Hey everybody! Last month we talked about having backups of your major pieces of gear (without having to take out a second mortgage) and how important it is. This month focuses on the smaller, yet just as critical accessories that make it possible for you to do what you do.

Here are a few things that aren't really very expensive but can really save your hide in a bad situation...

Extra Strings - This is a must. Unless you enjoy the challenge of getting by on 4 or 5 strings instead of 6, make sure you've got at least a couple extra sets of strings. It's a good idea to also keep a few extra high E and B strings with your gear because those are usually the ones that end up breaking during that heartfelt solo. If you can, buy your strings by the case. This will usually get you a better price per set and you never have to worry about not having strings. This is also handy if you are on the road a lot and end up playing a small town that might not have a music store, or might have a pawn shop that sells strings, but for $9.50 a set!

Extra Power Accessories - Electricity is our friend but the way some clubs and stages have their power set up can often be less than perfect. From bad wiring to not enough outlets, the more cords and gadgets you have with you, the better chance you have of making the situation work out ok. Here are some things that you should always try to keep on hand: batteries, AC extension cords, power strips, and ground lifts. And if you're really on the ball you might want to carry a 220 splitter/converter.

Signal, Speaker, MIDI and Mic Cords - I don't think I really need to tell anyone how often things have gone wrong because of a "bad cord." Make sure you've got plenty extras of all of these types of cords. It's also good to have various sizes of cords. Going from gig to gig, you will find that dimensions of some stages will require you to alter how you set up your gear. It might be good to have that extra long signal cord to make it from you amp to your pedals; or sometimes it's nice to have a shorter cord so you can keep your stage from becoming the spaghetti mess that we're all familiar with.

Picks - This may sound funny but I do remember one gig I did where (I know this sounds ridiculous) I got all my gear set up only to realize I didn't have a single guitar pick on me!!! I looked through my wallet, all my pockets, cases, and every nook and cranny of the van but there was not a single pick to be found! I ended having to drive 30 minutes back to my home and then 30 minutes back to the gig. Luckily I had set up with enough time so that I wasn't late but it was a hassle that I should not have had to deal with. I've seen some guys use their drivers license because they didn't have a pick on them but I don't think they really enjoyed it. Carry extra picks in everywhere you can - in guitar cases, your gear cases, your wallet, in your car - everywhere!

Ok, there's your shopping list. Other than keeping you up and running, having these extra supplies can come in handy in other ways too. There may be another band member who's cord breaks or the band leader needs an extra power strip or extension cord. If you can produce what's needed to save the day, this will add to your good reputation of being a good guy/gal to have around on the gig.

See ya next month!