Good method. I’d follow that too but I have kids at home whom I don’t want to wake up.
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Pre-Gig Inventory - post your layout inspection pics
- Thread starter ColonelZulu
- Start date
Everything is always ready to go except basses, which I typically select a day or two prior and do set up and adjustment A/R.
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My basses all have their own gig bags, with a spare set of strings and a strap. My pedalboards have their own cases. Everything else I need for a gig (mall my gigs are amp less) is in a shoulder bag - the gear I use to practice at home is separate. So, no need to do a checklist - one bass, one pedalboard, and the shoulder bag, and I’m good.
It's funny (or maybe stupid?) but I never do this inventory check pre-gig.
Instead, I do it at the end of each gig...and then I trust that everything is where I packed it at the end of the last gig when I load the car for the next gig.
The only stuff that might come out of the case(s) in between gigs is the bass, and maybe one patchcord, and I always remember to put those back where they belong after I use them.
I suppose as I get older and my brain further atrophies this approach will one day bite me in the ass, but so far so good...
Instead, I do it at the end of each gig...and then I trust that everything is where I packed it at the end of the last gig when I load the car for the next gig.
The only stuff that might come out of the case(s) in between gigs is the bass, and maybe one patchcord, and I always remember to put those back where they belong after I use them.
I suppose as I get older and my brain further atrophies this approach will one day bite me in the ass, but so far so good...
Yup. The only things that get used both at gigs and at home are the guitars, everything else is either gig or home. If it moved it would get forgotten.
Before a gig I pick two basses, put them in my two mono cases, and then the wedge, pedalboard, microphone stand and equipment bag are all in the cupboard by the back door ready to go. The only problem with this setup is charging the wireless packs. I either have to unpack them at home to charge or try to do it on a gig.
So I'm not particularly proud of this... After Saturday's gig I dumped the contents of my backpack onto the bench in my garage to find my wallet and my phone. It's probably going to stay in that configuration until next week. Onstage it would appear as though I have my stuff together, when in fact I'm a total slob. In response to the original question, my pre-gig routine is fraught with chaos and profanity, but no checklists.
On the contrary this thread was playing on my mind for a few days after I read it and posted, so I was motivated to go through and organise mine a few days ago. Doing this made me realise I really want one of those Sonicake Pocket Masters in case my Quad Cortex ever has problems, so I've got one of those arriving today.
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Other than maybe one of the books, nothing was ever removed from the bag between gigs. Once loaded, a quick spot check was it - bass, head, cab, bag, stool, music stand, done.
Working in the trades for thirty years, forgetting/loosing tools was not a option. That also want for music gear.
Working in the trades for thirty years, forgetting/loosing tools was not a option. That also want for music gear.
Interesting time for this thread, because on Saturday my GD cover band is playing its first show outside our home venue, which is owned by our "Jerry," and we have to provide everything. As a result, I've had to take a more detailed inventory than usual, partly because I'm also providing an amp and backup guitar for "Bobby," who recently took up electric guitar (and is excellent).
I don't use a formal checklist, because for most gigs I don't even bring an amp. But even when I do, it's fairly simple:
--bass (or two) in gig bag with strap, tuner, picks, earplugs, and energy bars
--head & cab
--small black duffel bag with cables, extra strings, tools, and sometimes a pedal or two
--extension cord and power strip (sometimes)
--Roland Bass Cube 100 combo as a backup or monitor (rarely)
--pedal board (rarely)
I've installed new strings on my Sandberg, and installed fresh batteries in the bass and every pedal I might use. I've also examined the duffel bag's contents to make sure I have the long mic cables, long instrument cables, and proper set of tools. Finally, I've used colored electrical tape to mark my mics, cables, stands, etc.
Beyond the usual, I've assembled:
--guitar and guitar amp
--case with four mics
--mic stand
--stereo mic for possible use as drum overhead mic
Here's the chaotic state of half my practice room, which shows much of this.
I don't use a formal checklist, because for most gigs I don't even bring an amp. But even when I do, it's fairly simple:
--bass (or two) in gig bag with strap, tuner, picks, earplugs, and energy bars
--head & cab
--small black duffel bag with cables, extra strings, tools, and sometimes a pedal or two
--extension cord and power strip (sometimes)
--Roland Bass Cube 100 combo as a backup or monitor (rarely)
--pedal board (rarely)
I've installed new strings on my Sandberg, and installed fresh batteries in the bass and every pedal I might use. I've also examined the duffel bag's contents to make sure I have the long mic cables, long instrument cables, and proper set of tools. Finally, I've used colored electrical tape to mark my mics, cables, stands, etc.
Beyond the usual, I've assembled:
--guitar and guitar amp
--case with four mics
--mic stand
--stereo mic for possible use as drum overhead mic
Here's the chaotic state of half my practice room, which shows much of this.
I don’t have an inventory sheet. But I definitely lay everything out before shows. I don’t like making a 2 hour drive to find out I’m missing something. Some shows I need more items, some shows I need less. It depends on the particular gig and the venue. So it’s a good practice. I wish I could just have a standard inventory that doesn’t change. Then I could just check everything when I pack up at the end. However, I like to look over everything at home where I have a chance to take my time and inspect everything to make sure it’s all serviceable.
