Buying vs Renting Tour Gear
When to invest in your own gear vs using backline and rentals.
Buying vs Renting Tour Gear
One of the biggest questions early touring bands ask: should we buy our own PA, drums, amps, or rent them? The answer depends on your tour frequency, distance, and burn rate.
Backline Basics
Backline is gear provided by the venue or promoter. A basic backline setup usually includes:
- PA system (speakers, mixer, mics)
- Drum kit (sometimes snare and cymbals are touring gear)
- House amps (guitar and bass)
- Cables and stands
Most venues have usable backline. You show up, soundcheck, play. No hauling.
Catch: Backline quality varies wildly. A venue's house PA from 2005 might sound like a tin can. Drums might be beat to hell. You have no control.
Fly Dates vs Drive Tours
- Fly dates: You own nothing. Backline at every venue. Rent a bass amp and cables if needed. Fly in, play, fly out. Costs less per show but feels looser.
- Drive tours: You own a van, amps, drums, cables. Everything travels with you. High upfront cost ($5k–$20k for a decent rig), but you own your sound. Long-term smart if you're touring 20+ days a year.
Insurance Considerations
If you own gear worth $10k+, insure it. Theft, damage in transit, and venue accidents are real. Insurance is ~5–10% of gear value per year. Budget it in.
Rental companies insure their gear. You only pay for damage you cause, and only if it's documented.
The Gear-Ownership Math
Buy if:
- You tour 30+ days a year (the math works out)
- You have a dedicated van or truck
- You're in a loud band that needs specific tone
- You want consistency night-to-night
Rent/use backline if:
- You tour less than 15 days a year
- You're just starting and haven't proven the commitment
- You fly to most dates
- Your van is cramped or unreliable
The breakeven: A basic touring rig (two tube amps, PA, drums, cables) costs ~$8k. One 20-day tour with high-end rentals might cost $2k. You break even after four tours. After that, ownership saves money.
Real talk: Most successful touring bands own their gear. But most starting bands should rent or rely on backline for the first 1–2 years. Build a touring habit first, then invest.