Pre-Gig Inventory - post your layout inspection pics

[ColonelZulu]

Hey all. I can’t be the only one who does this. It reminds me of preparing my packing list and doing pre mission inspections when I was in the Army. A few items I have backups for just in case too.

My cooler bag has been a perfect tote for my gear.

I check my HXFX the day before to make sure all my effects are good along with the Mission expression pedal.

The JHS Colourbox is my primary DI box but I have a Radial StageBug as a backup.

Charge up my iPad and IEM packs (and back up) and a couple short XLR cables to make it easier for the sound guy to plug me in.
I also have two sets of in-ears just in case.

I always bring a power strip and extension chord so I don’t get stuck scrounging for a power source.

I make sure I have the power supplies and patch cables needed.

A single stand is enough since stage space is limited. We play right through so no time to change basses mid-set. But I also always bring two basses.

Running ampless on stage. Still a bunch of stuff to bring though.

Let’s see your layout!

 

[ColonelZulu]

I forgot to mention, I keep a leatherman multitool and drum key in my kit. I have stage specs that I only wear on gigs and a little earplug holder dangling off the pocket.

 

[57pbass]

Don’t have any pictures but I bring
2 Basses
2 Cabinets
2 Heads
Extra strings
Extra cords
Tool kit
Battery
Picks
Tuner

 

[mdogs]

No need to do it before when I have done it during teardown after the last gig. You need to do it after, your way you are doing it twice.

 

[Taustin Powers]

I have a checklist on my phone:

- Bass
- Clip Tuner
- Head w/ power cable
- Cab w/ speaker cable
- Wireless unit
- Guitar cable
- Compressor pedal
- Optional: Other pedals
- Power Supply
- Patch cables
- Power extension cord
- Bass stand
- Strings
- Tools
- Setlist
- Towel
- Clothes
- Deodorant
- Banner
- Business cards

Most of that stuff lives in my "gig backpack", so it's just an easy quick check before I head out.

 

[beaglesandbass]

Check list on my phone

Pre-Gig Checklist

In Gig Bag
- [ ] Hard Drive/Cable
- [ ] Anker Battery
- [ ] 2 Basses
- [ ] 2 Straps
- [ ] Picks
- [ ] Headphones
- [ ] 2 Wireless Transmitter

In Gator
- [ ] Mic
- [ ] Tape
- [ ] Pedalboard power cable
- [ ] Pedalboard
- [ ] Wrist Bands
- [ ] 2+ 1/4” Cables
- [ ] Amp Power Cable
- [ ] XLR

Misc
- [ ] Amp
- [ ] 5 guitar stand
- [ ] Misc crap bag
- [ ] Mic Stand
- [ ] Cart
- [ ] Beverage holder
- [ ] 2 USB C chargers
- [ ] iPad stand
- [ ] Tip jar

 

[Micha84]

Man, doing that would stress me out completely. I'd check everything three times and still feel like I forgot something.

My gig (Jam, rehearsal...) preparations are simple: Grab three bags and a cab, one of those bags being my bass. The other two contain my pedal board and my amp. Each bag has all the cables, tools or other stuff that this item needs to work. I do not take out stuff from those bags if I am not out playing, I keep my gigging bass in check regularly and so far it worked out pretty great.

 

[Gervais Cote]

My accessories bags are always ready to go with all the stuff I need so it goes like this :


-1 gig bag or 2 for the bass (es)

-1 24" long bag with 2 stands, foot rest, earphones, cables and so on

-1 Gator bag for my pedalboard (when needed)


A friend of mine is a pro musician and he found out that was the best way to avoid missing something when you have a show or rehearsal.

 

[ColonelZulu]

No need to do it before when I have done it during teardown after the last gig. You need to do it after, your way you are doing it twice.

