Do band members today switch instruments on stage to show off?

[Jazzman]

When I was younger, our group members switched instruments just to show the folks in the audience that we were multi-talanted. I used to play bass on stage as my second instrument.

 

We used to start off the set with us playing other instruments first then go to our main instruments after a couple of songs. Really blew everyones mind at the gig.

 

Has your group or band ever performed on stage this way, or is this a thing of the past. I don't know too many people that do this now.

 

I now play drums, bass, 6-string and keys myself in the studio now.

 

What is your take on this, and have you ever performed on stage this way with other members?

 

Jazzman

[Blue Strat]

Well, I've never played in a band, but my cousin plays drums as his primary instrument, and guitar is mine. We can both play drums and guitar, so we do switch off when we're jamming (unfortunatly, not often enough for me )

[joeq]

I was in bands that did that, but it WAS a long time ago. It was fun for us, but I wonder if it was actually any good or if we were fooling ourselves. I worry that it might have been, um, an imposition on the audience.

 

Not only do I never see that anymore, I forgot all about it until I read your post. Thanks for bringing back a memory.

[Prague]

We do it due to vocals. We all sing, so whoever is singing the lead part plays the easiest instrument part (or nothing at all). Most of the time.

 

And, yes, there is that bragging rights thing, too.

[freelance]

I still see people switch. If it is done smoothly with a limited amount of downtime. As an example one of the players who is not switching on a particular song talks to the audiance, to fill the void (and hopefully the players make the switch without feeling obiated to test volume, hit the drums, etc between songs.

 

I play drums, keys and guitar (drums are my main axe, but there is always a demand for keyboard players)- so I often act as a utlility player - maybe go back on drums and let the drummer front the band for a couple of songs.

 

The key is to have set lists so every one knows in advance what they are doing next. It also helps if the whole band doesn't try to switch at the same time. Maybe two guys switch this song and the other two guys switch the next song etc.

 

As long as it is done in a way to enhance the "show" and it doesn't compromise the music.

[coyote]

See, this is something I just don't 'get'. Why not make it obvious, why not let the audience in on it? "That last song was about blahblahblah... Now if you'll please excuse us while we all switch instruments." (Everyone wanders around stage, apparently deciding which instrument to play next. Even those who may NOT be switching!) "OK, we're gonna try this next song like this." (Band makes an AWFUL noise for three seconds.) "Hmmm.... let's try that again." (Band comes into the song perfectly.)

 

Some of us musicians are sooooo uptight we think you can't let the audience see you tune a guitar. There's nothing at all wrong with "Joe over there has to tune his guitar a bit... How about YOU? Are you all tuned up so far?" All that naturally requires a frontperson who has some personality, and it requires musicians who are comfortable onstage. AND it requires understanding that the audience is there to be *entertained*, and often a bit of banter draws them in and gets them more involved in the show. Then when you play your incredible music, the audience is as into it as you are.

 

Originally posted by freelance:

It also helps if the whole band doesn't try to switch at the same time.

[freelance]

coyote,

 

The method you desribe if done well could be a clever way to do it and add some comic value - in essence "part of the show". Although playing bad notes and then playing it perfect would likely only be funny the first time each night.

 

My biggest grip is when bands switch, or when a guitar player swaps guitars and then has to tune, then has to light a cigerette, then has to take a drink, then has to play a riff. I've seen bands play a 4 minute tune and then spend 5 minutes dickin' around before the next tune.

 

I spent many years in various show bands and Vegas reviews which required a tight show. As a drummer, I want to be able to count off 4 and know everyone will be there. I hate looking around the stage saying "are you ready" "are you ready".

[Steve LeBlanc]

We switch up instruments when we play live but not to show off...the song/music/musicians dictates it.

[Jazzman]

Interesting as I read the posts.

 

Maybe it would be cool if the switch was made at the intermission point (first set). Then there would be the same stage downtime as if the group would be back as usual. Maybe after the first set the equipment is checked for tuning before the group gets back on stage for the next set.

 

I really don't see the problem with changing instruments if you are good at them. I think if done properly it could set your group aside from the others. But only if the songs are all tight.

 

I remember back then(a long time ago), big bands (popular), would do this.

 

I still see sax players play two horns at the same time on stage, as though two people were playing. A battle of the bands had one player do just that. He was a big guy,had to have some lungs!

 

I wonder if more people see this type of activity on the East coast more than the West coast?

 

Jazzman

[Brendan Orr]

Yeah, Jeff Coffin of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones does the two-saxophone thing.

 

I will only switch instruments if it is a necesity. For instance, there might be a song which doesn't require bass, but instead conga+tumba+quinto. Kinda like Gov't Mules "Raven Black Night" with two acoustic guitars, high hat (plus probably other set elements), and tabla.

[coyote]

Yeah, congas are part of my rig too. But since I'm already hauling arround a Hammond console, other boards, a guitar, and a Marshall half-stack I forego the tumbadora. Wouldn't want to be accused of overkill you know.

 

Originally posted by Brendan Orr:

I will only switch instruments if it is a necesity. For instance, there might be a song which doesn't require bass, but instead conga+tumba+quinto. Kinda like Gov't Mules "Raven Black Night" with two acoustic guitars, high hat (plus probably other set elements), and tabla.

[Virtual Jim]

...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead switch up ALOT during their set. Some people love it. I thought it killed their momentum; each time they switched, it brought down their set in my mind.