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  1. #1
    rpm's Avatar
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    Default playin' music

    yeah so i'm drunk and i'm curious how many more musicians there are here on FTR. i don't think i have a point for making this thread. suppose i want to talk about music with people who like talking talking about music. so if anybody wants to, lets talk about playin' music.

    "inb4 this thread is gay and if we still had rep i'd - rep you for doing this"
  2. #2
    rpm's Avatar
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    i play guitar. and i like to play but suck at playing: drums, mandolin, banjo (same thing), and harmonica. and i'm soon going to inherit from my (still living) father an old dulcimer
  3. #3
    i play the violin. i have done for over 85% of my life. i try to get paid doing it and make enough to feed myself. my fiancee is also a violinist, she teaches kids now and does some management tasks for a music school. i'm play in a major symphony orchestra, but not a full time position, more like bottom of the pile "intern" status. on the hunt for a permanent job, also trying to turn my piano trio (trio with piano, violin and cello) into a profitable venture. photos and website coming soon!
  4. #4
    I played drums as a kid, and then in punk & alt rock bands throughout high school. In university I dropped the drums, picked up guitar, tried to learn how to sing. Drums are still probably my most comfortable instrument though, and like any guitar player -- I like to pretend that I can play the bass.
  5. #5
    rpm's Avatar
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    do you rely upon the income from rehearsing/performing music eugmac? hats off to you if so - i'd love to be able to play music for a living. be sure to post a link in here or to me via PM to you guys' website when this piano/violin/cello project takes off.

    ps i just remembered supa (i think) posted up an audio/video thing of himself playing some original blues-inspired stuff somewhere on this site which i enjoyed. SO SUPA POST HERE
    Last edited by rpm; 03-05-2013 at 10:52 PM.
  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by d0zer View Post
    I played drums as a kid, and then in punk & alt rock bands throughout high school. In university I dropped the drums, picked up guitar, tried to learn how to sing. Drums are still probably my most comfortable instrument though, and like any guitar player -- I like to pretend that I can play the bass.
    i to did all of these things except i started from guitar instead of drums. though i'm still very confident i can play bass despite spending no more than 1hr lifetime actually playing one
  7. #7
    Quote Originally Posted by rpm View Post
    i to did all of these things except i started from guitar instead of drums. though i'm still very confident i can play bass despite spending no more than 1hr lifetime actually playing one
    I find most guitar players don't know how to phrase bass lines more complicated than straight 8th/quarter notes. They don't turn off the notes, or phrase bass lines like "real" bass players do. After playing with real bass players and 1hr lifetime bass/guitar players, the difference is so noticeable.

    ...not to question your bass skills or anything -- I'm sure you're amazing
  8. #8
    Quote Originally Posted by rpm View Post
    do you rely upon the income from rehearsing/performing music eugmac? hats off to you if so - i'd love to be able to play music for a living. be sure to post a link in here or to me via PM to you guys' website when this piano/violin/cello project takes off.

    edit: this was directed at eugmac

    ps i just remembered supa (i think) posted up an audio/video thing of himself playing some original blues-inspired stuff somewhere on this site which i enjoyed. SO SUPA POST HERE
    yeah it's most of my income. i've done little side things to supplement my income but hopefully i can do away with all that soon.

    my own site is kinda out of date but eugenenakamura.com
  9. #9
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    ha man the "i know i can play bass cuz i can play a bit of guitar" comment i made was pretty much me taking the piss out of my younger self for thinking bass guitar was the same as guitar "except you don't have to know about chords or any of that stuff". which i probably would have claimed with conviction at age 15. i agree completely with everything you said in the above post

    edit: this was obviously responding to dozer's post which, now i re-read it, could well have been a level given the "these guys actually know how to play, compared to '1hr life-time' bassists - not that i doubt you're a good bassist" comment
    Last edited by rpm; 03-05-2013 at 11:01 AM.
  10. #10
    Quote Originally Posted by rpm View Post
    ha man the "i know i can play bass cuz i can play a bit of guitar" comment i made was pretty much me taking the piss out of my younger self for thinking bass guitar was the same as guitar "except you don't have to know about chords or any of that stuff". which i probably would have claimed with conviction at age 15. i agree completely with everything you said in the above post

    edit: this was obviously responding to dozer's post which, now i re-read it, could well have been a level given the "these guys actually know how to play, compared to '1hr life-time' bassists - not that i doubt you're a good bassist" comment
    Yeah I figured you were doing that, I just thought I'd turn it into an opportunity to bash those arrogant guitar player types

    I mostly play with my buddy who I've been teaching drums. When he started he could barely hold down a beat, and now he's actually listening to what I'm playing and trying to fit in, throws fills, recovers from mistakes well etc. Then there's his random friends who join in and some of them are just brutal. Basically just making noise when we're trying to play stuff.

