These six lists alone will ensure that, no matter what else may happen, you will be seen and heard. However, in order to achieve even that minimal goal consistently, you must “list out” every single object or device in every single category. Do you use cables of different lengths to do different tasks? If so, you need to list out the different lengths, followed by how many of each length you require to perform.
An example: I use three different lengths of cable, short, (about 6”), medium, (about 6’) and long, (24’ or longer). I use the short ones to connect floor processors that set fairly close to each other, the mediums to connect keyboards to floor processors, and the long ones to connect the final outputs to my mixer, so my individual “Power/Continuity List” looks like this:
Surge protector: (1)
Extension cord: (1)
Adapter(s): (3)
Batteries (D-cell)(6)
Short cables: (3)
Medium cables: (2)
Long cables: (3)
A word regarding spares: although I’ve been told some musicians carry around a “spaghetti box” of spare cords and cables, I have found having one, (or at most, two) spare cords of each length, as well as a spare for each adaptor I use, to be more than adequate. So, to all the previous lists, I add the list of “Spares.”
And “spares” do need to be listed out in order to automate certain tasks. After all, if you replace a cable or string during a show, (or more than one), it would be convenient to note on the list which of your “spares” need to be replaced before the next show.
Several Things Not Sold at the Pro Shop
So, all your necessary equipment is covered. However, your equipment is not what people are paying to see, is it? So the next set of lists to add to the index will all be “you-oriented.”