amp off the floor vs amp stand
Watching the Bassman chronicles I keep hearing the good advice of getting the amp off the foor - 1 or 2 milk crates what about an amp stand which is only 2-4 inches off the floor but angles the amp so it is facing upward at about a 15 - 30 degree angle? not asking if its better or worse (well, maybe) but more like are there tips or suggestions on best use of an amp stand.
by the way, great videos and info in this series on the Bassman. I also appreciate the reference to other amps so the info can be interpreted in a more generic sense. Thanks
Hank, are you playing in a mic everything up situation? I have found that I have to think about the set up when deciding what to do. I like getting the bassman up chair high as long as that won't get the sound over the head of people who are seated if I am not miced up. Using a wireless has really altered my view of what is going on with placement and micing things. If you use the tilt back you might hear yourself fine, but you may be the only one to hear your playing - just my view.
David might have a totally different view, but if it is possible i always like everything miced and if one person is miced I think everyone needs to be included in the pa mix.
David also gave some great advice once about working with sound men - don't play at full volume during soundcheck. If you do, I can almost promise that you won't get as much as you want when you start playing. There is a sound man here that has a great ear, but hates feedback issues as much as the next sound guy - he is not fond of working with harp players.
I always enjoy reading your posts - thanks for helping me think.
Hey Bob - I haven't been mixing the amp mostly because I'm playing in a jam situation and the house band bass player runs the board and really likes it when he doesn't have to 'mess' with a new/different setting for a new mic set up. They have been pretty good about letting me set up before their first set (while they are getting set up , sound checks etc.) and very happy that they don't have to worry about the harp amp (HarpGear DT at this stage).
I usually set up and have the mic control at 1/2 volume so I have room for solos. I also have someone in the audience give me had signals if I'm not heard or too loud and I'm close enough to the amp to adjust if I need to beyond the mic volume. So far I've used the amp stand but will have to get it up on a chair and try that. Haven't had the nerve to bring the wireless set up which I use at home. I guess its a compromise decision for me as to how much trouble/gear to go to for the sake of a 3 or 4 song set at the jam. I do let other harp players (maybe 1 or 2 and most of the time none) that show up use the rig if they want. Setting up ahead of time has worked out well and I can just go up and think about playing without all the other static.
Yeah, the more I think about it, at my level, its compromise, compromise, compromise. Maybe one dayI'll have the chance to have enough involvement in a gig to make it worth while to set up fully. Right now I'll try the chair and maybe the wireless and see how that goes.
I appreciate your comments. I learn a lot from other's experience and thoughts. Thanks
Hank, I think you have a good approach to your situation. As a guy adds toys it can get to the point that it is almost not worth the effort. Last week I arranged my toys on a pedal board so that everything I use can just be plugged in to power and i am ready to play - when the gig is over unplug , cover the amp, and load up. i have encountered situations where you ony have 5-10 minutes between acts to be set up or torn down and it makes me even more nervous than i am normally when rushed.
If you have a chance, do use your wireless (what do you have). It can be such a surprise to hear what an audience is hearing. I admire guys like you who have the nerve to do the jams. While I am lucky enough to play in a band (Dicky James and the Blue Flames), the thought of doing jams is like being a little kid without the security blanket for me.
Thanks for your comments Bob. I'll give the wireless a shot (Samson 77 from Greg at Blows Me Away) -. I love it for home use as it lets me move around while I'm fiddling with set up without tripping over wires. That would also be the advantage at the jam. Sometimes I wish I had 5 - 10 minutes. It does make for a need to take a deep breath before the first number.
As for nerve, at my (st)age of life, there is no ego left and I'm having so much fun at the only time I get to play with others, that I just go for it. Having this site for learning and practice and having attended the last three Masterclass week ends, gives me enough confidence to know when to play, when not to play and what to play. I'm also lucky that the folks who run the jam and the other players are very supportive and have seen me since I started so they understand and accept where I'm at.
In my experience off the floor, as close to ear level as possible is best.