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Originally Posted by kingnat
Things I have:
Always bring what you have.
Also some minimal standard equipment:
A complete extra set of strings
At least one additional extra high-E string
A set of mic cable adapters that will get you from whatever you have to XLR male, XLR female, and 1/4"
A ground plug lifter (don't know if this matters overseas, but here sometimes they only have a 2-prong outlet and you have a 3-prong plug. This is a $0.50 item at any home improvement store.)
An extension cord and powerstrip.
Originally Posted by kingnat
Things I could maybe borrow:
Definitely on the extra cords and mics (couple of backup cords and 1 backup mic is enough for a 1 man gig). Test everything before you pack it. No surprises.
Definitely on the backup guitar.
A backup amp is a huge luxury I never had, but a heavy and bulky one to take with and rarely use. I don't think it's necessary for a one-time gig.
On the amp and PA: IF you can't rely on the house to have a quality PA that is intended for stage performances, AND someone running the sound board, THEN you will have to borrow those things.
Originally Posted by kingnat
I haven't called the gal at the gig site yet. I guess I should, but am fearful of sounding like a moron.
Better to sound like an idiot than be one. One of those conditions is temporary.
Call the gal and ask this:
Do you have a house PA? If yes, then:
Do you have a sound board? If yes, then:
Will someone be there running the sound board on the night I will be there?
If the answer to any of those is no, then you will have to bring your own equipment.
If those 3 are all yes, then:
Will you supply a mic and cable for my guitar amp?
If no:
Check your amp to see if it has a line out. If so, you may be able to plug it directly into the sound board without a mic.
If you can speak with someone there who runs the sound board, ask:
Can I patch directly from the line out on my amp into the sound board?
Patch just means run a cord from A to B.
If they suggest that you can, but you need a Direct Inject box (or Direct box or DI box), then a ~$40 investment can be a nice alternative to a quality mic. PLUS, the DI box is something that will quietly pay for itself by protecting far more expensive equipment. I have the Behringer Ultra-G GI100 DI, and I have never had a problem. Also, it's nice to see the worry melt off the sound guy's face when you show him that you care about protecting his stuff. This is really more common for bass players, but there's no reason it wouldn't do the trick.
If the venue wont supply a mic and wont allow you to use a DI box, then you're going to have to bring your own mic and cable (with adapters, obv.).
Originally Posted by kingnat
I don't want to have to drop tons of money on shit, when I don't know what to get, or how to differentiate with any expertise, just how good something sounds.
Sucks to be you, then, since you wont ask questions to be less of a moron.
All joking aside, you're just going to have to make some (what seem like) large investments in your gear when you start doing gigs. All of the electronics have resale value if you replace them in a year or two. So you can usually find used equipment in your price range. Also, there is only a bottomless pit that sucks away money in the audio equipment category. You will never be completely satisfied with what you have, as there is always another (probably more expensive) toy that sounds a little better or does a little more or is just inspiring, etc. Of course, some things don't lose value if they are well maintained.
I have never bought any musical equipment on the first time I spoke with a salesman about it. It is your right as the customer to know what you're buying, so ask all the questions you want. Usually the people who work in music stores are big music geeks who love to talk about what they know about. So find one who knows about whatever it is you're thinking of buying and start talking. Then go to another store and talk to their geek. Keep doing this until you feel confident that you know what you want.
Originally Posted by kingnat
blarg.
I hear you, brother.
One final note: Gear tends to disappear when you get home from the gig. Keep an eye on all your stuff. Keep it in a locked place when it's not in your sight. (Implicit cautionary tales that I wont type out.)
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