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Survival Kit for the Gigging Musician
Whether you play solo or in a band, playing live can present technical problems without warning. A little forethought about the challenges this could present could avoid your performance becoming at best forgettable, at worst a disaster! Here at Bandshop, we have put together a few basic reminders of what to include in your gig bag:
1. Always carry a spare set of guitar strings. Ideally, if you can afford it, have a spare guitar to hand - this will save having to stop the performance whilst you change broken guitar strings! Bass players should also have a spare set of bass strings - they do break! This happened to me in the middle of a crucial gig - I had no spares and had to perform the gig with a 3 string bass!
2. Carry an assortment of cables and connectors - think of all the connections you make with your backline rig and PA system and either carry spare cables (microphone cables and guitar cables are top of the list!), or connectors (such as XLR-Jack) that will get you out of trouble. And don't forget MIDI cables - I have been asked on more than one occasion by the other band if they could 'borrow' a MIDI cable!
3. Make sure you have some basic tools with you - screwdrivers, pliers, drum key etc. If you are proficient with a soldering iron (and you should be!), carry it in your gig bag - it can be a lifesaver!
4. Take a number of all the types of batteries you use so that each piece of equipment has a spare. Remember to ensure that all your effects pedals, guitars and radio microphone have well charged batteries prior to the gig, so that you won't have to change them half way through!
5. Music stands and guitar stands - use good quality guitar stands and music stands as they will provide security for valuable equipment and create a neat stage area which not only looks professional but also alleviates any risk factors. Hercules Stands provide a great range of high quality guitar stands and music stands that fulfil this purpose.
6. Bring back ups of your backing tracks on whatever media you use. You could also bring an mp3 player or smart phone with your backing tracks on to use in an emergency. For clicktrack users, make sure the mp3s are recorder with the track on one side and the clicktrack on the other. They can then be separated at the mixer. Having a back up strategy like this has saved my neck on several gigs!
Okay, so much of this might seem obvious, but I am constantly surprised by the lack of preparation and forethought that is given to some live performances. We need to concentrate on producing a great gig, not on managing a showstopping crisis!
1. Always carry a spare set of guitar strings. Ideally, if you can afford it, have a spare guitar to hand - this will save having to stop the performance whilst you change broken guitar strings! Bass players should also have a spare set of bass strings - they do break! This happened to me in the middle of a crucial gig - I had no spares and had to perform the gig with a 3 string bass!
2. Carry an assortment of cables and connectors - think of all the connections you make with your backline rig and PA system and either carry spare cables (microphone cables and guitar cables are top of the list!), or connectors (such as XLR-Jack) that will get you out of trouble. And don't forget MIDI cables - I have been asked on more than one occasion by the other band if they could 'borrow' a MIDI cable!
3. Make sure you have some basic tools with you - screwdrivers, pliers, drum key etc. If you are proficient with a soldering iron (and you should be!), carry it in your gig bag - it can be a lifesaver!
4. Take a number of all the types of batteries you use so that each piece of equipment has a spare. Remember to ensure that all your effects pedals, guitars and radio microphone have well charged batteries prior to the gig, so that you won't have to change them half way through!
5. Music stands and guitar stands - use good quality guitar stands and music stands as they will provide security for valuable equipment and create a neat stage area which not only looks professional but also alleviates any risk factors. Hercules Stands provide a great range of high quality guitar stands and music stands that fulfil this purpose.
6. Bring back ups of your backing tracks on whatever media you use. You could also bring an mp3 player or smart phone with your backing tracks on to use in an emergency. For clicktrack users, make sure the mp3s are recorder with the track on one side and the clicktrack on the other. They can then be separated at the mixer. Having a back up strategy like this has saved my neck on several gigs!
Okay, so much of this might seem obvious, but I am constantly surprised by the lack of preparation and forethought that is given to some live performances. We need to concentrate on producing a great gig, not on managing a showstopping crisis!
About the Author:
Graham Burton has been a performing bassist and singer for over three decades. He also helps run the Bandshop online music accessory store - a fantastic resource for bands, musicians and performing artists. Visit Bandshop today to see a full range of guitar stands, microphone stands and music stands, as well as guitar strings, effects pedals and music accessories.