Need advice: using the headliner's amp

pottedmeat42 · March 25th, 2008, 12:14 PM

I have a pretty big gig coming up at a semi-legendary Dallas venue. I'll be playing electric (tele of course) & lap steel to back up a local singer-songwriter. We are opening for an established roots rock band.

The headliner has suggested (thru channels) that I use their guitarists amp for our set (it is really important to them that we setup & tear down *very* quickly). He described the amp as a: "Fender 57 refurbished". Not sure exactly what that means. I don't know the headliner or have their contact info.

All I really need to get by is a good clean tone. I don't need any overdrive for this gig.

What advice could you give me: Should I trust that that this amp will be capable of delivering cleans? Should I bring my own amp? Also, what's the proper etiquette for an opening act using the headliners gear? Is it ok to adjust the amp settings to my preferences?

Not trying to be *TOO* dense here. This is a potentially breakthrough gig & I don't want to blow it - either by generating ill will or by having bad tone.

Any thoughts? Thanks. =jason

bluescube · March 25th, 2008, 12:49 PM

Bring your own amp. If they ask you to use the headliners amp at soundcheck, then give it a try. If it won't work, you should be able to use your amp as long as it can be struck off the stage fast and the soundguy has a spare mic for it. Smaller the combo the better, no full stacks LOL.

KC · March 25th, 2008, 01:01 PM

former sound guy here. my advice would be to bring a small combo amp that you know & feel comfortable with to the gig. Why? The guitar player for the headline act may not actually be in the loop on this conversation. He may not like you playing through his amp -- and he may not let you change the settings on the amp, either. I've seen this happen many, many times. People generally don't like other people playing through their stuff. I don't.

So: no pedal boards, no combo amps, nothing that requires a set-up or tear-down. One plug, a little amp on a chair and one speaker to throw a mic on. If you can get by with this, you'll make life easier for everybody -- who will in turn make life easier for you.

(If you get to the gig and they really want you to use that exact amp and you can get a usable (not ideal but usable) sound out of it, go with the flow.)

Tim Armstrong · March 25th, 2008, 01:10 PM

I'd expect the amp to be some kinda tweed, most likely a Deluxe (but who knows?). I'd really hate to have to plug into someone else's amp and have to get a tone real quick. Not that there's a huge likelihood that it won't be a good-sounding rig, but if the other guy doesn't go for the same kind of tone I do, that could be a hassle.

I have a Yamaha Magic Stomp (think "Pod"), and I'd probably bring it along as a backup, and use it at the very least as a tone-shaper in front of the other amp (if that amp didn't sound like me).

I would definitely bring a note pad and write down the settings on the amp, so if you did need to adjust it, you could turn it back to his settings when you're done!

Cheers, Tim

pottedmeat42 · March 25th, 2008, 06:27 PM

thanks everyone...I suppose I have been completely overlooking the fact that we will have a soundcheck.

I'll bring a little 1x2, keep it just off stage & be ready for either outcome.

=jason

garytelecastor · March 25th, 2008, 06:35 PM

I completely concur with all of the above. Always, always bring your own gear. They are hiring your band, and it doesn't really matter in all seriousness what the headliner likes. These opening things are stressful enough without playing on unfamiliar gear. The 2 minutes it takes for you to remove your equipment is not going to make any difference at all in the overall scheme of the night.
I don't know who the jerk is in the other band, but tell him to go and intercourse himself. You have every right to expect nothing but a professional atmosphere and to be treated with dignity and respect. MMMMAAAANNNN, the stones on some people!!!!!!

BTW, I can't count the number of times I have done one of these things and not got a sound check.
Bring your own stuff, don't discuss it any further and just set up, if they ask about it, be very adamant that you will be using your gear. PERIOD. Don't be nasty, just be firm and convicted.

