Whatever music you play, performing in public can present unique challenges when you least expect it. Being prepared for the unexpected could make the difference between a fantastic performance for you and your audience or a gig to forget for all concerned. So here's a reminder of what to have in your gigging toolkit:
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. Make sure you have a collection of spare cables and connectors. Work out what leads you use to connect all your backline and PA equipment and make sure you have spares for the essential connections, such as microphone cables or guitar leads. Adapter connectors (XLR-Jack, for example) are also very useful. If you use them, make sure you have plenty of MIDI cables - you'd be surprised at how many times I've been asked to 'lend' a MIDI cable to other bands on the bill!
3. Basic tools are a must for any gigging musician. Screwdrivers and pliers are obvious, but also remember to pack specialist tools such as a string peg puller or a drum key. A soldering iron can also be a lifesaver, so learn to use one and pack it in your gigging tool kit!
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. To alleviate health and safety risks and to give a professional appearance to both the audience and the venue, good quality guitar stands and music stands are a must. Robust and stable guitar stands and music stands will also provide security and protection for your valuable instruments on stage. Hercules Stands have a great range of high quality guitar stands and music stands.
6. For those who use them, backing track failure is a potential nightmare! Avoid it by making sure you have backups of all your backing tracks on whatever format you use. You could also record your backing tracks onto an mp3 player or even a smart phone for real emergencies! If a click track is involved, record the track panned to the left and the click panned to the right (2 channel). You can then route them separately to the PA and drummer! A basic back up system means the show can go on!
It's easy to forget that things can (and do!) go wrong when performing to your adoring public. Your gigs will be far more enjoyable for you and them if you are prepared for all eventualities. We all need reminding - I recently did a gig where I ran out of batteries for my active bass guitar. A quick trip to the 24 hour service station down the road in the interval saved my skin! A lucky escape!
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. Make sure you have a collection of spare cables and connectors. Work out what leads you use to connect all your backline and PA equipment and make sure you have spares for the essential connections, such as microphone cables or guitar leads. Adapter connectors (XLR-Jack, for example) are also very useful. If you use them, make sure you have plenty of MIDI cables - you'd be surprised at how many times I've been asked to 'lend' a MIDI cable to other bands on the bill!
3. Basic tools are a must for any gigging musician. Screwdrivers and pliers are obvious, but also remember to pack specialist tools such as a string peg puller or a drum key. A soldering iron can also be a lifesaver, so learn to use one and pack it in your gigging tool kit!
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. To alleviate health and safety risks and to give a professional appearance to both the audience and the venue, good quality guitar stands and music stands are a must. Robust and stable guitar stands and music stands will also provide security and protection for your valuable instruments on stage. Hercules Stands have a great range of high quality guitar stands and music stands.
6. For those who use them, backing track failure is a potential nightmare! Avoid it by making sure you have backups of all your backing tracks on whatever format you use. You could also record your backing tracks onto an mp3 player or even a smart phone for real emergencies! If a click track is involved, record the track panned to the left and the click panned to the right (2 channel). You can then route them separately to the PA and drummer! A basic back up system means the show can go on!
It's easy to forget that things can (and do!) go wrong when performing to your adoring public. Your gigs will be far more enjoyable for you and them if you are prepared for all eventualities. We all need reminding - I recently did a gig where I ran out of batteries for my active bass guitar. A quick trip to the 24 hour service station down the road in the interval saved my skin! A lucky escape!
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 performing musicians and artists. Visit Bandshop today to view a full range of guitar stands, microphone stands and music stands, as well as strings, effects pedals and music accessories.
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