What Is Backline Equipment?

Backline equipment refers to the musical instruments, amplifiers and supporting equipment that performers use on stage during a live event or production.

It commonly includes equipment such as:

Drum kits
Cymbals
Guitar amplifiers
Bass amplifiers
Keyboards
Digital pianos
Keyboard stands
Guitar and bass accessories
Drum hardware
Pedals and related equipment

In simple terms, backline is the equipment musicians need to perform on stage, excluding the main PA system that sends the performance to the audience.

For concerts, festivals, corporate events, church programmes and touring productions, having the correct backline can be just as important as having the right sound system.

What Does Backline Include?

There is no single universal backline package.

The required equipment depends on the artist, band, genre, performance and technical rider.

However, common backline categories include the following.

1. Drum Kits

A drum kit is one of the most common backline requirements for live bands.

A typical drum setup may include:

Kick drum
Snare drum
Rack toms
Floor tom
Hi-hat
Cymbals
Drum throne
Hardware
Kick pedal

The exact configuration may be specified by the artist.

Some drummers may request particular drum sizes, cymbal brands or hardware configurations.

2. Guitar Amplifiers

Electric guitarists typically require an amplifier or amplifier and cabinet combination.

The appropriate amplifier depends on the guitarist’s preferred tone, playing style and technical requirements.

A technical rider may specify a particular amplifier model or an acceptable alternative.

For professional productions, it is important to confirm the requested equipment before the event rather than assuming that any guitar amplifier will be suitable.

3. Bass Amplifiers

Bass players typically require a bass amplifier and cabinet capable of delivering sufficient output for the performance.

The bass rig may include:

Bass head
Speaker cabinet
Combo amplifier
DI connection
Pedals

The final setup depends on the artist’s requirements and the overall production design.

4. Keyboards and Digital Pianos

Keyboard players may require:

Stage keyboards
Digital pianos
Workstations
Keyboard stands
Sustain pedals
Expression pedals
Additional controllers

Some artists may request specific keyboard models because of their sounds, key action or workflow.

5. Piano

Depending on the venue and production, the backline may include an acoustic piano or digital piano.

For a touring production, the artist may specify the type of piano required.

The production team also needs to consider practical factors such as:

Stage space
Access to the venue
Power
Weight
Tuning
Placement

6. Keyboard Stands and Accessories

Backline isn’t limited to the main instruments.

Supporting equipment can include:

Keyboard stands
Guitar stands
Music stands
Drum thrones
Sustain pedals
Power supplies
Instrument cables
Accessories

Small missing items can create major problems during a live performance, so they should be included in the production checklist.

What Is the Difference Between Backline and PA Equipment?

This is one of the most common sources of confusion.

Backline equipment is primarily used by the musicians and performers.

PA equipment is used to amplify and distribute sound to the audience.

For example:

Backline	PA System
Drum kit	Main speakers
Guitar amplifier	Subwoofers
Bass amplifier	Mixing console
Keyboard	Microphones
Digital piano	Stage monitors
Pedals	Amplifiers
Instrument accessories	Signal processing

There can be some overlap depending on the production.

For example, a guitar amplifier is part of the musician’s backline, but a microphone placed in front of the amplifier becomes part of the sound reinforcement system.

Why Is Backline Important for Live Events?

A professional live performance depends on more than the main PA.

Musicians need familiar and appropriate instruments and equipment to perform comfortably and consistently.

The right backline can help with:

Performance consistency

Artists can work with equipment that matches their requirements.

Faster setup

A properly prepared backline reduces unnecessary delays during soundcheck.

Technical compatibility

The backline can be prepared according to the artist’s input list and stage requirements.

Touring efficiency

Artists travelling between venues may rely on local backline suppliers rather than transporting every piece of equipment themselves.

Reduced logistical complexity

Moving a complete drum kit, multiple amplifiers and keyboards between cities can be expensive and difficult.

Who Usually Provides the Backline?

Depending on the production, backline may be supplied by:

The artist
The artist’s management
The event organiser
The promoter
The venue
A professional backline rental company
The event production company

The responsibility should be confirmed before the event.

A technical rider will often specify what the artist expects the production team to provide.

What Is a Backline Rider?

A backline rider is the part of an artist’s technical requirements that specifies the musical equipment needed for the performance.

