A backline technician looks after the band's instruments and amplification: setting them up, keeping them working, and fixing them when something goes wrong. On a big tour, each player might have their own tech. On a one-off show, a single tech might handle the whole stage. This guide explains what a backline tech does before, during, and after a show, when a production benefits from one, and how to brief them well.
What a backline tech does
The role varies with the production, but most backline techs handle some or all of these:
Before the show
- Receive and check rented or delivered gear against the order
- Set up drums, amps, keyboards, and stands according to the stage plot
- Restring guitars and basses, change drumheads, and tune instruments
- Check that everything powers on and works
- Prepare spares: strings, heads, cables, batteries, and backup instruments
During soundcheck
- Help players adjust gear to their preferences
- Work with the sound engineer on amp placement and settings
- Fix any problems that come up
During the show
- Stand by on the side of the stage
- Hand players spare instruments between songs or when a string breaks
- Fix problems quickly: a dropped cymbal, a failing cable, a pedal that stops working
- Keep instruments in tune
After the show
- Pack gear safely for travel or for return to the vendor
- Note anything that needs repair or replacement
- Check rented gear against the order before collection
Types of backline techs
On larger productions, techs often specialize:
- Guitar techs look after guitars, basses, amps, and pedalboards
- Drum techs look after kits, hardware, and cymbals
- Keyboard techs look after keyboards, synthesizers, and related computers and software
- Backline crew chiefs coordinate all the backline on a production
On smaller shows, one person may cover everything. Some backline rental companies also offer techs who come with the rental.
When you need a backline tech
Not every show needs one. A tech is especially helpful when:
- The band is renting most of its gear. Someone needs to check, set up, and adjust unfamiliar instruments.
- Changeovers are tight. Festivals and multi-act bills need quick, reliable setup. See our festival backline guide.
- The setup is complex. Multiple keyboards, extensive pedalboards, or electronic rigs benefit from someone who knows them.
- The show is high-stakes. Industry showcases, TV tapings, and major events can't afford gear failures.
- The band can't do it themselves. Players who need to focus on performing, or who aren't comfortable with repairs.
For a small club show where the band brings its own familiar gear, a tech may not be necessary. The band can often handle setup and minor problems themselves.
Hiring a tech through a rental vendor
Many backline rental companies offer a tech as part of the rental, or as an extra. This can work well:
- The tech knows the gear, because it's the vendor's
- The tech can fix or replace items quickly
- Delivery, setup, and tech support come from one source
Ask what's included. Some vendors offer setup and strike only; others offer a tech for the whole day, including the show. Check the hours, and what happens if the day runs long. In Los Angeles, you can browse backline rental companies that offer techs.
How to brief a backline tech
A good brief makes a tech far more effective. Before the show, send:
- The stage plot and input list, so they know the layout
- The backline list, showing what's rented, what the band brings, and any substitutions
- The schedule: load-in, soundcheck, set times, and load-out
- Player preferences: string gauges, tunings, drum setup, amp settings, keyboard sounds
- Spares needed: how many spare guitars, sticks, strings, heads
- Contacts: the tour manager or production contact, and each player's preferences
- Known issues: any gear that's been unreliable, or any special requirements
On the day, introduce the tech to the band. A few minutes of conversation with each player about how they like things set up saves a lot of time later.
Player preferences worth sharing
The details that matter most vary by instrument:
- Guitar and bass: string gauges, tunings, action preferences, which guitars are used for which songs, pedalboard layout
- Drums: kit layout, throne height, cymbal positions, head preferences, how tight the kick and snare are tuned
- Keyboards: which sounds are used, how the keyboards are stacked, sustain pedal polarity, connections to computers
- General: setlist, with any instrument changes noted
A setlist marked with instrument changes is one of the most useful documents a tech can have.
Working with the rest of the crew
A backline tech works closely with:
- The sound engineer, on amp placement, DI boxes, and how the backline feeds the sound system
- The monitor engineer, on the players' monitor needs
- The stage manager, on changeovers and timings
- The venue crew, on load-in and stage access
Introduce the tech to each of them early in the day.
Techs and rented gear
When a tech is working with rented backline:
- Check every item on delivery and photograph any existing damage
- Follow the vendor's guidance on repairs; don't make major modifications without permission
- Report any problems to the vendor straight away
- Return gear in the condition it was received
Our guide to backline damage, insurance, and deposits explains why this matters.
What to agree before booking
Whether the tech comes through a vendor or is hired directly, agree on the basics in writing:
- Hours: call time, expected finish, and what happens if the day runs over
- Scope: setup and strike only, or soundcheck and the show too
- Consumables: who supplies strings, heads, and batteries
- Rate and payment: day rate, overtime, and travel
- Meals and breaks: especially on long days
- Access and credentials: so the tech can get to the stage
Clear terms avoid awkward conversations at the end of a long night. If the tech is joining a tour rather than a single show, also agree on travel, hotels, per diems, and how long the engagement lasts.
A tech's toolkit
A well-prepared tech usually brings:
- Strings, drumheads, sticks, and picks
- Cables, adapters, and spare power supplies
- Batteries
- Tuners
- Basic tools: screwdrivers, drum keys, pliers, a soldering iron
- Gaffer tape and cable ties
- A flashlight
If the production expects the tech to supply consumables, agree on it in advance. Strings and drumheads are a real cost over a tour.
When things go wrong
A tech's biggest value often shows when something fails. A string breaks mid-song, a pedal dies, a snare head splits. A prepared tech has the spare ready and the fix underway before the audience notices. For bigger problems, like missing or broken gear before the show, see last-minute backline recovery.
Frequently asked questions
What does a backline tech do?
A backline tech sets up, maintains, and fixes the band's instruments and amplification, before, during, and after the show, and stands by on stage to solve problems quickly.
Do I need a backline tech for a one-off show?
Not always. It helps most when the band is renting unfamiliar gear, changeovers are tight, the setup is complex, or the show is high-stakes.
Can a rental company provide a backline tech?
Many can, either as part of the rental or as an extra. Ask what's included, such as setup and strike only or a tech for the whole day.