This week, session ace and gigging hired-hand RAVI (Hanson) returns to Getsigned.com to explain the pros and cons of Renting Vs. Carting (hauling) your musical & sound equipment on the road. If you're planning on playing shows outside your local market anytime soon, this article is a must-read!

When preparing for a tour (or just a show or two out of town or out of state), deciding what gear to bring versus renting gear is crucial to having a trouble free experience out on the road. Tours come in different shapes and sizes, and the geography, performance schedule, and budget will greatly effect your decision. Also, depending on your contract, the venue or promoter may provide equipment.

The busier the performance schedule, the more you should bring. You will have greater consistency using your own gear, and unless equipment is provided, carting will likely be cheaper than renting. However, if you are traveling far to play multiple shows in one venue, have the backline supplied under your contract, or strike a deal with a sound production company to service all performances. If engagements are less frequent and separated by long distances, consider using locally available gear.

Bring self-contained instruments such as guitars, microphones (if you have specific preferences), and saxophones. Vintage amplifiers, complex computer setups, wireless systems, effects that you have programmed, ethnic instruments, and customized gear may be difficult to rent or configure to your specifications, so cart these as well. Pack plenty of strings, reeds, drumsticks, batteries, duct tape, and other small accessories that you may need. You do not want to waste time on the road looking for items that can easily be packed.

Also, travel with several small tools. Needle-nose pliers, a miniature screwdriver set, wire cutters, utility knife, and a metal file will facilitate any simple repairs, such as tightening a guitar jack or fixing a stubborn bass drum pedal. Carry some electronic spray cleaner (available at Radio Shack) if you use electronics. Dust spreads quickly when traveling, and noisy static can easily be remedied.

Finally, before you leave home, do some due diligence. Research local technicians in cities where you are performing. If your gear breaks down, you may require their services. Get references from your instrument’s manufacturer and local music stores. Also, check your insurance policy to see if your equipment is covered if stolen or vandalized on the road.

Large equipment is cumbersome to carry and expensive to cart, so consider renting it locally. This includes sound systems, drum kits (bring your own sticks, snare, pedals, and cymbals if you wish), guitar and bass amplifiers, keyboard rigs, computers (unless you use a laptop), and other similar equipment. If you have custom keyboard settings or computer configurations, choose gear that accepts removable media and bring your setups on disk. Request cables, stands, benches, and all other required accoutrements.

Place your order in writing (fax or email), be specific, and get confirmation. Prepare alternative requests incase your first choices are not available. Schedule the delivery in time for a sound check, even if the venue is unable to give you one. You may need to tweak the rented gear or swap it for a replacement.

Regardless of what you bring or rent, plan for back up! Have at least two of your primary instrument on hand. You never know when one will fail, and switching instruments may be your only saving grace. If you can’t bring a back up, call a sound production company or music store near the venues in which you are performing and ask if they have a suitable replacement. Perhaps they will even loan one to you to keep on standby in exchange for mentioning the company name on stage. Have a minimum of one extra electric guitar amplifier on site, regardless of how many guitarists are in the band. Bass and keyboards often run direct through the PA and can be returned through floor monitors, so back up amplifiers for these instruments are not essential. If you load data from disks, bring at least three sets and keep them separated at all times – one set travels with the gear, another with you, and the third should stay in the tour bus or hotel. Finally, cables are heavily abused on the road, so have extras on hand.

Maximize your sound and minimize your headaches. A little homework and a few educated decisions will turn any potential nightmare into a sonic dream.

I hope your tour/live shows are a huge success!

Website Back	RAVI
	RAVI, the former guitarist of three-time Grammy nominee Hanson, tours the country performing, lecturing, and consulting. He has released two CDs of his own and Simon & Schuster published his autobiography. RAVI welcomes letters from readers via his website at http://www.heyravi.com
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