinet, they have never heard of it. So I ask Do I have Pro Gear? The right tone for the gig is in your hands, and how you eq your equipment, not always what you use. Ex: I opened for a cat using his Mesa Big Block, and Powerhouse 410 I was playing with his band, and they all love my sound and wanted to know why he could not get that tone that I was getting. Pro Gear, but different results.
 
#87
the most important part of that is reliability for sure. the sound should be pleasing to you. and you should feel comftorble playing it. some people find this with a squire. others only feel "right" with their $10,000 fodera. thats fine too. a nice sound ((to you)) that you can rely on, is pro gear.
 
#91
If you are getting paid to play you are a pro. Those players on the high or those with the money have the top of the line Eden, or what ever they want. Those of us on the lower end my be happy with a SWR WorkingPro. If you are any good you will sound fine on either.
 
#95
also, line out to the PA can help or hurt, depending on the soundman. If the PA is decent and the soundman is decent, and the drummer is decent, and the lead and rythm are decent, and the singer is decent, life is good.
 
#96
If you play outside your garage or plan to, this is not really all that uncommon... When I was setting up a cover band before I joined my original act I had "pro level gear" in the request b/c that's what I have.
It needs to be reliable, sounds good on it's own accord and with you playing it. A Yamaha strat through a 160W Crate SS combo isn't what I consider "pro".
Also, a lot of lower level instruments do not set up and hold their intonation nearly as well as higher dollar axes, and this is especially bad with guitars. I don't mind most Epiphones, as long as the person using it has it set up, changes strings, realizes it knocks out of tune easily and compensates. If it's new from GC, or hell any guitar for that matter and still has the sticker on it and the plastic over the pickups, that usually is a good indication...

But as others have said, a 100W SS Fender or Crate combo against a half stack and full drummer isn't going to usually cut it.
 
#99
ga_edwards said:
Hey, nothing wrong with Yamaha - says the man who has 2 yammy basses ;)

IMO their Pacifica's (strat style) are great guitars.
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I never said a thing about Yammy basses. ;) Plenty of pro's have used 'em of all styles for years.

Their Pacifica's are ok, but if you're playin' a Strat, it better be some hot rodded mod like a Suhr or Charvel if it doesn't have the dreaded "F" word on it... ;) :p
 
#100
s_mcsleazy said:
urgh i hate the "pro gear" thing

my main bass is a squier jazz and my amp is a modded 1972 fender bassman and everytime i try out for a band they always bring up my gear as a handycap

its not my fault im poor
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I see nothing wrong with your gear. Your ability should be more important. However, if the issue is you are showing up with underpowered gear...well that is like showin up to a drag race with a Camry. Nice car but it aint gonna get the job done.

But then I also understand not fitting "the look" too....

Better amps are easy to get with everyone and his brothers dog financing them these days....Just make sure if you go that route it is a smart financial choice for you.
 

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