Jason-I know you are trying to be cooperative, and not make waves, but please believe me, whoever asked this of you could care less about how you feel regarding this. Stand up for your musical voice.
Let the dog lay until you get there, play dumb and insist on playing your own stuff. This should be an enjoyable and exciting gig for you guys. I have never, ever been happy with my performance or tone when I use someone elses gear. Also who knows, the player whose gear you are using may not want you to touch it. So you get up there and now you can't get the tone you want. By all means, BRING and PLAY on your own gear.

bradpdx · March 25th, 2008, 06:57 PM

Yep. Always, always use your own gear. The amount of trial and tribulation avoided this way is worth every bit of extra hassle and you won't regret it.

I recall the last time I used someone else's rig. I was assured that they would have a "really nice amp" there, and I fell for it.

It turned out to be a Marshall JCM800 with a 4x12 cabinet, no reverb. It was a country gig - not exactly a good match. "Nice amp" for a Zep tribute band, I suppose.

After trying the Marshall for about 20 seconds, I was running out to the parking lot to retrieve the DR hidden in my trunk. Whew!!

mudbean · March 25th, 2008, 07:14 PM

Please, please, please at least bring your own little combo along! Then you'll be covered for any situation. Is your drummer playing his own kit? There's at least a half hour set-up/breakdown right there. You can be up and running and broken down and gone within minutes.

Just remember - Go with the flow!!

mud

jh45gun · March 25th, 2008, 07:26 PM

Bring and use your own gear after all its you playing and you want to sound your best. I went to a party last year where some guys were going to jam it was a birthday party for a guy who used to play who had medical issues. Well I did not take my amp the guys brother told me there would be amps there. well there was not as some guys did not show up so he went and got an amp. I should have went and got my own as the amp was on of those Marshal Mini Stacks and to me IT SUCKED. It feed back a lot and I could not get it set high enough to cut through the mix. The guy running the PA miked it with a mic that did not work righ so I could hardly be heard. If I would have brought my own amp there would not have been any issues it would have been powerfull enough to cut through the mix.

mudbean · March 25th, 2008, 07:31 PM

FWIW, with one notable exception, nearly every time I have been told, "You don't need to bring your rig - there will be amps provided." It became a huge clusterf**k. Just throw a little combo in the car ... Be Prepared.

mud

Josh Davis · March 27th, 2008, 12:39 AM

Always bring your own amp. Use their drums and bass, but always bring your amp. I never let anybody but friends play through my amp and even then, no pedals. You want your tone, so bring your amp. An amp isn't a time issue like drums to interchange.

garytelecastor · March 27th, 2008, 12:46 AM

Always, always use your own gear.
Please, please, please at least bring your own little combo along!
Bring and use your own gear
Just throw a little combo in the car ... Be Prepared.
Always bring your own amp
so bring your amp.

Seems to be a central theme to this thread...

JamonHamon · March 27th, 2008, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pottedmeat42

"Fender 57 refurbished"

57 Tweed Twin is my guess

Rusty · March 27th, 2008, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pottedmeat42

thanks everyone...I suppose I have been completely overlooking the fact that we will have a soundcheck.

I'll bring a little 1x2, keep it just off stage & be ready for either outcome.

=jason

just keep in mind that YOUR band's soundcheck will likely be more of a level-check...get the gain right and leave everything else set for the headliner...including monitor mixes

WHICH might actually mean you have a good monitor mix using the other guy's amp anyway? ya never know, so i think you're doing good by draggin your amp...just weird that they would REQUIRE you to use their amp...

i'd just ask the other guitar player when you get there...like others have said, HE's ultimately the one you want to deal with probably - and ask if you can adjust the knobs...

btw, where are you guys playing? who's the headliner???

GoldieLocks · March 27th, 2008, 02:01 PM

I've never had good results using other Backline gear. Bring whatever you need to get the job done. But be sure you can set it all up in under 3 minutes. (I bring my own mic/stand/extension chord). And my 4x12 cab only takes about 30- seconds longer to get ready than my combo amp. Also only takes up about 8 inches more stage space. (but people love to complain

)
I've seen guys show up with 3 amps, 10 feet of pedal board, 3 guitars and then waste 20 min. fusing over their gear. This makes all people weary of guitar players for years to come.
I've lost lots of stage time because these boneheads also take 25 min. to get their crap off stage after.

