Behind The Scenes w/ a Touring Guitar Tech during the Pandemic | [2 Days With A Roadie]

Enjoy as I take you behind the scenes for a couple days and show you what it looks like in the day of a touring guitar tech. Our daily routines have changed a lot due to the pandemic, but this still gives you a good feel of what we do on tour on a daily basis.
Patreon: / tankthetech
Donate on PayPal: paypal.me/tank...
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GEAR I USE AND/OR WORK ON:
Road Cases/Work Boxes: Circle Three Designs
Small/Travel Cases: Pelican, SKB
Tuners: TC Electronic Polytune 3 Pedal Tuner, Peterson StroboStomp HD Tuner Pedal
In-Ear Monitors: JH Audio JH7
Cleaners: MusicNomad Care, GHS Gorgomyte, Big Bend's Nut Sauce
Tools: MusicNomad Care, miscellaneous
Amps: Fractal Audio AXE-Fx III
Electric Guitars: ESP, Fender, Gibson
Acoustic Guitars: Breedlove
Strings: Ernie Ball
Picks: InTune, Ernie Ball
Capos: Kyser
Cables: Ernie Ball, Planet Waves, custom/self made
Crew Clothing: Violent Gentlemen
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Be sure to follow me on my other social media platforms:
Instagram: / tankthetech
Twitter: / tankthetech
Twitch: / tankthetech
Discord Channel: / discord
KZbin: / tankthetech
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#tankthetech #guitartech #roadiereactions #tankthetech

[@TankTheTech]

Thank you for watching, everyone! This is my first time attempting to do a video like this, so it may be a little raw and unorganized. Please feel free to leave any constructive criticism or anything you would like to see in future videos like this in the replies below this!

[@rwallace183]

I actually have to wonder, since I'm a hobby metal guitarist myself and I love seeing how you get guitars prepped, do you also have to set up new guitars as well for the band members, or does another person do that?

[@Garbox80]

Raw and unorganized... just like the day itself (in a way)? 😁 No, this was so fun to watch, thank you 🤘

[@toiddiot1629]

Good to see u working man! I know u missed it. It's always nice to see a pro doing their thing, whatever the thing is. To me it's interesting 😊🤘

[@phildeval]

I don't want to spam you but this needs to be huge listen to It o react to It as you prefer kzbin.info/www/bejne/npmYg4OcmZV3n9U but this needs to grow. I am just someone who appreciates your Channel ... greatings from Spain

[@billd5351]

Kinda wild how the algorithm works I had no idea why this video was suggested to me but I watched it anyway. Weird thing is I went to grade school with the bassist in that band and my wife's parents are good friends with his. I enjoyed the video, its interesting to see how all that stuff goes together.

[@yourpersonaldietitian8190]

I’m liking every comment mentioning Blastoise. Knowing he’s well-loved by many makes my heart warm.

[@oh_hey_its_b]

What a cool glimpse into techie life. Thanks for taking the time to do it. Looking forward to more!

[@TankTheTech]

Yeah, I hope to do more in the future, and also do some gear rundown videos and setup tutorials and stuff.

[@juliettemcgee9055]

Ay, shout out to Blastoise! It's so refreshing to see a content other than reactions on your channel, Tank. Would be cool to add in some Tank Facts on how you measure string to fret distance, the intonation settings, adjustment of the neck as you go along, etc. Anyway, this was well-shot and well-edited, I found your background music during the fast-paced scenes kinda therapeutic. Thanks for sharing!

[@ScottyR66]

Good to see the back stage shenanigans.

[@michaausleipzig]

Whoa, thank you so much for this insight! As someone who has absolutely zero idea of whats going on back stage and with all the tech stuff, this was a really amazing behind the scenes look! Really makes me appreciate all those people who are truly responsible for making bands sound the way they sound. I hope there'll be more such videos in the future, if of course live shows will ever be a thing again in the foreseeable future... Keep up the amazing stuff you do, your vids are among the best here for sure. I mean even if I'm sometimes not too much into the song you're reacting to, the facts, your gear talk and your cool attitude always make up for it!

[@TankTheTech]

Thank you. Definitely want to do more of these!

