The Conundrum Thread.

[newey]

This is a thread for posting those quirky conundrums we all run across in musical pursuits. Those things we've always puzzled over that don't seem to make any logical sense. Of course, maybe there is a logical reason that we just haven't thought of yet, or maybe the only answer is "because we've always done it like that" (B.W.A.D.I.L.T.).

For example:

#1 Why do rock bands put the drum kit on a riser waaay up in the air, when the drums are miked anyway?

#2 Why do so many amps have the power switch in the rear?

#3 Why is the market for acoustic 12 strings so much larger than for electric 12s?

And, why do I waste my time pondering this dreck?

[sumgai]

newey,

That last one is the easiest - 'cause you're Nutz! ;D

1. In olden times, before drums were mic'ed, they were raised to overcome the barrier of bodies, amp/speakers, other dreck like that. That led to "drummer-egoitis", which is why they're still raised, even when not needed sound-wise.

2. Because, once again, old amps used to be in front of the performer, not behind him/her. The layout of a circuit board didn't change much just because of the new seating arrangement, only the labels were turned around for ease of reading. (Eventually the controls moved from the top to the front, but that's another story.)

3. My only answer would be another question - why would anyone buy a 12-string at all, when all they need to is plug in a VG-8/88/99, and get a world-full of different 12-string sounds. ;D

HTH



sumgai

[newey]

#1 and #2, in other words, BWADILT.

[ChrisK]

#1 Why do rock bands put the drum kit on a riser waaay up in the air, when the drums are miked anyway?

Because most guitarists are deaf anyway, and the drums need to be aimed at their heads to keep them in time. Also, without a sonic disrupter, the solo's will never end.

#2 Why do so many amps have the power switch in the rear?

Because it's a design afterthought (oh yeah, we gotta turn it on and off too).

#3 Why is the market for acoustic 12 strings so much larger than for electric 12s?

Because real guitarists just don't do 12 strings.

You'll notice that our "Electronics and Wiring" section has waaay more activity than our "Air and Twigs and Berries Arraignment" section (oh wait, we don't have one).

This is Guitar Nuts, not Guitar Foof.

[ChrisK]

#3 Why is the market for acoustic 12 strings so much larger than for electric 12s?

Because they sound like a 12 string whereas the electrics really don't.

[sumgai]

Jun 19, 2009 9:41:06 GMT -5 ChrisK said:

You'll notice that our "Electronics and Wiring" section has waaay more activity than our "Air and Twigs and Berries Arraignment"...

We take the elementals to court now? In our own chambers? Oh goodie! ;D