I'm playing in a parade tomorrow with a full band on a trailer. We're renting a generator today and I was wondering if there's anything to look out for and how much capacity we need. Thanks

I'd make sure to use a power strip. That way, if there's a spike or anything else "weird" happening, your gear has some protection. The generator may be loud. So, try to set your amp on the side opposite the generator. And turn it up!

Yeah I've got one of those furman blocks that's supposed to reduce some noise too.

I have unfortunately and I watched my Furman meter dancing between 90-100v depending on when the bass player hit his low B not fun. My tone definitely suffered and I had to turn my amp up louder to get appropriate volume I wished I had a voltage regulator for sure.

Yeah, I played under a tent via a generator once. It went OK, except when the generator ran out of gas things died in a very unpleasant way. Make sure somebody checks the thing, and doesn't power it down unexpectedly.

As many 'amps' as possible and don't let any non band stuff get plugged into it - even lights. If it's powerful enough your power should actually be really clean and even.

quote:

Originally posted by klasaine:
As many 'amps' as possible and don't let any non band stuff get plugged into it - even lights. If it's powerful enough your power should actually be really clean and even.

Thanks guys. Ken, that's the question, how powerful is enough? Someone told the drummer to rent the smallest one they had since "it's only musical instruments". I told him I disagreed, that bass amps draw lots of juice. It's not like we have to be real loud though, just loud enough to keep even with the drums (probably run the kick through the PA). I want to bring my 50w TopHat Emplex head but I'm worried that it might draw too much juice and maybe I should use a small combo.....