[@Ramcharger.Outdoors]

I remember when I was too young to help my dad set up because they were playing in bars so I would just hand them the gear I could pick up from his van. Later on I was able to help out the whole band when I got older for all the set up wherever I could.

[@rocioiribe5841]

This is very cool. Never watched a vlog like this. Thank you for sharing!

[@TankTheTech]

Thanks for watching!

[@JohnMiller-te4ov]

I was mind blown at the amount of expensive equipment. It helps bring into focus some of the pricing consumers see

[@kimclements4680]

Thanks for taking the time and sharing!

[@ayrie09]

This was so interesting to watch! Thank you, Tank. As someone who doesn't have a clue what is going on behind the stages of all those concerts I went to I really appreciate the insight!

[@MD-ee2fq]

Im so glad youtube recommended this to me since its already 2 years old and i didnt have it on my radar. Its so cool to see the actual work behind the scenes. Its so different from just a q&a

[@MuscleCarLover]

I know I'm almost 3 years late, but I just have to say that seeing you tune up to pitch in playing position would be an insta-hire. In so many other people's videos, I see them doing it while it's laying down

[@L1...]

Interesting vlog. I didn't realize how much work goes into preparing a guitar to be played.

[@chrisvoa]

as an ex travelling musician, you guys do all the work so thankyou!

[@FaresX2023]

I don't know why, but I felt happy and excited in your place. Glad you're back to your world man... I'm almost in tears. Keep them coming bro !

[@everett880]

Great BTS footage, Tank! I hope this will be a new series 'Teching with a Roadie.' Maybe a closer look at proper fretwork, like tips on installing new / dressing frets, the tools you used, how to avoid excessive forward / backward bow, truss rod adjustment, etc. Looking forward to more of this type of content! 👍

[@StergiosMekras]

Puppies! ...I knew there was a reason I liked you, Tank.

[@zombyinstrumentservices7144]

Love the video man!! I was a stage tech and LD for 4 year for a local production company. And I've seen yall doing work, never realized how much yall do. Dope af!

[@leemoseley1120]

This was great, Tank. Thank you for sharing. My brother is currently learning the proper soldering techniques, he often messed with the solder joint.

[@TankTheTech]

I am trash at soldering even after years of doing this. Hahaha

[@LostDryerSocks]

If it really is December 7th, I am actually watching this exactly one year since it was recorded just by chance!

[@TheSweezer]

Finding a tech job of any kind in Nashville is a blessing cuz everyone here is in the business.

[@mikewolosz9456]

See while I could play bass and guitar never had it to make it. But always was thinking a roadie would be great. You are the guys the crowd never really thinking about. I did some load in and outs for friends and while hard work the guys loved the effort we put in. So big appreciation from me

[@leviathan_is_me]

Getting to see puppies 🐶 is ALWAYS a good "make up for it" thing....always.

[@lea-anne9133]

I love all this kind bts stuff. It's where all the magic happens🤘🏻🎸🎹🥁🎻🎛 and I totally appreciate the puppies at the end!🐕🐶

[@roonekoos6146]

Loved it, my brother is a guitar player and it bring back memories. Great video.

[@georgeh.5480]

I love the "make hockey violent again" sticker!!!!! well done!

[@CDiston1]

Awesome video @TankTheTech - amazing to see how all of this is put together and definitely think more videos like this would be great!

[@miguelzamora2011]

This is awesome, a friend of mine was a staging manager for cold war kids for the last decade, and seeing what you do back here gives me a little sneak peek at what that backstage world actually looks like in an organized setting. He would tell me how he would have to fire people for being late for unloading and even his friends that he hired for not maintaining a certain level of professionalism, because without it, that organization would fall apart. Really cool video man!

[@BurpleRX7]

Wow so chill, struggle to think of any tour I have worked that mellow! Love it

[@TankTheTech]

A lot of us have been working together for a while too, and our personalities work well.

