Post words of wisdom and things you've learned along the way that will help less-experienced players.
Drummers: Unless you are the only band on the bill, do not assemble/dis-assemble your drums on stage. This wastes ALOT of time during set change. Assemble the hardware offstage, put into place on stage, carry offstage to disassemble.
Guitar players: watch your stage volume. Be only as loud as your drummer. Some sort of solo/boost pedal can be handy if there are two of you.
Bass players: Low-mids are your friend and help you cut through the mix.
Be courteous and friendly with the sound tech. Even if he/she is a raging, bloated douchebag and are terrible at what they do. At least wait til after your set if you absolutely *have* it out with them. If you think your sound can't possibly get any worse, it totally can.
A good quote a friend has hanging on their jam room door:
Play the music
Love the people
Leave the ego at the door
To all players:
Don't expect to get rich.
To players in the US doing it for a living:
Join the musicians union or something, get health care.
Have this system worked out with all band members, traveling crew, companions:
When one is talking to someone whom they cant remember their name but you really really NEED TO KNOW IT -- when another member comes up (motion them if need be), ask if they "Found the van keys." When system is in place, the other says to you "Yes I did", and to person you are talking to, "Oh hey I am so-and-so, your name is?"
Genius.
Quote from: Danny G on September 06, 2011, 12:22:18 PM
Have this system worked out with all band members, traveling crew, companions:
When one is talking to someone whom they cant remember their name but you really really NEED TO KNOW IT -- when another member comes up (motion them if need be), ask if they "Found the van keys." When system is in place, the other says to you "Yes I did", and to person you are talking to, "Oh hey I am so-and-so, your name is?"
Genius.
That's good.
Also the drummer thing is 100% true - all you should have to do when you hit the stage is attach your pedals and little bits of fine tuning. Toms on stands, cymbals on stands, doo-dads where they need to be before the previous band finishes their setAlso, don't tear down on stage! Take your pedals off your drums, and sling everything on to the floor, or backstage, or outside - whatever the case may be.
Singers that don't play an instrument - Help carry shit or your band mates will hate your rotten guts. They already do, because chances are you don't ever show up to practice, and contribute next to nothing when you do, so don't exacerbate things. Also, don't bitch about paying an equal share for rehearsal space you fucking cunt, or you will never eat unsoiled food on tour. God you people fucking suck.
Everyone should be constantly making an effort to load/unload with a quickness. If your shit's clear of the stage, help your band mates, don't be a dick about it, and make sure you're careful. Tube amps are fragile, guitars and basses have fragile parts
Drums, even though you might not think so if you don't play, can be completely destroyed easier than you think. A bent rim makes the drum impossible to tune until it's replaced. Same with a broken lug, bent shell, or damaged bearing edge. You may be able to get by without a tom, but a bent snare rim legally requires your drummer to stab you in the fucking neck. I've had people roll an 8x10 over my double kick pedal, drop a pair of toms (with expensive aftermarket rims) down three flights of stairs, and crack cymbals by knocking over cymbal stands onto concrete. Upkeep on a drumkit can break your drummer quick. If you crack a $300 cymbal on tour, break a $500 pedal, dent a 60 dollar rim, puncture a 40-60 dollar bass drum head, your drummer is fucked (to varying degrees, but still fucked).
Drummers - be careful with you hardware. Tubes are expensive, speakers are expensive. Not sure about grill cloth, but it will make you an enemy anyway. I've knocked my hi-hat stand into the same cabinet twice, each time taking out a different speaker and fucking up the grill cloth. Shortly after the second time, my guitar player hastily shoved my hi-hat stand into our packed van and put it through four of the six 6L6's in her Triple Rectifier. I lol'd.
1) Sex and Drugs will always be there. Don't blow your big opportunity by being too wasted to play or screwing up your big solo by trying to show off for some Hottie you are trying to nail.
2) You can't polish a turd but some songs are not meant to be polished either. They are like a fine hand woven rug that has slight variations in color and thread size and maybe a few miss-tied knots here and there. If you were to make it perfect however you would loose the soul and spirit of such a fine hand made creation. We are humans, we are not Machines, we should not be trying to be perfect like Machines.
Drummers - please, if I fuck up, keep playing, for the love of god. Just make it look orchestrated. If I pop a string, you and the bass player, do some goofy lounge music, or something, while I change the fucker, or switch guitars. Don't listen to me, listen to the bassist. I adhere to the general structure of the song, but I don't always play the same shit.
Bassists - Please, don't try to embellish a simple riff, and make it complex and stupid. When a riff is supposed to be root notes, or powerchords or whatever, and I specifically tell you to do that for a reason... please do. There's 30 more minutes of song for you to fiddle with, when there's a straight forward part, play it straight forward. Also, be able to match my volume. IE own decent equipment. Your Ashdown practice amp doesn't match my Model T...
