Gigging Rant

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rupe

rupe

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I've recently run into an odd situation where two of the clubs where my blues rock band plays have said that they don't want us back because we're too loud. I've been gigging well over 20 years and have never really had this issue...not sure why its a problem all of a sudden?

I'm already at the point where I can just barely hear myself over the drums, and the same for the keyboard player. I don't like my guitar coming back at me through the monitors so I try to avoid that (although it may be my only option). I'm even using plexiglass panels so there's no beaming issue going on either. I tried some lower wattage amps (Deluxe Reverb, vintage Epi Pacemaker) but those didn't go over well either...wtf??? It seems as if they now want the band to play as background music so patrons can still easily talk to each other. I just don't get it...we are NOT that loud.

Does anybody have experience with the Two Notes Torpedo products? I'm considering going that route if I have to hear my guitar through a monitor.
 
It sounds to me like they don't really want a live band, but they like the 'idea' of having 'live music.' Tell them that they'd be happier if they just played the radio or some CDs.

Now, of course there is the possibility that you are playing louder than you should, but if you've been doing this 20 years, it sounds to me like you know the drill.
 
If they did not ask you to turn down during the gig I don't get it. Bar people are weird though so it doesn't surprise me, they are almost as bad as musicians. :D
 
Financial problems being re-labeled as "you're too loud, so we're not having you (or any other band) back."...

:confused:
 
rlord1974":27c1il0j said:
Financial problems being re-labeled as "you're too loud, so we're not having you (or any other band) back."...

:confused:
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This^^^

You are not too loud that is a lame excuse....

Hopefully there are other clubs around...If not come to St. Louis there is some good blues stuff going on. :rock:
 
Had a similar situation recently. The owner of one of the places we have played regularly commented how much her regulars liked us but that we're always too loud. We've been having this conversation with her for a year and have done everything we can to decrease the volume. I even have a note she ran up and handed us last time saying "you're too loud, turn down!".

She called me last week to schedule some 2013 dates, but only if we promised not to play so loud. I told her "No, we're a loud band." Wasn't like a great money gig, so I don't feel bad looking for another dive bar to put on the calendar.
 
Yeah, seeing this more and more. I don't get it, if you hire a hard rock band and then expect them to play at such a low volume as background music, DON'T F*CKIN HIRE LIVE BANDS!!!!! Its completley rediculous any more and they have no clue what they are talking about, gig before last I actually had the house sound man come thru the monitors during our set and say "guitar player turn down, guitar players turn down". Are you kidding me? I could barley hear myself as it was...rediculous and annoying. Play your jukebox or whatever and don't hire live bands or go to jazz and accoustic bands if its that much of an issue. I stayed a little to hear the next band and it was fairly loud outfront but the accoustic drums and cymbals were louder than the PA and the vocals and guitar/keys were buried, could hardly hear them even in the solos.
 
rupe":19ahmmkw said:
I've recently run into an odd situation where two of the clubs where my blues rock band plays have said that they don't want us back because we're too loud. I've been gigging well over 20 years and have never really had this issue...not sure why its a problem all of a sudden?

I'm already at the point where I can just barely hear myself over the drums, and the same for the keyboard player. I don't like my guitar coming back at me through the monitors so I try to avoid that (although it may be my only option). I'm even using plexiglass panels so there's no beaming issue going on either. I tried some lower wattage amps (Deluxe Reverb, vintage Epi Pacemaker) but those didn't go over well either...wtf??? It seems as if they now want the band to play as background music so patrons can still easily talk to each other. I just don't get it...we are NOT that loud.

Does anybody have experience with the Two Notes Torpedo products? I'm considering going that route if I have to hear my guitar through a monitor.
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If you're barely audible over the drums it sounds to me like your drummer is the "problem." Perhaps plexi panels around the drummer is what you really need so that everyone else can turn down?
 
Get used to it. Times are changing unfortunately and while a couple of years ago the band was treated like royalty it is now the opposite. I remember a time when I would just walk in front of bars to get gigs, now you almost have to beg them to play. And you have to bring your own people, too.

Modelers come in handy for those situations: the bar owner needs to have control of the volume for whatever reason. Frustrating but he's the one handing you money, he's basically your boss.
 
And I don't know about you folks but the stages are getting a lot smaller than they used to (in bars), so carrying the full stack and your whole guitar collection is an option we need to forget... The modeler with a good powered monitor and a trusty guitar becomes your "standard bar gig rig".
 