It may specify:

Drum kit
Cymbals
Guitar amplifiers
Bass amplifiers
Keyboards
Pianos
Pedals
Stands
Accessories
Preferred brands or models

For example, a rider might specify a particular guitar amplifier model.

If that exact model is unavailable, the production team should discuss an appropriate substitute with the artist or production manager.

Why Do Artists Specify Particular Brands?

Artists sometimes request specific equipment because they are familiar with how it sounds and performs.

A guitarist may have a preferred amplifier.

A drummer may have preferred cymbals.

A keyboard player may require a particular keyboard because of its sounds or playing characteristics.

These specifications are not necessarily about brand preference alone.

They can be part of the artist’s performance requirements.

What Should a Backline Supplier Check?

A professional backline supplier should review the artist’s requirements carefully.

Important considerations include:

Equipment availability

Is the requested equipment actually available for the event date?

Condition

Is the equipment properly maintained and suitable for professional use?

Substitutions

If a requested model is unavailable, what acceptable alternative can be provided?

Quantity

Does the production require multiple instruments or amplifiers?

Accessories

Are stands, cables, pedals, hardware and power supplies included?

Delivery

When does the equipment need to arrive at the venue?

Setup

Does the supplier need to position or configure the equipment?

Soundcheck

Will the equipment be available during the scheduled soundcheck?

Backline Checklist for a Live Band

Before a concert, confirm:

Drum kit
Cymbals
Drum hardware
Drum throne
Kick pedal
Guitar amplifiers
Bass amplifier
Keyboards
Digital piano
Keyboard stands
Sustain pedals
Guitar stands
Music stands
Instrument cables
Power requirements
DI boxes
Microphone requirements
Stage plot
Input list
Technical rider
Delivery time
Soundcheck schedule

The exact list should always be based on the band’s technical requirements.

How Much Does Backline Rental Cost?

There is no single price for backline rental.

The cost can depend on:

Type of equipment
Brand and model
Quantity
Event duration
Location
Delivery requirements
Setup requirements
Equipment availability
Technical crew requirements

A small event requiring one keyboard and a guitar amplifier will obviously have different requirements from a large concert requiring a complete drum kit, multiple amplifiers, keyboards and accessories.

For that reason, professional backline suppliers typically quote based on the actual production requirements.

Backline for Concerts vs Corporate Events

Backline requirements can vary considerably depending on the event.

Concerts

Concerts may require complete band setups including:

Drums
Guitar rigs
Bass rigs
Keyboards
Pianos
Pedals
Stands
Additional accessories

Corporate events

Corporate events may have more limited backline requirements.

For example, an event featuring a small live band may only require:

Drum kit
Keyboard
Bass amplifier
Guitar amplifier

Church events

Church programmes can involve bands, worship teams and guest artists with varying backline requirements.

The technical rider should be reviewed before the equipment is arranged.

Common Backline Mistakes

1. Waiting Until Event Day

Backline should be confirmed before the production begins.

2. Ignoring the Technical Rider

The rider exists to communicate the artist’s requirements.

3. Assuming Similar Equipment Is Always Acceptable

Two pieces of equipment may perform very differently.

4. Forgetting Accessories

A keyboard without the correct stand or a drum kit without essential hardware is not a complete solution.

5. Not Allowing Enough Setup Time

Equipment needs to be positioned, connected and checked before the artist’s soundcheck.

Backline Rental vs Transporting Your Own Equipment

For local performances, artists may choose to use their own equipment.

For touring artists or productions involving significant travel, renting backline locally can be more practical.

It can reduce:

Transport costs
Baggage requirements
Logistics
Setup time
Risk of equipment damage

The best approach depends on the production and the artist’s requirements.

Final Thoughts

Backline equipment is an essential part of professional live production.

It provides musicians with the instruments, amplifiers and supporting equipment they need to perform, while the PA system handles the distribution of sound to the audience.

The most important step is to start with the artist’s technical requirements.

Once the technical rider, stage plot and backline requirements are understood, the production team can source, prepare and test the appropriate equipment before the event.

Need Professional Backline for Your Event?

Royalty Global Sound provides professional backline supply and live sound production for concerts, events, artists and productions.

Whether you need a complete band setup or specific instruments and amplifiers, RGS can help coordinate the equipment required for your production.

Request Backline Support

Related RGS Services: Backline Supply | Sound Reinforcement | Technical Consultancy

What Is Backline Equipment? A Complete Guide for Artists, Bands and Event Organizers