Floor Plans

Set up is usually a pretty hectic time; there are a lot of people doing a lot of different things in order to get the performance up and running. Having my gear organized in such a way that I can set up and be ready for sound check in a matter of minutes, not only helps you, but makes you best friends with the sound guys. Below are the main musical situations you’ll find me in, and what I will use onstage.

bLuE daHLia

bLue daHLia set up

This is easily my most elaborate set up. Usually my Warwick Streamer LX and NS Design CR-5M EUB (electric upright bass) into the EBS MicroBass II (A/B switching capabilities are a MUST for BD). The signal is then broken up; effects loop contains the effects (most of them, on the Lyt Pedalboard), the FOH (front of house) gets their direct signal, and then to the amp. For BD gigs, I’m using the full Phil Jones Bass Suitcase and 4B extension cab for a bigger sound, while still staying within reasonable stage volume.

Unity Church

Unity Church set up

This is probably the easiest set up, in that there is no amp at all that I need to use. So, any of the Warwicks will come to this gig, plugged into the MicroBass II with a handful of effects (usually octave, tremolo and/or delay), straight into the board.

Patricia Pettinga

Patricia Pettinga set up

Playing with Patricia requires a very minimalist set up, since I’m backing up two guitarists. I will use my NS Design CR-5M into the PJB Briefcase. The amp is used mainly for a personal monitor, although the line out from the amp may be used for the FOH (it’s one of the few line outs on an amp I’ve gotten compliments on).

And for those times when we switch from the guitar/guitar/bass instrument lineup, I will pick up one of my ukuleles and let Patricia just sing. The Kala Roundabout amp (isn’t it pretty?) again is used mainly for that little extra to put the ukulele on top of the guitars in terms of voicing.

Rock Musicals

Musicals set up

For rock musicals (or just ones that require an electric bass), I’ll usually bring the Streamer LX, the MicroBass II, a small handful of effects (or just a tuner) and the PJB Suitcase. It has a little more “oomph!” than the Briefcase and yet still will not overpower the group.