Gear - the stuff that enables us to do what we do. There are all kinds of stuff that can go wrong on a gig, audition, recording session, etc. The last thing you want to worry about is your gear breaking down or giving you ANY kind of problem. Unfortunately this does happen.

As expensive as guitars, amps, processors, efx, etc. can be it may sound a little ridiculous to think that every item in your arsenal should be duplicated (especially if you are in the lower income bracket that so many musicians are in). However, it is so wise to have some kind of backups of your most important items.

Don't think that means you must have two high-end expensive guitars. You can find a backup guitar these days for around a couple hundred bucks that plays reasonably well and can allow you to finish a gig until you can have your main axe repaired. It's also great to have one of these right behind you on stage for those times you break a string and there's no time to stop the show. Finish the set with the cheap guitar then change your broken string on the break.

This "cheaper backup" system applies to all your main items. It might be hard to find a cheap replacement amp that you love as much as your main amp but if you can't afford to buy two of them, check around in the $300.00-$400.00 price range and it might not give you your ultimate sound, but again, it will make sure you get the gig done AND GET PAID (very important). If you have an expensive processor (and again, can't afford to buy two of them), look around for a used one as a backup. Another way to go on this one is pickup a few pedals that can get you through the gig if your expensive processor breaks down.

The main thing is HAVE A BACKUP! This will help to keep your employers happy, and contribute to your good reputation as being a dependable and conscientious musician and will increase your chances of being the player who gets the call for the gig!