Bill Dutcher – Modern Acoustic Guitarist

I can’t count the number of times I’ve been getting ready to start a show and something either blows up or quits working.  Simply put, always try to have two of everything.  Extra cables, battery’s, strings, picks etc.  Depending on how elaborate your rig, try to have a backup preamp for the guitar.  If you have an internal preamp already in the guitar consider purchasing a magnetic soundhole pickup.  There are many affordable models out there.  If your internal system goes out you can pop in the soundhole pickup and at least get through the gig. I use a pendulum sps-1 which many consider to be the ‘holy grail’ when it comes to acoustic amplification.  Even these high end pieces of gear have their problems.  I recently purchased a Highlander PAMDI which is very similar to the pendulum but is small enought o fit in the accessory compartment of the guitar case. 

Here’s three things I always bring to a gig.

1. A small flashlight. 

2. A mechanics telescopic wand with magnetic end. 

3.  Extra bridgepins.

Why a flashlight?  Try looking for small guitar parts that drop on the floor in a dark club without it!

Mechanics telescopic wand with magnetic end:  Great for finding small metal parts that drop either inside the guitar or between cracks in the floor.  One time I dropped my keys outside a club when loading out and they fell through a sewer grate…Glad I brought the magnetic wand!

Extra bridge pins: One time I broke a string on stage and looked down to see the bridge pin missing.  Thank God it was on the last song.  Lesson learned.  I keep one taped to the inside lid of the accessory compartment of each guitar.

If your going to consider yourself a professional player it’s good to be professionally prepared for any given situation.  So always have a backup!