[@BurpleRX7]

@@TankTheTech clearly, it’s beautiful to see! Saying that I have only had one REALLY bad tour, and one tour which a monitor tech had to be put in his place after making the caterer cry, luckily it’s rare. I enjoy the fast pace of some of the back to back rolling tours but it certainly grinds on you. I have been out the game 4 years now but still miss it especially when watching videos like this and time lapse stage builds

[@hazelangus]

DUDE. You know what's really amazing? I'd seen this video before and really loved it, but what's so cool is finding and rewatching it after having just watched you clean, re-string and tune your bass. Now I can see everything at work, the layout of separate cleaning cloths, stringing, polishing - all in a professional context, having already seen it but now knowing exactly what you're doing and why. I love books and to me it's like rereading a book after you've already read both that book and the sequel.

[@mattrock12]

Love this type of behind-the-scenes stuff. Always fascinated by what’s happening offstage. Thanks for sharing!

[@CrimChild]

It's fun to see what goes on beyond just the band. I applied for a sound engineer apprenticeship 15 years ago, but sadly ended up applying somewhere else, so it's interesting to see what my everyday could have been like. And as someone who just recently decided to take better care of my guitars, it's interesting to see the tools and products you use. Looking forward to see more of this kind of content.

[@STONEGATE]

Very cool!! Would love to see a detailed run-through of your workbox. Thanks for sharing!!

[@timothylangfordlangfordtec6120]

Man I miss those days. Done some audio production side. Now have a theater I work full time. Hope you continue to have some work. Enjoy your videos!

[@Deilwynna]

4:30 - i heard some james labrie in the background. song: the day the world breaks down, by ayreon

[@TankTheTech]

Yes you did! Good ear!

[@Deilwynna]

@@TankTheTech well, i have listened to ayreons "the source" album quite a few times, i recognize those words from the first lines of the first song quite easily

[@einarthormodster95]

LOved this video! Tank always delivers! :-) One of the "good" ones, NOT a Shitbag, Keep the content going, I really like your content!!

[@TankTheTech]

Thanks a ton, man! I appreciate that!

[@einarthormodster95]

@@TankTheTech No, thank you1 I have learned a lot about all the work done by a roadie and the enormous work behind the big productions. I LOVE it, this channel Tank, is easily one of the best reaction channels! honest, and full of good info. Take care, my friend! :-). I'll be here, love from Norway

[@pete_lind]

@@TankTheTech I have way more realistic video An Evening With Crewish kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKjcaZ-JrsmimqM 6 min 46 sec , so totally real :-)

[@AndyWoohoo666]

Beside being a metal head I also love country, this vlog was a breath of fresh air in a otherwise murky KZbin, not talking about your reactions. This made me realize how much I miss playing with bands. Thanks for this one and please keep on doing these now and then.

[@TankTheTech]

Thanks man!

[@AndyWoohoo666]

@@TankTheTech Yeah, one of the few channels I enjoy but to be honest some of the bands I don't like and honestly don't watch those videos. So not because you're not doing a good job but just because I don't like them. I do however look at bands you review that I've never heard of, always nice to find new bands. I got a lot of unknown ( to KZbinrs ) bands so when ever you want a recommendation let me know ;)

[@BuriedButNotGone]

I'm kinda jealous of all those roadcases. Can't beat good quality gear & cases. They just made the job soooo much better. Awesome video dude! It's fun seeing someone else do what I do (I mean Behind the Scenes Production), only on a much larger scale with so much better equipment

[@anthonysilvano2065]

Can't go anywhere without a Blastoise!

[@andrematos-oreidocanbaixo]

A friend of mine who is also guitar tech from Angra and Machine Head named Eduardo Krueger also uses the Music Nomad equipment, he is an endorser. Very cool to know your work.Thanks for sharing this and strength to the roadies🤟🤟🤟🤟, without you we musicians are nothing

[@andrematos-oreidocanbaixo]

I have also been a roadie and I know the importance of each one, we are all family, we are together in this.

[@TankTheTech]

Nice! I that’s awesome, man! Take care and be safe!

[@AnOldGreyDog]

Fascinating stuff. Only thing I'd ask for is some more description of what you're doing. Like what was the stuff you were dripping on the nut when restringing the white guitar? You know, the less obvious things, not just info about the guitars/strings. Keep it up, though, it makes a welcome addition to the reactions.

