Some can also produce artificial sound effects. He also recommends that you '.bring along extra instrument cables, a direct box, in-ears, extension cords, and any other electronic accessories you might need.A drum machine is an electronic musical instrument that can imitate drum kits and percussion instruments. Sometimes I'll even return the backline hardware to its original spot when the set's over.' I highly suggest setting all of the heights and angles of your hardware before you move onto the stage so you can do so as quickly as possible. I'll let the stage manager and/or sound people know I'll be moving the backline hardware out of the way so I can set up my own hardware. 'My cymbal and trigger setup is not conducive to backline gigs.

My fellow seasoned gigging drummer and coworker Robert plays with a band that uses a lot of electronics in their set, and that comes with its own problems at a backline venue. Get to know them, give them your name and maybe some gum, and be nice! Sound people can make or break your show. Your Stick BagĪlways a good idea to have a pair of swizzles and bundle sticks in with your regular sticks.ĭuh. If you’re on tour, you might want to bring along extra snare and bass batter heads - those are the most likely to break at the worst possible time. A Drum Multi-Tool (the hex keys and screwdriver bits are really handy for hardware issues) like the ones offered by Pearl, CruzTools, or Tama. Cymbal Stand Wing Nuts (both 6mm and 8mm, you never know what stands you'll have)ħ. Cymbal and Hi Hat Felts, Sleeves, and Washers (unless you hate your cymbals)Ĥ. Get yourself a small case or bag, and put these things in it to save yourself headaches or cold sweats:ġ. You don't think about these little parts much, but when you need them you REALLY need them. Besides, bringing this gear is the closest thing to your personal sound and feel you'll get in this kind of a situation. You never know where they've been.ĭon't rely on the backline kit to have this equipment in decent working order or chances are you'll be sorry. Your Snare Drum, Cymbals, Bass Pedal, and Throneĭon't play with strangers' pedals. However, there are plenty of things you can control, so here's what you ought to have at every backline gig: Stuff You Should Bring I've played venues where the joints on the stands were literally fused in place, meanwhile the heads haven't been changed in years.

If you don't have a lot of time, tuning is out of your hands, and in extreme examples you might not even be able to adjust heights on your hardware. Obviously not everything will be in your control at a backline gig. This kind of setup is known as 'backline', and if you see this word pertaining to an upcoming gig you'll want to be prepared and flexible.or prepare to be miserable. You might come across a similar situation in venues that don't have room for your empty cases inside. Sometimes music venues, promoters, or festivals require bands to use the same drum set (and sometimes other instruments) to make changeover much faster. April 13th, 2017 by Guyton Sanders What Is Backline?

Drum backline