When you go see local bands,do you study their gear

[RedMoses]

When I see ANY band, I study every players gear and approach.

 

[City]

like a nerd? I do this so bad. I love seeing what people are using. I sometimes ask them about their equipment while they are setting up. Then i listen during the show for the tone and how it sits in the mix etc. i think this is so fun. Does anyone else do this? I love seeing local bands.

Not usually. I have, if needed on stage for our opening act set-up assistance, checked out the bassists equipment. But it is safe to say that I have not gone out of my way, ever.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Absolutely. If you ask me the next day what songs they played, I won't know. But I will be able to tell you their signal path and what kind of strap they used.

 

[DennyOnBass]

I did a long work assignment in Detroit 15 years ago? Maybe you? IF you sounded amazing

Nah, wasn't me, unless you happened to come up to the Northern part of the state. I did play a gig in Cadillac with that rig one time and had a guy say that I overplayed, but it was the best sounding rig he had ever heard.

 

[Papazita]

Always. I even do it if I see a band on TV. I drive my wife nuts going for the remote to rewind and pause to catch a glimpse of the bassists gear.

Same here, but without the wife.

 

[Bufalo]

I sure do. Love to check out and discuss PA, Bass, Guitar, Amps... basically everything but drums because I don't know anything about them!

 

[chuck3]

I always study their gear, and I have learned a lot doing it. Don't usually speak to them about it, though, as I figure they have enough going on at a gig. Love going to hear local bands, and I play in a couple myself.

 

[rtslinger]

Yes, but only if something catches my ear. If it is the same old same old or the eq job is horrific I won't bother. Sadly more times than not the room acoustics aren't taking into consideration when setting up and choosing gear.
I saw a small trio, but the bass player was playing an upright through a amp that was way too much power for the room he was taking down the walls when he played open E and A string He could have easily filled the room with bass without the amp I stayed for two songs.

 

[Wesley R]

I recently ran into a girlfriend from the past (1972+1973). She gave me a but of grief because she still dances close to the stage to look at the band equipment. Band equipment must be addictive.

 

[Jeff Scott]

When you go see local bands,do you study their gear [?]

Not much, these days, although Stu Hamm and I did talk about his bass, last week.

 

[boamedt]

Never anything out of the norm, gk ampeg, fender

 

[1954bassman]

If I have the opportunity. I always try to chat it up with the band. If nothing else, for networking. I always find some way of complimenting them, even if it is hard. If the bass player asks me about their tone (they usually don't) I try to say something positive.

Same with sound. I have a good reputation for knowing sound gear, and what it takes to get good sound, so I do get asked for PA advice regularly. I make a point of not criticizing other folk's gear.

Honestly, I try to learn all I can from others.

 

[mikeyjm2]

Don't always talk to them about it, but yup, always check it out.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

If the bassist looks friendly, I'll chat them up. Otherwise I'll take a look at their gear and then look it up on TalkBass for reviews later.

Just last week one of the other bands had an ampeg head i had never seen. I soon learned from TB that it was a garbage amp!

 

[electracoyote]

No doubt.

Even at large theater/arena/stadium gigs, I'm the geek with binoculars looking at everything but the musicians. You can learn a lot that way.

 

[BassGreaser]

It depends on how good the bassist/band is. If they are good solid players.. Yes I'll try talking to the bassist.

 

[EdwardofHuncote]

I do on the (too) rare occasion that I go see/hear music instead of going to play somewhere. I've met some monster players, all of which so far have been very gracious, and glad to chat about gear and gigs. There's a small-medium sized venue near here, and most folks that play there are quite accessible and accommodating.

 

[Bunk McNulty]

I don't get to see a lot of local bands, because I'm usually in the local band on a Friday night. But I'm often on the receiving end.

Ever since I started playing a couple Lakland Skylines, I get questions, which I don't mind at all. On a given night, there will be someone who will freak out because one of them was made in Indonesia. So I just hand it to them--"Here, check it out." It saves a lot of explanation. These are the same ones who are disappointed in my pedalboard because I use only a few boxes.

On the other hand, I'm finally going to a jam tonight (couple friends are insisting), and I intend to check out everyone's rigs/instruments! One friend plays a lefty Precision, I'm going to turn it upside down and see whether I can play it!

 

[Lowendtech]

I sure do. Love to check out and discuss PA, Bass, Guitar, Amps... basically everything but drums because I don't know anything about them!

I know they don't sound near as good when they're following a drunk drummer off the back of the riser.

 

[twinjet]

I silently praise or critique a bass player's gear and style of playing. I only introduce myself if I'm really interested in getting to know them.