Touring—whether it’s a three-piece punk band grinding out dive bars or a chart-topping pop artist playing arenas—can feel like an endless grind. Schedules are always changing, the weather throws in unpredictable delays, and the venue mishaps mount stress for both the crew and performers. Then, of course, there’s the gear: juggling all of the backline equipment needed for a show quickly becomes overwhelming. But with intelligent planning and streamlined audio and visual logistics, you can reduce the headaches that come with touring. Here’s how to optimize your backline management to help make your next tour a smoother, more enjoyable experience.
Simplify Your Setup
The more complex your rig, the more difficult it is to keep things organized. Think minimal. What’s really necessary to your sound? For guitarists and bassists, ask yourself: How many instruments do you really need? Lugging a bass around for one particular song may not be worth the extra weight. The same goes for amps—if one amp can achieve your sound with the assistance of pedals, leave the extras at home.
The smaller items add up, too. Singers will usually have more than one microphone, but each additional item takes up space. Drummers with big kits should ask themselves if each and every tom and cymbal is really needed, or if the setup could be streamlined. Keeping your backline lean makes loading, unloading, and setting up faster and more efficient, allowing you to focus on performance.
Share the Load
If you’re touring with other bands, consider sharing gear. While musicians tend to be particular about their instruments, larger backline equipment like amps, wireless systems, or lighting rigs can often be shared to save space and reduce setup time.
For instance, bass players with similar tone needs can share an amp; several acts using wireless mics may be able to get along sharing a rig. Sharing gear not only saves weight, it builds camaraderie among the band. Communicate—bounce gear-sharing ideas off of tour mates well before the tour starts.
Leverage Venue Gear
Most venues—certainly the larger ones—have house gear to save you from bringing bulky equipment. For bass players, for instance, a venue-provided amp might do the job just fine. But it’s nice to be informed beforehand about the details of the house gear: what brand, condition, and quality can you expect? Good equipment can make your backline setup much easier, while bad gear could give you last-minute stress.
Always allocate time to inspect any house gear before your soundcheck. If something doesn’t meet your standards, you’ll need a backup plan. Confirming these details ahead of time ensures smooth performances and prevents scrambling under pressure.
Consider Music Rentals
When venue equipment falls short, renting locally can be a lifesaver. Many companies offer complete backline rentals, from guitars and drums to full sound systems. For example, ON-Stage Rentals, Inc. in Los Angeles offers everything from backline equipment to stage setups and speaker systems. Renting is also a great option if something breaks, goes missing, or doesn’t meet your needs during the tour.
Even if you’ll be using your equipment, it’s prudent planning to research rental houses in each city on your tour route as a Plan B. Knowing where to turn in an emergency situation can save a show and keep your tour running with less stress.
Trust in Quality Rentals
One of the great advantages of renting from a reputable company is dependability. The equipment from trusted music rental providers is well-maintained; they test and tune everything between uses to make sure everything works to perfection. All that reduces the possibility of technical failures, letting you focus on making an unforgettable show.
If your tour includes smaller surprise gigs or acoustic sets, renting a portable PA system is a flexible solution. Most rental companies offer a variety of systems tailored to different venue sizes, ensuring you’re prepared for any scenario.
Keep Your Gear Safe
Whether you are renting or using your own backline, the gear needs protection. Tales of stolen instruments and equipment are all too familiar for many touring musicians. The risks of fatigue and oversight easily translate into costly mistakes, but there are ways to reduce those risks through proactive measures.
Always load and unload gear in well-lit, secure locations. Work as a team to keep an eye on your gear until everything is safely packed. Lock up unattended gear and stay alert to keep your backline intact throughout the tour. These precautions will also protect your investment and make sure your performances go on as planned.
Touring Smart
Touring is a dream for many musicians, an opportunity to connect with fans and bring their music to life on stage. Part of it are the challenges, but having a good backline strategy in place will make the experience so much more doable and enjoyable.
Scale back your setup; share gear with your mates on tour, leverage resources at the venues, and have reliable rental options set up. This will ease the logistics of your tour and free you to focus on the music. When your tour takes you through Los Angeles, trust On-Stage Rentals, Inc. for great backline gear and support. They’ve been doing this for years, and they’re focused on making your tour as painless as possible.