skipellis
Strummer
Posts: 30
My main instrument is: Acoustic Guitar
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Post by skipellis on May 16, 2019 19:42:22 GMT
I'd like to hear from folks who play acoustic guitar ONLY with no vocals, especially those gigging in that genre. Interested in type venues, guitars, pickups/mics, tune selection. Of course, I'm in the colonies (Florida) so some things may be different but interested, anyway.
Personally, I don't sing and don't want to as I love the sound of the guitar for itself. I'm more into Kentucky thumbstyle (Merle Travis, Moon Mullins, Eddie Pennington, Doc Watson, early Chet, etc.). Lately trying to get into DADGAD because I think the Irish and Scottish (Celtic, in general) tunes have some of the most beautiful melodies ever written. Most of my gigs will be about one hour in assisted living facilities with around 25-30 at the most in the audience. I'll be using either a Martin 000-18 or Brook Torridge through a condenser mic into a single Mackie Thumper 12A.
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ocarolan
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CURMUDGEONLY OLD GIT (leader - to join, just ask!)
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Post by ocarolan on May 16, 2019 21:21:00 GMT
...with an audience that size, if they are there to listen (and not chat, drink, fight etc) I wouldn't use any amplification at all, and for instrumental only stuff I'd not do an hour at a stretch, more likely 40 min max, or possibly 2 x 25 mins. Lots of chat between the tunes, and about them tends to go down well too. Mind you, I began performing too long ago when PA-less folk clubs were the norm, so feel free to ignore me! Try to include some tunes that some folk are likely to recognise - as guitarists it's v easy to get too up ourselves with our clever and intricate playing, but most of it is lost on a general audience, who'd rather hear something familiar. Keith
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Post by andyhowell on May 17, 2019 7:10:39 GMT
I do this occasionally in old people’s homes and also a couple of times in adult (all age) residential centres. Residents and serve users like their music but instrumental is a little more challenging but rewarding - challenging in that they won’t know the material as much.
I tend to agree with Keith. An hour is too long. Either 40 mins or two sets of 25/30 minutes works well. A variety of music is a good idea though I found you are probably playing at times when laid back is most appropriate. Chat depends on the audience! In old people’s places many can’t hear chat well! Anyway if chat is part of your performance rehearse this as well as the music! Don’t ramble and go on too long.
Amplification is interesting and necessary in many cases if only as a gentle lift. For instrumental playing you need to take the sound more seriously and you will need some time to set up and check the sound in the room - if you know your gear well that cuts it down. A cheap looper pedal is a real bonus as you can get into the room and listen to the sound.
Harsh tone is to be avoided though using a mic should avoid the worst of the pickup. Having said that you could find the room a problem particularly if you are using a variety of rooms. Personally I have always used a pickup and mic blend which sounds natural and helps deal with the unexpected.
I’d recommend finding a place that is interested in using you and ask to check out the room, set up the gear and maybe do a free demo set. Your set up needs to work well at very moderate volumes and not all do.
Finally, I have found you don’t get audience reaction as you go. It is not always easy to gauge how things are going as you play but afterwards it becomes clear that people have enjoyed if. But that lack of feedback as you play always disorientates me a little.
But it is a good thing you are thinking of. I have found people like live music and it is always one of the most popular of activities. Most music sessions are based around songs and you might find this is more challenging but it really means taking time to find the right format and setting!
Hope that helps. A little!
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