How to Buy Musical Instrument Lighting Equipment?

Answer 1

After months of practice, your band is now ready to play in public for the first time. The hall is booked, tickets are sold but there is one major problem to be resolved before the event: lighting.

The first thing to do is check out how much power is available at the venue. The size of the hall is also important when working out lighting needs. Is there any rigging material set up in the venue? This is the structure to which stage lights are hung or are attached. If there is no rigging material then portable stands is needed. What effects are you hoping to achieve through your stage lighting? The main use of lighting is simply to allow the public to see what is happening on the stage but it can also be used to create an atmosphere, direct the audience's focus from one part of the stage to another and even back up the plot of what is happening on stage. For example the lights are lowered at the end of a song. All of these things need to be considered before drawing up a light plot of the stage to show where exactly your material is needed.

Generally, it is a good idea to have two portable stands so that light shines down, at an angle, over the heads of the audience and onto the musicians. It is usual to have a minimum of two stands, one for either side of the venue. You might also want to have lighting available for the drum kit and on the floor for maximum effect.

Now, you are ready to buy the material. You will need lights (floodlights and/or spotlights), stands and a lighting console to control the lighting system according to your needs.