Why TONE Isn't My Top Priority as a LIVE MUSICIAN

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you all for watching and commenting! And congrats to the winner: @ralphedward1711 I’m glad to see so many people connected with the video. I was a bit nervous about this one because musicians can get extremely defensive about tone. But I’m glad to see a lot of commenters share my view. And even if they didn’t, they understood the video. Cheers everyone, thank you again for watching and commenting 🤘 There will be another contest for next week too. See you then (and remember, I’ll never ask you for money in the comments). Cheers!

[@danyavilaoficial]

@@ScottUhlMusic hi Scott , I’m listening your original music, your solo project and I find it very interesting. Have you considered to produce more music videos utilizing AI and some real footage of you ? That’ll be interesting and expedite to produce. Just a comment from one of your fans.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

@@danyavilaoficial thanks! And yes I definitely have! I might do a video on that. Thanks for the suggestion

[@chartranddave]

This is a prime example of the reasons that you are probably my favourite music KZbinr...you are 100% right with everything you said. There is so much bullsh!t in the guitar world...the audience does NOT care if you have the perfect tone but they DO care and notice if the awkward use of a piece of gear causes dead air on stage or a hiccup in a backing track. It's about time someone addressed this so thank you! As always I really appreciate your perspective and honesty...oh and one more thing.. Baby got back!!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you 🙏 I really appreciate that! And I agree. Nothing wrong with finding things you like the sound of… but there are much more important things!

[@mayatmaot]

That's the thing. 90% of the audience cant tell the difference, and they don't care. They're just there for a good time.

[@KristohanongBisdakMusic]

"Audience doesn't care about tone, they want to be entertained." I couldn't have said it better. Thanks for bringing this up, Scott. Baby got back!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

🤘🤘🤘

[@gazzabiker8540]

This is it. My rig is now a Squier Strat and HX Stomp, and it's all small enough to fit on my motorcycle, and nobody has told me I sound bad (unless I fluff a solo 😅)

[@cadtcu]

It amazing how approaching a situation with logic makes it easier (less stressful) for all involved. Appreciate your videos. Keep it up.

[@eddymercury5548]

This video saves me months. I was going down this rabbit hole...

[@timprelog3536]

after many years hiatus, getting back into the band thing again.. thank you for your gear reviews, as I am basically starting all over for a setup.. well done! Baby got Back

[@danicideofficial]

Baby Got Back - Amazing video man, and I totally agree, I look for usable gears all the time, I spent about 48 hs looking for a pedal that has IRs, effects and a way to automate not only patch changes, also automate eqs, and fx parameters, and thanks to your channel I decided what to buy, keep it up! best

[@falquezfalquez]

People at your shows probably say “baby got back” when they feel entertained. But in all seriousness, I agree with you. I have always been drawn to the more economic side of gear because you can always make things work. Great video.

[@GegeLeRald]

It's really nice to explain your thought process on your use/review for gear. Great idea. And as a New guitarist in a Band, it would be nice that this Donner baby got back to me 😉

[@DavidDarmitzel]

baby got back and always honest practical advice about what really matters. Much appreciated

[@brianengelhart9982]

Your videos are the best !! I’ve been giving for 35 years and currently doing a solo act. I agree with all your points. The backing track videos you did inspired me to rethink how I use them and now use them more often and more efficiently. Thanks man

[@jgquejada]

Thanks, Scott! Totally agree ... baby got back.

[@tlb2732]

You nailed it on this video! From start to finish! Your priorities for choosing gear for gigging musicians is spot on and in the correct order of importance. Man, I can't believe you're self contained and knocking down that many gigs a month! If you're a young musician out there, new to performing live, WATCH THIS VIDEO SEVERAL TIMES. Let it sink in and learn from it. And subscribe to this channel to learn so much more. When you're as heavily booked as Scott is, or when you're my age and still gigging, practicality and efficiency trump tone EVERY time. Ease of setup/teardown, an organized stage, and room to perform make shows much more enjoyable to both the band and the audience. Thanks for this one Scott! And of course... baby got back!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks man, I really appreciate that! This summer has been nuts, and still trying to do 1 video a week. But it’s been rewarding 🤘 thanks again for following the channel and for the kind words 🤘

[@steevesdemers4201]

I totaly agree with you. You are so right. Thanks again from Quebec. Baby got back

[@dsurkis]

Spot on sir! I am way tone obsessed, but that takes a back seat to easy, reliable and functional at shows. Also, baby got back.

