👉I have been meaning to make this guide for ages and finally got around to it so I hope you find this video useful. Click on the links in the description if you are looking for the smaller pieces of gear. Check out my new Vlog channel to see how "life after the classroom" is going - www.youtube.com/@websworld20 🚀 If you'd like to join my Patreon Page for exclusive goodies such as PDF downloads and behind the scenes footage - www.patreon.com/UkuleleWales
I carry and use a Fender Rumble 40 only 18 pounds. I got zinged when the AC outlet at an outdoor pavilion was dead. Now I always carry a power cell! (Jackery or equivalent). That was embarrassing. 😮 My Goldtone M-Bass uses a tiny holder that is loaded with two CR 2032 button batteries. I carry at least three extra holders loaded and ready (changeable in seconds, even though batteries last a long time). And yes, plenty of cables! Cables can get damaged easily, so extras are cheap insurance. I'm old school, and I print PDF sheets because of eye issues (underlines, notes, tweaks). Sheets go into a binder in order (dividers for easier turning). Last but not least, a sandwich baggie full of clippy things (from Walmart) because even a slight breeze can play h**l when you're outside.
Great list Rachel. I always carry an extension cord because power isn't always near at hand. Even though my page turner is wireless I always carry a long USB cable too.
Spare 9v battery! I test them, especially if using my mixer with batteries, but have a spare(s) just in case. Like a safety net, really. I now have the Behringer pedal, thanks to you, Rachel. My very old UBass (no eq) needs to go through a DI in most situations. Oh, and a bottle of water! I forgot it at a recent gig and didn't realise til it was underway. Laura
Great video - very practical and sensible advice. I always take my Phil Jones Double Four, either as an amp or as a monitor. Just put a pedalboard together this year from existing pedals i already had from my 'big bass' cupboard! Got a tuner pedal, a compressor and an Ashdown acoustic preamp (complete with DI out). 🙂👍👍
Things tend to accumulate in the bottom of my music bag so I'd have to empty it to get down to five. A particular problem is the plectrums - they seem to be multiplying. The five things that I always take with me are: 1. Bass. I only have one (for now!) but it includes a tuner 2. Fender Rumble amp so I can compete with the hoards of concerts and tenors. 3. 'RatStands Jazz' music stand. Expensive but incredibly stable. 4. Music folder so I have some idea what everyone else is playing. 5. Jack lead.
Love this list! Absolutely agree with all of it. Recently swapped my combo for separate amplifier & speaker, to keep the per item weight down. Another of my essentials is getting other group members to help move my gear and to take the chargers for my tablet and Bluetooth transmitter/receiver just in case. Don’t forget to charge everything before you leave home 😞you won’t forget twice!
Great video again Rachel. I usually take a mains extension 4 way block - just in case there's no power socket close to me. This has turned out to be a smart move on quite a few occasions. Spare Jack lead too. Plus, I'm with you on having 2 basses. If it's a paying gig, I think this is essential. Usually it's no problem, as I have either a U-bass or 26" scale compact bass as my spare. Some think this is excessive - but most guitarists take 2 or more guitars. I usually take my amp too - just in case. This was also a good move recently, as the venue PA wasn't working well.... Spare 9v battery too :)
Oh Rachel, I just started this video and stopped right away to ask where you bought this gorgeous purple pickguard. I just bought a Kala solid body (Thomann edition with a slightly different sunburst and a black pickguard) and I searched the web where to buy a different pickguard.
Just lately I’ve been taking a music stand light, we were doing a gig in a church last week and it was a bit dark! I’m old school, still use paper, I have an iPad with all my sets and songs on, but I see so many players with iPads stop playing to swipe their screen up as their scroll speed is too slow or they haven’t closed the gap between verses! PAPER RULES, for me anyway!
Great video! I'm learning a lot about what I still need. I'm super interested in using a tablet for music. I've not heard of a page turner pedal but it looks super helpful. I've been using printed out music and my binder he's gotten way too heavy for a music stand. Do you use an app for PDF music files or is there another file type that is more traditionally used for this? Thank you!
Hi Mary. I use a tablet at practices but still have paper for many gigs. I have a thinner 'gigs' folder: 4-rings to take the plastic pockets the sheets are in. That way I have a set list in order and, when open on the basic, fold up, music stand (light and packs down short, lives in an old hiking sock!) the inner front cover displays the set list. I can get my tablet on the front of all this if there's something thrown in at the gig. It is a faff beforehand and there are 3 thick files at home (A-Z, obviously) but foolproof on the day. Laura