    Once in a blue moon, a really talented bass player joins in with us and it's like night and day. Everything sounds so much better, and the responsibility isn't on me to hold everything down so I can just play around. So much more fun.
  11. #11
    Quote Originally Posted by eugmac View Post
    yeah it's most of my income. i've done little side things to supplement my income but hopefully i can do away with all that soon.

    my own site is kinda out of date but eugenenakamura.com
    Wow a real musician. Hats off to you sir, the financially struggling artist life is tough, and I admire anyone who's able to make it work.
  12. #12
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qk-bI82knM

    My guitar playing.

    Been playing since 14. Play in band in a blues bar once a month.
    Normski
  13. #13
    I played alto sax and French horn while I was in high school and university. I quit both in the middle of my degree because I didn't have any time to practice. I remember going to orchestra rehearsal every week never having practiced ever and I am pretty sure they only kept me because they really needed French horn players.

    I play a very limited amount of piano now. Got lessons a couple years ago but then quit them because I couldn't commit enough time for practice and didn't want to burn anymore money.

    I'm sad I don't play French horn anymore. I picked it up really fast when I first learned it (could play things that most people need 3 years to learn within 6 months and without private lessons). If I could live my life again knowing what I know now, I would have started playing French horn when I was a kid and tried to make it in performance. Apparently I'd rather be a starving musician than a degen gambler.
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  14. #14
    That's you?
  15. #15
    Quote Originally Posted by Pascal View Post
    That's you?
    If you mean me - nope, not me in vid. I played the guitar on the song (bit of a rip off of a Steve Earle song) - hence him getting the chords wrong in the vid...

    Idea is a spoof country documentary (ala Spinal Tap). Got some interest from C4 and some other comedy networks. Guy in the vid was on VIP (shit comedy on C4 - the main guy is Terry who is in the show The Mimic which is starting next week I think).
    Normski
  16. #16
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    I played a recorder in 3rd grade school band. I played the baritone in 4th grade. Took alto sax lessons in 5th grade. Realized that I hated "breath control". Took keyboard lessons in 6th grade.

    None of those really stuck.

    In high school, I picked up a disused classical guitar and taught myself to play. I played every single day, without fail, for 8 years. I'm pretty good at jamming along with about anything. I sing and write, too, so there's that. I've written dozens of songs, so the whole "dude with an acoustic guitar at open mic night"... yeah.. I got that down pat.

    I later got a bass, 'cause

    Quote Originally Posted by d0zer View Post
    like any guitar player -- I like to pretend that I can play the bass.
    I put the time in, though, and learned to play as many styles as I could tolerate. I played bass in a band for long enough to make an album and play the local clubs.

    I've written butt-loads of scores using Finale... but that computer died and I might have only MIDI files left of that stuff.

    I wrote a duet for Violin and Cello that I could probably find a hand-written copy of and scan/post if you're interested.

    Truth be told, though. When I went back to college and got my degree, the study load was so intense that I literally had no time for practice. That lasted 4 years, and it's been super slow to come back into my life. I play the acoustic (deep body Ovation classical) when I'm bored of my computer, which is almost never. So... my chops are about terrible, but it's shocking how much I haven't forgotten.
  17. #17
    I just gots me a late 60s SG. Sadly it's been modded badly, the neck PU is in the wrong spot and such but the neck still plays beautifully, and the bridge PU sounds great.

  18. #18
    Nice. Very jealous.
    Normski
  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by d0zer View Post
    I just gots me a late 60s SG. Sadly it's been modded badly, the neck PU is in the wrong spot and such but the neck still plays beautifully, and the bridge PU sounds great.

    I had a 77. Best neck ever made.
    “Right thoughts produce right actions and right actions produce work which will be a material reflection for others to see of the serenity at the center of it all”

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  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by rpm View Post
    SO SUPA POST HERE
    I'M HERE!

    And fortunately half drunk myself so rah rah babble babble wink wink nudge nudge...

    I was doing a jam night with some friends and I posted some links to some live recordings we did in my for now dead blog so check those out if you want.

    WARNING. If you liked the blues thing you might hate what you hear.

    Fuck it. Here's one https://soundcloud.com/jukeboxmutiny...lades-of-grass

    Start it at .55 It drags out forever so when you get bored forward to 7:50. Although there is some fun 6 finger shit at like 6:45. Iunno, put some headphones on and love it or hate it.

