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.