Guitarists - BRING. AN. EXTRA. FUCKING. GUITAR. I always, ALWAYS bring two, Two that I LIKE to play. Bring an extra distortion pedal you like. BRING EXTRA CABLES. I know I am super hard on all of my shit, and I have the biggest, most complex rig out of the entire band, so I always come prepared. Multimeter, extra tubes (preamp and power,) and all the tools I need to work on my shit. Zip ties, duct tape... whatever could be needed.
Fans - GET FUCKING CLOSER TO US.
It is healthy to think of playing music (and it's roll in your life) much as one might think of cooking.
Think of all the great food you've had with friends and family. Someone's mom or brother-in-law probably is not regarded as a dreamer or has-been for loving to share their talent with everyone. Sure some fantasize about being a top chef and own a chain of restaurants. Ultimately food and music are sustenance, music fills the soul instead of the belly. Even your most amateur attempt at burning water may prove satisfying to yourself and those you share with. Almost anyone who is hungry enough has it within them to cook something; whether the results should be inflicted upon others is another story.
I'm sure if I spent the time I could rattle off the analogies and whatnot but I'm guess a few of you are smart enough to think of your own.
On the OTHER END of things...heh...heh...I've often said "I don't play music to win the approval of others. I do it for the same reasons that I take a shit. If I don't get it out of me it will build up inside me and make me sick. Sure it stinks, but it feels great to get it out."
Quote from: SunnO))) on September 06, 2011, 11:19:58 PM
Bassists - Please, don't try to embellish a simple riff, and make it complex and stupid. When a riff is supposed to be root notes, or powerchords or whatever, and I specifically tell you to do that for a reason... please do. There's 30 more minutes of song for you to fiddle with, when there's a straight forward part, play it straight forward. Also, be able to match my volume. IE own decent equipment. Your Ashdown practice amp doesn't match my Model T...
Grumpy bastard ;)
Though we'd make a good fit, I can root note 'til the cows come home, I love locking in on something and just keep playing it, trance-like, and I am louder than your Model T. Guaranteed ;D
(http://i.imgur.com/xN6fO.png)
Quote from: neighbor664 on September 06, 2011, 11:55:44 PM
It is healthy to think of playing music (and it's roll in your life) much as one might think of cooking.
Think of all the great food you've had with friends and family. Someone's mom or brother-in-law probably is not regarded as a dreamer or has-been for loving to share their talent with everyone. Sure some fantasize about being a top chef and own a chain of restaurants. Ultimately food and music are sustenance, music fills the soul instead of the belly. Even your most amateur attempt at burning water may prove satisfying to yourself and those you share with. Almost anyone who is hungry enough has it within them to cook something; whether the results should be inflicted upon others is another story.
I'm sure if I spent the time I could rattle off the analogies and whatnot but I'm guess a few of you are smart enough to think of your own.
On the OTHER END of things...heh...heh...I've often said "I don't play music to win the approval of others. I do it for the same reasons that I take a shit. If I don't get it out of me it will build up inside me and make me sick. Sure it stinks, but it feels great to get it out."
Great post.
Somewhat along the same lines, I hate the idea that only certain people can play music, and others can't. Everybody should play something, even if it's only in private. Off topic though, I guess.
Quote from: neighbor664 on September 06, 2011, 11:55:44 PM
It is healthy to think of playing music (and it's roll in your life) much as one might think of cooking.
Think of all the great food you've had with friends and family. Someone's mom or brother-in-law probably is not regarded as a dreamer or has-been for loving to share their talent with everyone. Sure some fantasize about being a top chef and own a chain of restaurants. Ultimately food and music are sustenance, music fills the soul instead of the belly. Even your most amateur attempt at burning water may prove satisfying to yourself and those you share with. Almost anyone who is hungry enough has it within them to cook something; whether the results should be inflicted upon others is another story.
I'm sure if I spent the time I could rattle off the analogies and whatnot but I'm guess a few of you are smart enough to think of your own.
On the OTHER END of things...heh...heh...I've often said "I don't play music to win the approval of others. I do it for the same reasons that I take a shit. If I don't get it out of me it will build up inside me and make me sick. Sure it stinks, but it feels great to get it out."
excellent outlook and advice indeed.
I dont really have any advice...juts try to keep it fun i guess
When writing blocks occur, don't stop playing the instrument. Check out other ways of playing, try to fix certain techniques, go back to practising scales and chords, concentrate on a different sound or tone different than what you're used to writing in (I.E take pedals out or plug straight into the amp). Mainly, keep the attitude positive about your instrument and don't get discouraged. Taking a couple days off is fine, but don't over do it.
