I was called to a jam this Sunday that could potentially lead to a small gig later in August.
I have jammed a few times with friends I am close with. But this will be the first experience with a whole group of strangers, so I’m getting quite anxious thinking what I need to prepare especially when they’ll be mostly uni students half my age…
Will I survive with just my bass and a Rumble 40? Do I need to get pedals or anything else before hand? They told me it’d be very casual and don’t stress, but I just can’t help
Nah. No pedal needed yet. If you are already have the rough set list then practice those. It helps to be the most prepared there.
Usually nobody cares, but if you are the one they have to wait for then you’ll put additional pressure on yourself. But seriously nobody cares. Just have fun.
That’s exciting! Did they give you a setlist of what you’ll be playing at the jam? If so, that is priority number one to be comfortable with the setlist. I think it’s important to not “overplay” at the jam…timing is most important and keeping things simple will help you stay in time. I don’t think a 40w is enough to jam with a drummer and a couple guitarists, but I don’t know what kind of music you’re playing. The space where we jam has a Rumble 200. Curious what others think of bringing a Rumble 40 to a jam as that strikes me more of an at-home practice amp.
The best thing to do is to worry so much that you can’t sleep the night before, and then try to compensate for the nerves with several shots of liquor.
Seriously though…
All sounds good. Don’t worry.
Do not add any more pedals or effects. You don’t want to be trying to learn how to use them before this.
If you’re not sure if the Rumble 40 will be loud enough, ask them.
Other than maybe a tuner pedal if you have one, I’d not worry about others until you really see what it’s getting into and if there’s a certain sound that would be good for that particular group. Most likely not. As far as the amp, it may be fine. Those get surprisingly loud. The School of Rock near me uses the Rumble 40 in the band practice rooms with the drums and guitars and everything. In a large space it might be kinda weak. I’d wait and see how it does before making a decision to get something else.
Your gear will be fine. My only advice would be to be prepared. Learn the songs they’ve asked you to play. Nothing pisses me off more than rocking up to a jam to learn band members havent made any effort to learn the songs they were meant to play.
I have jammed with a Rumble 25, this was at a house not in a large room.
I would ask them if there is a preferred version of the songs they are using.
There may be extended versions etc, while they may not cover 100% it is nice to know if they are going around again or there is an ending they like.
Having said that going with the flow is part of the fun.
“Will I survive …?” - just learn “I Will Survive” and you will . If you know the money-notes on the fretboard and you’re be able “to talk musician” you shouldn’t worry. The Rumble 40 could be a little weak, especially when analog drums are there. Is there a PA? Maybe they wanna pick up the sound from your amp by a mic. I would check that out or be prepared with all the stuff.
especially when they’ll be mostly uni students half my age…
