What equipment do you use for live performances?

[Jc]

Just wondering what kind of setup you use?

If you are a solo acoustic performer, do you use a preamp into the p.a. system or what?

[juineaux]

I ussualy play solo acoustic live:
My guitar is a Washburn small jumbo


And I have an I-beam pickup in there, but I really hate that pickup, it sounds nice recorded, but way too much feedback for live stuff. So sometimes I use an old dean markely soundhole pickup(which is really noisy), so I need to find a new setup.
Most of the places already have a PA(or dont need one) and some have a lrbaggs para DI, which is a nice preamp.

I sometimes play in an electric jam band...
I play an archtop guitar


and an old yamaha 2x12 amp

[DT]

that archtop looks awesome... really unique look to it

[juineaux]

thanks, my dad made it
I pulled this one out of the basement/celler today, I dont know why he dosnt like it, but im gonna keep(steal) it:

[Jc]

What about microphone wise? Do you use a preamp?

[juineaux]

Vocal mic:
sm58
Pre-amp:
lr baggs para DI if they have one, my ibeam has a preamp but its not very powerful or versitle.
But Im really only doing smaller local places, im hoping to play alot more this summer, and if I do I'll need a PA and a better setup.

What are you using?

[Jc]

When I bought my HD 28 it didn't come with the pickup installed so I'm going to take it up to the nearest guitar shop (hour drive, blech) and get the Fishman Natural II pickup installed. I also plan on getting an Avalon direct box and just plug straight into the pa systems for shows. Does that sound like a decent setup? I'm pretty much sold on the pickups cause everyone I've talked too loves the versatility of the Natural II's.

[juineaux]

wow an avalon DI, isnt that about $600?
You could prolly get something cheaper and more roadworthy(with a preamp), i think the avalon stuff is just for big studio projects, but hey if you have the money I guess go for it-

[Jc]

I just heard avalon was really good, if you know of some budget friendly setups I'ld love to see some suggestions.

[juineaux]

well I feel like im pimping the LRbaggs Para DI, but its really nice. It has nice EQ settings, more features than the avalon, and its used by alot of pros. I know phill keaggy uses it and he has a really nice sound:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid ... id/307160/

fishman also has some nice ones:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid ... id/303132/

[Jc]

Well I have no idea what all I'm going to get, luckily the sound engineer for my album is going to be taking me up too a Guitar Center just on his spare time to help me get the right stuff. Whenever I get my gear I'll try to come back and update ya on what all I got.

[PureDaveAddict]

juineaux man, those arch tops look beautiful! there isn't a chance that i could... ahem... buy one off ya would there?

[juineaux]

No, sorry not for sale...
hopefully im gonna carry on the tradition though-

[PureDaveAddict]

awww...

gimme a ring if you change your mind

[MWR]

Somebody fill me in on PA systems. Why a PA as opposed to an amp or do you have both? A PA is for bigger venues right?
I'm really wanting to get into performing soon and I know very little about the actually application of all this stuff.
If I'm doing vocals and guitar can I send both signals through and amp or do I need two seperate ones? A quick rundown would be appreciated.