With that said, I hate writing blocks.
Quote from: Chovie D on September 07, 2011, 01:20:36 PM
I dont really have any advice...juts try to keep it fun i guess
Therein lies the challenge.
If you backline, strike drums if possible.
Only backline, if there is room.
Keep your sets short. Unless you're closing the show and people ask.
Quote from: Hemisaurus on September 07, 2011, 08:05:15 AM
Quote from: SunnO))) on September 06, 2011, 11:19:58 PM
Bassists - Please, don't try to embellish a simple riff, and make it complex and stupid. When a riff is supposed to be root notes, or powerchords or whatever, and I specifically tell you to do that for a reason... please do. There's 30 more minutes of song for you to fiddle with, when there's a straight forward part, play it straight forward. Also, be able to match my volume. IE own decent equipment. Your Ashdown practice amp doesn't match my Model T...
Grumpy bastard ;)
Though we'd make a good fit, I can root note 'til the cows come home, I love locking in on something and just keep playing it, trance-like, and I am louder than your Model T. Guaranteed ;D
(http://i.imgur.com/xN6fO.png)
I mean... I groove along, and jam riffs in trancelike states as much as possible. I even start using my fingers so I can match bass strum patterns... but, you know, some guys are like "E E E Octave E EFGBGbAGbfffffffffffffffffffffffff" in the middle of "E F G" chord progressions. Those are the annoying fuckers. Especially if it's supposed to be some kind of subdued. I can't say I'm not guilty of embellishing shit, but I know when to just fuckin' play the riff.
Good, maybe I can actually hear you! :D
If you can be content working a day job, don't even try to play music for a living.
Bass players: unless you are John Entwistle, MOVE AROUND ON STAGE. Stop being a pussy. Bass being a background instrument meant for introspective, shy shoegazers is a myth. You can bring as much onstage energy or more than a guitar player. Just sayin.
Younger up and coming bands: Less is more, regarding set length.
You may think you are on top of the world cause your friends are rocking out up front. But everyone else may be at the bar on their phones. Keep set length shorter rather than longer, leave the audience wanting more rather than over-staying your welcome. Even if your friends want ONE MORE SONG, you are cutting into all other bands' set time. Not cool.
I dunno, I think it's fairer to say, unless you want to eat ramen for life, and always be worried about if you get sick or injured, don't try and make a living as a musician.
Don't go over your set time, but don't be way under it, that just catches the other bands on the hop, and pisses off the promoter
As to stage bouncing, you are remembering what forum you are on? I couldn't give a rats-ass how perky you look on stage as long as the riffs are coming along nice and heavy, unless you're a vocalist and unencumbered completely.
What if you're in a shoegaze band? How do you move around to Shoegaze?
Well it's called shoegaze, cause you gaze at your shoes ;)
Sorry, if I sounded a little vehement, many of the bands I love don't move around a lot, all of the bands (I like) in this genre that I know of, never see Buzzo springing about, nor Matt and Al, if it's good enough for them :)
Now punk bands on the other hand, I guess it's a style thing.
But I go to listen, more than to watch.
No vehemency detected. Just peeves me a little when bass players don't do shit onstage cause that's what they think bass players are *supposed* to do. Just like singers that act like assholes cause they think as singers they are *supposed* to.
As a musician, stay as sober as humanly possible when you play. The drunker you get, the more drunk you sound. And the drunker you sound, the shittier then band as a whole sounds. Don't believe me? Have a friend run video next time ur getting trashed onstage.
You are not in the Rolling Stones. Tho they often sound like shit too, and they are the Rolling Stones.
Quote from: Hemisaurus on September 08, 2011, 12:19:17 PM
Well it's called shoegaze, cause you gaze at your shoes ;)
Sorry, if I sounded a little vehement, many of the bands I love don't move around a lot, all of the bands (I like) in this genre that I know of, never see Buzzo springing about, nor Matt and Al, if it's good enough for them :)
Now punk bands on the other hand, I guess it's a style thing.
But I go to listen, more than to watch.
i actually love the fact that most bands i like DON'T move around very much. i used to be really into moving around when i was younger, until i realized i looked like a dick. i like bands like fu manchu, kyuss, and so forth: they move around with purpose! the power of Rock compells them!
Don't ever put your drink down at a venue.
Quote from: Danny G on September 08, 2011, 12:40:11 PM
As a musician, stay as sober as humanly possible when you play. The drunker you get, the more drunk you sound. And the drunker you sound, the shittier then band as a whole sounds. Don't believe me? Have a friend run video next time ur getting trashed onstage.
You are not in the Rolling Stones. Tho they often sound like shit too, and they are the Rolling Stones.
agreed. I allow myself 4 beers at shows. that's it.