[@RedRoom420]

I actually got sold on the HX Stomp because of the practical travel benefits you showed on your portable rig video. Even when that baby got back from tour I still played it at home because it sounds just as good as the real thing to my ears. Ever since then I've always looked forward to your videos to get your perspective on live gear. Keep it up Scott!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Nice! Enjoy the Stomp, it’s a great unit 🤘

[@deathndemise]

Baby got back - recently started my live musician journey as a goth musician and your video have been super useful! Appreciate what you do!

[@ronnibrant5813]

I appreciate your perspective. I'm a Bourbon Street regular. 4+ nights a week. And I'm in total sync with your priorities. I rank my tone higher in priority, but not because I think the audience can tell the difference between a Rivera and a Katana. It's for me. I've come to a point where I want to love my live sound. The farther I stray away from my ideal, the less I get into the performance. And the audience definitely notices that. So, I'm picky about my tone because I know the performance will suffer if I'm not. Baby got back! 😮

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Totally understand! Do what you enjoy and makes you put on a good show 🤘

[@ThePlanarchist]

Absolutely! Love geeking on my tone at home/studio but love getting my live rig to be as minimal and easy to use as possible so I can just concentrate on to delivering best the show I can. That's what the audience wants, as you say. Nice one.....also...... Baby Got Back!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Yup! Studio: get the best sound possible. Live: keep it simple

[@lennyevans4724]

great video scott. I'm really happy with my newer transistor bass amp thats light weight and easy to carry from gig to gig as opposed to my old tube amp, (you know, the one with the warm and rich sound) that i felt like I needed a fork lift to haul the dam thing around. nobody in crowd commented either way when I was experimenting alternating the different amp for gigs. Especially when playing in a 4 pc blues band. food for thought. Convenience with good sound vs being a tone purist with heavy equipment. no brainer, imo. Pls Keep your video's coming scott. you are appreciated.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you 🙏

[@bdp1823]

Spot on. 69 year old retired guy here that was in the audio/MI business in Nashville for 40 years, and since retirement I been playing in a band and duo. Our complete band (and duo) rig is all running direct. POD Go's for guitar, Sans Amp pre amp for bass, Alesis Drum's, Roland and Yamaha keys going straight into a Allen & Heath console. All on in ears. No back line amps or monitors. For what we do, this set up works perfect for us. I had a discussion with a friend concerning this very topic about tone. He is one of the top players in Nashville and he is really into tone. I posted my set up (guitar) when discussing this with him on social media, and was hammered by a few so called musicians saying they would never use a "stomp box" running direct. I had to keep telling them I was saying the set up was perfect for ME, for what I do. I totally understand where they are coming from because this is how they make their living, while I'm just a weekend warrior at this point in time. Still, they wouldn't cut me no slack. People dont understand its what works best for you, and more importantly, what works best for the people who pay to see you!

[@AprilFoolsRock]

So true so honest!

[@djpgreek]

Thanks for all your great insight and opinions. I recently sold off almost all my stuff to slim down to something portable, usable and still sounds great. Baby Got Back!

[@mikelantunez]

Scott, you continue to inspire me and set me straight. Baby got back man! Thank you for everything you do.

[@joemarek9690]

I like the honesty and realistic expectations of finding and using gear. It really helps hearing from you the reality of playing music in front of an audience is that they just want to be entertained. They don’t care what pedals, guitars, amps, or other things you are using

[@randomheroesrc]

Your priorities are exactly aligned to mine so your reviews are always meaningful to me. It also goes without saying, Baby Got Back.

[@cletusrobinson]

Scott!!! You are so spot on with this. You make me say BABY GOT BACK on this one, sir!

[@JosiahMyatt]

Great advice! It does really make me think about where I should place my priorities as a guitarist. Baby got Back!!!

[@JamesSudhalter]

Baby got back , love the video. Seeing someone who’s honest about music equipment is always great.

[@XTerkRS]

This is the kind of videos we need to see more often when working as live musicians. Great stuff!! I'm taking some notes... Thanks to one of your videos I just started working with the swiff audio UHF system and it's been my favorite device until now. Super affordable, great signal, portable af, no perceptible latency and the range is huge.

