Band setup

Oskar · August 29th, 2006, 07:58 AM

Okay, maybe this is just me, but I always try to get my band set up one way every time. That makes it easy for sound checks and everyone gets used to where they are and who they are next to as well as develop an ear for their sound and the sound of the person(s) next to them(I have a six piece band). Also, I try to set things up so we have a balanced sound every time.
The problem is that the other five in the band are oblivious to this and sort of do it to humor me. On occasion they'll decide they will set up the way they want to and the mix gets skewed. It drives me nuts. I was in a blues band one time in which the drummer insisted his drums had to be at a 32 degree angle from the front of the stage. Sheesh it drove me bananas, and he just wouldn't budge.
I dunno, am I being too anal? If I am tell me, I can change. Honest!

51mike · August 29th, 2006, 08:51 AM

yes, you are.

It shouldn't matter where anybody is, but it does matter where the monitors are.
They're just messing with ya man.
Crossfyre likes to setup the same way just because that's how we feel most comfy, but I'll bet we've been 8 diferent ways the last 15 gigs but we still manage fine.

teledude66 · August 29th, 2006, 08:57 AM

as long as it's a good sound I think for the most part it should be standardized for every gig. Every venue may not be the same but it should resemble a standard. Unless your sound sucks and it needs changing...lol. We always set up the same everytime, the problem I always had was everybody just stood around and watched me set up, I finally told them look ya'll are gonna have to learn this and help, that's a whole other issue there though.

professor · August 29th, 2006, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oskar

Okay, maybe this is just me, but I always try to get my band set up one way every time. That makes it easy for sound checks and everyone gets used to where they are and who they are next to as well as develop an ear for their sound and the sound of the person(s) next to them(I have a six piece band). Also, I try to set things up so we have a balanced sound every time.
The problem is that the other five in the band are oblivious to this and sort of do it to humor me. On occasion they'll decide they will set up the way they want to and the mix gets skewed. It drives me nuts. I was in a blues band one time in which the drummer insisted his drums had to be at a 32 degree angle from the front of the stage. Sheesh it drove me bananas, and he just wouldn't budge.
I dunno, am I being too anal? If I am tell me, I can change. Honest!

I guess I'm anal, too, because I like to have the same setup, as well. Just makes it easier to giv (and follow) the various cues that we give each other for different parts of the songs...

Daddy Elmis · August 29th, 2006, 09:44 AM

If you set up the same way each time, then load-in and set up are faster. We set up the same way each time so we know what amp goes where, how the cable runs go, etc.

Not anal. Just efficient.

saunders.jesse · August 29th, 2006, 10:07 AM

IMO, a standard setup just makes sense. I recently began running sound at my church and every Sunday we have 1.5 hours to unload their truck, setup, soundcheck, and give them a little practice/warmup time. They have a very orderly system and it goes very smoothly.

woodman · August 29th, 2006, 10:34 AM

having a setup system contributes to consistency. in our 5-piece band, i like for the bass and drums to be together at the center of the backline so they can lock into the groove together and be heard by everyone, and the two lead instruments (my guitar and the fiddler) on the flanks for some "separation" to avoid muddling the stage volume. lead singer at front-center stage. there's nothing anal about it -- it's the way we get the best sound.

some venues, of course, defy theory and you just have to put people where they fit. but a consistent stage plot helps everybody onstage hear the band the same from gig to gig.

Oskar · August 29th, 2006, 11:27 AM

Quote:

i like for the bass and drums to be together at the center of the backline so they can lock into the groove together and be heard by everyone, and the two lead instruments (my guitar and the fiddler) on the flanks for some "separation" to avoid muddling the stage volume. lead singer at front-center stage. there's nothing anal about it -- it's the way we get the best sound.

This is exactly how I like to set up as well. I read years ago that the bass amp should be next to the drummer specifically to "lock in the groove". Also, I like to have the amps back, lined up with the drummer. Of course there is always someone in my band who complains about the being able to hear himself and so his amp has to be two feet from his head. I think it throws off the sound, but that's just me.
Glad to see others are a "anal" as I am about this. Thanks, gang!!

jhundt · August 29th, 2006, 11:40 AM

several people have replied that a standard set-up is good for consistency. True, but that can also be a drawback. Routine is comforting but smothering. Do you want to play the exact same show the exact same way every night? I doubt it.

I think it's a good idea to change things around just for the sake of change. You will hear the music different, and may be inspired to play different and/or better in response. You will have an opportunity for closer interaction with different members of the band. You will see how the world looks from stage left instead of stage right. You will meet different girls, because the audience members have their own unwavering preferences on where they like to stand and watch.

