Members Kramerguy Posted September 30, 2016 Members Share Posted September 30, 2016 Hey guys, we have a gig coming up - at a ski resort Oct 29. It's looking like it's not going to be a costume party, which is a relief, because it is outdoors !! I've played outdoor gigs as late as Late September, and up in the mountain areas, where it can get down to about 40 degrees by the time we're wrapping up. Even in those, the chill factor was incredibly debilitating, neck on guitar feels like a frozen popsicle, numbs and slows the hand, and even the strings feel like knives cutting into my fingertips. I hate the cold! Especially the neck issue. I imagine we can see temps possibly dip as low as the mid 30's, and frankly that terrifies me. Any suggestions on how to keep the guitar and my fingers warm? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members RoadRanger Posted September 30, 2016 Members Share Posted September 30, 2016 Oy vey - why would you agree to such a gig? There are outdoor (AKA patio) heaters powered by propane but they don't much work if there's any wind at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Kramerguy Posted September 30, 2016 Author Members Share Posted September 30, 2016 We lost a lot of gigs last year, so it's a beggars can't be choosers situation lol, and my bandmate booked it. I generally would have been against it, but everyone else said yes so I don't want to be "that guy" who spoils it for everyone else. I go with the flow. I guess I will just bulk up on layers and find some of those finger-less thremal gloves and hope they at least help mitigate the chill effects And lots of alcohol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ski219 Posted September 30, 2016 Members Share Posted September 30, 2016 I normally stick to a beer or 2 at a gig. In this case a flask of bourbon might help to keep your fingers lubricated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members RoadRanger Posted September 30, 2016 Members Share Posted September 30, 2016 http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/mythbusters/mythbusters-database/alcohol-warms-up/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Kramerguy Posted September 30, 2016 Author Members Share Posted September 30, 2016 LOL that's perfect.. it warms your skin and lowers your core. Certainly not a good thing if you are trapped in an avalanche.. but freeking perfect if your core is in no danger but you need a boost to the outer layer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members RoadRanger Posted September 30, 2016 Members Share Posted September 30, 2016 LOL that's perfect.. it warms your skin and lowers your core. Certainly not a good thing if you are trapped in an avalanche.. but freeking perfect if your core is in no danger but you need a boost to the outer layer Dressing warmly is better - good thermal watchcap, warm socks/boots, down vest, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jeff42 Posted September 30, 2016 Members Share Posted September 30, 2016 wow. we did an outside gig 2 years ago halloween weekend on a covered deck with heaters... STILL was not comfortable. Good luck and I hope it pays well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members RoadRanger Posted September 30, 2016 Members Share Posted September 30, 2016 Everyone has to experience one of those for themselves I guess LOL. Bucket list: #27 - Freeze arse off playing outdoors for WAY too little money - Check . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members t_e_l_e Posted October 1, 2016 Members Share Posted October 1, 2016 boots and warm socks and underwear are the first thing to keep you warm. no matter if you have perfect gloves, hat, nice warm jacket and pullover and what ever, if your feet are not warm nothing will be warm, and the feet will get cold first. other than that, we did an outdoor gig this summer with 35' celsius (95 F) and we thought we will die. quit the opposite was the case, as it was late afternoon, there were no lights and a slight wind was there, we all sweated much less, than on any indoor gig we did before with the stage lights and all so if your gig has lots of lights be sure they turn them all on and it might not be as cold as you now fear Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members RoadRanger Posted October 1, 2016 Members Share Posted October 1, 2016 Oh yah - forgot about that. One guy that hangs out on the Live Sound subforum still hangs the old 1000w Par 64's for them outdoor gigs. He has them from his days of doing production on tours before LEDs became popular. You can't give them away these days... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Pat'sStrat Posted October 6, 2016 Members Share Posted October 6, 2016 I couldn't do it. I did a ski resort in Oregon outdoors in April back in the 80s, but man, between my current age and the arthritis, I just can't do it. I did a morning solo last Saturday outside at a Farmer's Market and it was about 50 degrees when I started and pouring rain. Even though it had a covered stage, it was damp and I had a hard time moving my fingers and my guitar hated it too. Best to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Outkaster Posted October 6, 2016 Members Share Posted October 6, 2016 Yeah Pat I know you don't drink either but I don't suggest doing that because it lowers body temperature. