Technical riders
Write, review and confirm the documents and responsibilities before show day.
Essential guideHow to Prepare a Professional Backline Technical Rider
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The Handbook
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Professional knowledge for planning, specifying and delivering backline for live productions.
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Choose a subject, start with its essential guide, then explore the decisions that need closer attention.
Drum backline
Specify a complete drum position, from shells and cymbals to the player's smallest requirements.
Explore drum backline (8 guides)
- Snare Drums on Technical Riders: Size, Depth, Material and Alternatives
- Drum Hardware on a Rider: What Does Full Hardware Actually Mean?
- Drum Pedals on a Backline Rider: What to Specify Before the Show
- Drum Thrones: Why the Exact Seat and Height Can Matter
- Drum Heads for Rental Backline: What Should an Artist Specify?
- Drumsticks, Brushes and Mallets: What to Confirm Before Renting Drum Backline
- Why Does Every Drummer Ask for Different Cymbals?
Keyboard backline
Confirm the instrument, compatible pedals and a stable playing position.
Essential guideWhy Can't Every Keyboard Be Replaced with a Nord?
Explore keyboard backline (3 guides)
Guitar & bass
Advance amplifier systems, switching, cabinet compatibility and usable backups.
Audio + backline
Coordinate capture, DI paths, stage level and monitoring across departments.
Essential guideBackline vs Sound: Why Both Must Work Together
Explore audio + backline (7 guides)
- Why Does In-Ear Monitoring Change Backline Requirements?
- Active vs Passive DI Boxes Explained
- Why Are Guitar Cabinets Pointed Sideways on Stage?
- Why Does Stage Volume Matter?
- Why Do Keyboardists Use DI Boxes but Guitarists Use Microphones?
- Why Professional Guitar Amplifiers Are Mic'd Instead of Connected with a DI Box
Production planning
Prepare concerts, festivals, private events, recording sessions and broadcast productions.
Essential guideConcert Backline Planning
Touring & international
Maintain continuity across cities and verify supply across international dates.
Essential guideTouring Backline Across Multiple Cities
Explore touring & international (3 guides)
Fundamentals & rental decisions
Understand backline, choose a partner and agree a prepared, clearly scoped rental.
Latest from The Handbook
Recently published guidance.
Touring India: A Backline Guide for International Artists & Production TeamsAdvance an India tour with rider review, local backline, approved models, technician scope, venue access and a clear plan for each date.Read Article →
Keyboard Pedals on a Technical Rider: Sustain, Expression and SwitchingSpecify sustain, expression and switching pedals by keyboard model, function and compatibility before confirming rental backline.Read Article →
Artist-Carried vs Locally Supplied Backline: Who Brings What?Document who supplies instruments, accessories and spares, then confirm compatibility and handovers for a mixed touring and rental setup.Read Article →From guidance to preparation
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