[@dylanjastle]

Baby got back! This is a great video for me to hear. I spend more time recording rather than performing live. My purchases in the recent years have been gear that adds convenience to making music. Tone has been covered for a long time

[@lennysweat]

So glad you explain your opinion on this subject. Agreed! Baby Got Back

[@alexanderierardi2040]

Thank you as always. I am building an IEM rig and you just helped me a lot with all the videos on your channel! probably next shows they will say:"hey that baby got back-in' tracks!"

[@carlfrei2419]

I have found having fun, enjoying the company your with, & entertaining people makes playing out fun for everyone. Thanks for all you do ... "Baby got back"

[@markporo]

Baby Got Back! Great video as always. It’s easy to get obsessed with things that don’t matter all that much. I appreciate your point of view.

[@paulthegeek]

Your practical, pragmatic approach to performance is almost exactly lined up with mine. yay! Baby got back!

[@trained_monkey_with_a_tele]

This has to be my favorite "technical" video so far. I'm glad I'm not the only one with a similar list of musical/performance priorities. Oh, and BABY GOT BACK!

[@kriegsmit]

Scott, your tips are so useful and at the same time so common sense! Keep doing these types of videos, I learn so much. Baby got Back

[@scottofat]

Your priorities are exactly synced with mine so your reviews are always spot on for me. Also, Baby Got Back.

[@jrgutierrez316]

Awesome video as usual. As a guitarist I can feel the pressure of having the trendy expensive gear. This always helps me continue to be grounded on the essentials. Baby got back

[@acontreras974]

I've been trying to perfect my tone for a long time and got severe option paralysis. The audience didn't appreciate that effort. You're absolutely right and Baby got Back!

[@josebegui]

I agree 100%. I am all in on simplicity of set up. Not only do people not notice 'tone', most don't even notice mistakes!

[@salvatorelupo6516]

Thanks for your amazing content Scott. I've definitely spent my fair share of time playing with knobs and switches to get specific tones for my instruments but the information in this video showed me a bit of a different perspective. Most of my performance is for church shows which are live streamed, but tone definitely does not need to be my main concern. My church is making the switch to a noiseless stage by using wireless IEMs and it is making a huge difference for us. Keep rocking on, Baby got back!

[@nelis2burn]

It's awesome to watch your video's and everytime I see a new one I think to myself "omg yess baby got back!"

[@CliffTucker]

Baby got back! This is a great video. I’ve always thought the same thing but so many people came down on me for saying “it may not be perfect, but it’s so easy to use “. Thanks bud.

[@MarcusPHagen]

Very sensible discussion of silent stage. Baby got back!

[@YorkshireGuitarDan]

Great vid as always Scott! 100% agree! The crowd does not care at all about tone!! I too am always telling people "the on-stage bit, I'm doing for free. I'm been paid for everything else" Another couple of phases come to mind with this topic. "People listen with their eyes" put on a great SHOW and people will love it no matter what you sound like. And some people just have "all the rig, but no gig"

[@Gregskerritt]

Baby got back to the truth put on a show not just a sound or tone. Excellent as always Scott. Thanks for doing what you do

[@dwhitney31]

Baby Got Back! Great points in this video. I've been looking into improving our stage lighting for more dramatic effect.

[@MTBPerspective]

Right on! Also, I've found that my tone varies more with the venue than what I can control anyway if that makes any sense. Park pavilion, vs cement patio vs small room vs gym/auditorium vs semi trailer stage in a park, etc...

[@markshrader7136]

Scott you are the greatest, seriously. I am an older player and have probably watched thousands of videos AND spent thousands of dollars prioritizing tone. Now I am in a new band and we are booking shows as we speak, so here I go again with tone. This is exactly what I needed to hear. I super appreciate your perspectives as a full time player. Thanks man. All that said, Baby got back lol

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Glad you found it helpful! And if you do want to prioritize tone there is nothing wrong with that if it makes you feel and perform better. But if you don’t want to go down that rabbit hole, there is nothing wrong with getting a useable tone and then focusing on other stuff after that 🤘

[@idiotvox91]

Thanks Scott for the honest perspective. It is very refreshing to see/hear that on line these days. Completely agree that it "needs to be a usable sound" and make you feel comfortable enough to perform at your best. During the pandemic I spent months (happily) trying to lock in a great tone (and stay sane). I was very satisfied with myself. When I got back together with band mates....that tone did not fit into the mix in a good way. So I went back to making it simple/usable and boom....Baby Got back! Thanks again.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Dude, we all had to do something during that time to stay sane! That was the time to do it 🤘

[@Lewis_Brian]

I like your philosophy about tone and I can not lie ! Baby got back !