No, Buzz doesn't jump around like a fool, but you can definitely tell he's into it. I think that's all an audience expects.
yeah, buzz seemed to be stomping around more than usual in that hellfest video too.
I have yet to see a Melvins show that didn't deliver.
I've posted ^this^ before, but what can I say? it's my favorite Melvins song.
Kerch in Ol Scratch used to fly about, it was entertaining but eveybody else was pretty still.
I think if you have the audacity to get up on stage(no matter the purpose) you have an obligation to be entertaining. I mean that in the broadest sense but if you don't seem to be enjoying yourself don't expect the audience to either. If that's "not your thing" you had better blow my fucking mind.
If you're a hardcore band and you've played any longer than 35 minutes you've already played too long.
Quote from: bloodofkings on September 08, 2011, 07:56:29 PM
If you're a hardcore band and you've played any longer than 35 minutes you've already played too long.
If you played 35 minutes, you must have played the set twice ;D
20-25 minutes is a good amount of time, unless you can play a "greatest hits" set. You probably can't. Exception... if there's more than 100 people there, who paid to specifically see you.
Please, do not stand around high-fiving each other, after your set. Get your stuff off the stage ASAP. Seriously, hurry it up. As an audience member, standing around waiting for bands to break down/set up is the most boring thing in the world. Gee, why don't people go see live music any more? Maybe they are tired of standing around waiting for shit to get started. Standing around in a dumpy bar is fun when you're a newbie. That wears off.
Also, all ages shows are crucial. Somewhere in your town, there has to be a place where under-21 bands and fans can go. Even if your band is all oldsters, if you are smart IMO you will nurture the all ages fans and bands in your town. Because they are the future of your scene. Old people drift away, they get fancy jobs, they have babies and so on, they stop going to shows. You need fresh blood. Otherwise, you will eventually end up with no audience, no local bands, and no place to play your kind of music.
Don't do the hippie thing and play in bare feet. Unless you like getting zapped by ungrounded PA systems.
I'm at work, running sound, and I have a whole stage full of barefoot hippies. Deliver me.
Also, for the record, Buzz always rocks the fuck out. He doesn't stand still.
You gettin' cooked over there Willie?
Keep safe...
Nah, we're cool. It's fuckin' close, though. Scary shit, indeed.
Thanks, blood.
I will agree with everyone that says to keep the set times shorter. It's always good to get up on stage, melt faces and leave the audience wanting more. That will ensure they come back to see you next time, so long as they're into it. Unless you're Neurosis or Sleep, I don't want to see you up there playing for an hour and a half.
Also agree on the getting fucked up thing before you play. I don't drink much or really do anything before I play anymore, because whether you want to admit it or not and think that you can handle your shit, it DOES affect your playing and can derail your entire band if you're not careful. Afterwards, do whatever you want but don't get fucked up before your set.
Also, as far as playing locally. I'm starting to think its better to play shows sparingly unless you're doing stuff out of town. If you're playing every single week in your town, it doesn't matter how much ass you kick, people are going to get tired of seeing you. It may be different in bigger cities, but in a smaller city like the one I live in its easy to burn people out because its usually the same people at every show anyway.
Also on that same note, keep writing new music. Nothing gets old more than a band that's been playing the same set of songs for 2-3 years. Keep challenging yourself and try to keep writing new music as often as possible, it makes things not only refreshing for you and your band but also the audience and keeps everyone interested. I understand if you're going through writer's block or whatever, but at least keep going back to the drawing board and creating something.
Cheers Dustin, agreed all-round.
^ He and I are both in Seahag, which circa 2009 got dangerously close to playing too often, and using the same batch of material the whole time. We're making a deliberate effort now to balance our exposure with new material...we also know of a local band that is currently playing almost every weekend, and in this town that gets old really, really fast. They even played a Sat. then the following Monday ! While they're pretty badass and all, almost no one watches their set...
I will direct everyone's attention to line #3 in my signature.
Don't name your band with the seemingly popular formula of random verb + random name, ie:
Running for Erika
Chasing Jeremiah
Sucking Renaldo
etc. etc.
As for the bassists moving around thing, something to keep in mind: Basses are heavy! More inertia = more feeling required to move it, a bassist playing with the same amount of feeling as a guitarist is therefore gonna move proportionately less.
also, if you play fast (especially fingerstyle bass) and drink lots of shitty beer, I think it's a good idea to take glucosamine supplements every once in awhile, not enough to build a dependence of course, but I've met a few guys who developed arthritis in their 20's...
