Members RupertB Posted September 21, 2011 Members Share Posted September 21, 2011 For a lot of us, gigging solo & duo has been a way to keep playing music when time-intensive band involvement wasn't a good option. Now that I'm in my mid-40s & have more time to play, I think about how I can keep a good thing going long-term. What are you doing, or have you done, to extend your gigging years? - General fitness is a good start. - Raising my guitar for a more "classical" grip and getting a better (easier) playing acoustic helped with left-hand pain. - Recognizing the difference between a "song I can sing" and a "song I can sing during the last hour of a two-night stand" and adjust/transpose accordingly. What adjustments have you made that are working for you? My duo parner, who is 7 years my senior, has shoulder problems & freqently talks about bagging the 49lb powered speakers for a Bose system (L1 Model II). We've A/B'ed one against our current system and, though we liked ours better, the difference was subtle. We can handle it now but I'm not sure I want to be horsing the heavy stuff around when I'm in my 60s. Thank goodness for the multi-cart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Edward Posted September 21, 2011 Members Share Posted September 21, 2011 Avoid boat anchors like a Les Paul.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Sgt. Rock Posted September 21, 2011 Members Share Posted September 21, 2011 I have to transpose a lot of the songs I do to make them easier to sing and play. The capo is my best friend! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Howie22 Posted September 21, 2011 Members Share Posted September 21, 2011 You've made some good points thus far. I think learning to sing properly is a big one. My voice used to hurt after singing for a few hours. After I took some lessons and learned some simple (proper) techniques, I can sing now for five hours or more without my voice feeling strained. Carrying stuff is another big one. I do have lightweight speaker cabinets. I was considering purchasing a Fishman Fishstick for smaller gigs, but then I invested in a multi-cart/hand truck type thing. Makes life much easier, and hauling my gear isn't so much a problem anymore. I have this one:http://www.lowes.com/pd_304427-66651-12301ABL1_0__?productId=3192935&Ntt=dolly&pl=1¤tURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Ddolly&facetInfo= Another one is playing those late night gigs. I'm not even as "advanced in years" as Rupert, but playing 'til 2am, then packing up and not getting home until 3am or so really kills me. If I was a full time musician, it wouldn't be that big of a problem, I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jayare Posted September 21, 2011 Members Share Posted September 21, 2011 TransposeTake care of yourselfDrink waterUse a cartIve got the Bose System...works for me.I did 177 gigs in 2010,and am on track for at least that many this year.Yes,a lot of them were assisted living/nursing home type things,but they all involve the same routine:Load up the car,drive to the gig,unpack the car,set up,do the gig,tear down,unload the carI'm 61,by cracky! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members amx13 Posted September 21, 2011 Members Share Posted September 21, 2011 Yeah, the capo can be your best friend. Plus, I also carry a guitar tuned a half step down, so when I feel my voice strained a bit, I just switch guitar and that usually helps a lot. Hey jayare, I just saw the video on your site, looks like a lot of fun!. I wonder how the BOSE system sounds when you play with it on your trio, does it has the volume to stay up there with the drum kit? Also, I wonder if the other guitar player connects on the same system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members EightString Posted September 21, 2011 Members Share Posted September 21, 2011 A no-alcohol diet has done wonders for me over the past decade. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Howie22 Posted September 21, 2011 Members Share Posted September 21, 2011 A no-alcohol diet has done wonders for me over the past decade. Ooooh, that would be unacceptable!! Drinking on the job is part of the reason that what we do is so cool!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Chaff67 Posted September 21, 2011 Members Share Posted September 21, 2011 A no-alcohol diet has done wonders for me over the past decade. Well from the avatar pic I wouldn't have guessed that you gave up the occasional binge :poke: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members EightString Posted September 21, 2011 Members Share Posted September 21, 2011 Well from the avatar pic I wouldn't have guessed that you gave up the occasional binge :poke: You should see when I show up at a country-club jazz gig dressed like that... