Dang! Gig next week w/out amp!

[DWBH]

I recently got into a band (covers band), like a week ago, and we got a gig in a bar next week.
Thing is, I only got my 5-watter Harley Benton!
So I'll probably have to borrow one. And on next month's gig too.
Tell me your experiences!

[mezcalhead]

Zhivago gigged with just a Pod straight into the PA .. so if it's good enough for him it's good enough for any one of us.

Seriously, having a DI of some kind on hand might be one way to go .. although depending on the size of the pub 5 watts might be enough. Having just got to grips with my Champ I'm sure it would handle some of the small pubs I've played with no trouble at all, as long as I didn't need much in the way of clean headroom.

If the PA can handle miking your amp then you'll be fine, assuming the soundman is half-way competent.

If you borrow an amp, try to use it at practice a couple of times before the gig to get used to it. First gig with a new band in an unfamiliar venue - enough things can go wrong without throwing in an amp you've never used before.

[DWBH]

How's the distortion into a D.I.?

[spacecadet]

When I played bass in my old band, I went through the entire period being in the band with a 5 watt amp.  When we played gigs, we initially rented a PA and I just mic'd my amp along with everybody else in the band.  Eventually we all chipped in and bought a PA.  (I think at that time, it was only like $600.)

It was a bass so the tone wasn't as big of an issue or I would have bought a better amp.  Our guitarists had better (not great) amps even though they also went through the PA.

[zhivago]

Zhivago gigged with just a Pod straight into the PA .. so if it's good enough for him it's good enough for any one of us.

it was quite an experience...the one odd thing with a POD straight into the PA was that the bottom end lacked a bit...but it sounded alright for a one-off show.

careful EQing was key

[Owen]

Borrow amp off supporting / main band if there is one. I'm assuming you can't afford a bigger / better amp ? If not try borrow some money... if poss.

otherwise PA or mic'in' up a smaller amp like the others suggest.


I was in a similar predicament a while back... ended up borrowing from the other band... then was getting a lot of microphonic feedback and had to rely on the PA mainly (mic'd amp) and monitor to hear myself. Wasn't fun. Hope you get prepared and good luck... just enjoy. 

O

[DWBH]

Yeah, I probably am going to borrow an msn-mate's amp. Tube amp, 30 watts, with a 2x12". May be overkill in such a bar, but fuck it.
Or, I'll just ask for my guitar teacher's Valvestate.

[Owen]

COOL !! 

[DWBH]

Thing is, my other bandmates are all going to university (I'm one year younger than those guys), so probably gigs won't be many, so I don't think the investment on buying a new amp is really necessary.
If I had the money, I'd buy a Fender Deluxe Reverb, but I don't.

[Owen]

Do you not hope to play more in future... gigging etc ?

... surely you don't have to justify buying gear ??  ... seriously though it can only be a good thing, but I guess that depends how eager you are to play in future. If it is a slight consideration I'd definitely pick up some of your own gear when you can afford it ... recently I've treated myself to better stuff and it's helped with confidence, and I've generally been more keen to pursue further gigs and play with various groups. Secondhand stuff could be a way to go...

I do hate it though when folk say I'm not good enough for such a nice instrument or whatever... that bugs me a little... this isn't a reference to you btw...  just a brain fart.  ... so I'll shut up now...

[DWBH]

I do hope yeah. But, I don't have the money now. If I did, I'd say: MAN, I gotta get a new amp ASAP. 
I'm not saying I don't deserve a new amp. I should be given a Marshall Plexi and Hiwatt DR103 for just being me. I'm that good.

[jop]

I'm in the same situation. I decided to work for a year and everybody's leaving to study far away, so my 100w and 75w amps aren't getting exercise at a nice volume anymore.

[DWBH]

I borrowed a Dean Markley K-75.
75watts I presume, 12" speaker. Meh, the cleans aren't bad, although it does sound a little too bright with my Tele. With a Rat into it, it just doesn't sound the same. Oh well, gotta start saving for a Deluxe Reverb.