Going ampless. DI only. Hope for freelance life. Anyone?

Passacaglia

Not sure where to put this, guys. Sorry, too, if this seems a ridiculous question.

I've slowly been paring down my amp/sound support acquisitions of the last several months. Out of a jam started last summer, we (jam-mates and myself), have grown more strongly together, musically, comradeship. So I more or less by dint of being the jam founder, have formulated ideas and beginning steps for performing out, as an ensemble.

Without going into it, and without it being anyone's fault, the band's not going to fly. Not the least reason is my desire to focus on perfecting my playing, reaching mastery aims, an attention on getting to be a better player, over getting paid to play locally. It's also proving more than I want to do to try to keep bandmembers "in" on any given gig or future event.

Lots of other reasons I'm seeking to really go portable. I've a nice Soundcraft MFXi 12 mixer, a TA 100R amp, Di, lavalier, with speakers, stands, etc., in the spanner. I'm thinking of dumping all but the Baggs DI and lavalier.

My question - anybody out there freelancing, jobbing-in with other bands, and just bringing to the table your guitar/other instrument, pickup, DI -and that's about it? I can't carry worth a damn anymore, and I always pay for it when I do. I jobbed in as a rhythm player with a band's friend in Milwaukee yesterday and yes, have to say, most fun I've had in a long time. I guess such would be my dream - to borrow from something Ted Gottsegen said on this forum, and I do paraphrase - to simply be able to accompany anyone, anywhere; to have value as a rhythm guitarist, to be thought of when a good rhythm guy is needed.

Basically, in a really wordy way, I'm trying to ask - anyone out there truly nomadic, have guitar, will travel - and making a go of it, professionally? Anyone ampless, who depends on others' PA systems?

Hope somewhere in there it's conveyed what I'm asking. Thanks for any thoughts, everyone.

Al Watsky

If you travel and there is always back line you might tour with out an amp , but I work for and with many folks who chose to travel with a small amp not be cause they have to but because over time they have found that thats the way they can control the situation most effectively. So a solo jazz artist touring with a small amp that they can bring as carry on is pretty common. Even accordion players I know carry their own amps. So ? You can go the no amp rout if you like but there are times you will be at the mercy.
There will be differing opinions on this.
Lots of folks like to feel that they are "hustlers" , guitar slingers and all that. So if you can get the same $$ for less carrying ? Good for you.
If I have the option I bring an amp because then I'm in control and I know what I'm going to hear. If your touring you will be confronted by many short falls in the way of gear. Bad PA's , worse monitors.
Good luck !

Lango-Django

Paul, I'm going to put in a plug for the Fishman Loudbox... weighs less than 20 lbs, and it's like a mini PA with a quarter inch input, a 3-prong mic input, and a mini plug input you can use for iPad or iPod backing tracks, plus it has a 3 prong mic output on the back so you can plug it right into a bigger PA system and use it for a monitor if you want. Best 300 bucks I ever spent...

Will

Passacaglia

Thanks, Al and Will. It's all really difficult for me to come to this - had hopes of developing something here, where I live. Great 12 channel board, got it for a steal, etc. But to no purpose. I found myself dealing with far too much "other," and not enough attention on the music itself, and the music itself is under a pretty considerable challenge...so, said to hell with it, basically. I'm probably being romantic....no aspirations to being a lead player, but a pretty deep aspiration to be a good accompanist, though that's increasingly looking pretty crappy as well. I hear you, Al, and I'm sure I'm being naive. I also know my body hates carrying crap, and it's become a more or less serious issue. Probably just need to learn to deal with it.

Will, twice in as many weeks (I mean, twice in my locale - you're the third!), I've heard from two different guys who have and love their Loudbox. One was a guy interested in my amp - who passed, though he liked the acoustic quality, because it didn't get close to the Fishman's headroom. Thanks, man. I'll have to look more into this. If I have to carry something besides my Shopis and a Baggs DI....well, thanks, man.

Paul

BluesBop Harry

try AER amps especially the Alfa...They are really loud, sound great and are very easy to carry around.

Passacaglia

Thanks, Harry. One thing I wanted to ask you guys - best of all worlds would allow a side-to-side comparison of various makes - e.g., a Fishman Loudbox v. Schertler David v. AER v. Trace Elliot (word on that below). Seems like any sound support places here in town haven't even heard of acoustic amps, much less, have they carried them. Did you guys buy largely on rep from others you trust to know, or were you fortunate to try several before landing on your amp?

Note on my amp: it's a good amp, acoustically very clear. UK generation Trace, TA 100R, nice onboard fx, notch filter, phase cancellation, linear EQ in addition to 2 channel knob eq. Switch in back takes it from U.S. to euro voltage.

The downside is, it weighs in at 40 lbs., and the guy who tried it out, I think, is right - loudness isn't its strength, I'd say. I really didn't worry about that because I'm a rhythm guy, and so can get away with less volume. Still, I do have to admit, I've been tempted before...Will, somewhere along the line I recall you talking about your Loudbox, and actually thought of that, when this local Loudbox guy was checking out my Trace.

I'm probably just being stupid. I got the Soundcraft MFXi for under $300, the Trace at $500 (from lowball offers on it in CL and locally, I wonder if I got burned on the Trace....like I said, naive wouldn't be inaccurate), and will probably regret dumping them, despite not needing them for the discernible future. I truly hoped to be a "guitar slinger," as Al so elegantly called it....though I'm more "retiring rhythm greenhorn" than slinger. My gitbox and Baggs DI...and that's it. Nice fantasy while it lasted.