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members the_big_e Posted October 6, 2016 Members Share Posted October 6, 2016 I play (busk) farmer's markets mostly. I much prefer the fall/spring over summer (way too hot) but even play in winter. Coldest I've played was probably around 32-36 degrees. Since it's not a gig as such and I'm just playing for tips it does not matter how long I last but around 1 1/2 to 2 hours is about it in the coldest weather. People do tip well in winter though, I guess they appreciate the effort if not the music LOL!I usually play with some sort of glove and stuff those chemical hand warmers inside the back of the gloves to help keep my hands warm although they don't help that much. Two pair or socks and a couple of carpets to stand on usually help to keep my feet, if not warm, at least not falling off from frostbite! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ggm1960 Posted October 12, 2016 Members Share Posted October 12, 2016 I've had to do a few gigs where it dipped down into the 40's. It really tends to suck the fun out of it but I've managed although I really prefer not to do it anymore. Like everyone says, dress warmly. Perhaps an electric/gas heater nearby you can reach out to occasionally. It's not bad at first but cold creeps up and in on you so maybe take more breaks than usual and heat up between sets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members stratotastic Posted October 13, 2016 Members Share Posted October 13, 2016 I would back out. Seriously. Not sure if it is your livelihood or if you have a day job too, but I would just tell the other guys I'm not doing it, and they can move on with a sub or just cancel the show. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Kramerguy Posted October 14, 2016 Author Members Share Posted October 14, 2016 I am considering one of those space hearters next to my guitar to keep it comfortable , and especially the neck nice and warm.. but with all our amps, lights, etc.. we blow fuses as it is LOL. Probably not gonna happen. I'm gonna just layer up and one of our guys has those thermal wraps for hands. I like the carpet idea, but we're probably going to be playing on hard ground Alcohol it is. I have a flask and apple pie moonshine.. that'll do the trick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members t_e_l_e Posted October 16, 2016 Members Share Posted October 16, 2016 again keep your feet warm. good isolating shoes and extra socks are essential. no matter what you put on your hands etc. if your feet starting to get cold your whole body will feel cold, no matter what else you wear cold feet -> cold everything Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members DeepEnd Posted October 18, 2016 Members Share Posted October 18, 2016 again keep your feet warm. good isolating shoes and extra socks are essential. no matter what you put on your hands etc. if your feet starting to get cold your whole body will feel cold, no matter what else you wear cold feet -> cold everything It's also vital to cover your head. Keep your noggin and tootsies warm and you stand a better chance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Vito Corleone Posted October 22, 2016 Members Share Posted October 22, 2016 Up here in Lake Tahoe I've done a lot of outdoor ski resort gigs over the years. Try to get the venue to provide you with enough of those gas heater things that they can cover the stage pretty well Also get some packets of "Hot Hands" hand warmers or something similar to put in your pockets or even in your shoes if need be Good luck and keep moving! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members t_e_l_e Posted November 4, 2016 Members Share Posted November 4, 2016 how was the gig? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members RoadRanger Posted November 4, 2016 Members Share Posted November 4, 2016 how was the gig?They're using him as a statue until he thaws out in the spring . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jeff42 Posted November 7, 2016 Members Share Posted November 7, 2016 Guess your gig Probably wasnt too bad weather wise I'm about 1.5 hr drive north of the ski resort and the whole weekend wasnt bad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members RoadRanger Posted November 7, 2016 Members Share Posted November 7, 2016 Found him: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Kramerguy Posted November 21, 2016 Author Members Share Posted November 21, 2016 how was the gig? Hey sorry- work has been kicking my ass the last couple months... As it turned out, the weather turned balmy for October, I don't think it dropped below 65 that night, with little to no breeze.. it actually felt great to gig in that temp I knew mid-afternoon when it peaked around 72 degrees that we were gonna be ok. I wore jeans, t-shirt, flannel unbuttoned and brought a hoodie for good measure. Never had to break out the hoodie until halfway through breakdown. And then we got paid. In ski lift gift certificates. In their defense, we knew that going into it. hah. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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