I did over 250 shows last year with a band that has zero amps on stage. The guitarists use processors, mostly line 6 x3 live, bass uses sansamp tech 21 bass driver, and the drummer uses electronic kit.
We do have a kickass monitor system though.
Each guy can have anything he wants in his mix, eq'rd, whatever effects, whatever volume, etc.
Sure the band is good as far as players go, we have well over 100 years collective gigging under our belts between the four of us.
Lots of working bands play fine so what?
We play well together as any band that plays this much together should
But what really sets this band apart is the overall sound of the band.
We can blow your head off with volume both out front or on stage, but we have gotten and kept gigs also by our ability to play much quieter on stage and consequently out front than other full bands in our area.
Thing about doing it this way, is that there is absolutely no competition between stage volume and p.a. Volume. What front of house hears is almost pure p.a. Mix and virtually no stage volume.
Not to mention lugging around amps or cabs.
We are not opposed to using amps/cabs, but we have this system so dialed in that we see doing anything else as going backwards. I've played non stop in bands for a living since 1980. Been in tons of bands big and small, jammed with hundreds of musicians, played on maybe 1000 stages. This is the best sounding band I have ever been in both on stage and out front..
It's not just me that thinks that. This band in this configuration has never played a gig yet where we weren't told by patrons, bar owners, etc that didn't tell us it was the best sounding band they have ever had.
I think a significant part of that is the electronic drums too.
The band sound is like a big loud crystal clear stereo cranking your favorite toons.
So not only would it not be a deal breaker, it is highly recommended.
The key though, it having a killer monitor system including lots of power, great monitors and a great board, etc.
Without that I'd be lugging my amps again.
But with it I will personally never go back when given a choice.
Awesome post.
We will be using an electonic drum kit, as well.