Topic: Police, Caution Tape?? Something?? (Serious Question)

[chinariderstl]

So here is a serious question from a taping newbie.... Has anyone used tape, like "Caution" tape, to mark boundaries around their tri-pod?

I ask 'cause I've run into problems with people kicking my mic stand legs and seriously encroaching on my "space."  The last couple shows I've been lucky enough to have friends guard the area for me, but am wondering how most people deal with this.  If it were up to me, I would literally tape off a section and just be like, that's how it is.  Obviously, I can't roll like that, so suggestions are welcome.

[capnhook]

fart spray 

[F.O.Bean]

We used to do that to the 1st row OTS behind the board at some Phish shows, so NOONE without clearance got thru

[stevetoney]

Believe me, I'm empathetic to your cause.  I deal with people grabbing my stand and stepping over my stuff literally every time I record.  It's an occupational hazard though and there's not alot you can do about it if you're alone.  If it bothers you too much, your only choice is to move back.  The better solution though is to have friends block for you.   

You could always try the rope off technique, but I can tell you 100% that roping off an area like that isn't gonna fly at any of the venue's I record at and I seriously doubt it will where you are either.  The only way it might work is if the venue is large enough that they don't notice.

Now and then, I get away with putting an unused chair next to my gear to help block it, but that's when the venue I often record at isn't very crowded.  If it's packed, no way.

If the venue is small enough and you can get permission, hang your mics from overhead and run cables to your gear that's located off to the side.

[DSatz]

I sometimes used to put a little sign on the stand that said, "WARNING: 600 Ohms".

[ethan]

So here is a serious question from a taping newbie.... Has anyone used tape, like "Caution" tape, to mark boundaries around their tri-pod?

\

I did this for the first time on Jam Cruise last year. Worked great.

[rastasean]

not directly related to taping...
Stealing Your Flash

You know it has to be good when it has stealthing in the subject as well as this...

WARNING:
POTENTIALLY FATAL VOLTAGE.
DO NOT TOUCH.


check out the article.

[page]

I sometimes used to put a little sign on the stand that said, "WARNING: 600 Ohms".

 
that, is awesome.   

thats the best laugh I've had all day.

to the OP:
I agree with tonedeaf; it's either move back or get good in tight quarters. I've made an effort to get good at setting up and blocking solo. It's not fun per se, but it's a useful skill. The chair bit is gold, I use that myself. Anything that is provided by the venue (poles, chairs, the soundboard cage) that you might be able to get away with that won't look out of place when you use it is what I look for every time I walk into a new room.

Actually, a smaller stand (footprint wise) is the best thing here, instead of a jumbo 12' stand with a wide footprint, consider a 7' one with a small area to guard. If you're in the prime spot it's a fair trade (height for closeness to the sound source) IMHO. Second, look at having a "tight quarters" setup, like the ability to keep your bag on your shoulders (comfortably), cables off the ground, ready to move the stand at a split second in case someone comes barreling into it, etc. If I'm in an open field in the dark, thats how I setup and get ready if moving back is an atrocious option comparatively. If I can use some natural surroundings to my advantage, I will and start to relax, but otherwise it's treated like "work." When possible, look for creative ways to clamp. Over half my mounting gear is related to clamping with arms and extensions and clamps for various sizes so I don't have to guard the stand legs per se, just the general area where it's clamped. I don't think I've used my 11' stand in almost 70 shows... It's either clamping on someone else's jumbo (so I help guard), using my 7' small stand, or clamping onto natural surroundings.

fart spray 

not a bad (legit) idea really... remember, beans are high in fiber...

[travelinbeat]

I've also taped a flashlight pointing down the stand to help illuminate the legs.  This is helpful especially when used in conjunction with a bright, neon gaff-tape pattern wraps around the stand's legs.  This may very well help with random kicks and trips, but in as far as keeping people from grabbing at it? your best bet is just to watch that thing.

