You've probably heard Murphy's Law: Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong. As a working professional, I live and die by Murphy's wisdom. That's why I always take my gig bag stocked full of everything I think I may ever need on a gig. And I strongly suggest you do the same. To help, I've put together a list of must-haves to get you started. Then I added some things that you should consider if you plan on making music your livelihood.

Strings - at least two sets per bass. There's nothing worse than putting your last E string on your bass, only to have it snap two minutes later because the burr on your saddle is still there. Years ago, I saw this very thing happen to Scott Ambush (of Spyro Gyra fame). He broke two strings in two songs, but he had spares, so the show could go on.

Batteries - two for each requirement, at least. I buy several dozen at a time so I never run out. Even if your stomp boxes run on a power brick, it doesn't hurt to have a few handy in case the brick fails.

Cords - guitar, speaker and power. Keep lots on hand. I keep a cord in each bass case or gig bag, and a speaker cord (or two) and a power cord with each amp rack. In addition, I have several spares in my gig bag.

Strap - any inexpensive strap will do. Just have a spare, ok? Or do you want to run the risk of playing the last set on a bar stool?

Screws, nuts, bolts, and more - All but one of my basses use Straplocks, so I like to keep a few extras around for when I lose a part for no apparent reason. It's also a good idea to keep handy a few of each screw, nut or bolt that holds things together.

Tubes and fuses - If you're using one of the Eden amps that has a tube in the front end, keep a few on hand in case it gets rattled in transport. Also, eventually, any tube will wear out. If it happens in the middle of a gig or recording session, it doesn't take that long to replace it. Buy your fuses by the box and order more when you're down to two of any particular value. If you blow two fuses in rapid succession, have your amp looked at by a qualified technician to find out why.

Tools - Unless you're the Chief Tech for your band, you don't need to go overboard here, but you do need to have the essentials on-hand. My toolbox currently includes:

• Screwdrivers - four each of standard and Phillips head, various sizes
• Power driver - great for changing out speakers
• String cutter and string winder, sized for bass tuning keys
• Adjustable wrenches in three sizes
• Needle-nose and standard pliers in two sizes each
• Soldering kit for emergency repairs
• Set of hex wrenches
• Small dowels and wood glue (for fixing strap buttons that have worked loose)
• Small files (for filing down burrs on nuts and bridges)
• Wire cutters and wire strippers
• Hammer (Hey, you never know)

At this point, some of you may be thinking about that multi-tool or some such. Yes, they'll do in a pinch, but I'd rather have full-size tools because they're easier to handle.

Gaffer's Tape - Most people use duct tape - or Duck Tape, if you like to mangle the language. Gaffer's tape is easier to remove (in most applications) and is available in black, which helps hide it when taping down cords on-stage. Like it's silver-gray brother, there are at least eleventy-twelve uses for Gaffer's Tape, so don't leave home without it.

Flashlight - There's nothing worse than trying to work in the dark. And if you've been at this for more than a minute, you know how bad back-stage lighting can be when trying to fix something or when trying to find some little part that just fell off your rack. I have a small Maglite handy at every gig. I also have a cool headlamp I got at a camping store. This ingenious device lets me use both hands when working and automatically points the light where I'm looking. One note: please don't wear the thing on-stage; it's not nearly as cool as you think.

Speakers and Tweeter Diaphragms - There's nothing quite like the sound of a tweeter dying. In addition, while I sometimes like the sound of distorted bass, I'd rather make the choice than allow a blown speaker to make it for me. If you have a busy playing schedule, or are on tour, it's a good idea to keep one or two of each handy just in case. Baldwin's Corollary to Murphy's Law says that, if you have what you need to fix a fried cabinet, you'll never fry one. But if you don't, Murphy will kill you. And while you're at it, order a few limiter bulbs for your cabinets. Yeah, the smoke looks cool coming out the top ports, but…

Writing Materials - I keep a notebook and a black Sharpie® marker handy for those times when I need to write a quick chart, whether for a special guest sitting in, or to snag a nice tip from an audience member who just had to hear their favorite song.

Testing Devices - It never hurts to have a AC circuit tester to plug into the electrical outlet to make sure you're getting decent power. Get the type with three lights so you'll know what the specific problem is. Likewise, it's a good idea to have a cable tester handy. For those who are more technically-minded, a multi-meter doesn't hurt, either.

First Aid Kit - At the very least, have some pain reliever (your choice), antiseptic goo and adhesive bandages on hand. You can also add Liquid Skin® and a pair of nail clippers (with file). In addition, I carry a towel and a bar of soap in case the bathroom has neither. Cologne is entirely optional but a toothbrush and paste aren't bad ideas.

Something for Everything - The last thing you need is something to hold everything in one place. I've recently switched over to two heavy-duty plastic toolboxes - one for cords, the other for tools and parts. This makes it very easy to find what I need. I use a few soft microphone bags for holding tools and another to hold parts, which are kept in small zip bags. Boxes protect the fuses, tubes and diaphragms.

Building Your Inventory - For those just starting to play out and those who don't play all the time, this list may seem a bit extravagant. And, to a point, it is. But if you're making your living by playing music, there's nothing extravagant about it. Regardless, you don't have to run out and immediately buy the whole list; do it a little at a time.

Get your entire rig together, including any tools, etc., you already have. Then make a list of what you want to buy. Prioritize your list and buy the most important things first. Then, as time goes by, you can continue to purchase one or two items at a time until you have a complete gig bag.

Whether you're just staring out, play for fun, or do this music thing full-time, have a properly stocked gig bag will help ensure you Keep Thumpin'!

©2005 - Lane Baldwin, Reprinted with permission of the author from laneonbass.com

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