Your guide to musician essentials.
Let's be real—being a musician isn't just about the talent. It's about being prepared. After all, the show must go on.
What happens when a sudden emergency strikes before a big gig? Do you have the means to fix it and move forward without anyone noticing? In reality, that's what show business is all about. Having the right gear can make or break your musical journey.
Beyond instruments, we've compiled a list of must-haves for any musician. From backup batteries to high-quality earplugs, there are the essentials you need to thrive in the music scene.
Check out our BUZZ-approved products below—handpicked to keep you equipped, prepared, and ready to rock as a musician.
High-Quality Earplugs
Protect those eardrums!
You want to create and hear music for as long as you can—don't you? Protect those precious eardrums like they’re the crown jewels of your auditory kingdom. High-quality earplugs are the unsung heroes of modern life, shielding you from the thundering bass at rehearsals and concerts.
They’re not just about turning down the volume—they're about fine-tuning your soundscape, letting you enjoy the world without risking the “eee” of eternal tinnitus. Shop here.
Microphone Sanitizing Spray
If you're a regular at open mics, microphone sanitizing spray is your backstage BFF—your armor against the communal slobber symphony.
Think of it as a force field between you and the ghost of karaoke nights past. Without it, you're not just sharing the stage; you’re swapping spit with a dozen other performers and their questionable hygiene habits.
A quick spritz and voilà!—you’ve got a mic that’s fresh, clean, and ready for your vocals to steal the show. Plus, you can wake up the next morning with your pipes intact, not trading your high notes for cough drops. Stay sanitized, friends.
Guitar/Instrument Tuner
This one’s a no-brainer: a guitar tuner isn’t just a gadget—it’s your secret weapon for sounding like a pro.
Sure, you could fumble with YouTube videos or tune by ear like a 70s rock star, but why risk playing a song that sounds like a cat walking on piano keys? A tuner makes life easier, keeps your audience’s ears happy, and gives you that polished “I’ve got this” vibe.
Trust us. Nothing says “serious musician” like whipping out your own tuner and nailing the perfect pitch every time.
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Reliable Metronome
Timing isn’t everything—it’s the thing, and a reliable metronome is the drummer you didn’t know you needed (and one that won’t steal your snacks at rehearsal). Whether you're shredding guitar, tickling the ivories, or learning to stay on beat in your kazoo ensemble (hey, no judgment), a metronome ensures your rhythm stays tighter than your favorite pair of skinny jeans. Plus, your bandmates will stop giving you that “Was that a tempo change or a train wreck?” look. Invest in a good one—your music and your dignity will thank you. Shop here.
Sturdy Music Stand
Let’s face it—a wobbly music stand is the enemy of focus and the ultimate vibe killer. One gust of wind or an over-enthusiastic page turn, and suddenly, your sheet music is doing its own interpretive dance.
A sturdy music stand is like a solid stage under your feet—it keeps everything steady so you can concentrate on nailing that tricky passage instead of chasing runaway scores.
Do yourself a favor: ditch the flimsy, unreliable contraption and invest in a stand that’s built to last. Your sheet music—and your sanity—will thank you!
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Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
Your instrument deserves to sparkle as much as your performance, and a microfiber cleaning cloth is the MVP of musical maintenance. Whether it’s polishing fingerprints off your guitar, banishing smudges from your brass, or making your piano keys gleam, this soft little hero does it all without scratching a single surface. Plus, a clean instrument doesn’t just look good; it sounds better, too! So, keep one handy because on stage, it’s not just your talent that should shine. Shop here.
Compact Tool Kit
Strings snap, screws wiggle loose, and drumheads slacken—musical mishaps don’t wait for a convenient moment. Enter the compact tool kit: your portable superhero squad for quick fixes on the fly. With the right tools at your side, you can swap a broken string mid-gig, tighten a loose tuning peg, or rescue a rebellious drum in record time. It’s small, mighty, and always ready to save the day—because the show must go on. Shop here.
External Battery Pack
Your gear runs on power, and nothing kills the vibe faster than a dead battery in the middle of a killer jam session. An external battery pack is the unsung hero of every musician’s toolkit, keeping your pedals, tuners, or even your phone fully charged and ready for action. It’s like having a portable power station for your creativity—because no one wants their masterpiece interrupted by a “low battery” warning. Keep the music alive and the energy flowing, no outlets required. Shop here.
Notebook For Lyrics/Song Ideas
For songwriters, a notebook for lyrics is more than just paper and ink—it’s where inspiration turns into magic.
Sure, your notes app might save a lyric or two, but there’s something about the tactile feel of pen on paper that sparks creativity like nothing else. It’s where you can scribble your wildest ideas, doodle out your next hook, or jot down lyrics in the middle of a coffee shop, no Wi-Fi needed.
Plus, flipping through the pages later is way cooler than scrolling through a screen. So, grab that notebook and let the songwriting begin.
Cable Organizers
So, your band room looks like a spaghetti factory exploded—wires everywhere, tangled in a chaotic dance of doom. It’s time to take control with cable organizers and ties.
These little heroes will keep your cables neat, tangle-free, and safely out of your way so you can focus on creating—not tripping over your own setup. Think of them as the backstage crew of your gear, keeping everything tidy and hazard-free so your creativity can flow without the constant fear of an accidental guitar-string-snapping wire disaster.
Time to untangle your life and rock on, wire-free.
Shop here.