[Big Perm]

I sometimes used to put a little sign on the stand that said, "WARNING: 600 Ohms".

[John Willett]

I sometimes used to put a little sign on the stand that said, "WARNING: 600 Ohms".

The other one I have seen is: "DANGER - 12,000 millivolts"

[Gutbucket]

I sometimes used to put a little sign on the stand that said, "WARNING: 600 Ohms".

The other one I have seen is: "DANGER - 12,000 millivolts"

 
Tempted to make some caution sticker with these.

[page]

I sometimes used to put a little sign on the stand that said, "WARNING: 600 Ohms".

The other one I have seen is: "DANGER - 12,000 millivolts"

 
Tempted to make some caution sticker with these.

Warning trumps danger in my book, I'd rather explain why it says warning to a security guard than danger when I'm at a venue.

[chinariderstl]

These are all great replies and really appreciate the input.

I think I need some neon gaff tape!

[capnhook]

These are all great replies and really appreciate the input.

I think I need some neon gaff tape!

Get it wide and sticky enough to apply to the chatty Cathys hanging around your rig.   

[Hypnocracy]

I sometimes used to put a little sign on the stand that said, "WARNING: 600 Ohms".

The other one I have seen is: "DANGER - 12,000 millivolts"

 
Tempted to make some caution sticker with these.

Warning trumps danger in my book, I'd rather explain why it says warning to a security guard than danger when I'm at a venue.

I want one of those old LED flashing buttons and some clear acrylic with that etched on it...

[Fried Chicken Boy]

When people see all the twitching wooks laid out around yer rig, they'll give you a wide berth and make sure not to touch your gear.  Guaranteed.

[chinariderstl]

Fried Chicken, that is funny ass shit! 

[F.O.Bean]

SCHWEET

[NOLAfishwater]

I use gaff tape or duct tape to the floor and also strap a LED flashlight to the stand pointing straight down illuminating the footprint of the stand.

[F.O.Bean]

I use gaff tape or duct tape to the floor and also strap a LED flashlight to the stand pointing straight down illuminating the footprint of the stand.

NICE! I thought I was the only person to do that. I have a special flashlight just for that, Louie

[chinariderstl]

This is what I did the last two pulls (this week), worked beautifully!  I was also able to work a "guard chair" into the mix. 

I use gaff tape or duct tape to the floor and also strap a LED flashlight to the stand pointing straight down illuminating the footprint of the stand.

[willyp523]

was at an outdoor gig recently where a fellow taper had hung a red bulb LED flashlight from his stand.  The red light illuminated the bag and stand footprint well enough while not detracting from the stage light.  I have since bought one myself. 

[sparkey]

glowsticks on the mast and legs of the stand

[thunderbolt]

I use this, and it's only $18 per yard from this vendor!   

http://www.amazon.com/3M-Striped-Vinyl-Black-Yellow/dp/B001HT544A/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1316794854&sr=8-10

[Fried Chicken Boy]

glowsticks on the mast and legs of the stand

A good idea that works; I've done it a few times, too.  What I didn't anticipate was some drunk chick repeated trying to pick up the glowstick, not realizing it was firmly attached to the leg of the stand. 

[chinariderstl]

That's hilarious!  That must be the tape you use when you *really, really* want to protect something! 

I use this, and it's only $18 per yard from this vendor!   

http://www.amazon.com/3M-Striped-Vinyl-Black-Yellow/dp/B001HT544A/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1316794854&sr=8-10

[Javier Cinakowski]

^ If you ever go to a manufacturing facility or large warehouse, that stuff is all over the place.  On the floor to demarcate safety zones...

[F.O.Bean]

glowsticks on the mast and legs of the stand

A good idea that works; I've done it a few times, too.  What I didn't anticipate was some drunk chick repeated trying to pick up the glowstick, not realizing it was firmly attached to the leg of the stand. 

