Gig Bag Checklist

Nothing is worse than showing up to a gig only to find out you forgot something. For a while now, I have been using my "Gig Bag Checklist" to help ensure I show up prepared. Here is what is on my checklist. I divided the list into 3 categories - items to always bring, items to bring specific to an instrument, and items that are specific to the venue I am playing at.

Always Bring

The following items are things that I always keep in my gig bag. 

• Instrument cables - I might not always need an instrument cable but I always carry a couple of instrument cables in my gig bag just in case. I am a big fan of Planet Waves Classic Instrument Cables. They have a lifetime warranty and a good price.

Preamp / DI and power supply - Since my preamp works with both electric and acoustic instruments, I almost always carry it with me just in case I need it. I have been using the Fishman Platinum Stage for fo while now. 

Tuner - I usual have a couple clip-on tuners in my gig bag. I have the the NS Micro Tuners to be a great option these days. 

Cleaning cloth - Having a cloth to wipe things down is very helpful. Especially, if you play in a humid area when the strings start getting sticky. 

Musician earplugs - These are helpful if you get put in a place where you are getting blown away by the house speakers, etc. 

Multi-tool - You never know what you might have to fix. Having some type of a tool could be a gig-saver.

Nail clippers - Just in case. Hopefully, you took care of that before the gig.

Zip ties - You will thank me for this one day. 

Extra batteries - If anything you use runs on batteries, make sure to have some backup batteries that are new.

Instrument Specific

If upright bass:

• Upright bass - Goes without saying.
• Bow - Again, goes without saying.
• Rosin - Make sure to bring the rosin that will work in your environment. Lately, I have been using Kolstein's All-Weather Bass Rosin 

End-pin stop - I use this if the gig calls for me sitting on a stool and the floor is slippery.

Extra strings - These are usually in my instrument case.

If electric bass:

• Electric bass - Again, goes without saying.
• Picks - I do not play with picks too often but I have them for that time that the music requires it. 
• Extra strings - These are usually in my instrument case. My favorites strings are D'addario Chromes Flat Wound Bass Strings. They are so versatile and they last forever. 

Venue Specific

• Amplifier 
• Amp / Cabinets - I am still using some older equipment for amplification. Depending on the venue, I will have a Phil Jones Briefcase or an old SWR amp. 
• Speaker cables - If needed.
• Extension cord - This should probably be something I always bring because you could always use another extension cord. 
• Personal monitor
• Headphones - If I need to use a personal monitor, I like to use headphones. My goto right now is Audio-Technica M40x headphones. They have great sound isolation and good bass definition. 

• Music - 
• If on iPad: 
• iPad
• iPad stand
• If on paper:
• Sheet music
• Pencils / pens - always have more than one (again, you will thank me later).
• Highlighter - This is useful to highlight to areas on the music you need to see quickly.

Hopefully this list will help you get to the gig prepared. What's in your gig bag?

Please support this site by using the below links:

• D'addario Planet Waves Classic Instrument Cable Straight-Straight 20 Ft. 
• Fishman Platinum Stage Acoustic Guitar Preamp 
• Groovetech Tools, Inc. Groovetech Guitar/Bass Multi-Tool Second Generation 
• D'addario Planet Waves Ns Micro Universal Clip-On Tuner 
• Kolstein Ultra Formulation Supreme Bass Rosin All Weather 
• Kolstein Ultra Formulation Supreme Bass Rosin Soft 
• D'addario Ecb80 Xl Chromes Flat Wound Bass Strings
• Audio-Technica Ath-M40x Closed-Back Professional Studio Monitor Headphones Black