Nope. Because usually after a gig I’m just grabbing my stuff and shoving it into my bag to get out of the way for the sound guy or the dj or the rest of the band. This isn’t about just making sure I have everything when I pack out (which I do). It’s also about making sure everything is neat and in good condition (which is usually impossible coming off of a dimly lit stage at a night club or bar venue).

 

[mapleglo]

I use a check list.

 

[Jack]

Nope. Because usually after a gig I’m just grabbing my stuff and shoving it into my bag to get out of the way for the sound guy or the dj or the rest of the band. This isn’t about just making sure I have everything when I pack out (which I do). It’s also about making sure everything is neat and in good condition (which is usually impossible coming off of a dimly lit stage at a night club or bar venue).

Ah you see this speaks to the different gigs we all have. After most of my shows the lights are on and I've got all the time in the world. For the minority of shows with other acts there's usually plenty of time between bands and I'm usually using supplied gear.

 

[Goatrope]

Not for me. Everything stays packed (except basses), and is grab-n-go, unless I'm changing amps or replacing bags. I don't use my gig gear at home.

 

[ColonelZulu]

Ah you see this speaks to the different gigs we all have. After most of my shows the lights are on and I've got all the time in the world. For the minority of shows with other acts there's usually plenty of time between bands and I'm usually using supplied gear.

Very true.
I’m in several bands and I use different gear in each.
One is a 9 piece and getting my stuff out of the way is a priority at the end of the show.
I also like to get in my car and get out of there so I can get some sleep.

I’ve used supplied IEM packs, but we use different sound companies and sometimes they don’t provide them. I sometimes could just use the supplied DI, but it’s not always optimal. Especially when I’m not using an amp and have little control over my tone other than what the sound guy’s assistant has loaded for the bass channel. And we all know there are so many times when you don’t get enough time for a sound check (and the bassist is never the priority).

 

[moreblues]

Don’t forget these !

 

[Speedbird]

@ColonelZulu : PCCs / PCIs hooah

 

[EdwardofHuncote]

There are a series of bags and totes that get loaded anytime I'm headed to a gig. The stuff I need, and backups for any practical scenarios are in them.

I've just done it so many times that even the load up is automatic.

*looks like this-

 

[Meaculpa]

Not me. I always have everything wired on my pedalboard. I keep some spare items in a large pocket of my bass soft case, like batteries, cables, picks, etc. I bring that back and forth to rehearsals and gigs. As a band, we also have a toolbox with extra strings, tools, tuners, cables, and other spare items we might need. That box stays in our rehearsal space and comes with us every time we go to a gig.

 

[WI Short Scaler]

I don't have any kind of checklist.

My pedal board, as simple as it is, is wired in place. I do own our PA and lights but all of that stuff is packed carefully at the end of each gig and stored in the same place at home. The only things I use at home and gigs are my basses, amp and pedalboard. The basses are removed from the Mono dual case and wiped down when I get home from the gig, every time.

So everything is grab and go in the same manner every time. I am a creature of routines, do things the same way every time and nothing gets forgotten.

 

[sawzalot]

I use the checklists feature in BandHelper. It has a two stage checkbox. For me, one check means I’ve staged it to go, two checks means it’s in the vehicle. Before I drive off I roll thru the checklist and make sure everything has two checks. That way I don’t have to think, I just have to do the checklist.

Also I have a very few number of things. I use two SKB cases. One for pedalboard, accessories, power cables, mic, everything I need to play bass at my station. Another case is the “uh oh” box that has backups for everything. Cables, power strips, anything that might need a backup. I have a stand bag, our IEM rack, a fan, and my bass cases. So only a few big items that have all the small stuff pre packed. It all fits on my srage cart and it’s one trip into the venue. Highly recommend this strategy.

 

[Hurricane Jimmie]

So Anyway, I have a few containers for my band gear. PA Mixer, extension cords, cables, mic, etc. No pedals
I pack everything up after the gig and put it in my garage. It stays there until my next gig.

If I want to practice something between gigs, I have an amp in my music area.
Except I never practice.