Oh and here's an analogy of mine: I look at voice leading in a musical piece like the character behavior in an episode of Seinfeld. You want your part to be interesting but believable, and consistent in character. Although reactions to different events obviously elicit different responses, you can tell a bullshit sitcom when the characters behave according to the whim of the un-talented plot writer, rather than their own defined personalities. And unless you're having a Kramer moment, personal showmanship always takes back seat to the piece's structure as a whole; steadily doing nothing provides fertile ground for all other parts.
(http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/443/emotsmugex9.gif)
I think our "hardcore band" (eh, close enough) could probably crank out 3 or 4 sets in 30 minutes. Something I would never want to inflict on an audience. Cold Mourning on the other hand could probably barely manage 3 old songs and 2 new ones in a solid 30 minutes.
I chuckled when I imagined someone stepping up to the mic and saying "Hello, we are Sucking Renaldo".
I can do without the whole noun/verb/color thing, too.
For some reason where I'm from Hardcore bands play for 40 minutes. I'm bored to tears after 25 minutes. My hardcore band clocks in at around 25 minutes and that's only because our singer rambles like the crazy guy about to bum change off you at the bus station. We also have a couple of 4 minute doomy numbers thrown in there. The really good Hardcore bands around here are quick and violent the way it should be.
Seeing as we're just spouting random crap now.
No band name should begin with S or have a Z in it.
Quote from: Hemisaurus on September 11, 2011, 05:08:54 PM
Seeing as we're just spouting random crap now.
No band name should begin with S or have a Z in it.
No Z's :o
Enuff Z'nuff ruined it for everyone :-\
No Z's or S's... so that would probably rule out the band Zs? ???
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zs_(band) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zs_(band))
Quote from: Hemisaurus on September 11, 2011, 05:08:54 PM
No band name should begin with S
(http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/443/emotsmugex9.gif)
Imitation is the most effective form of learning for humans. How did you learn to speak? You learned by imitating your parents and other big people, right? In fact you learned many major life tasks this way. Do you consider yourself less of an individual for it? Of course not! Quit making excuses or acting like you are too punk rock to learn someone else's songs! Once upon a time (before the Beatles) all bands and solo artists had to prove they could play with the big boys by killing on a few standards. It is unlikely your originals are Beatles caliber anyway.
The Beatles weren't playing originals those years in Hamburg either ;D
Nowadays it's a role reversal, it's those that first fail at originals that end up playing covers.
We needn't go as far as the Fair bros., but Mark Arm had it right, once you get too technically proficient it sucks all the fun out of it. I find a lot of the so called greats sound like they're just tossing off on their instruments.
Quote from: Hemisaurus on September 11, 2011, 10:55:23 PM
The Beatles weren't playing originals those years in Hamburg either ;D
Nowadays it's a role reversal, it's those that first fail at originals that end up playing covers.
Yeah but I'd bet many of those folks would have had a better shot if they had woodshed on a few covers before believing they should be inflicting their originals on people.
you're not an indie rock fan then? ;)
This thread is a great reminder why I only talk about gear with other musicians.
You play whatever songs you lime and I'll do the same. If you don't like my songs it's really not unexpected nor a big deal. If you play covers I probably won't like it, especially if it's a song I actually like but it won't kill me.
Name your band whatever you want and if I deem it a stupid name, I might miss out on a few good bands but I'm taking the gamble that it won't be too many.
Leave the ego at the door. No one owes you a fuckin thing. If you think you or your band is being treated unfairly, practice more.
Strap-locks. $20 or less you can have one less worry.
Quote from: Baltar on September 18, 2011, 11:23:59 AM
Strap-locks. $20 or less you can have one less worry.
Better yet, use the beer gaskets they have on bottles like Stella Artois/Grolsch and save your vintage or favorite axe from getting the strap buttons removed.
Quote from: Baltar on September 18, 2011, 11:23:59 AM
Strap-locks. $20 or less you can have one less worry.
That's def a good one. Lost my big toenail in 2002 and installed strap locks on every fiddle since.
Strap-Lock's failure have caused broken guitars. Devise your own, better systems. (the afore-mentioned rubber gaskets, the ol' bread clip trick, or simply place a large washer between the outer strap surface and the strap button).
Strap-Lock's (the actual brand) are garbage. For one thing, the shiny, smooth chrome nut works itself loose over time/vibration which leads to failure and possibly a broken 5,000 dollar Les Paul. I've also seen the inner mechanism fall apart (the spring-loaded shaft section) Fuck 'em.
/ rant
^^^^
Yeah. I use those, love/hate relationship due to aforementioned cons. Even the strap buttons themselves, I've worn them so bad on one side from friction that they either broke off completely or I caught it in time but still had to swap out cause straploc wasn't lockin...
But I have them on 3 guitars and 2 basses, so I'm kinda stuck with them. Replacin one set means I ca't use that strap for any other instrument.
