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What Is the Equipment Needed for a Live Band?

Performing live is exciting and essential if you want to make it in a band. Any live show by a band is greater than the sum of its parts, but its parts are all the many bits and pieces of equipment that serve the talent and make it possible for a band to create the intended effect on the audience, no matter what the genre.
  1. Instruments

    • Whether its a big brass band, a bluegrass quartet or a heavy metal group, all bands need instruments. As well as the instruments themselves, any related equipment needs to be provided. Guitars will need plectrums, drums will need sticks, horns will need oil, and woodwinds will need reeds. Spare strings, sticks and any tools required to maintain the instruments should also be on hand.

    Sound System

    • To ensure an audience can hear every note played, amplifiers and a PA (public address) system need to be used. Each electric instrument needs to be connected to an amplifier. Microphones must be available for vocals and acoustic instruments, connected to a PA system with speakers. In order to get volume levels balanced, a mixer will also be required.

    Extras

    • Stools are required for instruments that are played sitting down, mics need stands, instrumentalists reading sheet music require a music stand and many instruments need a number of cables to link them to other equipment. Optional equipment includes lighting set ups and even pyrotechnics, if it suits yous style. Pack spares for things like fuses, cable connectors, extension cords and electrical adaptors, and have on hand a comprehensive set of tools for hardware and electrical maintenance and repair.

Live Music

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