[@TheGuitarEffect]

Absolutely great video. Spoken like an actual working musician. What you spoke about regarding theatrics. I think this is actually a huge part of getting your tone right. Having your effects and clean dirty changes to deliver the required drama during the set is actually more important to me than the fundamental tone. Are the changes in the song working to deliver liver the right drama live and am I contributing to that as best I can as a member of the band. It’s all about that for me.

[@cesarcanocelis7890]

Baby Got Back: Thank you for your honest opinions. Your content has always been helpful 👍

[@bxinagrand]

Well said, I do enjoy trying to find the perfect tone but it's more about the journey than the end goal for me. So many cool sounds to be found! Baby got back!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

For sure! If you enjoy it, keep doing it 🤘🤘

[@musiciansmomentumofficial]

so logical it hurts!! things we all need to hear and learn! great video again!

[@andyunwin9260]

I totally agree with what you say in this video and you're my go to guy for everything value for money. So fingers crossed that Baby got back

[@fco.javiermarinsanchez5005]

Since I discovered your profile and asked you a question on Instagram that you answered quickly, I became hooked on your profile. In my cover band I share your same philosophy, the public wants to be entertained and doesn't understand the technical intricacies that exist and you have to be more practical and then the public takes away a good memory for the good show. Keep it up Scott....baby got back

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks man!

[@ben642642]

Your videos always make me want to make my set up easier and to focus on the practical aspect! Thank you! Baby come back

[@MiguelLSilva-ef5is]

I can relate. Cable free/ practical stuff over tone purism. Works for me.

[@Drewdtx]

Great insight and info as always Scott. I agree with the entertainment over tone points you make. If you're in a studio maybe chasing that "perfect" tone is essential but for live gigs with one shot at a song... the audience seems care less about tone vs a tight, happy band. Keep 'em coming! Baby Got Back!

[@JohnRyan-zh2bg]

Thank you very much for addressing this topic. I have been a performing musician for many more years than I care to admit. Having established my career during the dark ages of live sound reenforcement. Those good old days when the pa was for vocals only, save for an occasional kick mic. Typical systems of the day often proved best at amplifying feedback over anything musical, lol... Stage volume was the only way the people all the way in back could hear your instrument. It was impossible to avoid compromise, constantly searching, often in realtime, for the best means to an end, that elusive memorable, cohesive performance. Live required an entirely different approach than the studio, If one were to be successful at both. As modern sound reenforcement became common for the first time it became feasibly possible to, somewhat accurately, recreate your recordings live for the first time. I found it difficult to resist the temptation for perfection at first. However it soon became obvious once again that live performance and studio recording serve entirely different goals requiring different skills. To excel at both requires experience, each fundamentally very different experiences. Live performance is by nature temporary while recording is for posterity. Important skills developed performing live include spontaneity and improvisation. Required skills for great recordings being technique and nuance. Live sound always involves a degree of compromise, studio recording has always strived for perfection. These skill sets carry over to a degree. In my experience it seems the most iconic performers understand this intuitively. They are more able to adapt, integrate, even celebrate these differences accentuating the irony in the commonalities. When problems arise they are rarely unique, more anticipated than by surprise. They have perfected the ability to either mask them over going unnoticed or address them cleverly, often turning it into a positive memorable highlight of the evening. I completely agree that theatrics should be an important aspect of live performance. I applaud your decision to incorporate that tradition into your music. Hopefully others will be inspired to follow. Apologies for my extended babble. You hit 15:23 on a topic I’ve been hoping to hear others experience with. Thank you

[@abryllgile]

I need to know more about that Baby Got Back thing!

[@jansonpig]

Baby got back! i love your insights to this topic, I cant remember the last time i went tone chasing...these days ill just grab whatever usable and get on the stage.

[@tetanusforbreakfast3500]

Thank you for all your hard work, especially for this video. and when baby got back...

[@KenWarrick]

I agree 100%. Great episode. Hate wires & “baby got back”. Have a great day

[@renees-music]

Great! Thank you. Cheers, Renee

[@Mattguitarmania]

Thank you Scott for another extremely helpful and useful video! I agree with all your points, especially that the audience doesn’t really know or care as much about the tone as we musicians do. As a small example, I attended a small outdoor concert this past summer and I was shocked at how horrendous their acoustic guitar sounded. It bothered me the whole evening, but the crowd couldn’t care less. They were just having fun with the musicians and enjoying the music. They were giving tips and clapping heartily after every song.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Yeah, I can think of a time I saw a guy playing acoustic and it sounded so awful. Like there was a low cut at 1k, I swear. Audience was having a blast!