Don't put your amp on a chair if your not used to it. Totally changes your sound.
I also face my amp across the stage at some gigs. This keeps the soundman from complaining about my volume.

blacklove · March 27th, 2008, 02:51 PM

+1 on bringing your own amp. Just in case.

I have a good "backline provided" story: I got to play a set through a SWEET real 60's blackface Deluxe Reverb at a festival. I loved every minute of it.

bradpdx · March 27th, 2008, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blacklove

I have a good "backline provided" story: I got to play a set through a SWEET real 60's blackface Deluxe Reverb at a festival. I loved every minute of it.

I already have that real BF Deluxe, so I am set there... but about 8 years ago I used a provided amp when I saw that it was a '59 Bassman RI. I left the BFDR in the car and plugged in with a Boss RV-3 reverb. Damn, it sounded great!

I still didn't run out and buy one, and I still had my BFDR in the trunk just in case. Always good advice.

mad dog · March 27th, 2008, 04:47 PM

I'd go for it if it really is a '57 tweed twin ... and it's in perfect operating condition ... and the owner doesn't mind you using it and changing settings.

What are the odds of all that being the case? I always bring my own amp.

JimiBryant · March 27th, 2008, 05:02 PM

BTW opening bands usually get screwed on soundchecks - bring your own amp.

TelZilla · March 27th, 2008, 06:02 PM

Well guys, I think we've answered that one.

Didn't he say he was bringing his own amp about 15 posts ago?

March 25th, 2008, 12:14 PM	#1 (permalink)
pottedmeat42 Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Richardson, Texas Posts: 462	Need advice: using the headliner's amp I have a pretty big gig coming up at a semi-legendary Dallas venue. I'll be playing electric (tele of course) & lap steel to back up a local singer-songwriter. We are opening for an established roots rock band. The headliner has suggested (thru channels) that I use their guitarists amp for our set (it is really important to them that we setup & tear down very quickly). He described the amp as a: "Fender 57 refurbished". Not sure exactly what that means. I don't know the headliner or have their contact info. All I really need to get by is a good clean tone. I don't need any overdrive for this gig. What advice could you give me: Should I trust that that this amp will be capable of delivering cleans? Should I bring my own amp? Also, what's the proper etiquette for an opening act using the headliners gear? Is it ok to adjust the amp settings to my preferences? Not trying to be TOO dense here. This is a potentially breakthrough gig & I don't want to blow it - either by generating ill will or by having bad tone. Any thoughts? Thanks. =jason

March 25th, 2008, 01:10 PM	#4 (permalink)
Tim Armstrong Moderator Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Berlin, Maryland, USA Age: 49 Posts: 9,678	I'd expect the amp to be some kinda tweed, most likely a Deluxe (but who knows?). I'd really hate to have to plug into someone else's amp and have to get a tone real quick. Not that there's a huge likelihood that it won't be a good-sounding rig, but if the other guy doesn't go for the same kind of tone I do, that could be a hassle. I have a Yamaha Magic Stomp (think "Pod"), and I'd probably bring it along as a backup, and use it at the very least as a tone-shaper in front of the other amp (if that amp didn't sound like me). I would definitely bring a note pad and write down the settings on the amp, so if you did need to adjust it, you could turn it back to his settings when you're done! Cheers, Tim __________________ http://www.moodswingers.org

