solo4652

Aaah. Apologies for the repeat post in that case.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/The-worlds-worst-short-scale-electric-bass-guitar-Lynne/142924619217?hash=item2146f89dd1:g:fG4AAOSwN91bcDLo

Our gig for tomorrow night has been cancelled - singer has just rung in sick. That's a real shame because band leader was talking about trying a new PA setup - quite what, though, I don't know. Our next gig isn't until June, so we'll have the chance to try out new things in rehearsals - as long as everybody agrees.

Don't quite know what to make of this idea...

OK - quick update from last night, folks. We arrived at venue at 5, just about ready to play by 8-30. Smallish stage meant we had to move things around quite a bit from our usual positions. While setting up, I kept asking: "Why do we..." The early-evening reply from BL and drummer was; "Steve - you don't understand what we're doing, do you?" I meant to take an inventory of the PA kit, but was too busy fetching and carrying. I did note that front speakers are pole-mounted 15" Mackies of some sort. Rear of stage are two new 15" pole-mounted full-range Yamahas ("£900 each, Steve.."), with one perched above an enormous 18" Yamaha sub. Three floor wedge monitors out front. Myself and guitarist went through our own rigs. BL ended up standing right in front of one of the rear speakers and quickly started to comment on the volume. I had the chance to speak to the drummer as we went out for pizzas. As I suspected, he's very happy to have his electronic drums through the rear speakers. Me: "Don't you find the stage too noisy?" Drummer: "No, I'm used to much more volume than this" Me: "Why can't you go through the front speakers?" D: "Because they're poor quality, and my electronic drums sound crap through them" Me: "We could put the new Yamahas out front - they're full-range, aren't they? - and put everybody through them. Use whatever floor monitors are necessary, and dispense with the Mackies and the sub completely. What do you think?" D: "I'm not sure the speakers would cope with that. My bass drum and your bass would surely interact. And, I like to feel my bass drum. Remember that we're aiming for a lush, full sound." At that point, I decided not to press the point any further. Having said all that, the gig went very well. The venue manager said; "Best band I've heard in 35 years. We'll definitely have you back, and I'll get you booked in for some weddings too". BL stood in front of one of the rear speakers and was seen wincing. The load-out included dropping everything off at BL's house, and lead singer was heard to comment, "I think we need to have a word with (BL) about all this stuff..." So, I think that wheels have been set in motion for some pressure to be put onto BL. However, we'll need to work on his son - the drummer. Steve

Well, because I try to be helpful and a good band-member. Also, I live close to the rehearsal room (and tonight's gig venue), while the lead guitarist and lead singer don't.

I'm not saying he double-kicks on all songs! He can, and does, pull back when he needs to. However, with Hush, You know my name, You're all I have, Feeling Good (Muse), Learn to Fly - things can get pretty, errrrm, frantic.

I have a suspicion that our drummer quite likes having his electronic kit firing out from behind him. He's a very accomplished double-kick rock drummer and is egged-on by our Malmsteen-loving (prog) rock guitarist, and UFO-fan lead vocalist when he (drummer) gives it the two-foot bass drum treatment. I'm left standing there shaking my head and mouthing "You noisy b**stards" at them. They giggle at me. I suspect the band leader is under some pressure to go large with the PA and volume from these 3 individuals. The drummer is his son. My gig timetable for today: go to rehearsal room at 4 o'clock to help load all the PA stuff, electronic drums, monitors, lights, into cars. Drive about 4 miles to the venue and unload, and help set up. Guitarist and singer have been asked to arrive by 6-30 to get their kit in, and sound check done. Show time is 8-30. After gig, help with breakdown, take stuff to band leaders house, go home. What a faff.

He's a nice guy, actually, and I get on well with him. Part of the problem may be that he's trying to keep the band's two sub-camps happy - there's the loud 'n' blokey rockers, and there's the groove-oriented soul funksters, which is where I am.

Quick update: Quietly and carefully, behind the scenes, I've put the main points from this message thread to the band leader, including Mike257's kind offer of advice. Not a word back yet. We're gigging 7th and 13th April. I'll watch what happens - see what changes, if any are made - and then take a view on the situation. You can lead a horse to water, but.....