    DISCLAIMER. NOT FOR THE ELECTRIC GUITAR HATERS.
    “Right thoughts produce right actions and right actions produce work which will be a material reflection for others to see of the serenity at the center of it all”

    Put hero on a goddamn range part II- The 6max years

    Quote Originally Posted by d0zer View Post
    start using your brain more and vagina less

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  21. #21
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    Quote Originally Posted by rpm View Post
    i to did all of these things except i started from guitar instead of drums. though i'm still very confident i can play bass despite spending no more than 1hr lifetime actually playing one
    Anyone who plays a standard guitar can play the bass. Almost none of them can actually play the bass.
    “Right thoughts produce right actions and right actions produce work which will be a material reflection for others to see of the serenity at the center of it all”

    Put hero on a goddamn range part II- The 6max years

    Quote Originally Posted by d0zer View Post
    start using your brain more and vagina less

    Quote Originally Posted by kingnat View Post
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  22. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by d0zer View Post
    I find most guitar players don't know how to phrase bass lines more complicated than straight 8th/quarter notes. They don't turn off the notes, or phrase bass lines like "real" bass players do. After playing with real bass players and 1hr lifetime bass/guitar players, the difference is so noticeable.

    ...not to question your bass skills or anything -- I'm sure you're amazing
    Charles Mingus FTW!!!
    “Right thoughts produce right actions and right actions produce work which will be a material reflection for others to see of the serenity at the center of it all”

    Put hero on a goddamn range part II- The 6max years

    Quote Originally Posted by d0zer View Post
    start using your brain more and vagina less

    Quote Originally Posted by kingnat View Post
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  23. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by d0zer View Post
    Wow a real musician. Hats off to you sir, the financially struggling artist life is tough, and I admire anyone who's able to make it work.
    Yeah, I remember how tough it was to be a starving musician. Getting drunk as fuck nightly and snorting cocaine off of hookers asses was the worst.
    “Right thoughts produce right actions and right actions produce work which will be a material reflection for others to see of the serenity at the center of it all”

    Put hero on a goddamn range part II- The 6max years

    Quote Originally Posted by d0zer View Post
    start using your brain more and vagina less

    Quote Originally Posted by kingnat View Post
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  24. #24
    Quote Originally Posted by supa View Post
    Yeah, I remember how tough it was to be a starving musician. Getting drunk as fuck nightly and snorting cocaine off of hookers asses was the worst.
    I like to imagine that most classical violin players finish a concert and immediately go into hooker & blow mode.
  25. #25
    lol ya. i mean there's the top 1% of 1% of stars who get mega paycheques and actually do that. see david garrett, even though he's more "crossover" than a traditional classical player. even a surprisingly high number of "traditional" artists are coke addicts or whatever though. apparently a pretty stressful life actually and many with alcohol/drug problems.

    if you're rank and file in the orchestra usually you just maybe catch a beer and go home to your wife and kids, like any other salaried employee in another profession.
  26. #26
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    Quote Originally Posted by rpm View Post
    ...i'm curious how many more musicians there are here on FTR...
    started on lekky Guitar (have a Gibson SG like d0zer's; later model i think, w/ a Bigsby trem unit)
    then got into synths/electronica/recording an' t'ing
    bit of fretless bass, and studied classical/spanish guitar for a while (might pick this up again, atcherly)
    but now mainly Drums

    i love Drums. i can't begin to tell you how much i love Drums
    don't want no tutti-frutti, no lollipop
  27. #27
    Quote Originally Posted by supa View Post
    I'M HERE!

    And fortunately half drunk myself so rah rah babble babble wink wink nudge nudge...

    I was doing a jam night with some friends and I posted some links to some live recordings we did in my for now dead blog so check those out if you want.

    WARNING. If you liked the blues thing you might hate what you hear.

    Fuck it. Here's one https://soundcloud.com/jukeboxmutiny...lades-of-grass

    Start it at .55 It drags out forever so when you get bored forward to 7:50. Although there is some fun 6 finger shit at like 6:45. Iunno, put some headphones on and love it or hate it.

    DISCLAIMER. NOT FOR THE ELECTRIC GUITAR HATERS.
    Not bad dude. Wasn't expecting the metal riff at the end.
    Normski
  28. #28
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    kingnat confirmed best musician on ftr. not close.
  29. #29
    Quote Originally Posted by bikes View Post
    kingnat confirmed best musician on ftr. not close.

    So you click their picture and then you get their money?
  30. #30
    I sing and play guitar. Just basic strumming and finger picking things. I sing better than I play, and I don't play all that well. I've built up a solid repertoire of songs of a certain style that I enjoy playing and listening too.

    I've only ever played solo since this past May, and then just started at an Open Mic night. I've played a couple of paying gigs, and there is a chance that a booking agent is going to come listen to me play a gig tomorrow night. We'll see if anything comes from that.
    So you click their picture and then you get their money?
  31. #31
    rong's Avatar
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    Violin's sound so lonely.
    I'm the king of bongo, baby I'm the king of bongo bong.
  32. #32
    I think we should get a song going.

