I did my first gig with my new Compact this weekend, so I thought I would report.

I took delivery of the system direct from Bose about 10 days ago, and for the first few days I rehearsed with the guitar and microphone straight into the two inputs. I was satisfied enough with that sound that I will probably do some gigs that way. Strangely, I liked the sound on my Line 6 Variax better using the line setting on the input switch instead of the acoustic guitar preset

Friday and Saturday night‘s gig was in a venue that I had played in the past, but with new owners and in a newly enclosed patio area. I decided to use the Compact with the T1 allowing me to use my Porchboard and Digitech harmonizer, and enjoy the control that the T1 gives. The Porchboard into the Compact does not go “Boom, Boom” like it does with two B1’s, but still I got a respectable “Thump, Thump” that seemed to lay down a very decent bass rhythm.

Friday night was busy and full and the diners/drinkers were very loud. I got compliments on the sound and folks in the back said they could hear just fine.

Saturday night was not quiet so busy, but we had a loud group in the back, and a small listening group closer to the stage . Our friend Oldghm dropped in and did a few songs allowing me to get to the back and listen. Having his quality voice as a reference, I felt that the sound from the Compact was great. He graciously stayed long enough to help me roady out, (lots of stairs for this old man). We enjoyed some “musician talk”.

To sum up, I like the Compact very much, and foresee using it confidently in several different situations. Is it as big sounding as the Classic or Model 2 with B1’s? No, but with its light weight and small footprint, it will often be just right.

Respect,
Andy

Hi Andy,

Thanks for the details and the positive report.

Most of the guitarists seem happy with the Porchboard bass and the Compact, good to see you are too.
You know, you can use the channel two input for both the PB and your guitar.
The PB can go into the RCA or 1/8" mini inputs, adjusting it's volume with the control on the Compact.
Then control the guitar with it's own onboard volume.
If you ever decided to use the preset, the PB will not affected by it.

Can you run the vocal mic thru the Digitech, then to the Compact?
If so, you could drop the T1 from the gear list for the night.

BTW, do you still own your Classic?

Hey Andy,

It was fun visiting with you and Pam, Sat. I didn't realize we had stayed so late.

I mentioned to Pam while you were playing but forgot to say anything to you, the Porchboard sounded great through the Compact. That was the first time I had heard it from the audience perspective with the Compact and was pleasantly surprised. While it sounds different than with a B1, there is nothing missing in the desired effect.

I also liked your sense of timing. I tend to play like an alternating bass guitar tempo, sometimes it gets pretty busy. You were more relaxed, patient, and deliberate, getting a totally different effect than I would with the same song. One of those things I will practice, so I can use it later.

O..

Hi Col. Andy,

Thanks for the gig report.

I too am enjoying the Compact. It sounds like you are too.

Could you tell us how big the space was in the newly enclosed patio area?

Thanks.

HI Pete. Good idea about the 1/4" inputs, I'll give that a try. Yes, I still have the Classic set up in my music room, but I don't really use it on gigs unless there are multiple musicians. Not something that comes up too often lately. I have mostly been using the Model II.

Thanks again Larry, glad you agree about the Porchboard/Compact.

ST, I'm not very good at guessing the size of rooms, maybe 35'X 80'. O might have a better estimate.

Respect,

Col. Andy

Andy,

It didn't surprise me that you liked the line setting better on channel 2 with the Variax since the Variax is more of a flat studio sound. I like the sound of the Aura flat as well.

Tom

quote:

I also liked your sense of timing. I tend to play like an alternating bass guitar tempo, sometimes it gets pretty busy. You were more relaxed, patient, and deliberate, getting a totally different effect than I would with the same song.

This interests me a lot!
I would really like to hear or read more of what you are talking about.

Hi Andy,

Great to hear from you and thanks for the report. It's fun to read especially because I feel having heard you I can hear in my mind's-ear what you describe in your words.

I second Tom's note about the Variax. I think Line 6 has "voiced" it for a studio reference as opposed to a stage reference, or, gasp, a guitar amp reference -- whatever that is.

Ken

Hi Drummr,

I knew my description would throw you guys, who understand music, off the track.

If I didn't make it clear in the first post I was speaking of his laidback style on the Porchboard.

On a 4/4 tune I have a tendency to tap time like a Waylon Jennings bass line, regardless of the tempo.

Andy did a couple of slow tunes and only tapped the 1 beat, except for occasional spark he would also catch the 3. Combined with his guitar, it was a more subtle, interesting approach than what I would have done on the same songs.

The enclosed patio is a floating restuarant / bar. Just guessing, thinking about the boats that tie up there in the summer, I would say it's a little smaller than 35' X 80'. I'm thinking maybe 30' or 35' X 50'.

O..

quote:

On a 4/4 tune I have a tendency to tap time like a Waylon Jennings bass line, regardless of the tempo.

As do I.
I see what you are saying, and that's what I thought you meant.
Waylon uses the "boom, (tap), boom, boom" on 1, (2)-&, 3, rather than straight 1/4 notes.
And by laying back, meaning leaving out not only 2 & 4, but even the 3.
That is really laying back, but knowing Andy's approach, very effective, no doubt.
Thanks.