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The Musicians’ Gig Checklist lays out all the things you could need at a gig: a fuse can blow, a string can break, a strong wind can blow your music off the stand, your guitar battery could go dead or you could be swarmed with bugs on a hot day. It’s a drag to be at a gig and not have something that you need, and knowing the possibilities prevents potential disasters.

 

 


    BASIC SET-UP

  1. Instrument(s), cables, wiping cloth and any needed accessories your instrument needs. E.g., extra reeds for sax players, valve oil for brass players, rosin for string players, etc.
  2. Amp, if not acoustic
  3. At least one extra instrument cable if playing an electric instrument
  4. An extension cord, three prong adapter, junction box and a small flashlight
  5. Any tools you use (screwdrivers, pliers, keyboard stand tighteners, drum key, etc.)
  6. Instrument tuner
  7. Extra fuses for your amp
  8. Extra batteries if you use them
  9. Extra strings if a string player with a wire cutter and extra picks if a guitarist or bassist
  10. Effects units with all the cables if you’re using these
  11. Anything else you might need, i.e., a towel if you sweat a lot, a hygiene bag, umbrella, rain boots, musicians’ earplugs for extremely loud music, etc.


    12. IF READING MUSIC

  12. Music stand and a music stand light.
  13. Clothespins or music stand clips for reading charts in windy areas (outdoors, rehearsal studios with big fans, stages with strong air conditioning, etc.)
  14. Any music, fake books, or charts you might need for yourself or for someone else
  15. Dark pencils, a thin black marker, and a red and/or yellow highlighter

    16. IF YOU ARE SINGING

  16. Mic, wind screen if outdoors, cable and any adaptors you use and mic stand
  17. Any lyrics you need in a lyric book and charts for the band if freelancing
  18. Music stand, light, possibly some hand-held percussion

    19. IF YOU ARE THE BANDLEADER

  19. At least one very long (300+ ft.) heavy-duty extension chord and a junction box
  20. Duct tape for taping cords to the floor
  21. Band sign, promo, business cards, contracts, information sheets, etc.
  22. The P.A. with cables, mics and a, mp3 player, CD player or MD for playing music on breaks, lights if part of your gig
  23. Anything else needed (some bandleader’s supply 12–15 above for all the musicians)

    24. OUTDOOR GIGS

  24. Sun block if skin is sensitive
  25. Insect repellent if sensitive to bugs
  26. Small cooler for liquids and snacks
  27. Reflective cover for instruments and heat sensitive equipment
  28. Warm coat, finger-tipless gloves and a sweater if cold weather
  29. Hat and sunglasses, if sunny
  30. Change of clothes and deodorant if very hot weather
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