    Choose something simple so that everyone can play/sing it, then everyone gets a line, verse etc...

    Put your section on youtube, some clever fucker posts them together.

    We have an FTR theme tune...

    The Gambler by Kenny Rogers anyone?
    Normski
  33. #33
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    Wilbur... Bing Bang Blaow ldo.

    Where the fuck is RPM???

    Drunk thread here I come.
    “Right thoughts produce right actions and right actions produce work which will be a material reflection for others to see of the serenity at the center of it all”

    Put hero on a goddamn range part II- The 6max years

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  34. #34
    rpm's Avatar
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    i'm about, sup?
  35. #35
    supa's Avatar
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    Nothin, drunk and trolling.
    “Right thoughts produce right actions and right actions produce work which will be a material reflection for others to see of the serenity at the center of it all”

    Put hero on a goddamn range part II- The 6max years

    Quote Originally Posted by d0zer View Post
    start using your brain more and vagina less

    Quote Originally Posted by kingnat View Post
    Members who's signature is a humorous quote about his/herself made by someone who is considered a notable member of the FTR community to give themselves a sense of belonging.
  36. #36
    So, a bit of a brag, and no where else to put it. So the place that I've played gigs at is owned by my friend, who is putting me in contact with the booking agent that he regularly uses. His guy said there aren't a lot of venues that request "acoustic guitar and a ball of feelings"-style music, but there are a few and not many acts in Fargo that do it. So, I might be getting some more gigs in the future, like a real musician.
    So you click their picture and then you get their money?
  37. #37
    you live in Fargo??? Cool film!
    Normski
  38. #38
    rpm's Avatar
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    feel free to post any videos/recordings of yourselves if such things exist
  39. #39
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    kingnat's damien rice's delicate makes the angels cry
  40. #40
    MadMojoMonkey's Avatar
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    How would I share .wma files?

    I have a 10 song session that I laid down one night. I could dole 'em out 1 at a time or just drop 'em all at once... whatever.
  41. #41
    Quote Originally Posted by MadMojoMonkey View Post
    How would I share .wma files?

    I have a 10 song session that I laid down one night. I could dole 'em out 1 at a time or just drop 'em all at once... whatever.
    Just make them into a torrent or zip them and upload them to somewhere like mediafire.
  42. #42
    MadMojoMonkey's Avatar
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    OK. uploaded to mediafire.

    how to share?

    EDIT: I didn't zip them or anything... they're still .wma files

    EDIT EDIT:
    Believe Me, Beautiful
    Down Time
    Get Stoked
    We'll Find the Light
    Doin' Fine
    Last edited by MadMojoMonkey; 03-15-2013 at 07:36 PM.
  43. #43
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  44. #44
    Zipping them would just mean that you could juts link to one file and people could download them all.
  45. #45
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  46. #46
    Quote Originally Posted by kingnat View Post
    So, a bit of a brag, and no where else to put it. So the place that I've played gigs at is owned by my friend, who is putting me in contact with the booking agent that he regularly uses. His guy said there aren't a lot of venues that request "acoustic guitar and a ball of feelings"-style music, but there are a few and not many acts in Fargo that do it. So, I might be getting some more gigs in the future, like a real musician.
    Updates: I got a gig! $500 and a free room at a place 2 1/2 hours away. Shiiiip!!!

    So I am uber-new to this thing, I have a few questions from the sagely musicians here. I have a decent acoustic guitar (Taylor 210), and a Dean Markley insertable pickup (which i'm guessing is shitty but I don't know), and that's it. I've read various threads about using a pre-amp, but I don't understand what the purpose is. I don't know what to expect from playing at a place that I've never been too, and I don't really know the lingo to ask in an intelligent way. I'm guessing most places have their own PA, but do I need a pre-amp or some other kind of box thing?

    One thing that I know I really like to have is a good monitor. I feel a lot more comfortable playing if I can hear the balance of my voice and the guitar. I don't know if most places have this, or if I should always bring a speaker with me and cords to hook it up in case they don't have one.
    So you click their picture and then you get their money?
  47. #47
    Quote Originally Posted by MadMojoMonkey View Post
    I'm a big fan of your voice, think it suits the style really well. Think some of the music is a bit bland but if you added more to it in the sense of a band I think it'd be nice.

    The lyrics are generic and boring for the most part though, but that may just be me.
  48. #48
    MadMojoMonkey's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by kingnat View Post
    Updates: I got a gig! $500 and a free room at a place 2 1/2 hours away. Shiiiip!!!

