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

#141
rodl2005 said:
I always check out ALL the gear. Bass, guitar, drums, PA..... learning, learning. .....
I hate gear snobs. ..Once, a guy I liked. ..a local bassist. . told me- at a gig where I was playing with my Stingray 5...- that you HAD to have a $800 + bass to gig with or it'll just sound cr@ppy. So for the next set, I used my $150 modded SX P bass:smug::bassist: & it, of course, sounded great. I didn't say anything to him tho.
When I'm impressed by a bassist's tone I'll have a good look'n see what his chain of events is.
One that surprised me was a LMII into a Mark Bass 104HF that wasn't going thru the FOH PA but filled the room beautifully.
Another was a LOUD international alt rock band that was playing in the club that my band plays monthly.
They were LOUD as hayull.!!!!! Both guitarists had Fender 410 Bassmans and the bassist had a vintage Fender Bassman 100 running into an Ampeg 810AV - sure it was mic'd to the PA but it sounded effin great and must've had enough stage volume to be "there" for him with those guitarists amps cranking out power tube distortion. :hyper:
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Yeah i saw a band recently where the bass player had a SUB and was playing through a Peavy amp. I generally don't like either of those brands, but he was playing really good and i was impressed with how he made it sound. I think mid range basses sound pretty good. I think some of us, at some point, notice the subtleties of higher end instruments and save our money to get them. It would be wrong to look down on someone for playing gear you wouldn't use. For me, a big part of watching other bands is seeing how other people go about it, and usually I am impressed with their playing. Even if I don't necessarily like their gear.
 
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#143
Mantis Tobaggan said:
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.
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Lol yes of course I listen the other bands and check out their gear. sometimes I find pieces of gear I want to try, sometimes I learn what gear I don't want anything to do with. Either way paying attention is educational IMO.
 
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#144
I always check out band's guitar/bass gear! I have no clue what's going on with the drums...

I don't judge anybody by their gear though, just curious to see what they are using! I don't often get the chance to talk to somebody about their gear, but whenever the opportunity arises I will chat about it.

Before too much longer I'll be out in the Twin Cities gigging myself and I'd totally enjoy somebody asking me questions about my gear ^.^
 
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#145
Mantis Tobaggan said:
Yeah i saw a band recently where the bass player had a SUB and was playing through a Peavy amp. I generally don't like either of those brands, but he was playing really good and i was impressed with how he made it sound. I think mid range basses sound pretty good. I think some of us, at some point, notice the subtleties of higher end instruments and save our money to get them. It would be wrong to look down on someone for playing gear you wouldn't use. For me, a big part of watching other bands is seeing how other people go about it, and usually I am impressed with their playing. Even if I don't necessarily like their gear.
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I've an Alleva-Coppolo EUT5 (5 string jazz booteek ) & it's a bl@@dy beauty. BUT...... I'll happily use my Squier P5 too.
Whatever works for you etc etc
 
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#148
Don't bother people during setup and tear down. Just don't.

Ask all the gear questions you want when they're hanging out before, after or on breaks, but doing it while they're working is incredibly inconsiderate.

I always notice what amps, cabs and basses other players are using on gigs. Usually don't look at pedal boards unless they're doing something really interesting with them because I almost never use pedals live anymore.

I always go out of my way to tell them they sounded good...if they sounded good.
 
#150
bolophonic said:
I try to engage in a little gear talk with any bassist that impresses me. I pay a lot of attention to how bands achieve their sound and I utilize live performances as music lessons as much as entertainment.

There are so many incredible bassists in my area, my buddy and I have considered assembling a local bass convention.
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You know it, Bolophonic! Raleigh/Durham has the best bassists I've seen anywhere.
 
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#155
I don't really ask about gear but I will strike a general conversation and network.
I think its kinda strange to take pictures of amp settings.... since they can vary per room.

This got me thinking though. I have an ext cab that's a no-name, built by a local guy and sounds great with my gk combo. I'm thinking I'll find an old Gorilla amp, take off the logo plate and add it to my cab and see what happens
 
#158
Mantis Tobaggan said:
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.
Click to expand...

I do. And I'm always amazed by what I see. Usually mid-range kit for all parties - nothing fancy.
 
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