Durable Instrument Cables
Cheap instrument cables are like that friend who says they’ll “totally be there on time” but always show up late—and worse, they bring unwanted noise along with them.
If you want your sound to be as smooth as your riffs, it’s time to ditch the flimsy cables and invest in durable, high-quality ones. A solid cable keeps your signal crystal clear without buzzing, crackling, or cutting out mid-solo.
Think of it as the unsung hero in your setup—quietly working behind the scenes to make sure your music sounds as sharp as your performance.
Quality cables = frustration-free jamming.
Shop here.
Laptop Cooling Pad
Is Ableton pushing your laptop to the brink of meltdown? Producers, we’re looking at you—don’t let your beats overheat along with your machine.
A cooling pad is the unsung hero of long studio sessions, ensuring your laptop stays chill while you’re cranking out those fire tracks. No more unexpected shutdowns or worrying if your laptop is about to start smoking—just smooth, uninterrupted creativity.
Keep your gear cool, and your flow will stay hot because nothing kills the vibe faster than a laptop that can’t handle your genius.
Portable Humidifier
Wooden instruments are like the divas of the music world—they need the right conditions to thrive. In dry environments, they can get cranky, cracking, and warping like an unhappy violinist. Enter the portable humidifier, your wooden instrument's best friend. With a quick puff of moisture, you’ll keep your instruments happy, hydrated, and sounding as sweet as ever. It’s like a spa day for your guitar, violin, or flute—ensuring they stay smooth, crack-free, and ready to perform. Keep your wood in top shape, and let the music flow without a hitch.
Small Flashlight
Whether the power goes out mid-session or you're working in a dimly lit practice space, a small flashlight or headlamp is your backstage hero. No more fumbling in the dark, trying to find your pick, or strumming with zero visibility. With a portable light source, you can keep the creative juices flowing, even when the lights aren’t. Plus, headlamps are like personal spotlights—hands-free, super functional, and guaranteed to make you look like the coolest musician navigating the shadows. Keep one handy and shine on, no matter the time or place.
Multi-Outlet Surge Protector
Do you have multiple pedals, an amp, an interface, and maybe even a coffee maker for those late-night jams? A multi-outlet surge protector is your gear’s best friend.
It’s like giving your precious equipment a safety net, shielding everything from power surges and electrical hiccups that could fry your gear faster than you can say "feedback loop." Keep your setup running smoothly while avoiding the heartbreak of fried circuits.
Plus, it keeps your cables organized and your stage looking as neat as your sound is tight—because, let's face it, no one wants their guitar solo interrupted by a power outage.
Shop here.
Comfortable Backpack/Gig Bag
On the road, your gear is your baby, and getting it from point A to point B safely and comfortably is crucial. That’s where a sturdy, comfortable backpack or gig bag comes in. It’s more than just a carrier—it’s your backstage buddy, making sure your instrument stays protected while you breeze through the airport, hop on the subway, or wander through that endless parking lot after the gig.
With padded straps and compartments for everything from cables to picks, you’ll feel like you’re carrying a treasure chest, not a cumbersome load. Shop here.
Water Bottle
When you're rocking out and breaking a sweat, the last thing you want is to stop mid-solo to mop up a water spill! A water bottle with a secure lid is your backstage MVP, keeping you hydrated without the risk of any accidental floods. No more juggling your instrument with a flimsy bottle that needs two hands to open—just twist, sip, and get back to the music. It’s spill-proof and hassle-free hydration, so you can focus on what really matters: delivering your best performance without any interruptions or soggy setlists! Stay refreshed and rock on without the mess.
Portable Audio Recorder
Phones are great, but let’s face it—they’re a vortex of distractions. One minute you're trying to record that perfect melody and the next, you're sucked into a TikTok rabbit hole.
A portable audio recorder is the secret weapon you never knew you needed—small enough to slip into your pocket but powerful enough to instantly capture your genius.
Whether you’re in the middle of a creative burst or singing in the shower (don’t act like you don’t), this handy device ensures your next hit doesn’t slip away like a fleeting thought.
Record, capture, and move on—no distractions, just music.
Shop here.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
When you must focus and tune out the world, noise-canceling headphones are your best friend. Whether mixing tracks, composing the next chart-topping hit, or just trying to block out the sound of your roommate's latest "band practice," these headphones deliver complete, blissful silence. A good pair will make you feel like you're in your own soundproof bubble, letting you hear every note and nuance without distraction. It’s not just about blocking noise—it’s about elevating your sound to the next level.
First Aid Kit
Hey, accidents happen—especially when you're rocking out and jumping around like a stage warrior. Whether it’s a paper cut from your sheet music, a string snap that leaves you with a battle wound, or a drumstick that takes flight and lands in the wrong place, a first aid kit is a must-have for every musician. Stay prepared for the odd (and not-so-odd) injury, and keep your fingers, arms, and ego in one piece. Because nothing says "professional" like taking care of yourself and your gear—ready to take your next gig by the horns, no Band-Aids required.
Conclusion:
So there you have it—your ultimate toolkit to keep you rocking, rolling, and ready for anything. Whether you're fine-tuning your sound, protecting your gear, or simply ensuring you stay hydrated between sets, these essentials will help you stay in top form. Being a musician isn’t just about the talent; it’s about the tools supporting it. So, invest in the right gear, stay prepared, and let the music flow—because when you’re equipped for success, there’s nothing you can’t conquer.
Rock on.
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