Gig Bag Essentials: What Every Guitarist Needs to Have
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For the guitarist on the move, it can be hard to know what you may require. Do you need a spare set of strings? Instrument cables? With our pick of gig bag essentials, you’ll be fully kitted out for any occasion.
Gig Bag Essentials: What Every Guitarist Needs to Have
If like me, you’ll be forever between studios, rehearsals, and live venues. Now, we all know that the reality isn’t as ‘Rock N’ Roll’ as it sounds, right? For ages, I found myself taking all of my equipment everywhere with me, which is a massive inconvenience. Also, you don’t want to be underprepared either. So, let’s look at this concise rundown of gear and accessories that will help you out wherever you may be.
A Well Sorted Guitar
Initially, you need a solid guitar. This will all depend on what kind of player you are, and what sound you’re aiming for. However, a Strat-style guitar is a pretty safe bet and suits every budget. When you’re just starting out, an entry-level Stratocaster will easily help you along the way.
Here we have a Harley Benton ST-20 Standard. With a C profile neck and a 5-way pickup switch, you’ll find yourself comfortable in no time. Additionally, three single-coil pickups will help capture the sound of some of your favourite records.
Arguably the most versatile instrument out there? The Telecaster has graced studios and stages since 1951. Truly, a gig bag essential.
At the opposite end of the scale, there’s this American Pro Telecaster. Just like the originals from the early days, you get a three-saddle bridge, but with a body in a fantastic colour combo!
Finally, you definitely need some humbucking pickups if you’re looking at some heavier music. This G2622T has a mean set of Broad’Tron BT-2S pickups, that clean up effortlessly. Furthermore, a semi-hollow body for added versatility and lightness.
Tuners
Tuners are gig bag essentials. Making you sound great, and avoiding any dissonance between you and the rest of the band. As for what to have in your gig bag, there are a few options.
Firstly, a must-have; clip-on tuners are so small you could even carry them about in your pockets. They get you tuned up quickly and cheaply.
Alternatively, you could go for something more sophisticated. If you’re tuning up when people are playing or even talking, you need a tuner that will only focus on your strings. A pedal tuner plugs into your signal chain effortlessly and cuts your output.
Admirably proportioned, this BOSS unit is a gig bag essential.
Strings: Gig Bag Essentials
An often overlooked part of a guitarist’s ensemble of gear. You never know when that G string will snap!
For when you’re smashing that pentatonic scale, keep a set of strings in your gig bag. Preferably the same gauge as you’ve got on your guitar. This will keep everything balanced when you need to change that broken string.
Pedals
Guitar pedals can transform your sound without the need for an expensive amplifier. Ideally, you’d want to leave your pedal board at home, gig bag essentials are about portability and versatility.
If you’re just jamming or laying down some lead parts, an honourable multi-effects pedal will do the job just fine. In some cases, sounding better than your favourite pedals!
Weighing just 1kg, and 23cm wide, you get 151 digital effects! With drives, reverbs and compressors, this pedal is an appropriate addition to your gig bag.
Accessories
Now, what other gig bag essentials do you need? Besides having the right gear, there are other miscellaneous items that will always prove themselves useful:
- Guitar Picks
- Ear Plugs
- Patch and Instrument Cables
- Multitool
- String Winder
Obviously, most of us have these items laying around somewhere. However, you should get a small collection together for your gig bag! As you never know when you might need another pick, or when that dodgy lead is going to fail on you.
Band rehearsals go on forever, and will take its toll on you and your guitar. A cheap set of earplugs will prevent hearing loss and will keep you sane during a session. Moreover, a string winder will speed up the process of changing a broken string. Meaning that you can get back to playing in no time!
Take a look at some of these useful accessories for your gig bag essentials:
Gig Bag Essentials
Hopefully, collecting a secure set of gear and accessories will sort you out for any musical scenario. We’d all like to take our prize cabinets and boost pedals everywhere, but in reality, would that be practical? One gig bag, loads of capabilities. What are your gig bag essentials? Let us know!
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