What’s In Your Gig Bag?
My gig bag is nearly as important as my instrument when it comes to doing a gig. The contents of my bag has changed over the years as items I once thought were so critical to have with me at all times eventually came out of the bag for lack of use and other items were added as the need arose, actually usually after the need arose. Here is my list of what a well equipped gig bag should contain . Let me know what you do differently. I just might have to make room for it in my bag.
- Batteries in whatever size your equipment needs. You should probably keep a couple of whatever size battery your forgetful singer needs for their wireless mic and in-ear monitors too.
- Mini-Mag flashlight. Ever tried to re-insert an accidently pulled cable into the back of your rack on a darkened stage? Nuff said.
- Spare AC Adapter for your effect pedals, especially if you run an extensive pedal board.
- Tuner…and please use it…often…please.
- Fuses of the correct rating for any gear you use. Before you change the fuse try to figure out why it blew or you just might go through your spares too.
- Small roll of gaff tape. This comes in big rolls but I usually make my own flattened roll of five or six feet to keep in my bag. This is not duct tape or electrical tape. It is much less messy. Good for taping down set lists, cables, or securing a mic when its clip breaks (see #13).
- Mini tool set: Screwdrivers, hex wrenches, wire nippers, needle nose pliers, string winder.
- A/C outlet checker. Use to make sure the outlet you’re about to plug your prized tube amp into is safe and wired correctly. Costs about six or seven bucks at Home Depot but can save your life or at least an expensive repair.
- Bandaids. Both types if your bag is big enough
- Pain reliever (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, etc..)
- Extra set of strings plus several singles of the strings you tend to break most often.
- Extra picks, strap, cables (instrument & speaker). These will get used more by the other guitarist or band though.
- Spare mic clip. These break all the time and usually at the worst time. Consider upgrading to the more durable rubber clips now available.
- Sharpie, notepad and pens.
- Koozie, Huggie, Can Wrap or whatever they’re called where you live. This is a big help in keeping your hands dry on stage.
- Hand towel, small,clean, black.
- Hygiene items; toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, Visine, condoms, you get the picture.
- Spare vehicle key. You’ll be glad you did.
- Finally of course you need the ‘bag’. This depends on what works for you. I use a purpose built gig bag made of a heavy Cordura canvas material made by RokSak. It’s lasted through five years of heavy use and still going strong. I find it makes organizing my gig goodies quite simple. I like the expandability of the flexible material construction but some people may prefer a hard briefcase type carrier or a plastic toolbox, of if you end up carrying a lot of stuff a wheeled case. A gym bag could work in some cases too. Start with something you already have, use it, make note of its good points and its drawbacks and eventually you will know exactly what you need.
Some final thoughts on the mighty gig bag;
Remember to go through your bag occasionally and take inventory. Make sure the batteries you’re stocking are still good (never, never throw a used battery back into your bag). Replace anything that’s been depleted or that grew legs and split. Clean it and organize it.
When compiling the items for your bag, try to think of everything that could possibly go wrong at a gig. It’s a scary long list unfortunately. Now, gather the items you will need to either prevent or correct these potential disasters. This will be an ongoing project so get the main things now and the rest of your needs will present themselves in due time.
Being prepared will make your gig days a little less stressful. I know I won’t even go to rehearsal without my gig bag. It can also earn you some goodwill points from other bands and musicians when you bail them out with that extra cable or mic clip. So what’s in your bag?
TK
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Good list. I wish I had thought of keeping a spare car key in my kit a long time ago. I use an old suitcase for my stuff. Holds a lot but not so good a keeping it organized. I keep some various plug adapters in my kit, they’ve come in handy a few times.
J