Securing your equipment after a gig.

[John]

Just recently a group, traveling thru my town, stoped and played a gig at a local restuarant. After the gig they packed up all their equipment ($9,000 USD worth) into a van only to find it gone when they returned from a couple drinks at a local bar.

Do you have any special security measures you take if you're not going straight home after the gig?

Maybe a car alarm would be a good purchase?

- John O.

[Rexx]

Ouch! Sorry to hear of that happening.
A car security alarm would be perfect.

I tear down and pack my gear up for transport and leave it center stage where I can see it, (tuff call if you're not the final performers of the evening)
I also ask friends to help me keep an eye on my gear so that no one wanders off with anything.

[John]

I've had times when people want me to leave my gear on stage or in a "locked" room. I won't do it. I have problems leaving it up there while I take off to get a quick bite to eat.

[Nick]

how about a big sign on it saying -

"touch this and you'll die!"

8) :wink: :)

[Tigerfolly]

Just recently a group, traveling thru my town, stoped and played a gig at a local restuarant. After the gig they packed up all their equipment ($9,000 USD worth) into a van only to find it gone when they returned from a couple drinks at a local bar.

Do you have any special security measures you take if you're not going straight home after the gig?

Maybe a car alarm would be a good purchase?

- John O.

I'm extremely paranoid about my gear. I use Steinberger guitars, and they're very, very small. In the winter months, ANYONE could tuck one under their coat and walk out of the bar with none the wiser. I don't like bringing my gear in out of the van or trailer and leaving it in a spot in the venue until it's time to set up.. I'd rather pull it out of the van and set it up, then tear it down and put it right back in the van. I sit with the gear, and if I ever have to get up for anything, I make sure I get someone to sit with the gear. I've invested far too much time and money in my rig, and I'm pretty satisfied with it right now. I don't want to lose a single cable from it. And growing up in the friggin ghetto, I've had every single nice thing I've ever owned stolen from me. It's not fun, and I've hospitalized a person for attempting to steal from my car before.. I don't take that shit lightly.

I know that I drive my band nuts with this particular issue, but I just can't stress it enough to people that there are things I simply cannot replace. The time and effort I put into finding gear I'm happy with, and getting the tones just the way I like them cannot be replaced nor measured in dollar amounts.

Whatever you're transporting your gear in, LOCK IT. Keep an eye on it. Get a car alarm for your vehicle. Tie it to the electrical system so that a door opening and triggering the lights will set it off. Never park it out of your personal view. If everyone's going out to a bar after a show, I'll politely decline and take the gear back to the rehearsal studio. I'd rather be antisocial than be ripped off.

On top of that, I drive a convertible.. so if I've got to drive to the show and carry any instruments in my vehicle, I'm twice as paranoid about it as usual :)

[Liquid Shadow]

how about a big sign on it saying -

"touch this and you'll die!"

8) :wink: :)


One time after I was playing bass at my church, I had to go do something (don't remember) so I put my stuff into one of the empty religious education classrooms and wrote on the white-board (with an arrow pointing to my stuff): Touch this and I will rearrange your limbs.

It was still there when I got back. :lol:

[Spock's Theater]

how about a big sign on it saying -

"touch this and you'll die!"

8) :wink: :)


One time after I was playing bass at my church, I had to go do something (don't remember) so I put my stuff into one of the empty religious education classrooms and wrote on the white-board (with an arrow pointing to my stuff): Touch this and I will rearrange your limbs.

It was still there when I got back. :lol:You should've written "Touch this and I'll GET OUT TEH WEPENZ!!!1" :lol:

[/dt.net joke]

[Shreddy]

After a show if I have a beer it will be at where I played, my gear sitting on the side of the stage waiting for me. I dont put anything into my car unless I'm going to transport it right away.

[Rexx]

It makes sense to take less expensive gear to bar gigs.

Instead of taking a:

-K2600x take a K2000 (or simular smaller/cheaper)
-Jem or Universe, take a RG
-25 pc drum kit take a 4 pc

I'd still be paranoid though, I haven't lost any gear but I worked too hard getting what I have.

I would trade it all for more. :)

[Liquid Shadow]

how about a big sign on it saying -

"touch this and you'll die!"

8) :wink: :)


One time after I was playing bass at my church, I had to go do something (don't remember) so I put my stuff into one of the empty religious education classrooms and wrote on the white-board (with an arrow pointing to my stuff): Touch this and I will rearrange your limbs.

It was still there when I got back. :lol:You should've written "Touch this and I'll GET OUT TEH WEPENZ!!!1" :lol:

[/dt.net joke]


I got strange enough looks from the class who had started in there in the time I was away. I can only imagine their confusion if I wrote that. :lol:

[Angelic Layer]

Nothing better than a insurance.

[ChrisMcCoy]

Very sorry to hear that happened to you.

Here's what I do:
1. Have 2 people at all times with you.
One to watch the gear at your car or truck,
One to watch the gear in the bar while you tear down or setup.
Never leave it in the open where it can be grabbed. Always lock your car if you have to make multiple trips. Even if you are 5 feet away.

[Lyngs]

how about a big sign on it saying -

"touch this and you'll die!"

8) :wink: :)


One time after I was playing bass at my church, I had to go do something (don't remember) so I put my stuff into one of the empty religious education classrooms and wrote on the white-board (with an arrow pointing to my stuff): Touch this and I will rearrange your limbs.

It was still there when I got back. :lol:You should've written "Touch this and I'll GET OUT TEH WEPENZ!!!1" :lol:

[/dt.net joke]

What about "Touch this and I'll FIRE ZE MISSILES!!!" :lol:

[/ebaumsworld joke]

[assassin]

Do you have any special security measures you take if you're not going straight home after the gig?

Maybe a car alarm would be a good purchase?

Our band has instruments worth of $15,000 + lights/PA worth of $55,000, no insurances. The only security device is a car alarm in our touring bus. :D

[Nick]

or hire a 6 foot 15 stone motherf-cker with a big ass machine gun :P 8)


actually..maybe insurance and a friend might do...but if your friend is said 6 foot 15 stone type person..then you have no problem.

[ChrisMcCoy]

Do you have any special security measures you take if you're not going straight home after the gig?

Maybe a car alarm would be a good purchase?

Our band has instruments worth of $15,000 + lights/PA worth of $55,000, no insurances. The only security device is a car alarm in our touring bus. :D


I toured with a group for 3 years in similar situation. Carried a double-stack PA with 32 can light show, risers, follow spot, full band gear etc. When we were between shows (travel days, or after load out) and sleeping in a motel, it all stayed in the back of the truck. We had an alarm, but I think the best crime deterrent was when our drum technician purchased a rotweiler puppy from a local pet shop. When the dog began to get big, he became the 5th road crew member, in charge of security. Our stuff was never stolen or tampered with, probably because of that dog. :twisted: