pedalboard placement, mic stand onstage... BACK PAIN!

[konstantine RK]

I have a pedaltrain pro board... a Roadking King Kontroller switcher and I sing back up. Im a huskier dude who suffers from back pain.

I usually have my pedalboard in front with the switcher in front of that... I put the mic boom stand to the side with the mic above the pedalboard. I find that wearing a guitar and constantly having to adjust this side configured stand gives me loads of lower back pain.

How do some of you set up your boards, switchers and mic stands?

Kon

 

[screamingdaisy]

I use a wah out front and my delay sits on the head. I use the amp's foot controller to trigger the FX loop when I need delay.

I stand stage left, control everything with my left foot and I stand left foot forward when in my rock star pose... so everything works out pretty well.

I also don't sing, so it's one less thing I have to worry about.

 

[94Tremoverb]

If you're constantly having to adjust the mic stand, may I suggest you get a better one, that doesn't slip? I'm assuming you have your own, of course. I don't even sing but I used to do the sound for my band (kind of making up for not singing, really! since I was the only one who didn't), owned all the PA gear etc, and one thing I hated beyond anything was crappy mic stands that won't stay where they're set. Sometimes they can be fixed - not just by tightening them with vise grips - but sometimes they're just junk and need to be replaced.

I also suffer from back pain - no, not because I have a Tremoverb! you can learn to lift heavy things without hurting yourself - and can highly recommend finding a good massage person, it did wonders for me. It helps that my (female) singer is mine, of course...

 

[boogieman60]

Try a goose neck on the mic stand. (no boom) I put my stand in front of the pedal board and extend the goose neck to my singing position. I also prefer a round heavy mic stand base. Not the tripod ones. I like the fact that all I have to do is grab the mic and move it, because the gooseneck is flexable. Hope that helps..

 

[fishyfishfish]

Set up everything as ergonomic as possible. When my back is really in bad shape I use a tall stool to lean on to get some relief, and now days I only take what I need to do the gig and leave the rest in the trailer.
I herniated three disks in my back about 6 years ago,(Stupid construction accident) so combos and a very streamlined rig has been my mainstay for quite a while. I also use a good mic boom with a weighted base so it doesn't move unless I want it to, and some times wear a brace if it is going to be a long night.
Happy new year and Mojo Sent!

 

[konstantine RK]

Much appreciated my friends!

bought a new mic stand and raised the mic up. Im thinking I shall use a stool on the side for a break from the force of gravity. I am also not to eat even one french fry, one sip of soda and I have to cut out as much white bread as possible.

I play a drinking tourist character in my new band which is a Summertime themed tropical sort of music. Ska, Rock, Reggae and a few undeniable classic rock hits. So a stool could be ok onstage.

 

[konstantine RK]

dieting .... working out... lost 25 lbs... nothing is too good to keep me from doing what I love to do.. PLAY GUITAR. My goal is to lose 75 pounds total.

 

[CHATTERBOX]

I have a pedaltrain pro board... a Roadking King Kontroller switcher and I sing back up. Im a huskier dude who suffers from back pain.

I usually have my pedalboard in front with the switcher in front of that... I put the mic boom stand to the side with the mic above the pedalboard. I find that wearing a guitar and constantly having to adjust this side configured stand gives me loads of lower back pain.

How do some of you set up your boards, switchers and mic stands?

Kon

Everybody has covered the boom stand thing so I'll leave that one alone. I also sing when I play and I have also had two lower disc surgeries. Best thing for me is to move around on stage between verses/choruses, perhaps walk to the other side of the stage during solos. Use a wireless unit and dance a bit. It's a bit of exercise, keeps your back from seizing up, and more entertaining for your audience!
Good luck, Man and congrats on the weight loss. That is a major key in back relief!
Cheerz
Tony

 

[lyman]

I too suffer from chronic back pain. The thing that helped me the most was to take preventative measures, rather than just dealing w/the symptoms when they arise. A spinal specialist referred me to a physical therapist who taught me some some exercises. Having strong core muscles to stablize everything just makes sense.

 

[gonzo]

KIMBERLY, just go buy a daisy rock and you'll be fine.