Dan Dare Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 Anyone else struggle to get bandmates to act/look pro'? You know, ensuring equipment - not just the main instrument and backline, but cables etc - is of good quality and works (and looks decent and not held together with gaffa tape), having proper cases, not cardboard boxes, carrying spares - cables, pedals/fx, fuses, a few tools for running repairs, arriving early and so on? Drives me up the wall, especially when people complain you're a fascist/control freak when you ask why they're late and point that they really ought to carry a mic cable rather than constantly scrounging one of yours. You can't refuse, of course, because it affects the quality of the result. Oh well... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AustinArto Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 I'm always the one with all the cables, and spares, and that bag is getting heavy and it does irritate me a bit, but no I don't worry about having professional-looking instruments or (certainly not!) cases! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingBollock Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 Alas, 'tis the lot of the bass player. I say alas, but I think most of us love it really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimR Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 All my lights are in the big cardboard box they came in but the edges are reinforced with gaffa tape. Not sure if that's semi-pro? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mentalextra Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 Don't worry, if you're not being paid, you're not 'pro' anyway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zbd1960 Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 This thread explains why I have been drawn to bass - as and when I start gigging, I will be the person with the box of spare cables, tools and other goodies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 (edited) Sounds like you should be looking for a new band. And a more pro look should be 1 of your requirements. But if you have good paying gigs lined up, leaving would be a questionable move. Blue Edited June 1, 2016 by blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CamdenRob Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 I won't put up with any of that crap... If you can't get yourself and your equipment in a passable state to every gig / rehearsal on time then I'm gone. No excuse for it but it's surprisingly prevalent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skidder652003 Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 Oh Yes, don't we love this! Me and the Drummer put up with this from the Guitarist all the time! Uses my leads when his break-does not replace his own, ever Uses my guitar stands (2) has never bought his own Asks to borrow my Fast Fret - never to be seen again Asks to borrow my Servisol - now apparently I "gave it to him!" And the last and biggest bugbear-after every rehersal has never once got a round in, ever, even when i handed him 500 notes after selling his guitar for him on gumtree last week! In 6 years has probably got 5 gigs to my 100's So, yeah, Im his bitch...but... we gig regular, get good money and we all get on Its a compromise that at the end result is all about gigging (and me and said drummer do have a laugh about it) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NancyJohnson Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 I've no issues personally, but every guitarist I know seems to carry too much peripheral gear in a mix of carrier bags and Tupperware boxes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony p Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 I think you definitely need one "pro" in any band, if it wasn't for our bodhran player being mr organised, the rest of us wouldn't even know what days the gigs we're let alone manage to get there at the right time.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Japhet Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 We all do our bit and it works well. Even had a situation where our (my) mixer amp packed up and we put vocals through my GB Streamliner which rather surprisingly sounded absolutely fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leschirons Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 Ah, but do any of you lot take.... Drum stool Spare mic for anyone that needs it. Set of 9-42 guitar strings A new pair of 5A drum sticks 2 guitar straps, with, and without straplocks Spare mic stand and XLR cable 2 extra cable extension reels Box of 50 assorted plectra A Line 6 Pocket Pod. It usually all stays in the car but has on occasions, all been needed. I even used to keep a pair of 14" hi- hats in the spare wheel well but gave that up when I bought a car with the spare on the back door. I'm like a sodding baby-sitter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheddatom Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 I've been on the other end of this as a drummer - the band demanded that I buy cases to transport my drums in, because "it looks unprofessional when you walk into a venue without them in cases". Are any of you that anal? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivansc Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 [quote name='leschirons' timestamp='1464853597' post='3063092'] Ah, but do any of you lot take.... Drum stool Spare mic for anyone that needs it. Set of 9-42 guitar strings A new pair of 5A drum sticks 2 guitar straps, with, and without straplocks Spare mic stand and XLR cable 2 extra cable extension reels Box of 50 assorted plectra A Line 6 Pocket Pod. It usually all stays in the car but has on occasions, all been needed. I even used to keep a pair of 14" hi- hats in the spare wheel well but gave that up when I bought a car with the spare on the back door. I'm like a sodding baby-sitter. [/quote] Did you actually PAY for all that lot too? You arent a babysitter, you are a.....VIRGO! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SICbass Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 (edited) Oh, don't get me started. Gearwise, everyone's pretty cool, but punctuality and our drummer are, at best, vaguely acquainted. Always about 10 minutes after "at the last minute" and then super relaxed while I'm champing at the bit. Not 10 minutes late mind, buty 10 minutes after all other deadlines have run out. I've realised, for sanity and friendship's sake to either accept it or have a stomach-ulcer. Yes there are other very good drummers who sub for him and who don't stress me out, but he's got THAT groove. Plus I work with him in other contexts where I'm not the boss and we still have to fet along. It's a choice, right? Dress issues, I sorted out by making everyone buy their costumes. It's a 70s Disco act. What state their costumes are in is another matter, but I simply can't micromanage everything. Edited June 2, 2016 by SICbass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RockfordStone Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 [quote name='cheddatom' timestamp='1464853993' post='3063101'] I've been on the other end of this as a drummer - the band demanded that I buy cases to transport my drums in, because "it looks unprofessional when you walk into a venue without them in cases". Are any of you that anal? [/quote] that has never bothered me, as long as the kit is looked after and tuned how you transport it is down to you. i have found it easier to help drummers who have their stuff in cases, but wouldn't insist a drummer buy cases it if the kit itself was fine and transportable. all i ask off people is that their gear is gigworthy and working, and that they transport their own gear. most of acting like a pro more comes down to attitude than actual gear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 [quote name='cheddatom' timestamp='1464853993' post='3063101'] I've been on the other end of this as a drummer - the band demanded that I buy cases to transport my drums in, because "it looks unprofessional when you walk into a venue without them in cases". [/quote] I occasionally play with a very good drummer who doesn't bother to bring the cases. His kit is about 30 years old and has been known to suffer from "structural issues" during the set. He's so good, none of that matters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JapanAxe Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 The unprofessional practice that bugs me the worst is leaving cases all over the stage and floor for band members and punters to trip over. Grrr! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SICbass Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 [quote name='cheddatom' timestamp='1464853993' post='3063101'] I've been on the other end of this as a drummer - the band demanded that I buy cases to transport my drums in, because "it looks unprofessional when you walk into a venue without them in cases". Are any of you that anal? [/quote] Yes, I am. That would drive me nuts, but ultimately it's none of my business. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leschirons Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 [quote name='ivansc' timestamp='1464856467' post='3063125'] Did you actually PAY for all that lot too? You aren't a babysitter, you are a.....VIRGO! [/quote] It's all my stuff anyway so I guess at some point, yes. I just take it because I can't trust the others to cover all bases. you've no gig if there isn't a pair of sticks etc etc. I forgot the pair of 12AX7s on the list And I'm a Capricorn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lw. Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 So long as they sound good I don't care how someone's equipement looks or is transported to the gig - I've seen so many guitars that look like they could give you a nasty disease yet sound absolutely incredible I don't really notice it anymore. I appreciate it could make a difference if you're doing corporate or wedding covers gigs but for the rock/pop & metal/hardcore originals gigs I do I don't think anyone cares. The thing that gets me is lack of leads, no amp (!) & not muting your guitar/amp/something whilst they're tuning - anyone that turns up to a gig without the basic equipement needed to make some form of sound shouldn't be there IMO & I can't stand the tuning song! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul h Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 It's far more about behaviour than gear for me. Get there early. Set up quickly. Stop noodling. Dress appropriately. Be polite and helpful to the event staff. Be absolutely ready to go once the drummer starts counting in. All basic stuff but it makes a difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barneyg42 Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 [quote name='JapanAxe' timestamp='1464859049' post='3063156'] The unprofessional practice that bugs me the worst is leaving cases all over the stage and floor for band members and punters to trip over. Grrr! [/quote] This!!!!! Grrrrr!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wateroftyne Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 Some of the most talented, natural musicians & performers I know couldn't give a monkeys about the stuff they use, or how they organise themselves. That's just who they are. As someone posted above, bass players seem destined to herd these people around. It's what we do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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