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jayare Posted September 21, 2011 Members Share Posted September 21, 2011 Hey jayare, I just saw the video on your site, looks like a lot of fun!. I wonder how the BOSE system sounds when you play with it on your trio, does it has the volume to stay up there with the drum kit? Also, I wonder if the other guitar player connects on the same system. Hi..when I use the Bose with the trio,I use 2 extra Bose subs,with the extra power amp.I have my guitar direct,the other guy uses his own amp.Its workin' so far! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members dboomer Posted September 22, 2011 Members Share Posted September 22, 2011 A no-alcohol diet has done wonders for me over the past decade. What about coke, pot and groupies? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members sventvkg Posted September 22, 2011 Members Share Posted September 22, 2011 look, i'm gonna go out on a limb here having used the Bose systems quite a lot. I think they sound like {censored}ing {censored} and are overpriced compared to getting some light weight EV's or My QSC K8's. I have a very light weight KILLER sounding rig that I can wheel in on one trip. Sets up in 5 min. Small board, 2 powered speakers and a powered monitor, if needed. CRYSTAL clear. LOTS of places have the bose here in Nashville and some sound OK but none sound as good as my EV SX300 system or my K system with Sub. PERIOD end of story. I won't even mention higher end EAW, etc. Not a Bose hater by any stretch. Just real world observations on the sytems having played through them a bunch over years. Sorry for thread hijack. Now, what I did was from the beginning, use .10 gauge strings on my acoustics, learn to sing correctly and pace myself vocally. I did start transposing some things for my marathon 7 day a week 5 hour night month long gigs in Europe. Also, I made the switch to a small, light PA. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do as you age. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Terry Allan Hall Posted September 23, 2011 Members Share Posted September 23, 2011 look, i'm gonna go out on a limb here having used the Bose systems quite a lot. I think they sound like {censored}ing {censored} and are overpriced compared to getting some light weight EV's or My QSC K8's. I have a very light weight KILLER sounding rig that I can wheel in on one trip. Sets up in 5 min. Small board, 2 powered speakers and a powered monitor, if needed. CRYSTAL clear. LOTS of places have the bose here in Nashville and some sound OK but none sound as good as my EV SX300 system or my K system with Sub. PERIOD end of story. I won't even mention higher end EAW, etc. Not a Bose hater by any stretch. Just real world observations on the sytems having played through them a bunch over years. Sorry for thread hijack.Now, what I did was from the beginning, use .10 gauge strings on my acoustics, learn to sing correctly and pace myself vocally. I did start transposing some things for my marathon 7 day a week 5 hour night month long gigs in Europe. Also, I made the switch to a small, light PA. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do as you age. Have a similar opinion of the L1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators daddymack Posted September 23, 2011 Moderators Share Posted September 23, 2011 What about coke, pot....? ahem...referring of course to a soft drink and a cooking container, yes? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Terry Allan Hall Posted September 23, 2011 Members Share Posted September 23, 2011 ahem...referring of course to a soft drink and a cooking container, yes? That's how I read it, Fearless Leader! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators daddymack Posted September 23, 2011 Moderators Share Posted September 23, 2011 look, i'm gonna go out on a limb here having used the Bose systems quite a lot. I think they sound like {censored}ing {censored} and are overpriced compared to getting some light weight EV's or My QSC K8's. I have a very light weight KILLER sounding rig that I can wheel in on one trip. Sets up in 5 min. Small board, 2 powered speakers and a powered monitor, if needed. CRYSTAL clear. LOTS of places have the bose here in Nashville and some sound OK but none sound as good as my EV SX300 system or my K system with Sub. PERIOD end of story. I won't even mention higher end EAW, etc. Not a Bose hater by any stretch. Just real world observations on the sytems having played through them a bunch over years. Sorry for thread hijack. I actually like the Bose system soundwise, in the right setting, correctly set up...incorrectly set up or in the wrong setting (outdoors, not so great, huge room full of moving bodies, not so great)...but the price is typical Bose snobbery. The Fishstick (Fishman SA220) seems to be competitive and a lot less costly...but I have not tried one as yet, and it is currently out of my price range... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members dparr Posted September 23, 2011 Members Share Posted September 23, 2011 Carry as little gear as possable. Play only instrumentals Play setting down. Only play gigs that are close to home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members dparr Posted September 23, 2011 Members Share Posted September 23, 2011 I actually like the Bose system soundwise, in the right setting, correctly set up...incorrectly set up or in the wrong setting (outdoors, not so great, huge room full of moving bodies, not so great)...but the price is typical Bose snobbery. The Fishstick (Fishman SA220) seems to be competitive and a lot less costly...but I have not tried one as yet, and it is currently out of my price range... I myself like the Fishman MUCH better than the Bose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Terry Allan Hall Posted September 23, 2011 Members Share Posted September 23, 2011 I actually like the Bose system soundwise, in the right setting, correctly set up...incorrectly set up or in the wrong setting (outdoors, not so great, huge room full of moving bodies, not so great)...but the price is typical Bose snobbery. The Fishstick (Fishman SA220) seems to be competitive and a lot less costly...but I have not tried one as yet, and it is currently out of my price range... The "Fish Stick" is a better option to the Bose L1...at about 1/2 the $$$. I've used both, and plan to get a "Fish Stick" ASAP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members EightString Posted September 23, 2011 Members Share Posted September 23, 2011 What about coke, pot and groupies? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members donkey 12 Posted September 23, 2011 Members Share Posted September 23, 2011 I hope I am nowhere near the end of my gigging days, but I already subscribe to much of what has been said in this thread. I try to keep my equipment light while not sacrificing in the sound quality department. My full set up is 2 EV SX100+ speakers (just under 32 lbs. each) on sticks, wedge monitor(s) (13 lbs. each), and a Yamaha EMX512SC mixer (17 lbs.). Sounds VERY good to me, gets plenty loud for our venues, and is pretty light. As a guitarist, Arthritis is my biggest fear. No signs of it yet, though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members TIMKEYS Posted September 23, 2011 Members Share Posted September 23, 2011 House act gigs. No load in and out ,, show up and play Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators daddymack Posted September 23, 2011 Moderators Share Posted September 23, 2011 one wonders how they did all those folk act coffee house gigs back in the 50s without anything but an acoustic guitar...oh, yeah, people cared enough to be quiet and listen...they weren't texting, taking calls, webcrawling, etc.... Actually, when I started out doing duos in the early 70s (yeah, I'm a grandpa for real ), some gigs we didn't even have a vocal microphone, we had to sing pretty loud over 2 guitars... I saw Pete Seeger in a 'very intimate' setting around that time, and he was totally 'acoustic', in a 'small room'...Tom Paxton, and several other folk acts too...they would show up with one guitar and play for a couple of hours, unamplified, drinking...coffee... ahhh, those were the days... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Gary Blanchard Posted September 23, 2011 Members Share Posted September 23, 2011 I'm 60 now, and have done a few things different. 1) I'm choosy about where and how often I play. I'd rather do a few quality gigs a year than a bunch of gigs that add to my frustration. 2) I have a rolling, 50 watt PA that works for many of the smaller venues I play. When needed I take the Peavey Escort; it is heavy in and out of the car, but rolls other than that. 3) I learned a few years ago to let the mic do the work. I keep my voice mellow and let the sound system carry it. 4) Songs that I started singing 20-40 years ago are memorized. My newer songs not so much. Yes, I use a music stand. It is my concession to an aging memory. I mostly glance now and then when doing songs written in the last year or so, but it keeps me on track. 5) I am serious about what I do, but don't take it seriously. Making a mistake in my practice as a therapist can have serious consequences. Hitting a wrong note or flubbing a lyric not so much. I love this new forum. Thanks HC! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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