Yep, thats why I dont use glowsticks

[DigiGal]

glowsticks on the mast and legs of the stand

A good idea that works; I've done it a few times, too.  What I didn't anticipate was some drunk chick repeated trying to pick up the glowstick, not realizing it was firmly attached to the leg of the stand. 

Funny you mention that, I had some drunk guy stagger up to my stand during a show last summer and he started removing the glowstick from the front leg of my stand until I grabbed his hand to stop him.  He then apologized but geez what are these people thinking, it's not like the glowstick was laying on the ground.   

[Chilly Brioschi]

I sometimes used to put a little sign on the stand that said, "WARNING: 600 Ohms".

You are now officially my personal hero         

Thanks for the smile on an otherwise rainy, cruddy weekend !

[daspyknows]

Stun gun.  If someone gets close zap them.   

[achalsey]

My cousin's band from CA put this on their keyboard/slide guitar stand that I thought might work too.

[eman]

Once at the Ogden I had an extra stand that I wasn't using, so I set it up to about 4.5 feet and hung my coat from it, gear underneath. It worked pretty well, as I think one of the primary reasons people try to get through is that they don't realize there's stuff on the ground around the stands because they can't see it. And if someone happens to try to use the coat stand as they pass through at least that's not what your mics are mounted to.

[newplanet7]

Once at the Ogden I had an extra stand that I wasn't using, so I set it up to about 4.5 feet and hung my coat from it, gear underneath. It worked pretty well, as I think one of the primary reasons people try to get through is that they don't realize there's stuff on the ground around the stands because they can't see it. And if someone happens to try to use the coat stand as they pass through at least that's not what your mics are mounted to.

I forget who but, someone did this exact same thing at phish 10/26/10 Manchester NH.
To the rear right of the small "Section".

Come to think of it, it may have been paddlemike?

[Javier Cinakowski]

I have seen that "Warning 600ohms!" thing on here before, likely the same author...  Brilliant!   
I tried this at a show or two, it is remarkably effective at kepping the uninitiated away.  However it does seem to be a conversation starter among those that are savy enough to "get it." 


My stand has reflective stickers on the legs and I sometimes shine a light on the legs.
Bicycle head(white) and rear(red) LED lights are perfect for "downlighting" your rig/stand legs.  The mount that goes around the bike handlebar/frame is perfect for a mic/lighting stand...

I second the others before that pointed out the pro's and cons of glowsticks....

My Bogan stand is aluminum color.  Black stands disappear in the crowd of a dark venue, not ideal for open taping...  Stealther's like that I am sure...

Crazy tactics do work.  I've not seen "fart spray" in action, but I have seen a few crazy things.  One local taper is famous for the "Judo Chop!"  Or, crazy dancing taper man, who may invade your space, bro... My favorite, from the inventor of the "Judo Chop," : When they ask you about your rig, you reply, "Good day Sir! Have you found the LORD in YOUR life??? Sir? I play in a Christian rock band, would you like a flyer?  Sir?  Good Sir?" They usually run from the taperssection...

 

[hi and lo]

Velvet rope works well.

[Brian E.]

I've considered it, but I don't think it'll fly.  At venues I use stands at (which is less and less  now that I have a clamp arm) I pull up a table or chair, or if there are other tapers they help block.  I like the glow tape idea though.

[Brian E.]

I have seen that "Warning 600ohms!" thing on here before, likely the same author...  Brilliant!   
I tried this at a show or two, it is remarkably effective at kepping the uninitiated away.  However it does seem to be a conversation starter among those that are savy enough to "get it."  My favorite, from the inventor of the "Judo Chop," : When they ask you about your rig, you reply, "Good day Sir! Have you found the LORD in YOUR life??? Sir? I play in a Christian rock band, would you like a flyer?  Sir?  Good Sir?" They usually run from the taperssection...

 

LOL

[F.O.Bean]

I keep a BRIGHT LED Flashlight in my hands AT ALL TIMES, and shine it so people can see where they're stepping

[capnhook]

I use gaff tape or duct tape to the floor and also strap a LED flashlight to the stand pointing straight down illuminating the footprint of the stand.

