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Hanging a Banner
- Thread starter Gearhead17
- Start date
We have tried many methods, but super-wide gaff tape (4" I think) seems to work best in most cases. Occasionally wire ties, but there usually isn't anything to attach them to.
If it needs stickin, you need 3M squares on the corners. Ain't goin' nowhere.
But yeah, honestly? The tried and true methods of twine and double sided tape work.
But yeah, honestly? The tried and true methods of twine and double sided tape work.
Our singer just picked up one of these (for about $30) in time to use at our last gig and it was perfect for indoors. Set up/break down was super quick and easy and it came with its own carry bag. Definitely need something like bungees, zip ties, twine, etc. to hold it in place outside with any sort of a breeze.
If you want really large safety pins, get some blanket pins. I actually use them to pin a couple of wool blankets together to make a wool sleeping bag out of them for Rev War reenactments. They are bigger and more sturdy by far than safety pins and come in either brass or silver color. Of course, if you have a Hawthorne bush nearby you could take some of its 6" long thorns and use those to pin it to a drape.
We have the venue put our logo on their TV screens. Keeps people from getting distracted by sports too, so double win.
Like others have said, it would help if you had a frame or support structure of some kind that you guys owned as a band so that you'd have consistency with setup. From what you described all-black bungee cords with hooks could work, and depending on weight tolerances you may want to consider something light like PVC or even plastic planter rods in attached on the backside of the banner to help weigh it down and keep its shape. Depending on the support structure and color of the banner you may be able to get into lighting it and the band from behind as well later on.
I've played with artists who had drastically different methods…one artist had an appropriately-sized-for-the-band full lighting truss with programmable movers and had a banner attached to it with just bungee ties. Another artist had converted two of those TV rolling carts we had in grade school in the 90's to hold three movers each on top and attached a front banner to each with heavy-duty 3M Velcro tape. Yet another artist relied on the his name on the drummer's kick head and two of those pop-up banners.
I'd imagine whatever you decide would also depend on how you'll store it, transport it, set up & tear it down as well as who will be responsible for paying for it all. That'll be a whole other fun conversation…
I've played with artists who had drastically different methods…one artist had an appropriately-sized-for-the-band full lighting truss with programmable movers and had a banner attached to it with just bungee ties. Another artist had converted two of those TV rolling carts we had in grade school in the 90's to hold three movers each on top and attached a front banner to each with heavy-duty 3M Velcro tape. Yet another artist relied on the his name on the drummer's kick head and two of those pop-up banners.
I'd imagine whatever you decide would also depend on how you'll store it, transport it, set up & tear it down as well as who will be responsible for paying for it all. That'll be a whole other fun conversation…
Just a couple more thoughts on this after reading the other responses.
After we had this done my wife added a "pole pocket" on the bottom for another 1/2 inch pvc pipe with wire loops on the end. This keeps it hanging straight and if outside can be secured to keep it from blowing around.
My opinion is that find a way to attach it to your light stands or a stand of it's own. That way no matter how you attach it you have consistency and no chance of damaging anything in the venue.
We use a backdrop stand with rock climbing clips attached to it. fast set up. That way if there's no place to tie off to it's not an issue .
Carry a small pair of side nippers to cut the zip ties. Problem easily solved. Less than $5 pretty much anywhere.
One time cost $3 for 4 and no side cutters needed, heck go crazy and buy 2 packs for $6... and no hassle at all
I appreciate all of the ideas! Thank you EVERYONE for sharing and please keep it going! I have a lot of ideas to sift through. I will likely go with two different hanging methods because of the wide variety of places we play. A backup never hurt.
FYI: I am the owner of the banner so in the end, I am the one who will have to carry/initiate the new way of banner hanging at shows.
As a construction guy, the nail gun was the best! @el murdoque
FYI: I am the owner of the banner so in the end, I am the one who will have to carry/initiate the new way of banner hanging at shows.
As a construction guy, the nail gun was the best! @el murdoque
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Banner stands: multi-band shows, 1 hour set times, fast setups...it just does not work for us. Plus, the stands introduce more pieces and require space to setup. It's a hassle to us. However, it's a great way for consistency show to show. It would be better fit if we were the only band and we had plenty of time/space to setup
I am going to buy a pack of bungee cords and the ball end looper things others have posted. I feel it's easier to work with bungee cords at the places we have played. I can almost always find something to attach to.
I also bought some gaffers tape specifically for my cords, but it could be used in a pinch for the banner mounting at some shows.
FYI: we don't own lights or a PA system. So we are basically at the mercy of the venue.
I am going to buy a pack of bungee cords and the ball end looper things others have posted. I feel it's easier to work with bungee cords at the places we have played. I can almost always find something to attach to.
I also bought some gaffers tape specifically for my cords, but it could be used in a pinch for the banner mounting at some shows.
FYI: we don't own lights or a PA system. So we are basically at the mercy of the venue.