March 25th, 2008, 06:35 PM	#6 (permalink)
garytelecastor Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,640 18 Photos	I completely concur with all of the above. Always, always bring your own gear. They are hiring your band, and it doesn't really matter in all seriousness what the headliner likes. These opening things are stressful enough without playing on unfamiliar gear. The 2 minutes it takes for you to remove your equipment is not going to make any difference at all in the overall scheme of the night. I don't know who the jerk is in the other band, but tell him to go and intercourse himself. You have every right to expect nothing but a professional atmosphere and to be treated with dignity and respect. MMMMAAAANNNN, the stones on some people!!!!!! BTW, I can't count the number of times I have done one of these things and not got a sound check. Bring your own stuff, don't discuss it any further and just set up, if they ask about it, be very adamant that you will be using your gear. PERIOD. Don't be nasty, just be firm and convicted. Jason-I know you are trying to be cooperative, and not make waves, but please believe me, whoever asked this of you could care less about how you feel regarding this. Stand up for your musical voice. Let the dog lay until you get there, play dumb and insist on playing your own stuff. This should be an enjoyable and exciting gig for you guys. I have never, ever been happy with my performance or tone when I use someone elses gear. Also who knows, the player whose gear you are using may not want you to touch it. So you get up there and now you can't get the tone you want. By all means, BRING and PLAY on your own gear. __________________ éí 'aaníígÓÓ 'áhoot'é Would you mind holding this bag while we go through the custom shop????? Redd Volkaert is a Jedi Knight at one with the Force!!!

March 25th, 2008, 06:57 PM	#7 (permalink)
bradpdx Tele-Holic Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Portland, OR Age: 50 Posts: 872 1 Photos	Yep. Always, always use your own gear. The amount of trial and tribulation avoided this way is worth every bit of extra hassle and you won't regret it. I recall the last time I used someone else's rig. I was assured that they would have a "really nice amp" there, and I fell for it. It turned out to be a Marshall JCM800 with a 4x12 cabinet, no reverb. It was a country gig - not exactly a good match. "Nice amp" for a Zep tribute band, I suppose. After trying the Marshall for about 20 seconds, I was running out to the parking lot to retrieve the DR hidden in my trunk. Whew!! __________________ ---------- Tech Geek and Sensitive Artiste String bender ordinare!

March 25th, 2008, 07:14 PM	#8 (permalink)
mudbean Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: SoCal Semi-Desert Semi-Paradise Age: 49 Posts: 1,733	Please, please, please at least bring your own little combo along! Then you'll be covered for any situation. Is your drummer playing his own kit? There's at least a half hour set-up/breakdown right there. You can be up and running and broken down and gone within minutes. Just remember - Go with the flow!! mud __________________ www.mudbean.com "Do ya want it to be interesting, or do ya want it to be true?" "So far, it's neither."

March 25th, 2008, 12:49 PM	#2 (permalink)
bluescube Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Greensboro NC Age: 41 Posts: 1,071 6 Photos	Bring your own amp. If they ask you to use the headliners amp at soundcheck, then give it a try. If it won't work, you should be able to use your amp as long as it can be struck off the stage fast and the soundguy has a spare mic for it. Smaller the combo the better, no full stacks LOL.

March 25th, 2008, 01:01 PM	#3 (permalink)
KC Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Missoula, Montana Posts: 1,232 15 Photos	former sound guy here. my advice would be to bring a small combo amp that you know & feel comfortable with to the gig. Why? The guitar player for the headline act may not actually be in the loop on this conversation. He may not like you playing through his amp -- and he may not let you change the settings on the amp, either. I've seen this happen many, many times. People generally don't like other people playing through their stuff. I don't. So: no pedal boards, no combo amps, nothing that requires a set-up or tear-down. One plug, a little amp on a chair and one speaker to throw a mic on. If you can get by with this, you'll make life easier for everybody -- who will in turn make life easier for you. (If you get to the gig and they really want you to use that exact amp and you can get a usable (not ideal but usable) sound out of it, go with the flow.)