    So I am uber-new to this thing, I have a few questions from the sagely musicians here. I have a decent acoustic guitar (Taylor 210), and a Dean Markley insertable pickup (which i'm guessing is shitty but I don't know), and that's it. I've read various threads about using a pre-amp, but I don't understand what the purpose is. I don't know what to expect from playing at a place that I've never been too, and I don't really know the lingo to ask in an intelligent way. I'm guessing most places have their own PA, but do I need a pre-amp or some other kind of box thing?

    One thing that I know I really like to have is a good monitor. I feel a lot more comfortable playing if I can hear the balance of my voice and the guitar. I don't know if most places have this, or if I should always bring a speaker with me and cords to hook it up in case they don't have one.
    Never trust a venue to have a single piece of sound equipment of acceptable quality. They might have a SHITTY microphone and some terrible house speakers, they are just about never going to have stage monitors. Call and talk to the person who will be there the night of the performance and try to figure out as much as you can. Don't worry if you don't know the lingo; you will learn it quickly, especially if you ask questions when someone says something confusing.

    Most venues' house PA is old, beat up, and has no bass response, so your voice will sound like someone is standing on your nuts. There will not be anyone there to run a mixing board (lol... to assume they have a mixing board) so you'll need to balance your microphones and instruments yourself, and you're on stage, not in the audience, so unless you have friends you can communicate about audio with, you'll never sound as good as you think you did.

    I could go on and on. In short, if you didn't bring it, odds are it's not there. I'd say you need at least 1 good friend to help you out with hand signals to help with volume and tonal balance. If you have a back-up guitar, bring it. Strings break at the worst times. If you have extra microphones and cables, bring them.

    Make sure that everything you intend to leave the venue with is clearly marked as yours. Also, if you bring any cases with you, have an inventory sheet taped to the inside of the lid. There will be a lot going on as you're packing up to leave, and you want to make sure to account for distractions.

    Most guitarists use their own amp and speakers, then use a microphone on the speaker cabinet to run to the house PA. This preserves their tone, and allows them to play at the volume they want, even using their cab as their stage monitor. You will want your rig running as usual in this regard.

    The pre-amp is likely for your vocal mic. If you take a house mic directly into house amp (a radio unit 1/2 the time) you will be very disappointed with the tone. Using a pre-amp on your vocals will do a huge amount to make sure you're not losing tone due to a weak signal.

    I can't stress enough how vital it is to bring your own vocal mic. Any mic they offer you is going to smell like a hundred people's bad breath, and it's tonal characteristics are going to infuriate you. Also, bring a pop shield if you have one. Not all venues are properly electrically grounded and getting a shock on the lips when you are trying to sing can seriously make you yelp and ruin a song.

    I could go on and on.
  49. #49
    MadMojoMonkey's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ImSavy View Post
    I'm a big fan of your voice, think it suits the style really well. Think some of the music is a bit bland but if you added more to it in the sense of a band I think it'd be nice.

    The lyrics are generic and boring for the most part though, but that may just be me.
    I'm very proud of the lyrics, but I'm not very fond of my voice.

    Totally agree about the band, though.
  50. #50
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    Quote Originally Posted by MadMojoMonkey View Post
    Never trust a venue to have a single piece of sound equipment of acceptable quality. They might have a SHITTY microphone and some terrible house speakers, they are just about never going to have stage monitors. Call and talk to the person who will be there the night of the performance and try to figure out as much as you can. Don't worry if you don't know the lingo; you will learn it quickly, especially if you ask questions when someone says something confusing.

    Most venues' house PA is old, beat up, and has no bass response, so your voice will sound like someone is standing on your nuts. There will not be anyone there to run a mixing board (lol... to assume they have a mixing board) so you'll need to balance your microphones and instruments yourself, and you're on stage, not in the audience, so unless you have friends you can communicate about audio with, you'll never sound as good as you think you did.

    I could go on and on. In short, if you didn't bring it, odds are it's not there. I'd say you need at least 1 good friend to help you out with hand signals to help with volume and tonal balance. If you have a back-up guitar, bring it. Strings break at the worst times. If you have extra microphones and cables, bring them.

    Make sure that everything you intend to leave the venue with is clearly marked as yours. Also, if you bring any cases with you, have an inventory sheet taped to the inside of the lid. There will be a lot going on as you're packing up to leave, and you want to make sure to account for distractions.

    Most guitarists use their own amp and speakers, then use a microphone on the speaker cabinet to run to the house PA. This preserves their tone, and allows them to play at the volume they want, even using their cab as their stage monitor. You will want your rig running as usual in this regard.

    The pre-amp is likely for your vocal mic. If you take a house mic directly into house amp (a radio unit 1/2 the time) you will be very disappointed with the tone. Using a pre-amp on your vocals will do a huge amount to make sure you're not losing tone due to a weak signal.

