[strumminsix]

Okay, I'm sure all of us who gig regularly have a routine, or back, or box or something that is is for emergency situations.

Let's talk about these back-up items:
- guitar
- multiple packs of all string sizes
- cables (1-2 of each that I use)
- GCX controller
- SM57
- PODXT bean
- Crate Powerblock
- IEC cables
- extension chord
- power strip
- duct tape

Then my back of smallies:
- tubes & fuses
- band-aids & tape
- leatherman + multi-screw driver + allen keys
- back of unopened pics
- batteries (9v, aa, aaa)

I'm sure a few will look at my list and think I'm nuts. That would be a true statement.

[Grateful Dad]

Add a guitar strap to the list.

I had one bust on me and ended up using a dog's leash for the gig!

[strumminsix]

Add a guitar strap to the list.

I had one bust on me and ended up using a dog's leash for the gig!

Actually I do have one and great call!

And string cutter too! Especially important if you use vintage tuners!

[keirweir]

Add a guitar strap to the list.

I had one bust on me and ended up using a dog's leash for the gig!

Totally! End of the first set a year ago I leaned down to click somthing off and my strap let go... Guitar fell head first. In slow motion I watched the tuning peg for the G string (not a thong) it was definatly a G string snapped right off. A slow motion FFFFUUUU****#### and inevitable realization that the 2nd set was not going to played via the Phiga Eagle.


Add tuning peg to the list!

[LazyLightnin]

a small phillips head screwdriver is a must. i also keep a mini led flashlight and allen keys for adjusting on the fly. an extra mic never hurts either.

[strumminsix]

Flashlight! Yes! Actually been meaning to goto Cabellas for these:
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... 2146251080

As of now my flashlight is all I've got!

[mijknahs]

If I were a "professional" musician it would be another story. I'd have a backup for everything at the gig. Unfortunately I can barely fit my normal gear in my small car and don't have the room to bring all the backup stuff to a gig (at least the amp and speakers part). It would also suck to haul around a bunch of extra stuff that I probably won't use. Small stuff like cords, strings, and straps are easy. But if my amp gets fried at a gig, I guess I'm going direct into the PA.

However, I do have backup amps and stuff at home if they stop working a day before the gig or something. At least I won't have to rush getting things fixed before the gig.

Jim

[strumminsix]

If I were a "professional" musician it would be another story. I'd have a backup for everything at the gig. Unfortunately I can barely fit my normal gear in my small car and don't have the room to bring all the backup stuff to a gig (at least the amp and speakers part). It would also suck to haul around a bunch of extra stuff that I probably won't use. Small stuff like cords, strings, and straps are easy. But if my amp gets fried at a gig, I guess I'm going direct into the PA.

However, I do have backup amps and stuff at home if they stop working a day before the gig or something. At least I won't have to rush getting things fixed before the gig.

Jim

A couple years back I had a conversation with a friend who made a similar claim. He and I started talking about all this and he realized in the end it took up barely any space, bought a backpack and had it be his complete backup less guitar.

My solution is this:
http://www.gatorcases.com/Default.aspx? ... logID=9441

Holds all my essentials on the shelf, back-up underneath, and perfect amp stand on top!

[Rusty the Scoob]

I always have a spare bass and cord. I can plug into the PA if my amp dies with no real loss in sound. I also always have a few basic tools - whatever I need to make a few adjustments on the fly. Each bass's case contains these tools specific to it's own bridge, neck, pickups etc.

For bigger gigs I bring my big rolling drum-hardware bag with spare cables, a spare active DI, spare mic stands, spare mics mic clips, more tools, etc. I don't keep a super good inventory of what's in it but odds are that between it, the stuff the rest of the band brings, and the random repair items I keep in my Jeep that the job will get done.

[Grateful Dad]

It's not exactly back up gear but....back up personnel can save your hide too.

A list of substitute musicians who know your repertoire!

Our singer/harp player booked a gig, sold tickets, and THEN told the band about it.....DUH!

He assumed we would all be able to do it since we had played the event several years in a row.

Only problem was our lead guitarist was busy that night, so we were lucky to find a guitarist who knew enough of our songs to do the gig and save our singer's butt in the process.

So network some understudy musicians to fill in in an emergency due to sickness, emergency, work, or just sheer doofussness on the part of one of your bandmates!

[LazyLightnin]

i second that. I had a bass player call me the morning of a gig and tell me he was not ready and would not show up or even try. luckily, i had an upright bass player who had been chomping at the bit to jam with us - so we went acoustic with the new guy and had a really great sound.

i have :
1 extra lead/rhythm guitar player
1 extra bass player
2 extra keyboard players
1 extra drummer (only for extreme emergencies he wants at least $100 for services)

shit, that's like a whole extra band lol

the $100 is totally reasonable, but we're not a ticket selling band just yet. it'll take the summer to get that far, plus no one pays around here - it's cleveland, nobody has money about $300 is as low as the band will go.

[FretWilkes]

I always have a spare guitar, bunch of cords, tubes, stands and tools. I need a couple more mikes right now though.

I also carry an old Zoom GM200 amp modeler that I can use to go direct in case of catastrophic amp failure. It's good peace of mind and get's an OK sound in a pinch.

[Harvestwind]

back-up items:
- spare bass strings (Usually the last ones on my bass, boiled and put back in the box)
- cables 1 guitar cables and a patch lead
- extension chord
- power strip
- duct tape
- spare guitar strap
- allen keys, screwdrivers and pliers
- spare fuse for amp
- batteries 9v

[Chuckles]

Learned the hard way about no backup a couple of months ago... my amp just plain quit on me (turns out the reverb tank was not secured at one end and when the head was positioned on its side, it flopped over and loosened one of the preamp tubes). That said, I hauled my Blues Jr as a backup rig last gig, but think we as a band will just have our other guitarist's POD on hand in a pinch. I always bring a second guitar (and strings/cords/mics/tools) - always.

[myoung6923]

I have one extra each of the critical items - guitar, chords, strap, strings, BATTERIES, you name it... I also just picked up a Fender Jazzmaster Ultralight amp for a backup - it's only 7 lbs and does a damn good job at a twin tone. http://www.fender.com/products/search.p ... 2277000000 I've found that it's not as powerful as the twin but I can just boost in my monitor if I need. It also has a direct out so I could always go that route if I really needed.

I always have this fear that some critical component will go out on me during a gig and the whole gig would be blown - hasn't happened yet (knock on wood)! Backup is a good thing