I play a percussion instrument, not a musical saw; it needs no amplification. Where it's needed, they put a microphone in front of the bass drum. But, I don't think it's necessary to play that way every night.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Amplifying acoustic instruments more than a little is really cheating, and everything becomes a compromise.
I play the real instruments. I don't waste my time with anything else.
If you're a musician, there's no instrument that can be withheld from you. If you're drawn to it, develop the talent for it.
I even played bass for a while. Besides playing electric guitar, I'd also get asked to play some acoustic stuff. But, since I didn't have an acoustic guitar at the time, I used to borrow one from a friend so I could play folk joints.
Of course, we also have to play in concert halls. This is our dream when you are a musician - to play in a good, comfortable hall with a wonderful acoustic.
I do basically what a conductor does with a baton, except I also play along with the orchestra. So I have to juggle the roles of playing the concertmaster; sometimes I drop the violin and wave my arms.
I don't have a great instrument. I don't have the kind of ungodly control over my voice and body that great actors have. And I've worked with enough great actors to know that I'm not one.
I came from an era when we didn't use electronic instruments. The bass wasn't even amplified. The sound was the sound you got.
I've always played every amp I've ever had full up, because rock and roll is supposed to be played loud. Also, that's how you get your sustain.
I was playing with steel picks on a steel guitar, and there was no amplification needed.