So I just started playing out a bit and I'm looking for some load in/load out tips. We played a really old Masonic Lodge last weekend and the auditorium was on the second floor.
Fun gig and an interesting old building but playing on that second floor really drove home how much I need to get a better plan together on hauling my gear.
Is there a science to this? Cooked Egg
Science?? No, more like voodoo.
I gig on average about 8 time a month with my Vistas. I have SKB cases, and I added casters to the bass drum case, using the molded in nuts. The tom cases stack on the bass case and everything rolls as a stack.
My snare, cymbals and hardware all go in a wheeled fiber trap case.
So obviously, an elevator to the second floor is an absolute necessity.
Minimize your kit as much as you can, and make use of lightweight stands.
Best of luck.
Have used these for years on other haul and tote missions.
http://www.portercase.com/catalog/
Creighton
Club Dates, light stands and a good cart. The cart I bought was the Rock & Roller. I'd stack everything neatly on the cart, wheel it into the gig, after breakdown, everything goes right back on the cart. One trip in, one trip out. The cart does all the heavy lifting and carrying. Ludwig Club Dates are light, set-up quickly and sound great (tuned down low,) mic'ed up in any room.
John
Yeah my Downbeats are currently in Jazz mode, but one day will be my "do all" semi-retirement kit.
I have no obvious advice, you got light stands, a cart, a small kit. Just enjoy the Zen of it all. It's excersise after all and cheaper than joining a Gym.
I can get a four piece set, 14"x22" 8" or 9" tom, 16"x16" and snare. Smaller even easier. Plus, my cymbal bag , rug, and small trap case on one dolly.
I can get a four piece set, 14"x22" 8" or 9" tom, 16"x16" and snare. Smaller even easier. Plus, my cymbal bag , rug, and small trap case on one dolly.
Tim - That's the system I used! The cart works great and takes all the strain off my back of hauling all that crap around. That cart saved my a$$ on more than one occasion. We had a gig where we had to park some distance from the venue, if it wasn't for the cart I would have had to make multiple long trips with the equipment going in and coming out. Hurting
Rock & Roller carts are a drummers back's best friend.
John
+1 on the rockn' roller, tuxedo (or beato) bags, light weight hardware (I use vintage Ludwig for the most part but Steve Maxwell has some other options) and the smallest kit you can get a great sound out of. The only place I don't skimp is my leather cymbal bag and a heavy duty throne to save on back strain. Even a five piece kit with 20" bass will fit and unless I encounter stairs it is one trip in and out.
My tip on loading in and out is LOCK YOUR DOORS when you moving set inside. Keep your eyes on your stuff so it stays your stuff.
Oh yeah, a cart is great as well.
Become a rock star and let someone else load in and out.band3
