Re: Q o' th' Week: Live Gig Rig Logistics

["Alan Imberg" <alan_i@sprynet.com>]

I have 3 rackmountable units and 5 floor pedal units in my live rig which
got rather unmanagable with patch cables and wallwarts all over the place.
I'm always amazed how frequently I loose cables and gain someone elses 
after
a gig. To resolve this mess, I wanted to get a rack but couldn't afford 
one.
One day, I was rummaging through the local 2nd hand store looking for golf
clubs when I saw a beat up stereo cabinet for $5. I bought it and spurced 
it
up with some black paint. My rack mount gear fit perfectly. The top shelf
where normally a turntable would sit was perfect for my looping foot pedals
that I manipulate with my hands (Akai Headrush, Digitech Delay, etc). I
slanted the shelf at a moderate incline so the pedals would be a bit more
upright for my playing position (I play seated). I put velcro tape on the
shelf and pedals. I made an additional shelf for my candles and incense. At
the bottom of the rack, I installed some power strips and slot for my combo
amp for the occassions that I don't bring my amp head and 4x12 cabinet. I
put some casters on for mobility and have been pleased with my bargain rack
ever since. All the patch cables are neatly bundled within the rack so I
only have to insert the rack into my effects loop when I use my half stack
set up. It now takes me all of 5 minutes to get on and off the stage and I
leave the joint with the same patch cables I came with.



> Okay, back to looping....
>
> We discuss individual pieces of looping gear a great deal, but when it
> comes to containing it and carrying it around as a system, are any of you
> using innovative racks/pedalboards/stands/cases that transport, set up 
>and
> tear down particularly well? Any ideas that would benefit a looper 
>playing
> on a multiple bill (you know, 6 acts on a crowded stage with ten minutes
to
> set up between, and no sound check...)? Ways to "smallerize", yet retain
> versatility? Original ways to avoid having to unpack, plug in, unplug and
> re-pack every patch cord every time ya play out? Effective methods for
> making sure that all of your equipment ends up making it home from the 
>gig
> with you?
>
> Tim
>
> P.S.: HE ALWAYS STOPES STRANGERS ON THE STREET AND MAKE THEM LOOK AT HIS
> CALLOUS FINGRS FROM USEING THICK HEVY STRINGS WITH NEW STANDERD 
>TUNNING...
>
> (sorry...)
>