[it never rains....]

Mark, right there, is why I went solo! I have a band band, and a duet, but I make most of my money as a solo! Good luck with your new drummer, and sorry to hear of your friend's passing.

[It's only rock and roll but I like it....]

...good to see things are rolling along. "New Dave" seems like a good fit!

[Fat Strings Are Better = Urban Myth?]

I like 10's on my electrics (except my two banjocasters which use 9's) , 12's on acoustics, 12 or 13's on resos (if it will work without the cone rattling I use 12's). I play so much that anything heavier hurts my hands.

[ironing out the sound problems]

Mark, take this for what it's worth. Most musicians/bands that I go to see are playing too loud on stage, ESPECIALLY rock musicians. Learning to play to the limits of your PA is just as important as getting the songs down. And on top of that, learning how to not kill the audience with excessive volume is just as important. It's the mark of a true amateur when they are turning up their PA, to get over the already TOO LOUD guitar amps. You're on the right track rehearsing with your PA the way you intent to play. Maybe you can stage some practice performances for honest friends who can give you some feedback on the volume levels. I do think it would be a good idea to budget for some powered monitor speakers that you can add to you 600 watt PA. But you have to be very conscious of loud monitoring as the reflected sounds of monitors can wreak havoc on the overal sound! Good luck on the quest.

[The first gig]

You've got the band rolling, you know what needs work, in the words of the Beatles, "it's getting better all the time". Keep at it Mark!

[H525 a jazz box?]

If Ed Bickert can do it on one of these I think a H525 should work just fine...

 

http://youtu.be/wQ0FdyxuG4U

[In with both feet.]

Mark, I agree if you've got two guitars a backup amp would be smarter. Yesterday the check engine light came on in my car on the way to the gig. It was just bad gas (too low octane), but I thought, oh no, not another expense:) If it ain't one thing, it's another!!!

 

BTW it's fairly easy to replace post studs, Just google it up and you'll see what I mean!

[In with both feet.]

Mark I have different stuff breaking all the time, and I have important gigs mostly every week! It's just the nature of the business. I like this blog, keep it going!!! And good luck on the gig.