What's In My Gig Bag?
1. Oils- My oils of choice are Hetman Light Rotor and Light B&L (Numbers 11 and 13), and Hetman Slide gel number 7.
2. Extra Mouthpiece- For emergencies. I like to keep my emergency mouthpiece in a different place than my regular one just in case something really bonkers happens. I mostly keep it in case I forget or lose a mouthpiece, although once I dropped one on the concrete sidewalk walking into a recording session. It took a big chip out of the rim and I was glad to have the backup.
3. Small tub of vaseline- In case I get a case of the lip willies. Other people have different favorite lip products, but I’ve found just plain vaseline to affect my chops the least.
4. Folded up paper towel- If I need to replace the slide gel on a slide, I find it’s best to wipe the old grease off first.
5. Flathead screwdriver- In case a screw comes loose or I need to change a string.
6. Extra string, pre cut and knotted- I’ve actually had to change a string in the middle of the pit during a show before. Having it already cut and knotted makes it easy to change quickly.
7. Extra pencil- Because I’m not responsible enough to keep up with just one.
8. Small bag with 2 or 3 replacement bumpers- I’ve never had to use these, but I keep them in there just in case I have an issue with a bumper. It’s easy enough to replace in a pinch if needed.
9. Allen wrenches- I have two different sized hex screws on my horn, 2mm and 2.5mm. I always check to make sure I have both allen wrenches in my bag.
10. Mini watchmaker hammer with plastic head- This is in my kit although it may not go in yours. I keep this in there in case I have an issue with a valve in the middle of a show, or if I’m out of town.
11. Mouthpiece brush- I never remember to clean my mouthpiece until it’s too late. Having a brush in my bag means I can clean out a really gross mouthpiece in the bathroom before a concert or a show if I need to.
Why and Where?
I keep this in a small shaving bag carribeenered to my horn case. I don’t store anything inside my case other than my horn. In my go bag, I try to have everything I need to:
-Do all the general pre service maintenance
-Replace a broken string or bumper on the fly
-Do very basic valve adjustments during intermissions
-Have backups of essential rehearsal/ concert items
I could go nuts and carry a full repair kit, but I don’t think that’s very practical for me or for anyone. Just carry what you need for the most common tasks and just roll with the universe if something exceedingly bonkers happens.
-Jacob
Released in January 2018 newsletter.