Minimum equipment for show

[j_micho]

Ok, I've been playing with two bands for a little while with the goal of playing gigs eventually. So I'm fairly new to this stuff. My question is simple (I think):

Assuming all band members have their gear (guitars, bass, drum, amps, effects, etc.), what else do I need to own to be able to play a small gig (in a bar for example)?

I insist on "minimum equipment" because I don't wan't to spend to much on this as it is a hobby after all.

Thanks,

[Jsegbers]

2 15's on poles and a powered mixer. Monitors if you need them.. I always suggest miking the kick just to add a little boost.

[superjesus]

"Minimum equipment" depends on you, on the band, and on the gig.

Some gigs simply require that you show up. You play someone else's bass through someone else's rig through someone else's PA.

Some gigs require a number of basses, amps, effects, tuner, PA, mics, power supply, lighting, cables, tools, strings, parts, in-ears, backups for everything, and backups for the backups.

I would say that minimum equipment for a self-sufficient electric bassist only consists of:
bass, amp, cab, instrument cable, speaker cable, power cable, & a good set of ears.

Let the band take care of the PA.

[klokker]

Originally Posted by superjesus

I would say that minimum equipment for a self-sufficient electric bassist only consists of:
bass, amp, cab, instrument cable, speaker cable, power cable, & a good set of ears.

Let the band take care of the PA.

+1. You don't need the fanciest stuff either to get a good sound and do a good show.

For me its even less so far. I've played a few bars now with the band I'm in, and everytime all I've needed to bring is one of my basses.

[EricF]

Originally Posted by superjesus

"Minimum equipment" depends on you, on the band, and on the gig.

Some gigs simply require that you show up. You play someone else's bass through someone else's rig through someone else's PA.

Some gigs require a number of basses, amps, effects, tuner, PA, mics, power supply, lighting, cables, tools, strings, parts, in-ears, backups for everything, and backups for the backups.

I would say that minimum equipment for a self-sufficient electric bassist only consists of:
bass, amp, cab, instrument cable, speaker cable, power cable, & a good set of ears.

Let the band take care of the PA.

+1

Depending on the situation, sometimes we need to provide the PA, but most often the PA is already set up at the venue.

My usual bass gear for a gig is:
- Bass w/ strap (2)
- Amp
- Cab (which one I bring depends on the venue)
- Pedalboard *
- Instrument cable (2 + at least one extra) *
- Power cable (2) *
- Speaker Cable (1 + 1 extra) *
- Stand *
- Picks *
- Extra strings *
- Mini flashlight *
- Extension cord *
- Sharpie marker *
- Multi-bit screwdriver *

* Carried in an ATA briefcase

[Alcyon]

If they have a PA at the gig, which a lot of places do, you could probably show up with your bass, a strap, an instrument cable, and a good DI box.

[Axtman]

I am a strong believer in "minimal equipment" and "keeping it simple" and "less is more" for gigs.

1) Less stuff means less stuff to schlep.
2) Less stuff means faster setup and teardown.
3) Less stuff means less stuff to break down, get lost or stolen.
4) Who cares if you don't sound EXACTLY like the album? People are their to enjoy themselves not critique your sound.

I once was in a cover band where the guitar player took 5 guitars and 2 amps. He also had a ton of pedals. Needless to say it took him longer to set up then the drummer!

[JustDavid]

You own? Zero. Eventually a DI if your head doesn't have one, & perhaps a vocal mic (+ stand & cord).

Band own? Zero. Rent PA for the first few gigs. Eventually it's better to have your own PA gear.

[j_micho]

Allright, I know I'm gonna sound stupid here...but what does PA and DI means?

[Alcyon]

Originally Posted by j_micho

Allright, I know I'm gonna sound stupid here...but what does PA and DI means?

PA stands for Public Address (system)... Sort of an antiquated term, but basically it's what the singer sings through, and if it's a big enough venue it'll also run microphones for the drums as well as DIs (or Direct Input boxes) for the guitars and bass. A DI is usually just a translator box with one 1/4" instrument input (from your bass) and one XLR output that goes to the mixing board for the PA system.

[Ubersheist]

Originally Posted by EricF

- Extra strings *
- Mini flashlight *
- Extension cord *
- Sharpie marker *
- Multi-bit screwdriver *

These are things that I think a whole lot of people forget, but can really save your arse when things break or go wrong. I'd also add in duct tape.

Also, at least one extra cord for each type of cord that you normally use (i.e. extra speaker cord, extra longer guitar cord, extra 1 foot cord if you use pedals, extra XLR cable for vocal mic if you sing, extra XLR if you DI or are using a ground out, etc.)

EDIT: Oh yeah... an extra power strip, too!

Things always go wrong at gigs. Always. Being prepared to fix things or MaGyver things really helps and will get you out of binds. If you don't you'll probably learn real quickly why you should.

[JustDavid]

Originally Posted by j_micho

Allright, I know I'm gonna sound stupid here...but what does PA and DI means?

If, as a bassist new to Live or Recorded Sound, you don't know then it isn't a stupid question.

I don't mean to be disrespectful, but it might mean that homework on Sound should be done before looking into spending $$ on PA equipment.

[Stumbo]

Check out the link in my sig. below for some info that may help you out.

[dcr]

Originally Posted by Jsegbers

2 15's on poles and a powered mixer. Monitors if you need them.. I always suggest miking the kick just to add a little boost.

+1 (sorta). Always need at least one monitor, IMO.



dcr

[MNAirHead]

Extention cords and a circuit tester.

Most new bands bring tons of junk that nobody can hear.

[totallyfrozen]

Originally Posted by JustDavid

...but it might mean that homework on Sound should be done before looking into spending $$ on PA equipment.

+1
This might be overkill for someone only wishing to buy a PA and not actually work as a soundman but I have the book, Yamaha's The Sound Reinforcment Handbook and it's chocked FULL of info. It's a bit technical so maybe it's overkill for the OP. You can buy it pretty much anywhere you can buy any book. In any case, most of us could probably use a little more homework on sound reinforcment; there's alot to it. Learn as much as you can.

[DeluxeRed]

Some other general suggestions:

Towels
Bug Spray (even indoor venues sometimes leave the door open)
Batteries of all types
Tylenol/Decongestant/Benedryl/Immodium
Ground eliminator plug (for lifting loops)
Something to write on and with

And, personally, I like having my own mic. I'm pretty picky with whom I swap spit.

FWIW...

[tranceFusion]

Originally Posted by DeluxeRed

Some other general suggestions:

Towels
Bug Spray (even indoor venues sometimes leave the door open)
Batteries of all types
Tylenol/Decongestant/Benedryl/Immodium
Ground eliminator plug (for lifting loops)
Something to write on and with

And, personally, I like having my own mic. I'm pretty picky with whom I swap spit.

FWIW...

are you going camping???

As far as equipment goes.. Don't buy anything until you NEED it. You could by a DI box and find out that the sound guys always want you to use theirs, or they don't want you through the PA at all. You could buy a monster amp and find out the sound guy wants you to DI only, or you could start playing acoustic coffee shop gigs where you really only need a small combo amp.

Every venue is going to run things a little different. Just find out what you need for the show, try to talk to the other bands playing at the gig (if any) to see if you can share equipment..

[Nedmundo]

For rock shows in small clubs/bars, I normally bring two basses, head, cab(s), pedal board, and backpack with cables, strings, power strip, stand, passive direct box, vocal mic, tools, paper, pen, batteries, energy bars, straps, earplugs, nail clipper, etc. It's amazing how often some of this comes in handy. I also bring a Mini-Disc recorder and Rode NT4 stereo mic to record most shows.

But realistically, I could usually get by with a lot less. Assuming I had good PA support so my amp would be mostly a monitor, my minimum could be:

1. one bass, in gig bag instead of heavier hardshell case;

2. Roland Cube 100 combo, which has built-in DI, compressor, and effects; and

3. backpack with most of the goodies, including my tuner pedal that's normally on the pedal board.

If the PA included really good monitors, which they typically don't where I play, I could ditch the amp and just go direct.

[DeluxeRed]

Originally Posted by tranceFusion

are you going camping???

Ha! Playing some small bar 200 miles from running water (apparently) can sure seem like it sometimes!