My band just played at a new venue which was booked by our singer. She said it was small but I didn't realise quite how small it was. The four of us ended up squeezed into a small area between the bar and the bogs. There was no space for monitors so we just had to go without. That said it was a bloody fantastic crowd and it was a great gig and we were rebooked immediately.
HOWEVER...I was really nervous about my gear. Because I didn't know about the size of the venue I took along my regular gear. A PRS DGT, my Tele as a spare and a guitar for slide. Then I had my full PT1-based board and my Egnater Rebel 30 212. At one point I seriously worried that a bunch of boozed up punters would end up falling on my board, impaling themselves on my headstock or emptying a drink into my amp, let alone grabbing my mic and joining in.
I was really worried, especially during the intervals as my gear was right next to the bogs and I couldn't relax in case my amp controls got twiddled with or someone decided to pick up my PRS or liked the look of one of my pedals.
Next time we play this venue, I'm just going to take my Tele and my very old Johnson modelling amp with its floorboard and leave my more expensive gear behind. I'll be able to enjoy the gig without worrying about it being molested and the punters won't have any idea of what I'm playing.
What do you guys do in venues where you don't trust your gear to be completely safe?
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Im always next to the bogs.
Bassist well placed for a pint mind!
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Excellent idea for all gigs irrespective of venue size !!!!!!
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Thats not that small as space. Weve played smaller. The TownHall Tavern in manchester, I have to stand side on to the Drumkit, and cant take A falcon, or Firebird as it would be too big for the stage. Wah is a no no, as I cant reach around my foot enough, and we dont use monitors.
Cracking gig