The Bass Shack – Gilligan’s Island Gig Essentials…

This month I thought it would be fun to talk about those extra items that I try to bring to every gig, particularly those gigs that are in remote locations where you can’t readily run back home, or to a department store or even a 7 Eleven.  Now, to be clear, I’m not talking about your bass, your amp, pedals, or cables.  Those things are all no-brainers.  I’m talking about those all-important accessories that can save you when things don’t go according to plan.  The list is adjusted over time with each new experience. Once, when playing outdoors in spring, I couldn’t stop sneezing – so I now include allergy medicine when I play outdoor spring gigs.

Here’s what I now bring:

Equipment Related

• Extra strap
• Extra power cord
• Extra guitar cords
• Extra bass or bass strings
• A D.I. or pedal preamp to go direct if my amp dies
• Batteries
• Tuner
• Multi-tool
• Fuses
• Small Flashlight
• Gaffer tape
• Outlet tester

Personal Items

• Aspirin
• Band-Aids
• Sunscreen
• Ear plugs
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Protein bar or some other emergency snacks
• Cough drops or gum
• Allergy medicine (only outdoors in spring)
• Water or iced tea
• A drink holder on my microphone stand
• Pen and paper
• Nail clippers
• Cell phone with GPS
• A light jacket for late hour load-outs
• A sense of humor!

Did I forget anything?  Let me know if you have other “Must Have  items that make your gigs go smoother.