That's very generous Mike. Thank you. I'll choose my moment with him and put your kind offer to him in as unthreatening way I can muster. See what he says. Steve PM'd you regarding your offer.

Well - it's a pretty consistent picture that's emerging from you guys. Thanks to everybody for your advice. I've sent most responses (carefully edited) to band leader, saying that since I don't know much about PA systems, I asked "some experienced musos" for their independent advice. We're gigging the next two weekends and band leader has said that we won't be changing the set up, but that we'll have a pow-wow after that.

Slightly edited response from band leader just now: "What we are doing is using the rear PA to be electronic drum amp, acoustic guitar amp ,electric guitar amp ,keyboard amp for (the guitar) synth ,keyboard amp for (singer's) keyboard plus some vocal bleed to keep us in place in a song .It`s being five amps .... effectively . The front PA is vocals and some keyboard and is linked to monitors which share the same feed and balance, as the desk does not have enough monitor sends to split any more . I don’t think the overall volume is that bad I just think you are standing with your ears about 9 inches from the top box which is dominating all you hear ."

Our band leader is English, recently returned from living in France for 15 years.

Thanks BB. I've just ordered the Alpines - should have them for this weekend's gig.

Yes, I think that's part of it. Band leader is very experienced - used to run a pro level function band in France for 10 years. That's experience I don't have, so I'm gathering information before having a serious moan.

The PA system is brand new. I don't know the brand or details but, knowing our band leader, it won't be rubbish. My rig is Hartke LH 500 through a 210 cabinet rated at 700 Watts, placed behind me. Last night I was approaching max volume on the head and bass. Ringing in ears this morning. I've emailed band leader this morning to ask why we need 4 speakers, including a 15" subwoofer at stage rear. I've asked if we can just use the front speakers from now on. We already have stage monitors. I've asked before and nothing's changed. Off to Decathlon now to buy some ear plugs designed for use by clay-pigeon shooters. Shouldn't be necessary, in my opinion.

I play in a pretty decent pub 'n' party band. Pop, soft-rock, soul, funk stuff. 5-piece line-up; lead guitar, lead singer + keys, electronic drums, rhythm guitarist/guitar synth, both guitarists on BV's, myself on bass. Band leader insists on using 4 PA speakers - two at stage rear on stands, two out front on stands. Fronts carry mostly vocals and keys. Rears (including huge subwoofer) carry drums, rhythm guitar + guitar synth. Myself and lead guitar don't go through PA - we use our own backline. I tried going through the PA recently, primarily to reduce the amount of stuff on stage, but I just seemed to constantly clash with the bass drum, resulting in mush. Inevitably, I usually end up standing right in front of one of the rear PA speakers, and I can't hear myself think. I've repeatedly asked for the volume to be turned down, but to no avail. I'm now having to use ear plugs which I don't really want to do. I don't profess to know a great deal about PA systems, so could somebody help me to understand why we need 4 speakers, please? The two speakers at the rear of the stage really ramp up the on-stage volume to (for me,) unacceptable levels. I've played in many pub covers bands, and this is the first one that uses 4 PA speakers. Steve

Back in December I posted a wanted ad for a 2U rack bag for my Hartke LH500. I think somebody contacted me saying that had one, but I can't find their message. Can you please PM me if it was you. Thanks, Steve

Well, I've had a pretty good look, but I haven't found anything yet. Have I missed something obvious?

Both...

My own cat doesn't seem too interested in it, but I take your point! Maybe I'll leave the shed door slightly ajar so no animals can get in.

Right then -full-on attack. Unscrewed the top plate and gently hoovered everything I dared. Wiped as much as I could with some pet odour-eliminator spray I had. Whole lot is in the shed with the door open to get some fresh air circulating round it. I'll put it all back together this afternoon and see (smell) what we've got. Let's hope it doesn't end up smelling like my hoover, or my shed. Rock and roll, eh!?

On a serious note just for a moment, how careful must I be if I hoover inside the thing? Don't want to damage anything. I'll use a soft brush and go gently. Anything else I should be aware of?