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. Guitar strings - make sure you have a spare set. Even better, have another guitar set up and ready to go, as it will avoid any tense breaks in the show whilst your guitar strings are replaced! Bass players also need to carry spare bass strings, as they can break! I speak from personal experience - I was left playing a 3 string bass after my E string broke. I had neglected to pack a spare set of bass strings!
2. Microphone cables and guitar cables are prone to failure at the most inconvenient times! Carry spares for all essentials such as guitar leads and microphone cables. If you use any specialist patch cables, make sure you have spares, or adapter connectors such as XLR-Jack to prevent a showstopper! Specialist leads such as MIDI cables should not be overlooked - several times I have had to provide a MIDI cable to another band on the same bill.
3. Carry a basic tool kit with you - pliers and screwdrivers are essential, but don't forget a drum key and a string peg puller! Learn how to use a soldering iron and take it with you - it will save your gig one day!
4. Batteries - always carry a healthy stock of all the batteries you use and make sure that each guitar, radio microphone or effects pedal has a battery that will last the gig - you do not want to be fumbling around mid-song to change a flat battery.
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. 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!
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. Guitar strings - make sure you have a spare set. Even better, have another guitar set up and ready to go, as it will avoid any tense breaks in the show whilst your guitar strings are replaced! Bass players also need to carry spare bass strings, as they can break! I speak from personal experience - I was left playing a 3 string bass after my E string broke. I had neglected to pack a spare set of bass strings!
2. Microphone cables and guitar cables are prone to failure at the most inconvenient times! Carry spares for all essentials such as guitar leads and microphone cables. If you use any specialist patch cables, make sure you have spares, or adapter connectors such as XLR-Jack to prevent a showstopper! Specialist leads such as MIDI cables should not be overlooked - several times I have had to provide a MIDI cable to another band on the same bill.
3. Carry a basic tool kit with you - pliers and screwdrivers are essential, but don't forget a drum key and a string peg puller! Learn how to use a soldering iron and take it with you - it will save your gig one day!
4. Batteries - always carry a healthy stock of all the batteries you use and make sure that each guitar, radio microphone or effects pedal has a battery that will last the gig - you do not want to be fumbling around mid-song to change a flat battery.
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. 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!
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 bass player and singer for over three decades. Graham also helps run the Bandshop online music accessory store - a great 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 guitar strings, effects pedals and much more!
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