NICE! I thought I was the only person to do that. I have a special flashlight just for that, Louie

You have a flashlight named "Louie"?   

[ianstone]

I sometimes used to put a little sign on the stand that said, "WARNING: 600 Ohms".

And I bet people still grab it

[cybergaloot]

I keep a BRIGHT LED Flashlight in my hands AT ALL TIMES, and shine it so people can see where they're stepping

I do this at one venue I record at and usually it works. I also use a second flashlight hanging from the stand pointing at the floor. NEVER tie the caution tape to your stand! If some wook gets caught up in it they will just try to jerk their way out of it and topple your stand in the process.

[cybergaloot]

I sometimes used to put a little sign on the stand that said, "WARNING: 600 Ohms".

And I bet people still grab it

Wooks can't read!

[F.O.Bean]

I keep a BRIGHT LED Flashlight in my hands AT ALL TIMES, and shine it so people can see where they're stepping

I do this at one venue I record at and usually it works. I also use a second flashlight hanging from the stand pointing at the floor.

Same here!

[joel]

glowsticks on the mast and legs of the stand

A good idea that works; I've done it a few times, too.  What I didn't anticipate was some drunk chick repeated trying to pick up the glowstick, not realizing it was firmly attached to the leg of the stand. 

Funny you mention that, I had some drunk guy stagger up to my stand during a show last summer and he started removing the glowstick from the front leg of my stand until I grabbed his hand to stop him.  He then apologized but geez what are these people thinking, it's not like the glowstick was laying on the ground.   

Never fails that some spunion tries to grab it when I use this method.  My black stand, particularly at night timeslot festival sets can be hazardous otherwise.  Indoors I try to superclamp everywhere I go these days.

Has no one ordered custom Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks) tape from one of the places that does custom caution tape?  I would totally buy a roll or two.

[chinariderstl]

Has no one ordered custom Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks) tape from one of the places that does custom caution tape?  I would totally buy a roll or two.

I would *totally* order that!

[kubacheck]

if you're taping in the UK, to keep people from trying to step through the open area where your mic stand is, you might try one of those "Mind The Gap" signs....

[cashandkerouac]

i purchased some neon glow tape from B&H and have it on my stands.  it doesn't glow very well, but it's plenty bright so that you can see it in very dim lighting.  not perfect, but it works pretty well.   

[F.O.Bean]

i purchased some neon glow tape from B&H and have it on my stands.  it doesn't glow very well, but it's plenty bright so that you can see it in very dim lighting.  not perfect, but it works pretty well.   

That would just draw  in the wookies/talkers in Pittsburgh

[Hypnocracy]

I'm thinking a small piece of PlexiGlass-Grease Pencil-small plate easle (like the wife uses to display decorative plates over the cabinet's) and a flashing LED...

Last Saturday I clamped to a table in the sweet spot...now I was alone at the table...but within 30min Two Sorostitutes and their Fratty dates had parked there slamming beers on the table and talking thru the songs about their social calender....THIS IS HAPPENING WHILE I'M AT THE TABLE....after about 90 seconds of this I turn toward them (looking to the back of the bar) with a shit eating grin...look up at the Microphones....look back at them with shit eating grin...this goes on for a while...they finally get the message and move on...

Later that night two lone Sorostitutes park directly under my microphone...I mean right under them beside the clamp and extension pole...but these two will not get the message from my shit eating grin...at the end of the song I finally told them "I'm sorry and really don't want to be a ass....but those are microphones and if you don't want your conversation recorded and put on the internet for the rest of time could you move 5ft away" oh the look I got...daggers...bitch

It was sad that the first group had the hottest girl in the bar...5'9"...long blond hair...a dress that went 2in below her crotch....Legs that went right up to her behind...I hate to be the middle aged creep but hey...I got over it...

