Using my RockNRoller10, I load my X-stand and seat on one end and attach with an oversize bungee. The Compact extension bag goes over the X-stand arm. On the other end goes my equipment bag and L1 Compact base. There's just enough room in the middle to fit my s910. I roll in and set up, all in about five minutes. I do the reverse going out.

Does it look professional - hell yes! People have commented on how compact my equipment is and how quickly I can setup and tear down. I always use protective bags and covers when possible.

I have multiple rigs for back-to-back jobs. and, I play jobs that pay enough to pay my kids (one plays bass in my trio-the other works our DJ and mobile sound operation) to completely set up for the job. When they are finished with the first one, they go on to the second. I finish the first and we switch places. They tear the first one down while I'm on the second one. They're excellent sound techs, so they balance the sound for the room, plug in the Ipod for background/break music, etc...even choose which sound equipment is right for most of the gigs.

Multiple set-ups let me leave the B-3 and Rhodes in storage at the club where I use them, leave a 2nd unit at a restaurant/house job and still have two set-ups for back-to-back gigs. Of course, the equipment needs change. Sometimes, it's a small trio job with a 4 channel PA, a guitar, mike and bass and guitar amplifiers. Other times, it's TurboSound speakers, 24 channel board, 4000 watts of Crown power, 4 keyboards, three stringed instruments, 2 other amps...whatever it takes to do a party for 4-5000 at Keeneland Track, the Governors mansion, etc.

I don't do nursing homes and am a really active advocate for Federally regulated standards regarding staffing, accountability and care standards.

Look up the Federal ratings of the nursing homes you play regularly. You'll be shocked!

Russ

The first thing I do when I get to a gig if I never performed there before is to go inside and look at the room to see what I'm up against & gear I need for that gig...then after an assessment I make a decision what gear to bring in as I have four different setup options with me at all times.... I use a Rock & Roller 10 always for a one shot in & out & ALl my gear has padded covers.. I am right now in the process redesigning & reducing my rig once again with some new wiring ideas as we speak making it smaller & faster then it already is without sacrificing sound.

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 05-07-2010).]

I have a hand truck that forms into an L. I place my gig bag on the rear of the truck, my keyboard case lays on the base of the ht and gig bag. On top of that I place my Bose bass unit. Then my kb stand. On top of that I place my stool, and inside my stool I lay the Bose towers and mic stand. It takes me 10 minutes to set up and tear down. Unless I stop and talk to people, which is ofte, I can be rolling down the road 15 minutes after the job ends. As for weather, most all of these facilities have covered areas somewhere on the property.

Joe

I'm down to about 7 minutes for a setup everywhere I perform. Like DNJ, I also check out the room if it's a new venue, also look for the nearest electrical outlet and make sure it works.

Unlike some, I take everything to every job--I want to give them the best I have to offer. The only major change I've made in the past couple years has been switching to the Bose L1 Compact, which easily handles all of MY audiences. I posted a video of a typical setup prior to purchasing the L1 Compact, which can be found HERE

One of MY best assets for quicker setups is the custom-made console I designed and constructed. Not only does it serve as a lighted sign and laptop platform, it also hides all the wires on the back of the keyboard, and contains all the power supplies, surge strip, vocal processor and foot switches, all of which remain plugged in at all times. Sure makes life a lot easier.

Additionally, I no longer do jobs where I have to negotiate steps--I leave those jobs for the younger guys.

Cheers,

Gary

I too use an R10 R&Roller but I keep My Bose Compact and my seat in the van along with Mis's,stands,cables etc. I keep my big Bose,and stands set up in my studio. That way all I have to do is grab whichever kb I want and go. I also bought the shelf accessory for the R10 so one trip does it, no matter where I go.

Does anyone stand up when they do NH gigs.....?
i don't even take a stool anymore , one less thing to lug around as I sit very low and most standard chairs will suffice, or I add my folding Bingo Seat Cushion which really works great attached to any folding chair.