As much fun as it may be, gigging is a lot of work, too. Any musician that has been gigging for a while comes up with their own tricks and techniques for making gigging easier, whether it’s a more efficient way to transport gear, a better method of setting up onstage, or the smartest way to pack a trailer. We gigging musicians here at Sweetwater put our heads together to offer some helpful advice that you can put to good use for your next gig.
Singers – Bring Your Own Microphone
It’s surprising how many regularly gigging bands rely on whatever the venue has available. If you’re always wondering what type of mic you’ll be using, take control of the situation — packing your own handheld vocal microphone means you’ll have a more consistent sound wherever you gig. The more time you spend using a specific mic — whether it’s the ubiquitous Shure SM58, a Sennheiser e 845, a Telefunken M80, or any other model — the better you’ll be able to work it for the best sonic results. You’ll also become very familiar with your microphone’s polar pattern, which will help you avoid feedback on any stage where you perform. And, just as importantly, you’ll know where your mic has been.
Guitarists – Ditch the Amplifier for Amp/Speaker Emulation
With a capable PA and stage monitoring, there’s really no technical reason to play a traditional guitar amplifier as opposed to an amp/speaker-cab emulator like the Line 6 Helix, the Kemper Profiler, the Strymon Iridium, and other similar options. You’ll save space not only onstage, but also in your vehicle, and you’ll definitely appreciate the lighter weight when it comes to getting your gear on and off the stage. If you really prefer the simplicity of a real amplifier, consider getting a solid-state amplifier — they’re typically much lighter than a tube amp of comparable specs.
Bassists – Get an Amp with a Good DI Output
Wait, why should bassists keep using an amp if guitarists can switch to modelers? It’s all about monitoring — most guitarists can be happy hearing themselves through a stage monitor or in-ears while using a modeled tone. It’s much more challenging to create the equivalent of moving air with a bass amp or to find the right bass mix in the monitors — usually the whole band prefers the feel of a real bass amp onstage, not just the bass player. However, it’s much more conducive to a good mix to have the bass go direct into the sound system — not a problem at all if your bass amplifier has a good DI output. Options such as the Darkglass Microtubes 900 v2, the Gallien-Krueger Fusion S 800, the Fender Rumble 800, and the TC Electronic Thrust BQ500 are great examples of compact bass heads that offer plenty of power to drive a cabinet onstage for monitoring while also offering a great-sounding, XLR direct output for connecting to the sound system.
Drummers – You Can Bring Your Own Mics, Too
Between transporting your entire drum kit and getting it on and off the stage, there’s only so much you can do to make gigging easier as a drummer. But whether you play a large, seven-piece kit or a compact cocktail kit, there are some accessories that will make gigging much more enjoyable. One thing that will make your drums sound consistently better is to bring your own mics, which is easy when you get a bundle of drum mics. Having a heavy-duty equipment cart, such as the Rock N Roller R6RT Mini Multi-Cart, makes it easier to move lots of drum cases or cymbal stands. Another way to make your gig easier and more enjoyable is to have a simple drumstick holder, like the Vic Firth Drumstick Caddy or the Vater Drumstick Holder. These attach easily to one of your cymbal stands, keeping spare sticks handy in case you break or drop one. And speaking of dropped drumsticks: if that’s something that happens to you regularly, consider a grip enhancer like Gorilla Snot or Ahead Grip Tape.
For the Whole Band – Get a Dedicated Equipment Trailer
Assuming you have a vehicle capable of towing, an equipment trailer can be the easiest way to transport your band’s gear. We asked Sweetwater Digital Marketing Manager Aaron Steele how he approaches packing his equipment trailer when gigging with his band, Horizon Arcs:
Pro Tips for Packing a Trailer
- Put your heaviest equipment in the front of the trailer (farthest from the door, closest to the towing vehicle). This keeps the trailer’s center of gravity close to your vehicle, which helps prevent swaying back and forth on the highway.
- Think twice about putting your band logo or other identifying information on the trailer, especially if you ever park overnight in unfamiliar territory — it basically labels it as a band trailer that likely has expensive (and easily salable) gear in it. If your trailer looks boring, it’s less appealing to would-be thieves.
- Many small trailers have wooden walls and ramps, and these can get very slick and unsafe in cold, wet weather. Get some grip tape, like the kind used on skateboards, and apply it to surfaces that could benefit from some extra grip.
- Buy a safety cone or two (the orange ones) and keep them in the trailer. If you have to park on the street by a venue to unload, put the cone down to reserve just enough space behind the trailer to access it. As long as you’re not trying to take up too much space, most people will respect the authority of an orange cone.
- Get a spare tire for the trailer. Keep it in the trailer along with a tire-changing kit. Hopefully you’ll never need them. If you do, you’ll be glad you planned ahead.
- Identify items that have a higher center of gravity, such as guitar speaker cabinets and lighting trusses — anything at risk of tipping over if you step on the brakes. Either place these items between other items, lay them down flat, or secure them to the trailer walls with ratcheting straps or bungee cords to prevent tipping.
- If your wooden trailer walls do not already have attachment points for bungees or straps, head to the hardware store and get some hooks and rings to install. Put them in strategic places so you’ll be able to secure things like mic stands, speaker stands, guitar cases, lighting trusses, and anything else you don’t want to move around.
- Keep a dedicated toolbox in your trailer — something like an ammo box or another waterproof case will work, as well. Put in a flashlight, a screwdriver, some extra bungee cords, and a pair of pliers. You’ll use them much more than you expect.
Bonus Tip – Be Nice to Your Sound Engineer
If you have someone running sound for you, treat them as another member of the band — better than, actually. Introduce yourself as early as possible, explain that you want to work with them to achieve the best possible sound, and ask them if there’s anything you can do to make their job easier. Chances are they won’t ask anything extra from you, but they’ll be pleased with the sense of teamwork, and they’ll likely put more effort into making sure you sound great out front. An added bonus is that they’ll definitely have some positive things to say about you to club management and booking agents — being easy to work with is one of the best ways to get follow-up gigs.
Want Your Gigs to Go Easier? Be Easygoing
No matter how many little challenges and obstacles come up on gig day, staying calm and amicable is always the most productive approach. Everyone has some frustrations with gigging, but most musicians agree that those nuisances melt away once the lights go down and the music begins. Keep that in mind throughout the day — that it’s all worth it once you’re onstage — and it’ll be much easier to deal with the challenges as they come. If you’re interested in more specific ways you can make your gigs go easier, call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700 and we’ll be happy to brainstorm with you.
