When I'm using the Yamaha PSR-S910 and two Yamaha MS-60S powered speakers, it takes me about 15 minutes to set up, and about 10 to tear down.

Ian

I've been using Gary's procedure as guide for years ... haven't come close to "7 to 9 minutes..." yet - doubt if I ever will, but certainly better since using some of Gary's tips.
Ciao,
Jerry

a few 'little' things I do which makes my gig setup go more smoothly:

1) color code cables and receptacles
2) keep a gig equip/sup inventory checklist
3) leave non essential items at home or in your vehicle
4) store & call up charts, event sched & annoucement notes on a digital device (ie: ipad, cell phone, etc) eliminating misplaced notes/paper and lyric/song sheets.
5) Keep duct handy for the unexpected

I can set it up in 10 minutes if I need to, but I make every effort to NOT need to. I'd say on an average day I'm close to 15 minutes. That includes a handful of hugs, conversations, etc.

Breaking down is usually 10-15 minutes...

Upon entering the performance space, I decide if I need to move any tables/chairs, etc. I don't like doing this myself as I don't charge for it, but I either jump on it OR stand there looking like a jerk while I wait for some middle aged woman to come drag a large table out of my way. I think its also manners to a degree.

Once my space is clear, my goal is to touch all the major pieces of my set up once. First off my R&R cart is my two mic stands. They both get placed where they will be used during the job. Then my KB stand gets set up. Then the Bose L1 floor unit gets positioned, followed by the two Bose speakers that get placed on top of the kb stand. Unzip each, put them into the base unit, allowing each speaker bag to fall to the floor. Next up is the Bose bass unit which also gets positioned immediately. Then I put the T1 on the kb stand. Then my bench gets put in its location, then the equipment bag on top of it. All the empty cases go into the T1 case, which goes back on the R&R.

That's usually 5 minutes or less to position everything. Then all my cables are run, including a harness that combines two 1/4 cables (kb signal to Tonematch), a MIDI cable (To my digitech harmonizer) and one last 1/4 cable that connects the harmonizer to the Tonematch). Two pedals, 3 chords for the Bose and I'm done.

My Music Pad Pro takes less than 2 minutes to set up.

My biggest advice to anyone trying to reduce their time is to:

1) Develop a strict routine and don't deviate from it.

2) Seriously consider a harness, they really do save time.

3) Don't make such a race out of it in the first place. In most cases, I'd say that anyone working as a OMB-er should comfortably be able to be set up in 25-30 minutes. Plan accordingly.


Donny-You made a fair point that unless everyone is using the exact same gear, there may be differences. To dismiss these responses as collectively invalid because of that is silly and wrong.

Why whip out the broad brush so dismissively time after time after time? If one guy gets an idea from one post here, then isn't it an effective post?


------------------
Bill in Dayton

Typical of Dnj to, in his grandstand style, 'speak from both sides of his mouth' again. Today it's 'what's the hurry', while a short time ago he was going on about tauting the benefits of quick as possible setup & breakdown in order to make his next gig of the day. Nothing changes.

Scott,
Setup/beakdown in less than 10 minutes. (incl. (un)packing gear in my car)
Cables? .... we only have 4!
Just ignore mr. 'knows it all' and mr. 'if it's not my question/answer it's a stupid one' posts (total >19100!!) , and you'll notice SZ is a great place to visit


[This message has been edited by kla4 (edited 11-21-2010).]

[//B]

19,000 Posts! I had no idea.

I allow 30 minutes to unload and set up. I can do it in 10, but you have to leave time for whatever might come up.
My setup is quite similar to Gary's except I use two Compacts, a more comfortable stool and a better keyboard
DonM

Like Gary and Don, I'm usually out of the car, into the venue and setup in 10 min +/. Last time I played with a group I blew their minds with my 4 cord setup (guitar, mic and 2 AC). Setting up an X-stand, plush X-seat, keyboard and one Compact is the simplest thing I've ever done. I can get out in ten minutes too, but usually take my time and kibitz with the residents or whoever comes up and wants to talk.

Don's stool is more comfortable, but I'm older and better looking.

Gary