Playing enviorment

Fred Rushing · Post by **Fred Rushing** » 23 Feb 2004 8:10 pm

Hi Folks looking for suggestions on the best way to set up band stand to play in small enviorment. I have a 60 ft by 90 ft room that we play a country show in. The thing we fight is how to keep the band from being to loud and yet still hear the instruments in the band along with the vocals. Would it help to try and isolate the drums? Maybe inside plexiglass. The drums seem to dictate how loud everone seems to play. Any suggestions? Fred Rushing Odin IL

chas smith R.I.P. · Post by **chas smith R.I.P.** » 23 Feb 2004 8:43 pm

You might make a rule that: "if you can't hear what every other person is playing, then you're playing too loud."

It's much more difficult to play quiet, everything is "showing"...

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 24 Feb 2004 4:33 am

I think you need to have a serious talk with your drummer.

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 24 Feb 2004 7:48 am

Set up the PA and do a vocal check, then add the amps and set them at a level you can hear the vocals well at.

Then tell the drummer if he doesn't hear ANY individual instrument AND the vocals well, he is playing too loud.

Sometimes if the drummer is surrounded by the amps, he hears it louder than the other players, because he is closer,
and plays too loud THINKING that he isn't.

You can also try the drummer on one side and all amps to the other side but turned back his way a little. Then he is farther away too, so he will play quieter so he can hear also.

Gene Jones · Post by **Gene Jones** » 24 Feb 2004 9:23 am

...the bottom line is that the Drummer must be able to hear the band, so he can interpret and execute accordingly. If he does this correctly and it sounds bad...it is the sound crew's problem!

The same thing applies to the steel player (or any other member of the band). If he can't hear the monitors and the song being rendered, then how can he interpret and play something appropriate to the song?
www.genejones.com

[This message was edited by Gene Jones on 24 February 2004 at 09:32 AM.]

Rick Collins · Post by **Rick Collins** » 24 Feb 2004 10:01 am

Request that the drummer use a snare only. And, most of the time use brushes only. Your audience will appreciate it too.

Tim Whitlock · Post by **Tim Whitlock** » 24 Feb 2004 12:17 pm

Brushes for the drummer, absolutely. If he can't play with them, find another drummer.

Steve Schmidt · Post by **Steve Schmidt** » 24 Feb 2004 2:40 pm

I am glad to see that it isn't me with this opinion. I have always stated that the drummer always dictates the volume of the band, and frankly it drives me absolutely nuts. Many years ago I did a gig with a jazz drummer. He showed up with a small 4 piece set and brushes. I couldn't believe it. Of all my years of playing, that gig stands out as being the most fun with the best dynamics ever. I wish drummers could figure that out, louder is not better. Just my 2 cents.

Fred Rushing · Post by **Fred Rushing** » 24 Feb 2004 4:56 pm

Thank you all for your input. I did make an error in my statement and that is the room size is even smaller than I said it is 30X60 and we seat about 100 people so as you can expect the volume is critical for the enjoyment of those in attendance. Thanks again for the input. I do agree that the brush route should be a must for my enviorment. Fred

Roger Shackelton · Post by **Roger Shackelton** » 24 Feb 2004 7:27 pm

Tell the drummer to stay home.

John Steele (deceased) · Post by **John Steele (deceased)** » 24 Feb 2004 8:15 pm

I have to tell this story, it happened about 8 years ago...
I'm setting up for this jazz piano trio gig in a very small pub with a new drummer, a friend of the bass player. We play one tune, the drums (sticks) are just killing me. The guy is talented, but he's used to working in a rock atmosphere... so...
I sez "hey, got any brushes?" He gives me this sarcastic look, and says "uh... I forgot them at home, sorry"
So I popped up the lid of my piano bench, pulled out a pair of brushes and handed them to him, smiling, as I noticed the stunned look on his face. As I sat back down I heard him mutter "I don't believe that just happened".
Years later I went to a show his rock band was playing, and went to speak to him during the break. After the initial greeting, his first question was
"Hey man, you still got a pair of brushes in your piano bench ?"
" I don't leave home without 'em, brother..."
-John
p.s. They're still there.

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www.ottawajazz.com

Paul Osbty · Post by **Paul Osbty** » 25 Feb 2004 12:54 am

Drum Shields
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=040224132114152163252193535678/g=perc/search/c=4824

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 25 Feb 2004 1:01 am

Good One John S.
i think i'll keep a pair of brushes handy as well

Jody Sanders · Post by **Jody Sanders** » 25 Feb 2004 10:31 pm

I have an old friend in the band business and he will not mic the bass or drums. he said he had never heard a bass player or drummer that played too low. Jody.