But there is a pro: since they are apt to fly apart, often parts can be found on stage. Found several replacement washers that were either lost or discarded.
edit for clarification: I use the Schallers
duct tape makes the best strap locks..i think ive mentioned that before in a different thread..
Duct tape works great, unless you're concerned about the finish of your 10,000 dollar Les Paul Custom though, then not so much. Also, tape will eventually fail, the large washer will not.
I hate strap locks, they swivel around too much, and they extend away from the body which is not what you want. Grolsch (or plumbing) rubber washers for the win.
Grover makes the Schaller lock now. Duct tape is dumb and fails. I'm a really cheap socialist type but $20 is worth my $700 SG knock-off. Plus, if you don't know how to install a set of fucking Schaller/Grovers, I feel really bad for you. I had my Schallers on my Paul for 10 years before I had to replace the button, and ALL PARTS has the replacement buttons for under $5. No excuses.
http://www.grotro.com/strap_locks.html (http://www.grotro.com/strap_locks.html)
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Hardware,_parts/Electric_guitar:_Strap_buttons/Grover_Quick-release_Strap_Locks.html (http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Hardware,_parts/Electric_guitar:_Strap_buttons/Grover_Quick-release_Strap_Locks.html)
No really, I mean it. No fucking excuses. Stew-Mac has buttons for $3.16, breaking the bank. Ouch.
Wait, you guys just reminded me of something. I still like strap locks overall but I noticed something a few weeks back...
On my Hag, the strap button near the neck is wearing/grinding down. I see metal flakes collecting at the neck joint every few days or so. Now I assumed this was because the locking U shaped mechanism was upside down for a long time [i haven't been playing much in the last year or so]. I adjusted it ant tightened everything down. Still see some flakes. I'll get them replaced >:(
Thanks Guys!
Quote from: Baltar on September 18, 2011, 09:36:19 PMPlus, if you don't know how to install a set of fucking Schaller/Grovers, I feel really bad for you.
Sometimes the screw threads are different, and the Dunlop screws wiggle their way out over time. And just because you have straplocks doesn't mean you can't pop your strap off the post... you might need a big washer, too. Why not just go right for the big washer right off the bat, maybe permanently install the strap with a screw. You need 2 guitars on stage, but you can't afford an extra strap? Anyway, the straplocks are not infallible, so why even get started with them. I hate straplocks!
Dunlop strap-locks
(http://www.actionmusic.com/images/products/misc/DunlopStraplocks.jpg)
... or duct-tape.
A bit of black gaffer tape around the end of the strap does the trick nicely, holds up a bit better and doesn't look as cheap as duct tape. By that I mean attaching the strap, then wrapping a piece of tape around the strap right above/behind the button. Sort of the same concept as the washer, keeps the button from pulling back through the hole in the strap. No need to touch the finish of the instrument, still pivots freely on the button and works pretty well. I had a telecaster like that for over a year and it never budged.
Quote from: Lumpy on September 19, 2011, 03:40:02 AM
Quote from: Baltar on September 18, 2011, 09:36:19 PMPlus, if you don't know how to install a set of fucking Schaller/Grovers, I feel really bad for you.
Sometimes the screw threads are different, and the Dunlop screws wiggle their way out over time. And just because you have straplocks doesn't mean you can't pop your strap off the post... you might need a big washer, too. Why not just go right for the big washer right off the bat, maybe permanently install the strap with a screw. You need 2 guitars on stage, but you can't afford an extra strap? Anyway, the straplocks are not infallible, so why even get started with them. I hate straplocks!
If the screw threads are differnent then you just drop a toothpick or matchstick in the hole and add wood-glue. Then drop the screw in.
I've never, ever had my strap pop off my Schallers. I did the big washer thing on my Paul first but having the strap permantly attached is a pain in the ass. I had two guitars on/off for years and each guitar had their own strap and Schallers. That way if I lost or forgot one strap the other still worked.
what about "zen multiplier"
Ya I was lovin the strap-locks until the top screw just recently started comin out of my USA Fender V jazz, pretty rapidly. Weak. is there a good tweak to do so that they don't cause that screw to wiggle out, maybe grease the swiveling part or..?
I see that washer idea, is that for use in combination with straplocks?
Remove the screw, insert one (or maybe two) wooden matchstick sections into the hole with a little Elmer's wood glue (don't go over the rim with matchsticks, duh. Don't use the match heads, duh.). Re-insert screw. Allow to dry.
You know how your strap has a hole, but also a little slit too? The added washer is to prevent the post (or straplock) from popping through the slit.
Hardware stores are great. I'm sure one could find a washer the size of a coaster, if need be. The Jim Dunlop locks are pretty good too. I had them on my Paul for a few days, but the top one kept popping out so I re-installed the Schallers. That was in '92, I think they've updated the system since. They do stick out more than the Schallers though.