All this is different if you are a pro touring act that has one gig to show your stuff, different audience every night that expects to hear 'the show'. Then consistency might be more important.

I always say this when people ask what kind/gauge of strings are best, too. Just change 'em around all the time so you can experience and enjoy and maybe find that you like something different.

Telenator · August 29th, 2006, 11:45 AM

I play with three different bands and each one sets up differently. Then there are the different venues that often force a band to alter their set up. When I walk in to a place I assess it for "what will be the best sounding set-up?" and then go about setting up from there. I'm the guy that usually makes that call in the band so I've become quite proficient at getting us a great sound in places where others have considered it nearly impossible to get something working. I do a lot of location photography which requires that I make my surroundings work all the time. Setting up the band just comes naturally.

dr_twangenstein · August 29th, 2006, 02:45 PM

I don't much care. Both of my bands just kind of claim space on the stage and as long as I don't have a cymbal stand up my a$$, I'm usually pretty happy.

However, my pedal steel/rhythm guitarist actually is very territorial. He's got so many speaker cables, patch cords, stompboxes, power supplies etc. that he actually makes a box on the floor with blue tape that he calls his goalie crease, and if you step in the crease, he's allowed to hit you. It's fun to screw with him when he's too busy using all four limbs to play the steel.

chickenpicker · August 29th, 2006, 02:49 PM

I don't care where I stand as long as I can see the other guitar players hands to copy what he does.

0le FUZZY · August 29th, 2006, 03:10 PM

Same set up erry time specially with a regular giggin band no matter where yew play.

Guest goes in front of the drummer.

0le FUZZY

blue moon · August 29th, 2006, 06:55 PM

The last band I was in played for 5years set up the same way every night. It allowed for a quick set-up(the part you don't get paid for)and tear down since everyone knew where every mic, mic stand and cable went. Also in the event of those times when the monitor mix wasn't as it should be we were used to hearing each other in that arrangement and could compensate accordingly.

markothefish · August 29th, 2006, 07:52 PM

Quote:

If you set up the same way each time, then load-in and set up are faster. We set up the same way each time so we know what amp goes where, how the cable runs go, etc.

good man

As an engineer I get in very early and set up to the stage plot that the band sends me. Nothing makes me angrier than coming back and finding the band setup completely different. I then have to spend the precious few minutes I have crawling along the floor and snaking the previously laid cables around amps stand and across the stage. Then I 'll be ready to run to the booth for sound/monitor checks and someone will say "Oh can I have a vocal mic on the drums I forgot to tell you"

I'm starting to vent sorry but it happened to me this morning

(and why do drummers have to sing anyway !!!!your not Phil Collins)

tiktok · August 29th, 2006, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markothefish

(and why do drummers have to sing anyway !!!!your not Phil Collins)

Two words: Levon Helm.

Daddy Elmis · August 29th, 2006, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiktok

Two words: Levon Helm.

Not exactly sure which way that cuts.

August 29th, 2006, 07:58 AM	#1 (permalink)
Oskar Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Northampton, MA Posts: 3,166	Band setup Okay, maybe this is just me, but I always try to get my band set up one way every time. That makes it easy for sound checks and everyone gets used to where they are and who they are next to as well as develop an ear for their sound and the sound of the person(s) next to them(I have a six piece band). Also, I try to set things up so we have a balanced sound every time. The problem is that the other five in the band are oblivious to this and sort of do it to humor me. On occasion they'll decide they will set up the way they want to and the mix gets skewed. It drives me nuts. I was in a blues band one time in which the drummer insisted his drums had to be at a 32 degree angle from the front of the stage. Sheesh it drove me bananas, and he just wouldn't budge. I dunno, am I being too anal? If I am tell me, I can change. Honest!

August 29th, 2006, 08:57 AM	#3 (permalink)
teledude66 Friend of Leo's Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Lawndale,N.C. Age: 42 Posts: 2,751 20 Photos	as long as it's a good sound I think for the most part it should be standardized for every gig. Every venue may not be the same but it should resemble a standard. Unless your sound sucks and it needs changing...lol. We always set up the same everytime, the problem I always had was everybody just stood around and watched me set up, I finally told them look ya'll are gonna have to learn this and help, that's a whole other issue there though. __________________ The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist.

August 29th, 2006, 09:44 AM	#5 (permalink)
Daddy Elmis Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: USA Posts: 961	If you set up the same way each time, then load-in and set up are faster. We set up the same way each time so we know what amp goes where, how the cable runs go, etc. Not anal. Just efficient. __________________ Elwood: Good evening ladies and gentlemen, we're sure glad to be here in Cocomo tonight. We're the Good Ole' Blues Brothers Boys Band from Chicago. I sure hope you like our show. I'm Elwood, this here's my brother Jake.

