Drums/bass backing options for guitarist duo

AustrianJohn

Our four piece band was started with the idea that we were playing for ourselves, might do the occasional gig, but had no interest in gigging regularly. Myself (guitar) and the other guitarist (also our singer) have become more interested in playing live - nothing fancy, open mic evenings, local pubs, friends parties, etc.

What's the best way to generate drums and bass parts and then add them to our live mix? For demos, I use Band in a Box for drums and bass - then add guitars and vocals in StudioOne.

I guess one option is to go this route then write to a medium (e.g. USB?) that can be plugged into some magic box and then play along with us.

What end-to-end solution do people use to achieve this?

siremoon

When I was in a duo we produced our own .wav drum and bass backing tracks in a DAW.  I used an old mobile phone clipped to my mic stand to play the tracks out via the PA. 

Drew_TNBD

Just don't do it. Get a bassist and drummer who want to gig.

jamesguitar

If you're playing acoustic guitar (or even if you're playing electric) than get yourself an Ortega Pro or Logarhythm stomp box. They sound great and add a lot of rhythm to your set. You'll need to get in to the habit of using it on beats 2 and 4, or every beat to get the best results, but well worth the effort.

grammar

http://www.gear4music.com/Recording-and-Computers/Cymatic-Audio-LP-16-Live-Player/1ED2?origin=product-ads&campaign=PLA+Shop+-+GENERIC&adgroup=GENERIC&medium=vertical_search&network=google&merchant_id=1279443&product_id=65270d1&product_country=GB&product_partition_id=64405562926&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyP6N2K6p1QIVbbHtCh0SAAp7EAYYASABEgJrL_D_BwE

slacker

Although I wisdomed the get a band that wants to gig comment, there are other solutions. 

1 For open mics, BBQ etc, just use acoustics, I do this most of the time. The other guitarist sings and plays open chords, I do bvs and fills/solos/slide. 

2 Do you play bass? I've played bass and added a stomp box.

3 Do you play bass part 2 I've played bass and added a drummer. We couldnt get one permanently so I asked a guy for a month. For pub gigs just get a drummer as a dep. 

4 Ask the band to play the pub gigs. 

5 Drew's right get a band. 

AustrianJohn

Well, I think that's covered all the bases (not basses)...mobile phone ( @siremoon ), stomp box ( @jamesguitar ), Cymatic Live Player ( @grammar ), don't do it ( @Drew_TNBD ) - while @slacker includes more or less every option. Thanks for your suggestions.

Last week, at an open mic evening, I played my point baritone  - so almost a bass. The mobile phone seems a good way to go (especially for small venues) - we'll give that a try.