Mokaccino":1k1w3kee said:
Get used to it. Times are changing unfortunately and while a couple of years ago the band was treated like royalty it is now the opposite. I remember a time when I would just walk in front of bars to get gigs, now you almost have to beg them to play. And you have to bring your own people, too.
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The early 80's were great for live music, including originals. Back then the clubs actually did their own promotions and built followings of their own. Between the club and band promoting themselves (and each other) the clubs were packed, the bands got paid without handing over cash up front (even for your first gig with the club) and everyone was happy. Somehow club owners got the idea that things would be better if only the bands brought people in. Stupid...
 
Yep, seems to be moving to electronic drums and modelers with in-ears for all. Sucks.
 
Hard hitting drummers are always a problem. I hate playing when the stage volume is too loud.
The "workaround" I found worked for me was to use in ears to isolate somewhat from the drums (as you are next to it on a small stage) and have a small mixer onstage so you can adjust your own mix.
It's a bit complicated but gives good results.

Since I don't play out that often, I can't justify dropping that kind of dough on the Axefx which is a cleaner/simpler alternative.
 
The cover band I play in made a conscious effort from the get go to have as little stage volume as possible. Plexi around the drums and very low , side filled amps . It has actually gained us money and gigs that other bands cant get. We all use in ear monitors so there is as little stage volume as possible. We regularly get told to turn it up lol. It makes a big difference to what the audience hears. Anymore , it seems like clubs want a band to be conversation music. They dont want the loud rock show anymore , unless that is what the venue is designed for. The bass player and I are both planning on switching our rigs and going direct for the coming year to get our volume down even further. For me a cover band is a business and whatever we need to do to corner the market , were gonna do.
 
Norton666":3ma9665s said:
For me a cover band is a business and whatever we need to do to corner the market , were gonna do.
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This.

And you need to think that way because it's only a business relation between you and the bar.

I'm about to bring my laptop and use Guitar Rig 5 on those bar gigs. Just add me in the onstage mix a bit and I'll be fine.

Just like Phil, I cannot spend on the AxeFx and I also do not gig that often.
 
Agreed. Sounds like you're keeping up with a loud drummer. The plexi panels make a huge difference on the drums. IEM will help solve any guitar/bass issues. :thumbsup:
 
LP Freak":3hvw6dba said:
Agreed. Sounds like you're keeping up with a loud drummer. The plexi panels make a huge difference on the drums. IEM will help solve any guitar/bass issues. :thumbsup:
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I am lucky, right now I am playing in metal bars that do not mic the guitars and playing reasonably loud is part of the show. You still need to trust your sound guy or get used to hearing people tell you they couldn't hear you.
 
Bob Savage":1z963abx said:
rupe":1z963abx said:
I've recently run into an odd situation where two of the clubs where my blues rock band plays have said that they don't want us back because we're too loud. I've been gigging well over 20 years and have never really had this issue...not sure why its a problem all of a sudden?

I'm already at the point where I can just barely hear myself over the drums, and the same for the keyboard player. I don't like my guitar coming back at me through the monitors so I try to avoid that (although it may be my only option). I'm even using plexiglass panels so there's no beaming issue going on either. I tried some lower wattage amps (Deluxe Reverb, vintage Epi Pacemaker) but those didn't go over well either...wtf??? It seems as if they now want the band to play as background music so patrons can still easily talk to each other. I just don't get it...we are NOT that loud.

Does anybody have experience with the Two Notes Torpedo products? I'm considering going that route if I have to hear my guitar through a monitor.
Click to expand...

If you're barely audible over the drums it sounds to me like your drummer is the "problem." Perhaps plexi panels around the drummer is what you really need so that everyone else can turn down?
Click to expand...

Thats a good point that I didnt even consider Bob.... You hear loud and the first association you make is the Guitar...

I like how youre thinking son..
 
Tough situation considering you have to at least play above the drummer ..if he plays louder than what is coming out of the PA system, you are kind of screwed. Acoustic drums in some venues will just be too loud. Do what i do when i play in my celtic band.. i drum with those rocket sticks. Totally sucks and i can't do any dynamics on the cymbals but it dulls the snap of my snare and crashes and then everyone else sits on top through the PA. I don't even mic anything but the kick really. In ears so we can hear ourselves and away you go. We are still very audible but at the other side of the bar, people can talk to one another without totally shouting. Just what bars want nowadays. Electric drums I'm afraid, are the way of the future..
 
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