Originally Posted by: Slipin LizardNo, I'm talking about the entire band being acoustic... guitar, bass, drums, keys etc. I figured that probably wasn't what you were looking for... acoustic guitar is great, and there's all kinds of pluses to adding that to your skill set & repertoire.
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Oh. I misunderstood it a bit then. The drums have to be acoustic, and I'd prefer if the other guitarist can also play an acoustic guitar. Piano should preferably be acoustic too, at least for major gigs. Other than that, I just want the typical instruments used in 70's-90's rock music (note, when I say the drums have to be acoustic, I mean old-fashioned barrels, not those new, fancy digital drums. That said, it will still have to be hooked up to some speakers for larger gigs in the future).

Originally Posted by: Slipin Lizard
That's a good question... I'd say at first, don't be too picky about the gear... whatever way they can make it work is fine. But keep in mind that at some point, especially if you intend to gig, each member is going to need to step up and have the gear they need. Its pretty easy to solve equipment issues... just plan ahead so that it doesn't become a last minute panic to find an amp, cabinet etc. Really though... I'd base it more on over-all attitude, followed by musicianship, than I would the gear they use.

I'm not quite sure what musicianship is, but yeah. Choosing nice and dedicated people who share my goals over either annoying or lazy people who don't show up for practice more than once a month or who consistently forget to practice certain songs would definitely be preferable. If they are nice and dedicated, it doesn't really matter that much what they play (even if they only have a cheap guitar and a 40W amp, it's better than an arrogant bastard with a 20000$ Marshall Tube Amp). It's a lot easier to rent or buy better gear than to buy a better personality.

[QUOTE=Slipin Lizard]
It sounds like you've got a good handle on things. When people don't work out, or quit (and they will!) do everything you can to keep things on good terms. The more musicians you know, the better. You never know when you might run into each other again, perhaps with a mutually beneficial
opportunity at stake. Keeping separations cordial will leave the door open for the future. Have fun!

I wouldn't say I've got a good handle on things. I just know what I want to sound a bit like and what people I'll need to find to get that kind of sound. When I left the other band, after only jamming with them a few times, I left on good terms with them, and we still keep in touch from time to time. If I'm lucky, someday both my band and theirs might do a double-tour together, or I might just get to warm up for one of their gigs (and vice versa). Either way, it's always better to be on good terms with other bands than to be their enemy.