THE TWANG! Gigging The Gear (Pt.2)
session legend and steely Dan guitarist Elliott Randall helps prep your rig for all gig eventualities
We continue with my thoughts about being totally prepared for your gig, acknowledging that ‘Murphy’s Law’ can and will undoubtedly strike when you least expect it. So with this in mind, here are some more tips.
In my last column, we went into some detail as regards instrument cleaning, your strings and tuning. So moving right along…
If you use a pedalboard, then we’ll assume that your connections are firmly in place and that your power supplies are optimal. Note that if you’re using mains power, you should be okay. If any of your devices rely on battery power, it’s best to keep on top of the condition of the battery. I still use the ‘sell-by method’– each of my battery driven devices have a small piece of tape on them, with the date of the most recent battery change inscribed. Maybe a little geeky, but very practical.
Also for consideration is the physical stability of the pedals when you’re on stage (and even in the studio). Keep your gear from sliding around: use gaffer tape or place all of your pedals on a rough piece of carpeting. Before performing, ensure that everything is working right – either in the form of a soundcheck or simply by checking each device manually, before the downbeat.
Backup Gear
It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen! Your amp blows. It just stops functioning properly. What to do? Well, in the best of all possible scenarios, there is another amp, warmed up and ready to go. But what if there is no spare amp? A few options spring to mind. 1).You can plug into a bandmate’s amplifier and carry on… or 2). Have your effects and cab sims ready to plug straight into the PA. This can be a bit tricky, but with a few simple preparations, you’ll be good to go.
Then this scenario: you break a string midsong. Do you have a spare guitar ready to go? That would be good. Alternatively, you can hone your ‘quick string change’ skills. Baxter and I used to practise this, holding monthly string-change races. Learn this ‘speed method’ and you are virtually bulletproof.
A brand-new plectrum has extremely smooth edges; they treat your strings with respect. If your pick has a ‘ding’ on it, then it can do irreparable damage to your strings. It will weaken the part of the string where the pick makes contact with it. It’s like a serrated knife! Obviously, the last thing you want is to be playing on strings that might snap midperformance. Inconvenient and embarrassing, to say the least!
As we discuss caring for your strings – and their longevity – here are two important further notes for you. Firstly, when doing a string change, examine the frets on your bare neck. Do they have any signs of wear? Are there any ‘dings’ on any of your frets? These can wear the string out in the same way as the previously described faulty plectrum will do. Secondly, check your bridge (s) and nut. These can also be culprits in the horrific ‘string-snap mid-song’ phenomenon. Not what we want!
These setup and preparation tips are all about attention to detail, and believe me, it pays off. Repeating my closing line from the last column: “… the better you take care of your equipment, the better it will take care of you.” Be cool, have fun, and ‘TWANG’ on. See you in the next issue…