CEB Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 I treat zippers with parafin. You can also buy zipper wax but a big block of parafin will last a long time. "It doesn't have to be difficult to be cool" - Mitch Towne "A great musician can bring tears to your eyes!!! So can a auto Mechanic." - Stokes Hunt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miden Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 When I buy a new stand I treat all the bolts, screw threads and nuts with vaseline. These parts are usually made from rather cheap steel and constant use wears them out to the point that threads start to strip. Re-apply after about 18 months. There is no luck - luck is simply the confluence of circumstance and co-incidence... Time is the final arbiter for all things Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikismyname Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 I know I'm definitely gonna get some abuse for sure on this one. I used to used bondage tape on my speaker stands. It sticks to itself but isn't sticky and is reusable. I've found other used to such as needed to widen the diameter of my stools legs because rubber Caps were loose, I also used it to go around my mic stand to hold the cable . I now use Velcro stuff but it's a good backup. 2 wraps around and it's done and nobody knows the black shinny tape is in actual fact some kinky time tape Go on get some and you never know it might give the Mrs some ideas when she sees it come through the post. Stuff like this...... http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/product.cfm?p=71 Nord Stage 2 HA76 | Roland FA-06 Gretsch G5420s I H&K Statesman | Strymon Flint | Catalinbread SCP | Source Audio Nemesis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikismyname Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 Another tip I learnt the hard way is lift with your back straight and use your knees to go up !! Use a thermal label maker or some tipex and write on your plugs what it's for. A Tom Tom drum case makes a great cable box as it round and all your cables can stack nicely inside with a gap in the middle for a pedal, and it's protected better. If you stand when playing .... Anti fatigue rubber mats. I didn't see how it would make any difference at all but stand for 2-3 hour gigs in shoes is easier when standing on one ( people buy them for there kitchens to do the washing up, and in factories people who stand for long periods of time stand on them ) Nord Stage 2 HA76 | Roland FA-06 Gretsch G5420s I H&K Statesman | Strymon Flint | Catalinbread SCP | Source Audio Nemesis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikismyname Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 Oh and have a beer after the show not before or during . I suppose it different for some but I've found I make silly mistakes after a beer or 3. My number one top tip is an odd one but I swear it works... If you sing , brush your teeth before going on stage as it helps with dry mouth and smiling and helps settle any nerves by taking 1 minutes to yourself Nord Stage 2 HA76 | Roland FA-06 Gretsch G5420s I H&K Statesman | Strymon Flint | Catalinbread SCP | Source Audio Nemesis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthaholic Posted September 18, 2016 Author Share Posted September 18, 2016 May sound obvious, but it didn't occur to me until recently... If you transport your keyboard in a case across the backseat of your car, but the back doors don't open very wide (I'm looking at you, Honda!), flip your case around. Much easier. http://i.imgur.com/RCQ1KSq.jpg The fact there's a Highway To Hell and only a Stairway To Heaven says a lot about anticipated traffic numbers People only say "It's a free country" when they're doing something shitty-Demetri Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthoid Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 Never eat Mexican right before a gig. Chinese food makes me poop.............. A lot. And you're always hungry an hour later. When an eel hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's a Moray. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Lobo Posted September 25, 2016 Share Posted September 25, 2016 Cable cuffs are IMO the best invention for gigging musicians since gaffer tape! They're cheap and come in various sizes, so get one for every cable before stuffing it into your gig bag. Then once you're set up, use those same cuffs to organize the cables neatly. Based on this post, I ordered a pack of 4. I likes 'em. Thanks for the tip. These are only my opinions, not supported by any actual knowledge, experience, or expertise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lerber3 Posted September 26, 2016 Share Posted September 26, 2016 Most new keyboards have them, but... put easy-to-read labels on the top of your keyboards so you can find all the jacks from your playing position. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joegerardi Posted September 26, 2016 Share Posted September 26, 2016 Automobile wire loom. Easy to fit all your cables into it,, and have out wherever they need, then only one thing to pull out of your kit to wire everything up in a stack. Looks far neater as well. ..Joe Setup: Korg Kronos 61, Roland XV-88, Korg Triton-Rack, Motif-Rack, Korg N1r, Alesis QSR, Roland M-GS64 Yamaha KX-88, KX76, Roland Super-JX, E-Mu Longboard 61, Kawai K1II, Kawai K4. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthaholic Posted October 21, 2016 Author Share Posted October 21, 2016 More of a tip: make the Musicians Friend Stupid Deal Of The Day your browser's homepage. Since doing so a month ago I've been astonished (and my wallet has been thinner) at some of the deals. I used to just try to remember to go there, but would forget for weeks on end. The fact there's a Highway To Hell and only a Stairway To Heaven says a lot about anticipated traffic numbers People only say "It's a free country" when they're doing something shitty-Demetri Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Williams Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 Labels. Years ago I invested in a labeller that can do multiple and/or incremental copies, as well as "rotate and repeat" for cable labels. Brother TZ Flexible ID has very good holding power. I label both cable ends the same, with a length and a letter, e.g., "18' D". In addition to making it easy to know what's at the other end, it sets my cables apart from my bandmates, so we all know which ones go back in my cable bag. I have a DI box that has dull purple lettering on a charcoal case, under dim incandescent bulbs completely unreadable even with my old-guy reading glasses. I labeled the jacks and even the buttons, and now the thing is useful in the field. I've also labeled my controller keyboard sliders with clonewheel footage, as well as buttons and knobs' other commonly used organ functions. Different kind o' label: if you do any sound mixing, go to an art supply store and get "Artist's tape" for your scribble strip. I'm pretty sure it's the exact same product as you get from sound reinforcement specialty companies, for about 30% less. -Tom Williams {First Name} {at} AirNetworking {dot} com PC4-7, PX-5S, AX-Edge, PC361 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J. Dan Posted October 22, 2016 Share Posted October 22, 2016 The lights go black between songs and keys start the next song, but you can't see a thing. Top tier Kronos has a USB port. For about $9 you can get a gooseneck LED lamp that plugs into a USB port. Although usually the problem is seeing my lower tier. For Thst, at the grocery store, I picked up a magnetic LED light that I stick to the bottom of the Kronos shining on the lower tier. Press it and it lights up for 10seconds and then shuts off. Just long enough since the stage lights come in once I start playing, and it saves batteries. Dan Acoustic/Electric stringed instruments ranging from 4 to 230 strings, hammered, picked, fingered, slapped, and plucked. Analog and Digital Electronic instruments, reeds, and throat/mouth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
area51recording Posted October 22, 2016 Share Posted October 22, 2016 I like the radiator hose clamp. I've used that trick before on a tripod speaker stand as well when the fitting to raise it went south Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthaholic Posted October 23, 2016 Author Share Posted October 23, 2016 Top tier Kronos has a USB port. For about $9 you can get a gooseneck LED lamp that plugs into a USB port. I highly recommend this one. Uniform light distribution and fairly directional. But a bit bright. Quality build. $10-ish. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Goal-Zero-Luna-USB-LED-Stick-Light-14101/206964530 [video:youtube] The fact there's a Highway To Hell and only a Stairway To Heaven says a lot about anticipated traffic numbers People only say "It's a free country" when they're doing something shitty-Demetri Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthaholic Posted August 8, 2017 Author Share Posted August 8, 2017 I hang these DampRid bags in my car, my gear trailer, and my storage unit. This time of year the humidity is awful and I leave my gear in my car, mostly. I go through quite a few of these hanging bags, changing them every 3 weeks. A great way to keep moisture out of your equipment. http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/400/d5/d549316d-0782-43eb-80b7-e89141750a52_400.jpg The fact there's a Highway To Hell and only a Stairway To Heaven says a lot about anticipated traffic numbers People only say "It's a free country" when they're doing something shitty-Demetri Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthaholic Posted January 29, 2018 Author Share Posted January 29, 2018 I've relied on my 30+ year old, yellowed Rane Note 110 whenever I want definitive info on cable wiring (and, I guess, old keyboard serial numbers). So happy to find it's online: Rane Note 110 The fact there's a Highway To Hell and only a Stairway To Heaven says a lot about anticipated traffic numbers People only say "It's a free country" when they're doing something shitty-Demetri Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coker Posted February 1, 2018 Share Posted February 1, 2018 I put different colored tie wraps around each end of cables so I can be sure to keep left and right channels straight. A four-inch square speaker magnet holds my small Yamaha mixer on top of my keyboard. One layer of duct tape around the magnet prevents scratches. I added handles to my ZXA1s (you other owners know what the problem with that slippery slit is). Use two self-adhesive tie-wrap tie-downs in the slot to hold two ends of a short steel cable. A section of vinyl tubing over the cable makes a great handle. A small keyboard bag holds my keyboard platform, two Yorks speaker stands, music stand, and seat. I put a piece of lightweight plastic corrugated presentation board on the bottom of the case for strength. CA93, MODX8, YC88, K8.2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nadroj Posted February 1, 2018 Share Posted February 1, 2018 -If you can't be bothered with the gig, go to sound check then call the police with a noise complaint. Enjoy your early night in bed. This works especially well if you get paid before the gig. Hammond SKX Mainstage 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coker Posted February 1, 2018 Share Posted February 1, 2018 On my CP4, I painted