[@briangarrison8398]

I was going to ask that. What are you doing to the nut on that ESP Tank?

[@AnOldGreyDog]

@@briangarrison8398 At first, I thought it was superglue, like some sort of super-secret way of stopping it going out of tune 😉

[@TankTheTech]

It’s a lubricant so there is less tension and friction on the strings. In the future, I plan on doing some videos at home where I do a full run through of how I clean and restring a guitar. 👍

[@JustinZeleski]

Way cool. I like that you bend and break in the strings. Dude Brooklyn bowl is cool. Saw Primus play the Brooklyn bowl in vegas.

[@Skybolt211]

Always figured you knew what you were talking about, but very refreshing to see you are the real deal and fun to watch a professional at work. So easy for KZbinrs to label themselves as this or that because they've had piano lessons when they were 7 or played a drum in their high school band. Love the content, Tank.

[@TankTheTech]

Thanks a ton, man!

[@misakiyoshida]

I was a stage hand on the Big Day Out circuit back in the day, lots of Victoria Bitter stubbies and walkie trash talk. Digital guitar amps going to FOH with no floor wedges is a foreign concept to me-- everyone had massive 4x12s and 8x10s that would put your back out during load in, especially in the cases. Great video

[@AudriusZu]

Very cool! Can't wait for more of this stuff! Thank You mate! 🙌 💯🎶

[@manofleisure75]

Love the little Destiny Ghost shell!!

[@Andyanddiana467]

Just found this video and channel - great stuff! I guitar tech semi-professionally for tribute bands playing up and down the Eastern seaboard, and I'm always excited to see how the real pros do it.

[@csnide6702]

I've got a damn good guitar tech.... it's comforting knowing you stuff is all operational and ready to go --- threw out all my pedals - it's awesome feeling... !

[@kdkttn19]

Great content, Tank. I don't think most people fully know what goes into show preparation, even small shows. I'm sure it's great to get back into it, even just a little. Thank you so much for showing this to everyone.

[@davidjessee7701]

Very cool!!! I love the custom shop Telly

[@Ishanaroya]

havent seen this one before, but it is very nice to see your first try-outs. lots of love to you and yours!

[@hazelangus]

This is amazing, thank you for this, very cool to see how the pros do it. Digital amps eh? Useful not to have to carry the traditional stuff, as you say! My brother's old band (metal) weren't signed, just a bunch of young guys doing what they enjoyed, though of course they would have loved to hit it big. I was with them at a lot of their shows, taking pictures and helping set up. It always boggled my mind how they managed to fit a massive cab (which we called the fridge), two amp heads, one bass, two electric guitars plus various pedals, several cymbals, a snare and a kick pedal (my brother would use those with the house drum kit) AND five men in a normal-sized car.

[@shilohivy4590]

I really enjoyed this video.

[@ryankruize4296]

I love Brooklyn Bowl! Saw Red and Starset one show, and Demon Hunter another time

[@briangarrison8398]

Awesome stuff! Thanks and bring us more. I am also more than a little jealous.

[@wellersonpfc]

This is very cool. Never watched a vlog like this. Thank you for sharing! Keep the content going, I really like this one!!!

[@parrotheadlasvegas]

Tank, thanks for this 😊 I was in choir and theatre in high school (25 years ago 😳😲😜). I was performing in 3 choirs and while I was an extra on stage in theatre, I was on set construction, props, follow spot, and more most of the time 😉 The facility we got to use is the Poway Center for the Performing Arts which was a brand new $11 million venue with every facility you can imagine. Those times were such an amazing blessing and you just brought back a flood of memories from back then 😁 I’d been a long haul solo trucker for a few years before you started this and now I work at Utah State University Eastern here in Price, UT combining my computer skills from ages ago with some inventiveness from trucking and adding new audio visual skills as a classroom tech. I’m working on learning to play guitar as well! I have a 1980s Fender Squier Bullet HST that was bought new for me at the time, a Fender Sidekick 15 Reverb amp that was bought with the guitar, a Mitchell MD300 guitar, I’ve given my Mitchell MM100 short scale to my daughter, I gave my Ibanez Mikro to my niece with a Honeytone amp, and I have a Vox Mini 3 amp and a headphone amp from the early 90s. You and Chase and Emppu and a bunch more keep inspiring me 🎸 Thanks again for this interesting, informative, and fun video and please keep rocking 🤘😎👍 And congratulations and best wishes for you and your soon to be expanding family 😃😃😃

[@sphexes]

I loved this. You guys are invaluable to the band. Very fastidious with each guitar and all the equipment. Great back stage glimpse. Thank you!

