|
By
Elise Malmberg
illustration by Elise Malmberg
|
Assembling a useful gig bag or case is a rite of passage for performing musicians. Usually about the size of a large briefcase or gym bag, a gig bag holds everything from guitar straps and band CDs to mouthwash, comic books, and an extra pair of socks. It almost always contains duct tape.
A gig bag carries all the small, useful objects that don't quite fit in your instrument cases. Keeping them all in one place and close at hand can mean the difference between a triumphant encore and an ignominious slink offstage. Sure, you could store your spare strings in your guitar case — but what happens when you snap one during the first set, and your cases are locked inside a storage room until after the show?
A well-stocked gig bag can save your ass multiple times in a single night. When you blow an amp fuse at soundcheck, you know there's another nearby. You can read the trashy novel from your bag while waiting for the doors to open. You can find a pen to write down that cute girl's email address. After the show you can swap your sweaty t-shirt for a clean one. And when it's time to load out, you can tie down the gear that doesn't quite fit in your car trunk with the bungee cords from your gig bag.
The Art of the Bag
It starts with the bag. Some musicians like the roadworthiness of flight-case style briefcases, or a slightly larger metal case. Others prefer the lighter weight and expandability of daypacks, sturdy shoulder bags, and laptop cases (preferably with extra compartments).
Ask yourself how you'll be using your bag. Do you need to transport fragile items? Think hard-shell case with foam padding. Will you need to check your case as luggage? You might prefer an ATA-rated flight case, especially if you have crew to carry it for you. Are you more likely to play clubs around town, dashing from work to soundcheck? Perhaps you need a soft-sided gym bag that expands to fit a change of clothes.
For most musicians, the ideal gig bag is small enough to carry along when the band grabs a burrito before the show, but large enough to hold all the stuff you need to fix a basic gear meltdown. If you're hauling bulky or heavy items, consider a case with wheels, or a lightweight, collapsible dolly. One drummer I know uses a rolling golf-club bag for his gig accessories, including sticks, mallets, brushes, and extra hardware.
What's Inside?
That depends on the style of your band and your own personal needs. Typically there's a mix of practical, tech-related equipment (flashlight, tape, batteries, wrenches), musical accessories (cables, blank sheet music, headphones, tuner), band business stuff (set list, notepaper, booking contract, business cards), and personal crap (toothbrush, underwear, Sudoku puzzles, eyeliner). If you're in charge of CD sales, your gig bag may also double as a merch bag.
Contents also vary by instrument. A keyboardist may need spare MIDI and audio cables, direct-in (DI) boxes, a screwdriver for fixing that wobbly keyboard stand, and backup discs of software or sounds. A guitarist might need extra strings and 1/4" instrument cables, a ground lift for eliminating electrical hum onstage, spare amp fuses, nine-volt batteries for stompbox effects, a tuner, and a capo.
When deciding what to pack, imagine everything that could possibly go wrong at a gig. (For most musicians, the list is terrifyingly long.) Next, think of any objects you might carry with you to repair (if not prevent) these disasters. The likelier the problem, the more you need to pack a solution. If in doubt, include it.
Finally, envision everything else you'll need at the venue: clothing, shoes, or accessories for onstage and after the show; grooming items like toothpaste, makeup, contact lens solution, and hair products; books, magazines, or handheld games for the inevitable waiting around; spare cash (change and small bills); energy bars to consume in lieu of dinner; spare keys for when you lock yourself out of the band van; and earplugs for the opening act.
Keep It Safe, Keep It Stocked
With all the incredibly useful stuff in your bag, it would be a drag if someone stole it. So don't just leave it lying around — keep an eye on it. Zip or latch it shut when you're not using it, and keep it in a locked dressing room while you're performing. If there's no dressing room or you need it onstage, keep it away from the edges of the stage, where overeager fans might decide to help themselves to a souvenir or two. If you use your gig bag to store band CDs and shirts, keep them (and your cash) in an inner compartment so they're not immediately visible when the case is opened.
Make sure you can find things easily. Ziplock bags are great for this: they're durable, easy to open and close, and you can see the contents without digging through them. Tupperware containers are another option — they can help protect fragile items like microphones or fuses. Label the lids so you know what's inside.
Every month, or more often if you're playing out a lot, go through your bag and replace or refresh perishable or frequently used items. This includes batteries, stage plots and other band paperwork, cash (you always need change for CD sales), food substitutes, energy drinks, and that flask of 100-proof denture juice you keep for after the show. Test your cables and boxes. Change the blade in your utility knife. And make sure you still have enough duct tape!
With a little forethought and maintenance, your gig bag will become the ideal companion: an uncomplaining sidekick that's ready with a rope (or at least a change of socks) when you've gone off the cliff.
Tell us what's in your gig bag!
Posted April 2007
Send to del.icio.us |
|
