Toolbox

[EricV]

Hi there...

Based on some posts in the "Gear Setup" article, I thought I could elaborate on the "toolbox"-thingy... you know, that toolbox I take to gigs. Maybe some of you wanna add stuff. This might be interesting, cuz we eventually could get a "Toolbox 101" out of it, and everyone who´s interested can see these as recommendations.
Reminds me of some article in a guitar mag I once read... it had some list in there, something like "What you should have in YOUR toolbox to prepared for most problems"...

OK, here I go...

First of all, on top are the cords. I have a spare for each cable I need. That means, I have a replacement for each cable and patch-cable. So I don´t have to mess around, I can just unplug the broken one and replace it.
Steve Morse once said that, if there is some problem, a broken cable somewhere, he just unplugs everything and plugs his guitar right into the amp. That way, he doesn´t have to check each cable to find the broken one, while being able to get through the show.
On the left side of the box, I do have all the tools:
- Wirecutters and pliers
- All kinds of screwdrivers, Phillips- and flathead
- A soldering iron + soldering cinc ( although I never used it on the road... it´s there just in case, and if I need it so fix something at home, it´s always at hand )
- A battery tester ( for 9 V blocks )
- a small case with all the allen wrenchs

In the middle of the box, I have my stomp boxes, the tuner, plus the batteries ( I have a fresh one for each pedal, and once I am back home, I recharge the used ones )
Also, there is the duct tape ( which has been used for many purposes, some quite weird ones )

On the right side, I have the spare tubes ( depending on which amp I use ), a box with spare fuses, several sets of strings.
There also is a blue box with several different picks, allen wrenches, the slide etc.
Also, some paper and pens to take notes.
On top of all that, in the lid of the box, there is a folder with
-manuals for the effects and amps
- a list of phone numbers of techs
- documentation of my regular settings
- wiring diagrams

And, the mis. stuff:
A small flashlight ( can be dark on those stages when setting up ), a zippo, more duct tape, a voltage test unit...

If you can think of anything to add, post it here...
Eric

[RockSuperstar]

A brief rummage through my toolbox revealed the following items:

• Set of Allen Keys

• a pencil (the lead has been used for smoothing out a rough nut on a Les paul which was causing tuning nightmares)

• Masking tape and marker pen (usefull for making quick labels for things at gigs where there are multiple bands or for making notes on the mixing desk)

• Maglite torch (indestructable)


I'll try and think or some more....:cool:

[RM II]

The only thing I mentioned in the other post that I take are two AC multi-adapters.

The other thing I take that I didn't see was a soft cloth to wipe down your instrument after dousing it with sweat.

Oh, I also carry a power strip everywhere.

[EricV]

Hi there...

I forgot... I have a stabilized power supply ( DC ) in my toolbox too... I use it to power the delay cuz that one goes through a battery in no time...

Good suggestion regarding the powerstrip. Is that a regular one, or one with a fuse against power surges ?

The cloth is a standard too, I don´t have bring one tough. I had some skin disease when I was a kid, and ever since then, my hands do hardly ever sweat on the inside ( very dry skin ). That´s why I don´t need to wipe the neck.
When I change strings, I thoroughly clean the guitars and treat them with limeoil and fretboard conditioner. The "Nr.1. Vandenberg", which has no finish anymore, is occasionally treated with gunstock oil to protect the body from sweat etc.

Superstar, great suggestion regarding the masking tape and pen... that option to label stuff live quickly is quite important. One has to remember that sometimes, yopu have to bring stuff for OTHER people too, meaning that maybe, you have something in your toolbox which might help someone through the gig....

I actually once had a plan: I wanted to establish a business where I´d buy hundreds of power cables ( for amps ) and MIDI cables plus straps, picks and strings, put them into a bag and then attend as many shows as possible. I´d be there, in front of the stage when the band would set up, and would sell those MIDI and powercables for $50 a piece... cuz I have been to a bunch of shows where those items were urgently needed because someone forgot to bring them. I would have been a millionaire in no-time :) ( j/k )
Eric