    I can't stress enough how vital it is to bring your own vocal mic. Any mic they offer you is going to smell like a hundred people's bad breath, and it's tonal characteristics are going to infuriate you. Also, bring a pop shield if you have one. Not all venues are properly electrically grounded and getting a shock on the lips when you are trying to sing can seriously make you yelp and ruin a song.

    I could go on and on.
    LOLUSLocal GigScene
    don't want no tutti-frutti, no lollipop
  51. #51
    Quote Originally Posted by MadMojoMonkey View Post
    Never trust a venue to have a single piece of sound equipment of acceptable quality. Call and talk to the person who will be there the night of the performance and try to figure out as much as you can.

    I'd say you need at least 1 good friend to help you out with hand signals to help with volume and tonal balance. If you have a back-up guitar, bring it. Strings break at the worst times. If you have extra microphones and cables, bring them.

    Most guitarists use their own amp and speakers, then use a microphone on the speaker cabinet to run to the house PA. This preserves their tone, and allows them to play at the volume they want, even using their cab as their stage monitor. You will want your rig running as usual in this regard.

    The pre-amp is likely for your vocal mic. If you take a house mic directly into house amp (a radio unit 1/2 the time) you will be very disappointed with the tone. Using a pre-amp on your vocals will do a huge amount to make sure you're not losing tone due to a weak signal.
    Things I have:
    1 guitar
    1 pickup w/ 1/4" cord
    1 vocal mic
    1 mic cord

    Things I could maybe borrow:
    Various amps, cords, and other mics.
    I think I could borrow something like this: http://www.zzounds.com/item--FEN2313500
    Might be able to borrow a PA like this: http://www.zzounds.com/item--FEN0694401
    Could possibly find a decent backup guitar from someone

    I haven't called the gal at the gig site yet. I guess I should, but am fearful of sounding like a moron.

    I don't want to have to drop tons of money on shit, when I don't know what to get, or how to differentiate with any expertise, just how good something sounds.

    blarg.
    So you click their picture and then you get their money?
  52. #52
    MadMojoMonkey's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by kingnat View Post
    Things I have:
    Always bring what you have.

    Also some minimal standard equipment:
    A complete extra set of strings
    At least one additional extra high-E string
    A set of mic cable adapters that will get you from whatever you have to XLR male, XLR female, and 1/4"
    A ground plug lifter (don't know if this matters overseas, but here sometimes they only have a 2-prong outlet and you have a 3-prong plug. This is a $0.50 item at any home improvement store.)
    An extension cord and powerstrip.

    Quote Originally Posted by kingnat View Post
    Things I could maybe borrow:
    Definitely on the extra cords and mics (couple of backup cords and 1 backup mic is enough for a 1 man gig). Test everything before you pack it. No surprises.
    Definitely on the backup guitar.

    A backup amp is a huge luxury I never had, but a heavy and bulky one to take with and rarely use. I don't think it's necessary for a one-time gig.

    On the amp and PA: IF you can't rely on the house to have a quality PA that is intended for stage performances, AND someone running the sound board, THEN you will have to borrow those things.

    Quote Originally Posted by kingnat View Post
    I haven't called the gal at the gig site yet. I guess I should, but am fearful of sounding like a moron.
    Better to sound like an idiot than be one. One of those conditions is temporary.

    Call the gal and ask this:
    Do you have a house PA? If yes, then:
    Do you have a sound board? If yes, then:
    Will someone be there running the sound board on the night I will be there?

    If the answer to any of those is no, then you will have to bring your own equipment.

    If those 3 are all yes, then:
    Will you supply a mic and cable for my guitar amp?
    If no:
    Check your amp to see if it has a line out. If so, you may be able to plug it directly into the sound board without a mic.

    If you can speak with someone there who runs the sound board, ask:
    Can I patch directly from the line out on my amp into the sound board?
    Patch just means run a cord from A to B.

    If they suggest that you can, but you need a Direct Inject box (or Direct box or DI box), then a ~$40 investment can be a nice alternative to a quality mic. PLUS, the DI box is something that will quietly pay for itself by protecting far more expensive equipment. I have the Behringer Ultra-G GI100 DI, and I have never had a problem. Also, it's nice to see the worry melt off the sound guy's face when you show him that you care about protecting his stuff. This is really more common for bass players, but there's no reason it wouldn't do the trick.

    If the venue wont supply a mic and wont allow you to use a DI box, then you're going to have to bring your own mic and cable (with adapters, obv.).