[@ClaySmith]

Music Nomad makes great stuff. Thanks for sharing!

[@jro2.147]

This was really cool! Thanks for the behind the scenes! I had tickets to see Jinjer at Brooklyn Bowl this year, then Covid hit. Looking forward to checking it out when it's safe.

[@labergsy]

nice to see you in your element....

[@TheOligoclonalBand]

What a great video. I will have to watch it in full tomorrow. Nice to see nothing went wrong - a few days ago I restrung a guitar and the nut detached and I had no way to reattach it. Went on to restring a 12string and one machine head broke when I tried to tune the last string. Hilarious in hindsight, frustrating when it happened. I hope you are doing well.

[@666tonsofsquirrels]

This video is an awesome showcase of the job. Appreciate it, brother 🤘🏿🤘🏿

[@westy85ish]

Just discovered your channel and been binge watching your vids. As someone who plays in a local cover band and covers a couple of Dustin's songs it's pretty cool to see the behind the scenes tech stuff. Also having seen Dustin and Pat Benatar and Journey its cool to hear the stories from someone who worked for them during the times you saw them all. Great stuff keep it up!

[@papaherf7349]

A day in the “life” of Tank..... loved it!!!! Looking forward to seing more ✌️.

[@leonline3424]

The vids i like to watch, i'm a backliner from Italy :)

[@TankTheTech]

Hell yeah, brother!

[@paravarium]

Love seeing your content branching out man, you have loads of potential to really explode.

[@songswithryan]

Cool footage. It would've been nice to also have some narration about the actual work you do on the gear, your specific responsibilities, etc. Loved the dogs at the end!

[@darrenmashl5706]

unsung heroes for a band

[@monstercookies2726]

Great content! Man, I'd be happy to see Blastoise at work too hahaha. Any tips on adjusting the truss rod without fcking it up? My bud tried to go DIY once on the adjustment and man it costs him damage beyond repair.

[@TankTheTech]

Tiny, tiny, tiny turns. Best tip is that if you’re ever unsure, take it to someone that knows what they’re doing.

[@andrewsmith9850]

Damn tank i’m just now seeing this video but these videos are so damn cool man i never really see pov behind the scenes guitar work that’s really cool! P.S yes the blastoise

[@Guitar9235]

As a gear nerd I love tech & BTS videos. Please continue with this content. More techs should be doing similar ;)

[@billydeewilliams9104]

Those little Blackstar amps are awesome.

[@thepagan5432]

I've watched a few different techs working and find the backstage working structure really interesting. Must be great out on tour, but very busy. Doing something you love with a band you admire must be awesome. Just loved the dog's at the end, we've got 8 dogs, sadly lost 4 in the last 3 years. Wonderful companions, even if one of mine is 165lb of prime Pyrenean Mountain furry kid. Great post.

[@rosswoodland6449]

Wow man, that was very cool. I think most people take for granted all that goes into live shows. I hated having to break down and load up my drums after each gig, and you guys do that work and love it, or maybe love getting paid to do it i guess. It was nice to see all the hard work you put into getting those guitars ready on top of all the other busy work you have mixed in. Thanks for sharing you days with us. Great video.

[@TankTheTech]

Even though I'm getting paid to do it, I definitely love it.

[@rosswoodland6449]

@@TankTheTech then you are blessed good sir. keep the good content coming. I missed this video until just yesterday. Thank you.

[@chrisscott820]

Great video man, I loved it and it was very interesting. The captions were great, as much of the kind of information as you can put in helps, even if you edit a clip on after the fact with info. Also glad to see the Orbit Culture comment 🤘

[@Cygnusx-2MusicChannel]

really good and interesting. thanks for sharing dude!

