Do You Like to Haul Musical Equipment?

Steve Raybine:

Blog #25:

Do You Like to Haul Musical Equipment?

This blog is primarily targeted at the rhythm section players--piano/keyboards; electric and acoustic bass; electric guitar; "vibes" (that's me); drumset and percussion, because it is these musicians' that haul or move heavy and awkward musical equipment on a regular basis from gig-to-gig. Compared to rhythm-section players, wind, brass (not tuba or sousaphone) and most string players (not acoustic bass; cello or harp) have it relatively easy when it comes to 'schlepping' (transporting) their instruments--we won't even mention how simple it is for vocalists.

When you are a young person, no one mentions that as your musical career unfolds, you will have to move your equipment from place-to-place depending upon where you play (clubs/restaurants; churches; schools; private and corporate parties; concert venues; etc.,). The old familiar cycle of musical equipment transportation consists of the following sequence of events:

1.) tear-down/break-down

2.) loading

3.) transporting

4.) unloading

5.) set-up for the gig

6.) play/perform (this is the fun part)

7.) tear-down/break-down

8.) loading

9.) transporting

10.) unloading

11.) set-up at home

Needless to say, this progression of events is a real exhausting ordeal--my sore back from last Thursday's gig is testament to it. In actuality, the performance is frequently the easiest part of the pre- and post-concert experience that transpires with every engagement.

When you are confronted with moving musical instruments and gear, I recommend getting durable cases for all of your equipment as instruments in particular, can get damaged when you transport them without proper cases. Although instrument cases are quite expensive, they are definitely worth the investment. Also, you may very well need a large vehicle such as a mini-van; truck; or SUV in order to accommodate the spatial requirements of transporting your equipment. In addition, I have found that a two-wheeler is particularly helpful when moving instruments and other gear into-and-out-of the venue. Frequently, I also have to transport a sound system (amplifier; speakers; mixing board; monitors; etc.,), which greatly increases the heavy lifting I'm required to do, so stay in good physical shape. When you have to move all of this equipment, remember to allocate sufficient time within your schedule so that you are not late for your performance. Moreover, I have found that I often have to momentarily double-park my van in order to be closer to an entrance or exit of the venue as I'm unloading or loading my equipment. After I've successfully moved my instruments, I then have to move my car to a more permanent parking place.

Moving/transporting large and heavy musical instruments and gear is perhaps the least desirable aspect of being a performing musician, unless you have a roadie(s) to move your equipment for you. Unfortunately, because of the sizeable out-of-pocket expense of paying for roadies, only prominent concert artists can really afford to hire these individuals.

Copyright 2007 Steve Raybine

All Rights Reserved

http://www.steveraybine.com/




http://www.myspace.com/steveraybine




http://www.facebook.com/pages/Steve-Raybine/56070941106/




http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/raybine3




http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Steve+Raybine&search_type=&aq=f




http://www.smoothjazz.eu/index2.php?artist=85


http://www.sonicbids.com/SteveRaybine



http://www.radioindy.com/bands/7188/