    Quote Originally Posted by kingnat View Post
    I don't want to have to drop tons of money on shit, when I don't know what to get, or how to differentiate with any expertise, just how good something sounds.
    Sucks to be you, then, since you wont ask questions to be less of a moron.

    All joking aside, you're just going to have to make some (what seem like) large investments in your gear when you start doing gigs. All of the electronics have resale value if you replace them in a year or two. So you can usually find used equipment in your price range. Also, there is only a bottomless pit that sucks away money in the audio equipment category. You will never be completely satisfied with what you have, as there is always another (probably more expensive) toy that sounds a little better or does a little more or is just inspiring, etc. Of course, some things don't lose value if they are well maintained.

    I have never bought any musical equipment on the first time I spoke with a salesman about it. It is your right as the customer to know what you're buying, so ask all the questions you want. Usually the people who work in music stores are big music geeks who love to talk about what they know about. So find one who knows about whatever it is you're thinking of buying and start talking. Then go to another store and talk to their geek. Keep doing this until you feel confident that you know what you want.

    Quote Originally Posted by kingnat View Post
    blarg.
    I hear you, brother.

    One final note: Gear tends to disappear when you get home from the gig. Keep an eye on all your stuff. Keep it in a locked place when it's not in your sight. (Implicit cautionary tales that I wont type out.)
  53. #53
    MMM, that was a legendary post, that answered pretty much every question I had and assuaged most of my concerns. Much, much thanks bra!
    So you click their picture and then you get their money?
  54. #54
    rpm's Avatar
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    i can't really speak for the state of in-house sound systems where you are - it sounds far worse than most gig-hosting venues i've been to here. but you seem pretty much in the dark about what's expected of you with this gig so i'd definitely ring the place and ask what you want to know. true you may come across as inexperienced (everyone was once) to the owner of the joint but they're unlikely to scrap your gig because "he sounds on the phone like he's never even gigged before!" and they will ultimately decide whether to hire you again based on the quality of the performance (which obv in turn depends in part on your ability to utilise the gear/personel at your disposal).

    also, DEFINITELY have two spare sets of new strings handy. i'd probably plan to have a newish set on the instrument too, so long as they are adequately stretched and holding tune before you arrive for the gig.
  55. #55
    So apparently i need to learn to read a contract... I was actually booked to play back-to-back nights. lulz.

    I ended up borrowing a PA from a buddy, with a monitor and everything. It worked really well. Played 3 sets, 1h, 1h 15m and 1h, with roughly 30 min breaks. The place was totally dead, but I wasn't chasing out any of the people that came in. Apparently there is a big party scheduled at the place tonight, so hopefully they'll stick around for awhile.

    It was still an amazing opportunity to play a full show (not to mention getting paid and getting comped an entire suite for me and my friends for two nights!). I was really concerned about my throat holding up, but it feels surprisingly good today and I'm trying to treat it well. Big thanks for all the suggestions here, especially to m^3.
    So you click their picture and then you get their money?
  56. #56
    MadMojoMonkey's Avatar
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    Great news.
  57. #57
    rpm's Avatar
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    anyone here play resonator guitars?
  58. #58
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    Quote Originally Posted by d0zer View Post
    I find most guitar players don't know how to phrase bass lines more complicated than straight 8th/quarter notes. They don't turn off the notes, or phrase bass lines like "real" bass players do. After playing with real bass players and 1hr lifetime bass/guitar players, the difference is so noticeable.

    ...not to question your bass skills or anything -- I'm sure you're amazing
    if you can play the bass like Les Claypool, then you can play the bass.
    Virginity is like a bubble: one prick and it's all gone
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  59. #59
    MadMojoMonkey's Avatar
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    Victor Wooten is the man when it comes to bass.
    Marcus Miller is world class as well.
  60. #60
    Show #2 is in the books as well. The party at the resort didn't resort. Roughly 80 people, mostly mingling and drinking but got a few people on the dance floor for some of the more recognizable ballads. I wasn't driving anybody out of the place and several were complimentary afterwards. Overall it was a really great experience. Thanks again all.

    Now we'll see what pops up from here...
    So you click their picture and then you get their money?
  61. #61
    Good to hear it went well, good planning leads to success
  62. #62
    rpm's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by kingnat View Post
    Show #2 is in the books as well. The party at the resort didn't resort. Roughly 80 people, mostly mingling and drinking but got a few people on the dance floor for some of the more recognizable ballads. I wasn't driving anybody out of the place and several were complimentary afterwards. Overall it was a really great experience. Thanks again all.

    Now we'll see what pops up from here...
    glad to hear it. now you've got the taste
  63. #63
    Quote Originally Posted by rpm View Post
    anyone here play resonator guitars?
    I got a dobro.

    I play a bit of slide on it (not lap style) plus its great for old blues. I play a lot of fingerpicking/delta stuff.