August 29th, 2006, 10:07 AM	#6 (permalink)
saunders.jesse Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 101 4 Photos	IMO, a standard setup just makes sense. I recently began running sound at my church and every Sunday we have 1.5 hours to unload their truck, setup, soundcheck, and give them a little practice/warmup time. They have a very orderly system and it goes very smoothly. __________________ '72 Tele Custom RI & a Taylor 110 and I'm a happy guy!

August 29th, 2006, 10:34 AM	#7 (permalink)
woodman Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mint Hill, NC Age: 62 Posts: 5,961	having a setup system contributes to consistency. in our 5-piece band, i like for the bass and drums to be together at the center of the backline so they can lock into the groove together and be heard by everyone, and the two lead instruments (my guitar and the fiddler) on the flanks for some "separation" to avoid muddling the stage volume. lead singer at front-center stage. there's nothing anal about it -- it's the way we get the best sound. some venues, of course, defy theory and you just have to put people where they fit. but a consistent stage plot helps everybody onstage hear the band the same from gig to gig. __________________ Truth is stranger than fact ... www.myspace.com/woodymitchellmusic BAND PAGES: www.myspace.com/stragglerswing (Stragglers - Western Swing) www.myspace.com/loafersgloryband (Loafers Glory - '70s country-rock)

August 29th, 2006, 08:51 AM	#2 (permalink)
51mike Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Webster, NY Age: 58 Posts: 621 11 Photos	yes, you are. It shouldn't matter where anybody is, but it does matter where the monitors are. They're just messing with ya man. Crossfyre likes to setup the same way just because that's how we feel most comfy, but I'll bet we've been 8 diferent ways the last 15 gigs but we still manage fine.

August 29th, 2006, 11:40 AM	#9 (permalink)
jhundt Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Netherlands Age: 54 Posts: 3,005 9 Photos	change is good several people have replied that a standard set-up is good for consistency. True, but that can also be a drawback. Routine is comforting but smothering. Do you want to play the exact same show the exact same way every night? I doubt it. I think it's a good idea to change things around just for the sake of change. You will hear the music different, and may be inspired to play different and/or better in response. You will have an opportunity for closer interaction with different members of the band. You will see how the world looks from stage left instead of stage right. You will meet different girls, because the audience members have their own unwavering preferences on where they like to stand and watch. All this is different if you are a pro touring act that has one gig to show your stuff, different audience every night that expects to hear 'the show'. Then consistency might be more important. I always say this when people ask what kind/gauge of strings are best, too. Just change 'em around all the time so you can experience and enjoy and maybe find that you like something different.

August 29th, 2006, 11:45 AM	#10 (permalink)
Telenator Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Connecticut Posts: 4,646	I play with three different bands and each one sets up differently. Then there are the different venues that often force a band to alter their set up. When I walk in to a place I assess it for "what will be the best sounding set-up?" and then go about setting up from there. I'm the guy that usually makes that call in the band so I've become quite proficient at getting us a great sound in places where others have considered it nearly impossible to get something working. I do a lot of location photography which requires that I make my surroundings work all the time. Setting up the band just comes naturally. __________________ Dogs have the right idea!

August 29th, 2006, 02:45 PM	#11 (permalink)
dr_twangenstein Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Louis Age: 31 Posts: 234	I don't much care. Both of my bands just kind of claim space on the stage and as long as I don't have a cymbal stand up my a$$, I'm usually pretty happy. However, my pedal steel/rhythm guitarist actually is very territorial. He's got so many speaker cables, patch cords, stompboxes, power supplies etc. that he actually makes a box on the floor with blue tape that he calls his goalie crease, and if you step in the crease, he's allowed to hit you. It's fun to screw with him when he's too busy using all four limbs to play the steel. __________________ If I had to die for one word? Poontwang!

August 29th, 2006, 02:49 PM	#12 (permalink)
chickenpicker Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: UK Posts: 3,060 14 Photos	I don't care where I stand as long as I can see the other guitar players hands to copy what he does.

August 29th, 2006, 03:10 PM	#13 (permalink)
0le FUZZY Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Kolly-forn-knee-ya Posts: 10,001 6 Photos	Same set up erry time specially with a regular giggin band no matter where yew play. Guest goes in front of the drummer. 0le FUZZY

August 29th, 2006, 06:55 PM	#14 (permalink)
blue moon TDPRI Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Springfield, Mo Age: 55 Posts: 84	The last band I was in played for 5years set up the same way every night. It allowed for a quick set-up(the part you don't get paid for)and tear down since everyone knew where every mic, mic stand and cable went. Also in the event of those times when the monitor mix wasn't as it should be we were used to hearing each other in that arrangement and could compensate accordingly.