Pedal Boards
Trying to quickly set up at our jam session means setting up as quickly as possible for a 20 - 25 minute set. THis is the only time I get to play with others and try out different things - both technique and equipment wise. I have 3 pedals - delay. tone + (Lone Wolf) and a Kinder AFB+.
Pulling out the individual pedals, connecting them to each other in a chain and power takes a bit of time with the distractions of everyone else setting up etc. Is it worth my while to rig together (or buy) a pedal board that would have the three already set and ready to go?? Or with only 3, just as easy to keep plugging (and unplugging).
Sometimes I just take a simple set up to avoid what at this time is confusion for me but I do want to experiment with these in a band situation as well as at home. What are the experiences and thoughts out there??
Hank, not a lot of posts the past couple of days. Maybe a lot of folks were off - or cramming business in during the last week before the holiday. I've been all week in Montreal trying to clear my desk before a little vacation time myself.
I guess the best answer to that is how much stuff do you like to drag to a jam session? I've seen a lot of guys that are minimalists in these things - and some that bring everything but the kitchen sink.
Pedal boards are great. If you want to bring a duffel bag, I'd say go ahead. If you've got enough room for that, then you might as well throw in your mics, cables, Harp Commander, etc. Roadies come in handy as the load gets bigger. They're not cheap though - unless you promise them girls backstage after the gig.
I'd say do what you want. Whatever you do is cool, as long as you're cool with it. And I wouldn't worry what anyone else might think. Musicians as a whole are all a little mentally unstable anyway. Remember, Steve Martin used to play banjo on stage with an arrow through his head. I'm sure he got a few curious looks when he first started doing that, too.
;o)
Thank you jj, !!! I was just really curious what others do but reflecting on your answer, yeah, do what is comfortable to me. I guess being a relative rookie, I don't want to look 'geekie' but I do want to be as efficient as possible. Mentally unstable I can handle but at least now I know why Steve looked different when he played the banjo ;-)
Thanks man!! and enjoy the vacation. Montreal?? - Canadian?
I just do a lot of business in Canada. I love it, though. Comedienne Kathleen Madigan has a great bit about our brothers up north. She says:
"Canada is like America's attic. You hardly ever go up there, but when you do you look around and think, wow, there's some cool sh** up here!"
Cool!! - I'm on the west coast in Victoria on Vancouver Island and yeah, lots of good sh** up here as well. But when I go south (California in May for Masterclass Week end, there's always lots of cool sh** there too. Great neighbours!!!
hank,
Guitar Center online has a great gig bag for peddles and gear. It has a large velcro bottom, that is thebase in which the peddles attach to nicely. So, you never have to move the pedals, just unzip an lay it own an you are reay to jam. Check it out online, its about 40 bucks in texas.
Hope it helps,
~R
Ended up with a Gator Pedal Board. It holds my 4 pedals perfectly with velcro and has an adapter for both 9 and 18 volt devices that connect underneath so theres only one wire to connect. So far I'm finding it great for at home - pedals are organized and easily moved (staying together).
The jam I go to now has a very small stage that is tight for amps etc so I just plug into the house system with my mic. HAH!! All that exploring and organizing - BUT I learned something and I'm all set for another situation so it was worth it plus it sure is a lot more organized looking at home.
Thanks for the comments
With no responses, I'm guessing my question is in to the "overkill" department. Mostly I'm looking to save 3 - 5 minutes on setting up. So to rephrase the question:
A -"Suck it up" and learn to set up quickly
B - Don't use pedals for a jam situation
C - Only use one at most
D - Stop going to jams and play with your toys at home
Any one letter responses appreciated
Thanks from "he who dies with the most toys wins" Hank