The future of amps & cabs - stage props only?

[Tech21NYC]

1 hour ago, Woodinblack said:

 

Of course there is, there always was. I just don't believe a guitarist who says he is going to do it

 

It sounds like you've been playing with amateurs.  You either know how to play a gig or you don't. In my decades long playing career I've played over 5000 gigs. Whether I'm playing a multimillion $ Broadway Musical production, local pub gig or recording in a studio the same principles always apply. You play at the appropriate volume for the room and situation. As a rule of thumb in most situations the drummer tends to dictate the overall volume of the band which is why I find it puzzling that in many situations where everyone plays direct, they use an acoustic drum kit. 

 

[Steve Browning]

Where's the humility emoji when you need it? 🙂

[Chienmortbb]

I think this thread covers why, but full backline and full IEM/Modelling are both good and bad. The tow best live gigs I have heard were a pub gig with a band called Chicago 9 Blues band (based around Southampton I think) and Black Country Communion. 

 

One was in a PUB, the other in the Hammersmith Odeon. The blues band were clearly very experienced and using some EV 12s plus an old fashion PA amp. All instruments and the blues harp went through the backline. The vocals were as clear as a bell, each instrument has clear and in its own sonic place. Simply a good band with a great sound.

 

BCC had real amps on stage, Three Orange AD200 stacks for Glenn Hughes, Two 100 watt Marshall stacks for Bonamassa clearly the keys and drums were through the PA. I was up in the gods, but the sound was superb. There were no props, no special lights. The whole setup was smack in the middle of the stage. It was a really stripped down gig. Clearly this gig was hybrid, although I have to accept that they may have fooled me, but they had wedges on stage and I could not see IEMs on either Hughes or Bonamassa.

 

I saw Glenn Hughes a few years earlier at the Engine Room in Southampton. They were using a full PA with small amps on stage. The sound was awful, every beat of the kick obliterated the rest of the sound.

 

Clearly a good sound and experience for both audience, and band can be had either by having a silent stage or full backline, and evangelists on both sides are both right and wrong.

[SimonK]

4 hours ago, Tech21NYC said:

It sounds like you've been playing with amateurs.  You either know how to play a gig or you don't. In my decades long playing career I've played over 5000 gigs. Whether I'm playing a multimillion $ Broadway Musical production, local pub gig or recording in a studio the same principles always apply. You play at the appropriate volume for the room and situation. As a rule of thumb in most situations the drummer tends to dictate the overall volume of the band which is why I find it puzzling that in many situations where everyone plays direct, they use an acoustic drum kit. 

 

 

This requires a good drummer though. There's a young chap, recent ACM graduate, who I play with on occasion and he just does everything right - volume, not over  playing etc etc... but he's a pro. Some of the other drummers I play with make everything a bit harder not out of spite, just less experience.

[Painy]

On 03/05/2025 at 12:28, Bill Fitzmaurice said:

Don't assume that if you can't see them that the amps and speakers aren't there. They may be back stage or under it, in isolation booths.

I saw these guys a few weeks ago too and got chatting about gear too the bass player after the show. Apparently he's just using an EBS Microbass iii preamp pedal. 

Can't speak for the guitarists though. 

[Painy]

On 03/05/2025 at 12:28, Bill Fitzmaurice said:

Don't assume that if you can't see them that the amps and speakers aren't there. They may be back stage or under it, in isolation booths.

I saw these guys a few weeks ago too and got chatting about gear to the bass player after the show. Apparently he's just using an EBS Microbass iii preamp pedal. 

Can't speak for the guitarists though.