    You got one?
    Normski
  64. #64
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    Quote Originally Posted by WillburForce View Post
    I got a dobro.

    I play a bit of slide on it (not lap style) plus its great for old blues. I play a lot of fingerpicking/delta stuff.

    You got one?
    no but i am very seriously considering buying one. are you able to provide any recommendations regarding brands of instrument or style/size/make of cones?

    edit: i'm on a very limited budget and i haven't much experience playing slide so i guess i'm just looking for a cheap-enough resonator guitar that isn't such low quality that it loses tune before i'm able to finish a 3 minute blues/swing progression or whatever it may be.

    edit: making it simpler, are there are any particular brands/styles of resonator/body that i ought to avoid?
    Last edited by rpm; 04-22-2013 at 02:18 PM.
  65. #65
    I've got an Ozark 3515 - http://www.ozark-acoustic.com/guitars/resonators.html.

    I got this 2nd hand on ebay for roughly £160 I think - had it a good few years. I love it. Holds its tune and has a lovely tone. It does look pretty cool as well...

    I personally wouldn't want to spend under £250 for a new reso. I've played a couple of cheaper ones and they play really bad. I actually prefer buying 2nd hand guitars - I like my guitars to be a bit worn in. Then I get them set-up they way I like them. If I was you I'd go to a few guitar shops, try some out, then try and find one on ebay.

    One thing to look out for is to get the right shape neck - if you're planning on playing the guitar in normal position (ie not lap style) make sure you get a round neck (NOT a square neck). Friend of mine made this school boy error...

    With regards the cones and bridges, I have a round neck with a spider bridge (Google). This is just what the guitar I bought happens to have and works for me. To be honest I wouldn't worry that much on your first reso - you won't notice the diff!

    I bought a dobro rather than a full metal as I prefer the look..wish I had a better reason!

    Like most guitars you get what you pay for - resonators are more expensive because of the parts, so expect to pay more than you would a low end decent acoustic.

    Hope this helps.

    I've got a day off today and am going to have a little strum. I'll try and post a little thing on Youtube of mine in action.
    Last edited by WillburForce; 04-23-2013 at 03:53 AM.
    Normski
  66. #66
    rpm's Avatar
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    thanks a heap for taking the time. i'd be interested to see/hear you play some fingerstyle delta blues! i've been trying to learn fingerstyle blues techniques lately.
  67. #67
    Here you are:

    Quick coupla recordings:

    1: Dobro http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2EzQpjkuB4

    2: Detlaish Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH51F051z7g

    ***Disclaimer*** This is recorded on my phone and I'm not very good!
    Normski
  68. #68
    rpm's Avatar
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    all sounded really good to me. cheers. seems we could well have similar taste in music too. it all sounded like the kind of stuff i want to learn to play. thanks again
  69. #69
    No worries - if you're ever in London we could hook up for a jam.
    Normski
  70. #70
    rpm's Avatar
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    i'll be sure to let you know if (when, i should say) i make it to the UK
  71. #71
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    I play the guitar, bass, and drums reasonably well. I'm probably weakest on drums because I've never had a chance to practice other than playing zillions of hours of rock band expert mode and occasionally knock around my roommates kit.

    At one point in time I was probably top 5 percentile bass player but it's been so long since I touched a bass that I'm undoubtedly rusty as hell. My most prized possession (in a storage building in U.S.) is a sunburst rickenbacker 4003 4-string. Sadly old habits die hard and I prefer the feel of the geddy lee sig jazz bass. I also own a mexican fretless 4-str fender jazz.

    I currently only keep a cheap p.o.s. acoustic that I plan to sell back whenever I travel somewhere new. I knock around classical pieces, there's a couple of dubious-quality youtube vids of me attempting to play classical guitar (proceeding this post) and I'd say classical guitar is currently my strongest game.





  72. #72
    Pretty nice Mr Renton
    Normski
  73. #73
    rpm's Avatar
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    what are all you guitarists' thoughts on maple vs rosewood fretboards, if any at all? i prefer maple, but i can't tell if that's purely an aesthetic choice or if the playability actually is better.
  74. #74
    MadMojoMonkey's Avatar
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    I could never tell the difference. I have rosewood on my Gibson, electric setup with the action as low as it can go. I have ebony on my Ovation, classical with ridiculously high action. I don't think the strings ever touch either fretboard, but I could be wrong. Particularly when I'm being sloppy on the low frets.

    What do you notice? Can you feel the texture with your fingertips? Friction when you're bending notes?
  75. #75
    I thought there was a fairly minor (depending who you ask) difference in tone...maple sharper rosewood warmer or something like that? I think some people do claim that maple feels better to play. idk.

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