the groove on the all black volume knob with White-Out so I can actually see what it is set to. Adding second carrying handle opposite the regular handle makes carrying the keyboard bag a little easier. I picked up a short Y adapter. Male end plugs into a single outlet extension cord, one female is made to plug into the back of my keyboard, which holds up the second female, a standard outlet into which I plug my flimsy wall wart for stand lights. CA93, MODX8, YC88, K8.2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timwat Posted February 1, 2018 Share Posted February 1, 2018 I cut up a 3x5 swatch of shelf liner to use on the flat surface of my Nord Wave - I often leave my phone up there in case I need to read changes out of iReal Pro for infrequently-called tunes. I use a padded indoor/outdoor carpet to stand on - not only does it provide fatigue relief, it provides a non-slip surface for pedals (have already put the loop side of industrial strength hook/loop on the bottom of them. Took the advice of an old KB mag tip year ago and spent half a day practicing and timing my setup and tear down, over and over again. Getting the order of things down rote has made both in and out much faster, much more brainless when tired, and much harder to forget stuff at the end of the evening. What else? Always keep in the gig bag: bottle of meal replacement shake, phone charger, flashlight and Alka Seltzer. .. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coker Posted February 2, 2018 Share Posted February 2, 2018 I glued 1 inch wide strips of fatigue mat at each end of the top of my keyboard platform to hold my keyboard, rather than relying on the keyboards feet (which I removed). This also lets me set the keyboard down on its back edge, then rotate it down into place. CA93, MODX8, YC88, K8.2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Muscara Posted February 2, 2018 Share Posted February 2, 2018 I cut up a 3x5 swatch of shelf liner to use on the flat surface of my Nord Wave - I often leave my phone up there in case I need to read changes out of iReal Pro for infrequently-called tunes. I've been using a cell phone dashboard gel mat for this. Kinda sticks to anything without being truly sticky. "I'm so crazy, I don't know this is impossible! Hoo hoo!" - Daffy Duck "The good news is that once you start piano you never have to worry about getting laid again. More time to practice!" - MOI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthaholic Posted February 2, 2018 Author Share Posted February 2, 2018 What else? Always keep in the gig bag: bottle of meal replacement shake, phone charger, flashlight and Alka Seltzer. You should add Imodium AD to that list. When you need it, you really need it. The fact there's a Highway To Hell and only a Stairway To Heaven says a lot about anticipated traffic numbers People only say "It's a free country" when they're doing something shitty-Demetri Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthaholic Posted February 5, 2018 Author Share Posted February 5, 2018 Inexpensive way to transport your various poles and stands. They vary in size/price. $8.95 Christmas tree bag The fact there's a Highway To Hell and only a Stairway To Heaven says a lot about anticipated traffic numbers People only say "It's a free country" when they're doing something shitty-Demetri Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Emm Posted February 6, 2018 Share Posted February 6, 2018 Stop kidding yourself and buy instrument cases with wheels. If you're a notch above that level, buy a dolly. There are days when I walk around bent over like a comma from having hauled forty-pound keyboards by brute strength years ago. Roadies naturally hated Mellotrons and CS-80s. It makes me like the hell out of my XKeys. "Well, the 60s were fun, but now I'm payin' for it." ~ Stan Lee, "Ant-Man and the Wasp" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richforman Posted February 6, 2018 Share Posted February 6, 2018 Spare Midi Cable or two *in your car*. They go south and are easy to lose or leave behind and you don't realize you're short one until it's too late. Rich Forman Yamaha MOXF8, Korg Kronos 2-61, Roland Fantom X7, Ferrofish B4000+ organ module, Roland VR-09, EV ZLX12P, K&M Spider Pro stand, Yamaha S80, Korg Trinity Plus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coker Posted February 8, 2018 Share Posted February 8, 2018 I sit down when I play and used to lose the sustain pedal when it crept away. Solution: I attached a cord to the heel end of the pedal and clip the other end of the cord to a hook I added to my bench near the floor. CA93, MODX8, YC88, K8.2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coker Posted February 8, 2018 Share Posted February 8, 2018 I never unpack my keyboard on the floor. I set the keyboard case on my two speakers. On top of that I put the small keyboard case that holds bench, keyboard stand, and speaker stands. Now I work from top to bottom. Unload and set up bench, key stand and speaker stands. Then unload keyboard. Then set up speakers. Its a little thing, but it saves time and effort. CA93, MODX8, YC88, K8.2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barryjam Posted February 9, 2018 Share Posted February 9, 2018 Inexpensive way to transport your various poles and stands. They vary in size/price. $8.95 Christmas tree bag Would this bag really hold the weight of 4-5 nested mic stands? Would the zipper last longer than a few gigs? I have gone through so many attempts at this kind of thing! Barry Home: Steinway L, Montage 8 Gigs: Yamaha CP88, Crumar Mojo 61, A&H SQ5 mixer, ME1 IEM, MiPro 909 IEMs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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