I've never liked the Dunlop straplocks because it was a longer screw and therefore would drill more into my guitar. I have the original Schallers on my SG and the cheap 'Schaller' made on my Burny LP, no problems. Although for the next fiddles, I just plan to save myself the time and just use the Grolsch rubber gaskets.
Keep an eye on your Schallers (making sure everything tight before a gig) can keep them from flying apart at the most inopportune time, like going into your guitar solo.
My advice for young musicians... when you're buying an amp to play in your first band pick the one with the LEAST number of knobs. When I bought my first real amp I ended up with a two channel JCM800 lead when you know there must have been a $500 Super Lead or JMP hanging around the shop back then. More time playing music and less time programming patches or twiddling knobs is the way to go.
My night has been ruined by Schaller. I'll fucking kill the person who designed those fucking things. My favorite guitar in the world is now tarnished because one of those worthless fucking things went south on me.
(http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff409/enslavedinrot/2011-09-28_00-00-00_390.jpg)
I've been lifting the guitar and dropping it back against my body for fucking five years worth of playing, and I've never dropped a guitar in my ENTIRE life. Most of them have direct bolted straps to avoid this bullshit. Tonight, one of those dumb fucking U strap locks ended up flipped over on the stud and just snapped when the guitar was mid swing and sent the fucker plummeting into the ground. My heart stopped. I just walked away. My setup is trashed, it has that horrible blemish, and now I feel shitty. I'm in the market for a new tele, now. One so I can stop hurting this one. It's my favorite guitar I've ever owned.
Shit man, sorry to hear that. I understand exactly what you're saying about that U lock and dropping the strap to get it on. That U lock is the weak link IMO as you have to baby it constantly; both making sure that its secured tight to the strap and orientated correctly.
What are you gonna do? go to the washer method?
Keep that tele at home, and buy a new one to play. I don't want to beat that one up anymore. I almost cried. That's my "Lucille," if you know what I mean, so hurting it is like hurting her. Fuck Schaller.
I hear ya. I was a fan for a long time but this thread has convinced me not to buy the Schallers or similar again. I've known about the washer trick for years but what about strap tangles?
Doesn't really happen since they can't flip around...
Jesus fucking Christ....hey look on the bright side man, they were only 20 bucks right? Surely you can salvage the shiny chrome nuts? /sarcasm
Use the fuckin' washer trick bro, fuck all that Crap-Lok garbage
Yeah. I should call them and tell them to die in a fire. So fucking depressed. My day has been shitty because of this.
Best reason for ugly instruments, you don't feel so bad when you ding 'em. I always seem to be chipping headstocks on ceilings and it's not like I'm that tall.
Just love it more, chips and all dude, it still plays the same.
The straplocks swivel around too easily. Even if you don't drop your guitar, it's at the wrong height, then it drops down to correct position. It's distracting and it can also make you flub your notes. Why would anybody want their strap to swivel around so easily? Look at all the real players who have duct taped their strap, actually taped it onto the guitar body to keep the strap oriented one way. It's a crappily-designed product, probably invented by a guy who didn't play guitar.
I think this pretty much says it all. Watch all 8. They're short.
I've had washers on all my guitars since the '80s, EXCEPT for my "good" guitar which has strap locks on it so it can slide into it's form fitted case more easily. I think I've just been inspired to go out and buy some proper strap buttons and washers this weekend.
Buzz's laugh is so awesome.
I know I was kind of a dick about this washer thing, and I rarely play the age card here but I've been strapping on guitars since 1979 so I've seen enough of these shitty fucking "lock" systems fail. Lumps is right about the angle, too. See how far the strap ends up from the body? The leverage/movement causes too much stress on the hole (that's what she said) so even if the mechanism is tightened enough it still fucks up the hole, especially if the screw is hardened steel vs. questionable wood (that's what she said #2)....the mechanism being tightened enough is also dubious since it's smooth chromium against pliable, moving leather! The fact that this bullshit cost 20 bucks adds urine to the wound.
Large washers, goddamn ;D
Sheesh. I've never, ever had a problem with them. Course, I don't jump around much when I play. I've even shook my guitars violently over my bed, just to test 'em. Nothing, but hey a washer is what I used before I found out about Schallers. Washers work better for you, go for it.
Edit: I do use Loc-tite on my Schallers and my George L's. Never trust threads unless you back it up.
My advice for musicians is take your amp to a tech when it starts being odd, not when it totally stops working. The reason the tech is expensive is because you've fucked it, sorting the issue before it is very bad is much easier that waiting for it to toast enough components the who thing goes down. Also, learn basic maintenance like cleaning sockets yourself, that is where most problems start.