[@d93jno]

Your reaction videos are great, but this might be the most interesting video you've made. Not a whole lot of content out there showing things from a guitar techs perspective.

[@TankTheTech]

Thanks a ton! I plan on trying to do more stuff like this.

[@johnpierceiv2160]

Great video, love this content. I think you should definitely post more of these but actually set up one of the guitars in real time. I think a lot of people would love to see that!

[@R.Guthrie0708]

Wicked video! Man its interesting to see a Guitar Tech set up SL, im so used to seeing you guys SR haha

[@jacksonrich6398]

Love the behind the scenes!!! Thx for sharing!!! SUBSCRIBED!!!🤘

[@TankTheTech]

Thanks, man!

[@silversabith]

I couldn't finish this while I was at work so finishing it now. P.S. I appreciate meticulous work, reminded me of how I use to do maintenance on my 240B

[@Chad-tf5vc]

digging the hockey puck drawer handles you’re rocking

[@TankTheTech]

🤘🏒

[@Texman4268]

Awesome video man and love the look at what techs do Great job!!

[@ForathBlack]

Awesome insight. Uber props bro!

[@mnicolemortensen7]

I love all the behind the scenes stuff you talk about and I absolutely love music. I was totally a bank geek. I enjoy the Nightwish videos because I enjoy sharing music with others that may not have listed to it otherwise. Watching someone get so much joy from music like I do makes me so happy. Just as a request could you do some Rage Against the Machine because I am curious about the gear and how Tom does make his guitar sound like that. Also just for fun some Testament or Death Angel. Thank you so much. Peace and love 💖

[@71771PAULTHEWALLOFSOUND]

I used to work as a light tech, setting up the lights and making sure they did what they was meant to. We're talking pre digital lol. Any one who has filled a lorry with lighting equipment, i shake you hand it was the most physical job I've ever done.

[@davidhastyjr2240]

So glad I found this channel

[@robcnp6757]

Damn, man. Must have felt fucking great to be on a gig again. Thanks for the BTS.

[@kalebk0422]

This is literally my dream job!

[@PitVanRooster69]

Dude that was so cool. Not often does the average Joe Smoe get a chance to see what goes on behind-the-scenes from a tech point of view. Really liked it. Would love to see some more vids like this. Just raw and real footage. ✌🤘

[@charleshenggeler2691]

That was really really cool! I truly hope you do a some more of these types of videos again. Maybe a little breakdown of what exactly you are doing for guitars when you are prepping them. I am not musically inclined whatsoever. So seeing what you are doing would be really cool to see. I'm sure it's a lot of cleaning and stuff. But like when you were breaking out what looked like a tape measure, why were you using that. I'm sure I have an idea but that scene is foreign to me. Thank you sharing this stuff, loved it!

[@TankTheTech]

I plan on doing this at the house when I work on guitars in the future. 🤘

[@DA-vo4sx]

Agreed. I have quite a few guitars, so I am often cleaning & changing strings, etc. But to be able to say I learned from a real guitar tech showing me, would be great!

[@pawsan69]

Loved this, very, very interesting, more of this please, great content 👌

[@rma0284]

Thanks for the look at all the prep it takes backstage! Would love to hear you playing guitar while you tuning it on future vids. Never realized how much you need to clean & wipe down the neck of the guitar! Holy crap😲 Puppies!

[@dougfisher6017]

I wish every guitar came with a tech.

[@AccountantByDay553]

Can you do a video about career, training, salary/life. Are you hired by a production company? Or a band? Or a venue?

[@sunnythelum]

Really interesting video. Great insight into behind the scenes. Fascinating work on the guitars. It would be good to hear your thoughts while you're working. Good idea doing this video! 👍

[@seanmakessound]

Dang dude - makes me miss working, but I'm sure we'll all be back out there before too long. Also really interesting to see an ESP on a country tour.

[@TankTheTech]

Yeah, that’s my doing. Hahahaha. I was directly responsible for getting our guys into ESP.

[@eves1503]

That was fascinating! Thank you for sharing!