Advice/ideas for tearing down/packing up at end of gigs?

I have a plastic tote box with a lid that snaps on.. it's great for tossing cables, guitar straps, etc inside.

Pedalboard is a Pedaltrain, which comes with a soft case.. keeps the settings intact, and is easy to carry.

Making a snake for your cables with either zip ties or gaffer's tape helps consolidate everything.


As much as I enjoy taking two amplifiers and playing in stereo, I've kind of gotten away from it in my old age.

I’m very anal retentive about my cords. I don’t let anyone roll any of the cords.

As far as organization, I use 4 medium size pelican cases for cords. Each case is labeled by type and length of cable (50’ XLR, 15’-30’ XLR, 1/4”, Power Cables).

All cables have the length labeled on both ends along with the intended use (Base DI, Keys, Kick, etc). All DMX are color coded for the Par they plug into. PA XLR and Power are labeled and are stored in their respective speaker bag. Everything has wheels (it definitely helps for those long load-ins).

My guitar rig is based around a cart that holds my electric amp on top and the acoustic amp on the bottom. The cart also has 3 guitar hangers and a mandolin hanger. I made a skirt to hide the acoustic amp (but rarely use it). I have a large power strip mounted inside my electric amp and all my guitar stuff plugs into their assigned (and labeled) spots. I designed this rig so I could assemble everything at the side of the stage and then just roll it into place. It is also very easy to move my rig when I need to get behind it. My signal runs DI from my pedalboard, so there are no mics on the amps (amps are just monitors for the band and don’t point at the audience). Cables from the board to amp is a 3 cable loom (XLR, 1/4”, Power).

Same!  

I don't have that many gigs lately with Covid so it's not a huge issue. I generally bring 2 of everything because I'm worried about getting there and something fails. But I have developed a system to actually only unpack one gig chain and leave the rest on the truck in case of a breakdown.

If it's an important gig then I will get there early and set up both rigs in tandem A/B.

As I get older I do find the more critical problem is that after I set up my rig I need at least 45 minutes rest before I am ready to play. I just don't have the stamina to be my own roadie and then jump on stage and perform.

If I get to the gig and unload and set everything up and huff and puff---especially in the hot Florida sun--- I am liable to stroke out by the third song. If I had my druthers I would bring a cot and find a quiet place to lay down or something.

I have to jump in here, with my drummers point of view. "Anal" is probably the best description regarding the system I utilize, with both "set-up" and "break-down".

Everything I use is in cases or bags. At my age, I can't emphasize enough, the importance of "WHEELS"!

First off; I have a carpet (Home Depot Special) which is the first thing I set in place. At this point I am very flexible, allowing other musicians (or soundmen) to determine the placement of the previously mentioned carpet. After that; "STAY AWAY", I got it!

I utilize a "rack system": because it eliminates multiple stands and actually has a smaller, overall, "stage footprint". The rack system I use is heavily equipped with "Memori-Locs" and cuts my set up time in half; regardless of what drum set-up I use. (NOTE: I always per-determine, in advance, to see what set-up I will need, and use.)

My Theory: Because I am always in the back line; I will be the first one in to set-up, and the last one to break-down, and out. I plan accordingly.

When I break down; I wait until the "front line" has cleared most of their equipment away. I then open my cases, and start to dismantle my drum "set up"; putting the pieces into the designated cases or bags. "NO BODY" touches a case or bag until I close it. At that point I will always accept help, transporting the gear to my vehicle. I am constantly counting the pieces, the bags & cases to make sure I have everything. (Including the carpet)

Upon completion; an "Adult Beverage" is always welcomed!

Our band always had an extra person to mix the live sound and lights and help with setting up and packing down. We developed a good system over the years, but some band members were more useful than others. We had one keyboard player who would unplug someone else's amp or a lighting unit so he could plug himself in.

In the set up, we'd generally lay out all the mains boards and extensions first, while a couple of others set up the backdrop, PA and lighting stands. Someone else would be laying the multicore to the mixer out front. The drummer could start setting up the kit once the backdrop was up...everyone eventually got used to doing things in the right order.

Packing up included rolling all cables properly (so they don't become twisted over time) and they were colour-coded, with different lengths/types kept together in bags within the trunks. Everything was supposed to arrive at the truck in the right order for loading.

You need to keep an eye on security as well as efficient packing. We'd leave instrument cases, pedal boards etc where we could see them, usually stacked on the stage, and there was always someone at the truck when it was open. We'd clear the dressing room last and do a final sweep of the stage and mixer area on the way out.

Used to use old army footlocker. Heavy cables in the bottom...lighter stuff in the tray. And never let strangers help!

For most bar type gigs I’ve got it down to one trip. Bass with cords in the gigbag pocket, canvas open top tool bag with the stompbox on/off tuner, Genz Benz shuttle 9.0, spare tools and cords, and the SWR Golight 2X10 (400 watts) speaker cab @ 38lbs. One trip. I have a PA too but I’ve not had to use it for a about 4 of 5 years.

As a bassist, I would like to say that this is true sometimes. Sometimes, it is not.