. I liked Strap-Locs for several years before they failed; there's no way I put them on "wrong"...
I don't need Loctite for the washers, that stuff's kind of expensive.
Editista: .....and if 20 dollar mechanisms work for you, absolutely use them.
Realize where you are playing and who you are playing to. If you're booked at Lou's biker bar during the Thursday night wing special you'd best know some Molly Hatchet or Skynyrd covers.
Realize unless you've actually sold some albums and have people who bought said albums coming to hear you play songs off the album no one really gives a rats ass about your original material especially if you're playing some dump bar.
If you want to play original music don't play gigs in crappy bars.
Too many bad bands playing bad originals is a good part of what ended live music at many places which now opt for DJs or Karaoke.
Quote from: EddieMullet on September 29, 2011, 08:45:28 PM
Too many bad bands playing bad originals is a good part of what ended live music at many places which now opt for DJs or Karaoke.
Bollocks, too many bad cover bands have opened the way for DJ's and karaoke, why listen to a second rate rendition of Freebird, when you can sing along to a professional backing track yourself.
Agreed on the bad cover band point as well.
There was a time you had to be at least decent to get a bar/club gig.
I've been using eyebolts and quicklinks on my strat for about 10 years now. It's fucking bullet proof never had a problem.
schaller comment: sop: check that the little U-things are facing upwards AFTER putting on the strap and putting on the guitar which can spin them 180º. totally NOT how they are made to hold the weight. totally how you release them. so ya, if you space that, expect a release from an upside down one.
don't involve your time and effort and resources for years developing something involviing other musicians, then trip out and dump the whole thing ESPECIALLY scheduled tour dates. not really nice/fair to your bandmates. finish your responsibilities then leave if you have to. (heh, see how i did that?)
I think I covered that in the etiquette thread ;D
What follows is a random collection of thoughts id pass on to a newbie who really wants to play gigs and tour
Don't take yourself too seriously, if you are too serious you just end up looking like a pretentious asshole, and whilst you may not be one, you come across that way.
Remember the golden rule, treat others like you wanna be treated, when on tour this is key as you need all the good karma and juju the universe can send your way because one bad moment can ruin everything.
You attract more flies with honey than vinegar.
ALWAYS be prepared for the worst case scenario and hope for the best, be it with gear (ie: extra strings, cords, cables, fuses, straps, picks ETC) the vehicle (again fuses, tools, canned tire repair foam, extra radio, get AAA road coverage, it is cheap and invaluable) your merch (bring more than you need on the road, nothing worse than selling out on the road, 5-10 days from home, imagine all the extra money you could have made)
Have a designated driver after gigs, DUI's are not to be fucked with. Rotate, also this person should sleep in the van as they will be more alert if it gets broken into (stolen gear is a huge bummer) again Rotate, so no one is left out (everyone gets a turn, being in a band is a TEAM effort.if you don't like it, too bad)
Its a good idea to switch drivers at regular intervals, when on a many hour drive between gigs, it makes it easier on all involved parties and again keeps the driver more alert, and being alert means being safer (van+gear+accident= potential for getting gear destroyed and people maimed or killed)
When on the road put a bucket for gas $ at the front of the stage after you play and take your gear off the stage WALK around with it and talk to every person in the bar, give them a sticker and ask for a buck or two, most people throw in 1 or 2 a few will put in 5 or 10, life is mo betta with mo money.
"...again fuses, tools, canned tire repair foam, extra radio..."
Ha!
I remember when I first met you (and the Damnweevils) in Mesa AZ at one of the last SHoDs and you were stoked on your Fix-A-Flat drug safe/stash dealy-o!
Oh yeah, thanks again for sharing the contents!
Never thought of a bucket for gas money,nice tip.
Id rather have a bucket of women's phone numbers. Im going to try THAT.
bass players and guitarists: make sure your guitar/bass is the same vertical distance from you when you're sitting down and standing up. most people practice sitting down. if your strap is too long, when you stand up, all your angles change. this has a very negative affect on your playing, and makes it generally a lot more difficult than it has to be.
to all musicians: buy some custom made musicians earplugs! these are molded to fit your ear canal, and has removable 9/15/25dB filters that you can swap out. I personally use some 15dB kind, and they work great. where these are better than your regular foam earplugs, there is no frequency cut in the upper range. foam earplugs tend to cut frequencies around 1500hz, and above. these custom earplugs have a flat frequency response across the range, and works using compression. it's basically like turning the volume down on life. they're expensive at $170 for a pair, but they last about 3-4 years, and if you run out of hearing, you can't buy more of that...instead, you're given tinnitus in it's place.....constant ringing in your ears every waking moment of the rest of your life.....be careful about that stuff.....