David Nolan from Amber Technology‘s Professional Group team shares some amazing tips on things you should be taking to your next gig.
1. Gaff Tape
You know what it is, and you know why you need it. From taping down your setlist on a gusty open-air stage to eliminating an embarrassing trip hazard that can crush the greatest of egos, just make sure you have a roll with you!
2. Extra Strap
Unless you intend on sitting down for the rest of the performance, it’s probably a good idea to have a spare strap in case of emergency. Having a good quality strap like the premium straps from Richter Straps will help you finish the rest of your gig in style and more importantly, without dropping your guitar again!
3. Extra Strings
Quite often, it’s in the first song that you break the one string that is crucial to performing the upcoming solo properly. If you haven’t brought a spare guitar, make sure you have spare strings! For the rarer occasion of a bass string snap, Warwick Bass Strings are a perfect back up to always keep with you.
4. Extra cables
This is a given. No one can predict when your cable decides to freak out or die completely and being able to grab a replacement, mid-song, can save the whole show! Ambertec Cables have a great range for live stages of all sizes.
5. DI Box
It’s almost an inevitable situation where (usually the bassist) needs to run their bass through the PA because the amp is just not working out. You should probably invest in a decent DI for this common scenario and Radial Engineering DIs are world renowned for their reliability and sound. Some of the preamp/DI combos from Radial are especially satisfying for both FOH and performer in emergency situations.
6. Cart/Hand truck
Multiple trips at a load in from hell can be avoided with a reliable, expandable, and foldable cart or hand truck like the Rocknroller Multi-cart range. You’ll save so much time and energy being able to glide your gear safely from your boot to the stage. Folding it up and fitting it in the boot alongside your gear makes it an essential investment. See the full range of Rocknroller Carts here.
7. Tuner
Most people are on board and have one these days but if you still haven’t invested in a tuner, you should check out the various range from Peterson Tuners. From clip-on, pedalboard to stand alone, having a Peterson Tuner will ensure you are in tune and more people will appreciate your playing!
8. Guitar/Music Stand
For those who don’t have a guitar tech ready to change guitars between songs, it’s always handy to have a multi-guitar stand and it also keeps your guitars protected when you’re not playing at all. Nothing worse than the sound of a crashing guitar that was leaning up against an amp! Check out the range of Rockboard guitar stands.
9. Extra Picks
People always borrow them, and you always lose them, so just bring a whole bag of them to every gig! For more advanced players, you should check out the unique range of Black Mountain Guitar Picks.
1O. Pliers
String breaks, strap snaps, loose screws, and emergency pedal board adjustments, you should always keep a small pair of pliers handy.
11. Earplugs/Hearing Protection
Getting used to having custom or universal ear plugs in when performing is recommended if you want to try and avoid permanent hearing damage later down the track.
12. Your own extension cord/s
Depending on the type of gig you’re playing, power outlets are usually ready for you but some gigs you will need to have your own extension cord to be able to position your amp and pedalboard exactly where you need.