[@gavinwilliamson5177]

Thank you, Scott. I didn’t know there was a giveaway as soon as your videos hit. I had already type in the comments thank you however, I wish to enter into the competition. The big phrase baby got back.

[@TheTomekku]

Baby got back!! I'm really enjoying your videos and your approach to live performances. I am also doing a lot performances and I've been always talking the same as you said, that audience really does not care about your tone. Glad to hear that there are people that has the same thinking as me :D

[@ronnieescobar007]

Baby Got Back! Great video! 100% agree. We sometimes focus a lot more on things that only matter to us as musicians and neglect what paying audiences really want. They want to be entertained! They moved to be entertained. They got together to be entertained. That’s what we have to deliver. Entertainment.

[@jesusprofessor314]

Great points. Thanks!!!

[@Don_DesMarteau]

Had my guitar player watch this video, he is a real tone chaser, Great vid as always. Baby Got Back!

[@thomaslusignan762]

Always love to see a new video from you. Baby got back!

[@eric.varillasfemss5708]

I love hearing videos like this, you have such a valuable and practical insight as a gigging musician! Baby got back!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you 🙏

[@anon12352]

I'm not a high level musician, in fact i just play gigs at local bars and small parties, i just bring my bass and my cable and connect directly into the mixer, never had anyone make a mention about "tone", even last week i played in a bar and an entire band was drinking there, they danced and enjoyed their time there.

[@dwstoeckel4740]

This is very refreshing to hear! Thank you sir! ... baby got back!

[@paprita]

This video has definitely opened my mind...thanks man...

[@darrelljohnson6548]

Scott - all of your videos are great. This one really hits home for me. I play a lot of live shows and concur! Baby Got Back!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you 🙏

[@reminerb5838]

Thank you once again for a great video, baby got back!

[@MennoBokslag]

I totally agree with your opinions, that's one of the reasons I follow your channel!!! Baby got back!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks man!

[@AramPino]

Hi, Glad to see you Baby Got Back again! Love and totally share your aproach

[@Dave-in-TN]

Great video! Lots to think about! Baby got back!

[@brackmay518]

Thanks once again, Scott!

[@ThaDru]

Great perspective on gear priorities, Scott! I'm trying to find a balance with this for myself as well. I appreciate your reviews and I have made several purchases based on them. Baby got back!

[@garygriffith7053]

Hey Scott! Great video as always. I'm hoping that I'll be around as we are waiting on hurricane Milton to hit the Tampa Bay area so hopefully I'll see that my baby got back safely! 😉

[@kevinsetbingo]

Love this video, great stuff Scott. One could even say that baby got back..!

[@john7345]

Another great review. My band is a 90’s grunge tribute band and we always shoot for a close to the recorded tone as possible. But I use my ears not just from reading what gear they used. For example one of my setups for Alice In Chains I use a Van Halen preset because it sounds better and more correct for the audience. Everyone comments how great it sounds and I have never been asked what my presets are. Crowd doesn’t care! Thanks as always Scott. You really took my band to that next level because of your work. Keep it up! Oh yeah…. And baby got back……

[@scottbullard3479]

Very helpful video, Scott. I like your views on tone vs ease of use/function. Baby got back, baby!

[@allboutthemojo]

💯% agree with everything! Your content and the way you deliver it is 👌

[@Wam3Studios]

Spot on as usual! Baby Got Back!

[@aaronkerr2481]

I absolutely agree!!! Baby got back!

[@stevemorovek6470]

AWESOME video!! I have been STRUGGLING with amp vs moddler because of tone! UGH!! BABY GOT BACK!!

[@lnoordyk]

Thanks for another great video, I totally agree with tone not being the number 1 criteria in gear and a live show. Baby Got Back.

[@Pearlgiver]

Hey Scott! I like your logic WRT tone. It's too easy to get obsessed with, and then the spending gets out of control. I was once that way until my Baby Got Back. She set me straight, and I am blessed to have her in my life. Keep on rockin'!

[@mowdre6683]

Baby got back got baby baby baby! Thanks Scott!

[@mihabene91]

I think you have opened many people's eyes again. thank you. baby got back 🙂

[@GuitarBard96]

really enjoyed the info and other vids you’ve made have come in handy! baby got back!