The Musicians Travel Kit: Survived 3,000 Miles and 8 Concerts in 9 Days

This Instructable is about how to make a travel kit for your guitar or in my case, the much loved and needed BASS!! I Just got home a few days ago from a tour through the northeast playing bass for a Christian youth band and choir. This was one of the most demanding things I have ever done, and had to go without error. Luckily, I had put together the nicest survival kit for my bass and heres how to do the same for your stringed instrument. Don't forget to vote if you liked it for the Lonely Planet Travel Tips Contest!

Step 1: Getting Your Materials

First off, you need something to put this all in. I personally used the bass case that i have, but others may prefer an empty first aid kit or a back pack, but this is up to you.

With that out of the way, this is what you will need:

Duct Tape
Toenail clippers
Small flashlight
Extra 1/4 in. cable
Pocket Knife/multi-tool
EXTRA SET OF STRINGS
Tuner
Post-it notes
Sharpie and pen
Bandaids
9 volt batteries
Cleaner for your guitar


Other then the neccessities, you can add what ever you would like. Some extra cash is allways handy, as well an extra strap.

Step 2: For the Drummer:

You may still need some of the things I had mentioned, but don't worry about the strings or 1/4 in. cable. Instead, keep a few extra drum sticks and possibly even some drum heads, as well as a hex key set. A drum pad is nice for practicing and is relatively quite.

Step 3: Sound Tech:

For the unlucky person who's job is the sound technician, You should for the most part know what you need. Just in case though, besides your mixer, amps, speakers, cables, and mics, heres some things you may need.

1/4 to 1/4 in. adapter ( for adding cable if needed)
A set of various batteries
Bandaids
Aspirin
Extra mic and speaker cables
A few bucks in change
AC adapter
Gaffer's Tape

If you think of anything else, pack it! Don't second guess if you may need something. If you do, and do not take it, chances are you will need it...

Step 4: Have Fun!!

Remember, this is not all you have to bring... Please don't forget your instruments and necessary equipment. This is just meant to give you a guide line on what you may forget. This is important for late night gigs or weekends when some stores might not be open or relatively close. This is a great experience and alot of fun. You get to meet new people an will remember it forever. Keep all of this in mind and you will have no problem when traveling with your band.

Thanks and please vote!

Kyle