March 25th, 2008, 06:27 PM	#5 (permalink)
pottedmeat42 Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Richardson, Texas Posts: 462	thanks everyone...I suppose I have been completely overlooking the fact that we will have a soundcheck. I'll bring a little 1x2, keep it just off stage & be ready for either outcome. =jason

March 25th, 2008, 07:26 PM	#9 (permalink)
jh45gun Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 1,021	Bring and use your own gear after all its you playing and you want to sound your best. I went to a party last year where some guys were going to jam it was a birthday party for a guy who used to play who had medical issues. Well I did not take my amp the guys brother told me there would be amps there. well there was not as some guys did not show up so he went and got an amp. I should have went and got my own as the amp was on of those Marshal Mini Stacks and to me IT SUCKED. It feed back a lot and I could not get it set high enough to cut through the mix. The guy running the PA miked it with a mic that did not work righ so I could hardly be heard. If I would have brought my own amp there would not have been any issues it would have been powerfull enough to cut through the mix.

March 25th, 2008, 07:31 PM	#10 (permalink)
mudbean Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: SoCal Semi-Desert Semi-Paradise Age: 49 Posts: 1,733	FWIW, with one notable exception, nearly every time I have been told, "You don't need to bring your rig - there will be amps provided." It became a huge clusterfk. Just throw a little combo in the car ... Be Prepared. mud __________________ www.mudbean.com** "Do ya want it to be interesting, or do ya want it to be true?" "So far, it's neither."

March 27th, 2008, 12:39 AM	#11 (permalink)
Josh Davis TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Age: 33 Posts: 52	Always bring your own amp. Use their drums and bass, but always bring your amp. I never let anybody but friends play through my amp and even then, no pedals. You want your tone, so bring your amp. An amp isn't a time issue like drums to interchange.

March 27th, 2008, 12:46 AM	#12 (permalink)
garytelecastor Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,640 18 Photos	Always, always use your own gear. Please, please, please at least bring your own little combo along! Bring and use your own gear Just throw a little combo in the car ... Be Prepared. Always bring your own amp so bring your amp. Seems to be a central theme to this thread... __________________ éí 'aaníígÓÓ 'áhoot'é Would you mind holding this bag while we go through the custom shop????? Redd Volkaert is a Jedi Knight at one with the Force!!!

March 27th, 2008, 02:01 PM	#15 (permalink)
GoldieLocks Tele-Holic Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Abbotsford B.C. Posts: 833	stage gear? I've never had good results using other Backline gear. Bring whatever you need to get the job done. But be sure you can set it all up in under 3 minutes. (I bring my own mic/stand/extension chord). And my 4x12 cab only takes about 30- seconds longer to get ready than my combo amp. Also only takes up about 8 inches more stage space. (but people love to complain ) I've seen guys show up with 3 amps, 10 feet of pedal board, 3 guitars and then waste 20 min. fusing over their gear. This makes all people weary of guitar players for years to come. I've lost lots of stage time because these boneheads also take 25 min. to get their crap off stage after. Don't put your amp on a chair if your not used to it. Totally changes your sound. I also face my amp across the stage at some gigs. This keeps the soundman from complaining about my volume. __________________ "How little I know inspires me tremendously! I'm a huge fan of other people's playing." Bonnie Raitt

March 27th, 2008, 02:51 PM	#16 (permalink)
blacklove Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Small Pond Posts: 463 6 Photos	+1 on bringing your own amp. Just in case. I have a good "backline provided" story: I got to play a set through a SWEET real 60's blackface Deluxe Reverb at a festival. I loved every minute of it.

March 27th, 2008, 04:47 PM	#18 (permalink)
mad dog Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 784	I'd go for it if it really is a '57 tweed twin ... and it's in perfect operating condition ... and the owner doesn't mind you using it and changing settings. What are the odds of all that being the case? I always bring my own amp.

March 27th, 2008, 05:02 PM	#19 (permalink)
JimiBryant Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Chicago Chicago that toddlin' town Age: 46 Posts: 1,842	BTW opening bands usually get screwed on soundchecks - bring your own amp. __________________ *we all shine on, like the moon and the stars and the sun.*

March 27th, 2008, 06:02 PM	#20 (permalink)
TelZilla Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cleveburg, USA Age: 38 Posts: 1,972 6 Photos	Well guys, I think we've answered that one. Didn't he say he was bringing his own amp about 15 posts ago? __________________ Thanks,Nick Nec Aspera Terrent