Whenever at all possible, I always set up next to the bass player and always as far left or right of the guitar player as I can get.
This is not a put down on guitarist, its just because as a steel player sitting down, our ears are closer to the amps, drums Etc. than other band members and because of this, I prefer to hear the bass guitar more than other instruments,,just seems to keep me in the groove
Having been a bass player myself for a bunch of years, I like hearing it like I did when I played it, right next to the bass amp. I also feel like this the easiest thing to tune up the steel to when you're playing. I always feel like I'm playing more in tune when I've got those big fat root notes comin' right at me. God bless all the bass players!!
We're a 3 piece with stand up bass, guitar, and steel. We ALWAYS set up the same way. As a matter of fact, when we don't, we seem to not be able to function as well.
Bass on far left, guitar/vocals center, steel on right.
I do understand what you all mean though about liking to have the bass sonically close by. To solve that, our bass player has a separate speaker cabinet next to my amp.
I to like to hear the bass, but I allways set up on the opposite side of the bandstand from the bass. I don't like that big bass amp eating my mid's, and low's..
I like to set up next to the lead player. He and I can communicate so much better that way. Set up is Lead player stage left, then steel then lead singer/rhythm, then bass on stage right. One cool thing is that I always set right up in front ( instead of hiding in the corner somewhere),the steel really sticks out this way. Last gig the lead and I were both using Fender(1965-67?or so silverface) Super Verb amps. Not only did it look real cool but we both had a great time.
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Darren James Sillito
Mullen D-10, 8p5k
Nashville 400, PodXT
Because I only have one ear that works,I set up with pickers that I enjoy playin with on my good ear, and the ones that are just there for the money on my dead ear..the situation also determines if I use my hearing aid or not..P.J.
I set up with between the bass and drums ideally. The drummer I most regularly play with is like a metronome. Gotta hear that kick if I'm going to be in perfect sync.
I allow the Tele picker ( Matt) to set-up and play next to me...
Too much interaction between Matt and myself...and too much fun..
Afterall, when we hit our sour notes, who would we turn and snicker to if we were not hanging out on the same end of the Plank together ? <font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Tony Prior on 30 September 2005 at 02:24 AM.]</p></FONT>
FWIW, I prefer setting stage right.
Since a steelplayer turns their head slightly to the left to keep his bar in check, the rest of the musicians are in the same field of vision without constantly looking back and forth, left and right.
~Russ
If at all possible I sit behind the drummer so no one can see my ugly mug. In reality I prefer to sit close to the bass player. My second choice is sit next to the lead guitarist.
