Backline is the music equipment that a band will use to perform at a gig. It includes amplifiers, speakers, keyboards, drums, cymbals and any other instruments used on stage.

It’s a good idea to keep up-to-date with all your technical rider specifications. This helps reduce fulfillment mistakes.

Backline vendors often have very common gear requests readily available. In case they don’t, it’s helpful to provide alternative selections upfront.

Keyboards

A backline is the gear used by a band or rhythm section on stage, including electronic amplifiers for guitars, speaker enclosures for bass guitars and keyboards. Backline rentals are common when it’s not feasible for an artist to bring their own gear across multiple cities, countries and continents for a one-off gig or festival performance.

For the best results, it’s important to keep your backline rider up to date and include a list of technical specifications. This will help you avoid any surprises when it comes time to rent equipment.

Also be sure to include a stage plot for each show you’re performing. This will enable local backline technicians to quickly and accurately build your setup on stage. This could include specific instructions for the height and positioning of drums, cymbals and keyboard stands. Including a photo of the exact stage layout you’re working with is another good idea. This will reduce any confusion when it’s time to put the gear onstage.

Guitars

Backline equipment rental is a term for the music gear that musicians need to perform on stage but do not bring with them. This typically includes guitar amps, speakers, keyboards and drums. It may also include microphones and stage monitors, as well as stage accessories like risers and instrument stands.

Often, it is difficult or cost prohibitive for bands to carry their own top-of-the-line backline equipment when touring or performing in different locations. Renting their backline from a local backline company or music store often reduces transportation and shipping costs.

Many local backline companies offer a full range of instruments, amplifiers and other backline equipment for both bands on tour and smaller rehersal sessions. For example, eVillage Music in Boston specializes in leasing bands high quality drums and other backline equipment for their tours and performances. They also have a full rehersal studio that can be used for rehearsals. Other notable rental backline providers include Bergsten Music Co. outside of Boston, Intellasound in Madison, and Tower Sound in St. Paul.

Drums

Drums are another instrument that backline equipment rental companies can provide. Drummers often supply a list of their needs, including all the hardware, sizes of each drum, and any additional instruments or percussion. This list goes into the contract rider and is used to communicate to Promoters, Venues, and Stage Crews all of the equipment the band will require for their performance.

Drummers will also need sticks to strike the drums with and accessories for their percussion, such as brushes, mallets, rutes, and drumsticks. Percussion is an integral part of many musical genres, from folk music to rock and roll.

Backline rental companies in the US can provide a wide range of drums and percussion equipment for all kinds of bands. Some backline rental companies offer a complete inventory of all the instruments and gear you might need for your performance, while others specialize in specific types of backline. For example, Rhythm Factory in Maryland services drummers by providing them with a large selection of drums and percussion.

Electronics

A backline music instrument and equipment rental company can provide a variety of electronic gear that may be needed to enhance the performance and quality of a band’s show. This can include electronic amplifiers for guitars and bass as well as speaker enclosures.

Most bands do not travel with their own backline equipment instead relying on the festival promoter or backline supply company to provide all their stage needs. The equipment is often supplied to the venue in advance and is usually accompanied by a qualified backline technician (guitar or audio) who can operate and maintain the gear.

There is a large industry of companies that specialize in providing backline equipment to the concert promoters, bands and venues. They also have technicians who can travel with the backline and assist in a range of technical tasks. This can be very helpful to the production team as it reduces the amount of band-borne gear and provides valuable peace of mind.