Joli Gadjo

With less than 20lbs, the Acoustic Image works very well in all situations: Lavalier, Stimer, Piezzo etc... but if you find it too expensive, AER should be your choice. Those 2 are better than the Loudbox. I don't know anything about the Schertler or Trace Elliot.
Ampless: I have used the Venue Baggs and loved it. It's extremely convenient, doesn't take any space, and again works fine with mics, magnetic or piezzo.

Passacaglia

Joli, thanks. We may have spoken of it already, if so, sorry I'm pretty forgetful- but which AI do you use? And AER, is it the 60 you were talking about?

I can't remember where, but I thought I read some complaints on the AER C60 - harsh, tinny, or brittle, something like this? Might have been on Harmony Central, and I might have recalled wrong, but it was some kind of ding on the 60 along those lines. Thoughts?

Al Watsky

Bang for the buck is the Loudbox.
The Roland AC60 is a bottom feeder but it does work for some folks.
An AER is a good choice, I use one. Its light and versatile but the price point scares some folks off.
The Schertler is a more objective than the AER but is a bit heavier.
Paul your TA is a bit out of date, it has a bunch of smaller speakers in it and by todays standards sounds a bit fizzy. I used one for years, state of the art at the time. Any of these other amps will make a better rhythm amp.
That being said ANY amp will cut a gig. Anything, period. Just that some will sound better than others
If I were to choose I would still go for the AER but the Schertler has to be considered. Of the high end amps the AER is the lightest that I've owned. An acoustic image or clarus are also high wattage light weight amps, though they seem to be more popular with electric folks and keyboard players.
I still use an old Polytone amp from the early 80's now and again. Which I mention only to point out that any amp with enough headroom will work for the average gig.

Passacaglia

Al Watsky wrote:

Bang for the buck is the Loudbox.
The Roland AC60 is a bottom feeder but it does work for some folks.
An AER is a good choice, I use one. Its light and versatile but the price point scares some folks off.
The Schertler is a more objective than the AER but is a bit heavier.
Paul your TA is a bit out of date, it has a bunch of smaller speakers in it and by todays standards sounds a bit fizzy. I used one for years, state of the art at the time. Any of these other amps will make a better rhythm amp.
That being said ANY amp will cut a gig. Anything, period. Just that some will sound better than others
If I were to choose I would still go for the AER but the Schertler has to be considered. Of the high end amps the AER is the lightest.

Thank you, Al - after seeing Michael's intro of you, and your first (I think?) post, I knew we were in for some great information, spanning a lot of years put in. Very helpful post. Can I ask - which AER do you use?

BTW - don't know if you're comfortable doing this, but I've pitched the TA for $500 - what I paid for it, less shipping (total to me was $545). I've had two solid offers - one at a dicey $400, one at a firm $375. Is this a realistic street price?

One more thing - I gigged subbing in at rhythm for a friend's band in Milwaukee yesterday, wonderful gig at a beautiful venue. He uses Thump 12A's as FOH. I'd read some pretty negative posts about anything Mackie, and these in particular, from sites like gearslutz, etc. So, given I've about $1000 I can spend, and after some good counsel by a member here and reports online, I looked into the RCF 310A. After yesterday's gig, though, especially given the Thumps are considerably less expensive, I wonder if I'm putting too much stock in acoustic quality. Meaning, unless and until that day we (my bandmates and I) can bank on great acoustics, seems loud bars, our outdoor venues with some degree of ambient noise, will be the game. So maybe the Thumps do for starter FOH, and later, perhaps, move to monitor duty once better FOH are earned?

Sorry, 180 degrees away from the "have guitar will travel" sentiment, but as usual, I'm intrigued by your posts, Al, and everyone. Thanks.

Al Watsky

Passacaglia wrote:

Al Watsky wrote:

Bang for the buck is the Loudbox.
The Roland AC60 is a bottom feeder but it does work for some folks.
An AER is a good choice, I use one. Its light and versatile but the price point scares some folks off.
The Schertler is a more objective than the AER but is a bit heavier.
Paul your TA is a bit out of date, it has a bunch of smaller speakers in it and by todays standards sounds a bit fizzy. I used one for years, state of the art at the time. Any of these other amps will make a better rhythm amp.
That being said ANY amp will cut a gig. Anything, period. Just that some will sound better than others
If I were to choose I would still go for the AER but the Schertler has to be considered. Of the high end amps the AER is the lightest.

Thank you, Al - after seeing Michael's intro of you, and your first (I think?) post, I knew we were in for some great information, spanning a lot of years put in. Very helpful post. Can I ask - which AER do you use?

BTW - don't know if you're comfortable doing this, but I've pitched the TA for $500 - what I paid for it, less shipping (total to me was $545). I've had two solid offers - one at a dicey $400, one at a firm $375. Is this a realistic street price?

Paul , I have a Compact 60. New the TA was like 7 hundred. Insofar as its not a serviceable piece of gear these days I would say your were golden at $375.
I started recommending the AER when they first became available in the US. Many folks bought them and still use them with no complaints. Unfortunately they make you pay for them, which is disappointing . But by golly they work !