[it-goes-to-eleven]

Sometimes the stand is a visual reference point that they can use to find their friends.  "We'll be at that pole in the middle!"   It helps when they stagger back from the bar in the dark, etc.

I had a great example of that at an outdoor Yonder show, in the middle of the crowd.  It was just the Zman and I (obligatory Zman reference!).  After the opener we decided to move forward.   Part of the intent was to get better sound, and also hopefully be surrounded by people who were more into the show. I tend to think people at the back are more casual and less into the music, etc.

Anyway, these folks who were near the stand were in a bit of a tizzy and moved with me.  I was a little wtf?  And they said they were using it as a reference marker with their friends.  It was a bit of a rough show, and they did help with the blocking.

How about the people who, when you are trying to block, try to insist on cutting between you and your stand?  I guess the theory is that it is easier to squeeze between one person and a fixed object, than it is to squeeze between two shoulder to shoulder people.  Yo, bro - I am a Mama Grizzly, and that stand is my cub.  Do not try and come between us!

[F.O.Bean]

How about the people who, when you are trying to block, try to insist on cutting between you and your stand?  I guess the theory is that it is easier to squeeze between one person and a fixed object, than it is to squeeze between two shoulder to shoulder people.  Yo, bro - I am a Mama Grizzly, and that stand is my cub.  Do not try and come between us!

Happens to me AT LEAST once every show

[cybergaloot]

How about the people who, when you are trying to block, try to insist on cutting between you and your stand?  I guess the theory is that it is easier to squeeze between one person and a fixed object, than it is to squeeze between two shoulder to shoulder people.  Yo, bro - I am a Mama Grizzly, and that stand is my cub.  Do not try and come between us!

I saw one wookie at the Wanee Festival try to take a path through a cluster of stands. The doofus insisted on it despite everyone trying to turn him away then there was a few minutes where the tapers were grabbing their stands while trying to unentangle the idiot from the cables and keep him from stomping on the gear. I could see the mics all tilting away at various angles until it was over.

[Fried Chicken Boy]

"Sorostitutes"

   I'll have to put that one in my personal dictionary.  Reminds me of so many jokes...

Yo, bro - I am a Mama Grizzly, and that stand is my cub.  Do not try and come between us!

QFT.

[mosquito]

... "WARNING: 600 Ohms".

Ahahaha!  I love it.  I'm going to make one!

... custom Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks) tape ...

I want some of this too!

--

A little more seriously... OMG the horrors you guys have reminded me of!

I've used the Decoy Stand method and like it.  If it's the first thing they can encounter or grab, they usually do and by the time they've done that I can get between them and the real stand (or the whole TS).

Bits of very reflective tape on the stand do help 'cause then people can see it and (normally) that's half the battle.  If they're on their way to being drunk they often just don't realise that there's stuff on the floor that they're about to step on.

I tried glow sticks and necklaces and christmas lights but, yeah, people want to touch the sparklies!  (I'm all for the decoration in the middle of the TS though...)

I have marked out boundaries in big halls (with concrete floors) with white duct tape.  It doesn't prevent anyone from crossing the line but, if done early enough, will seem "official" and help create a social barrier that most of the rest of the crowd will respect and support.  (Hey, they want to keep their half-open and protected position too.)

Really though, the thing that I've found that works best for me is to have a decently bright flashlight and to help the people get what they want *so they go away sooner*.  One time a drunk walked up to the TS and was yelling into all of the mics at his sober acquaintance in the balcony.  She was trying to ignore him, but to get him to shut up I flashed the light at her until she waved to the guy and could move along.

[fleish]

One time a drunk walked up to the TS and was yelling into all of the mics at his sober acquaintance in the balcony.  She was trying to ignore him, but to get him to shut up I flashed the light at her him until she waved to it blinded the guy and could move along caused him to drop to the ground writhing in agony .

FYP

[mosquito]

How much do laser pointers cost again?

[cybergaloot]

How much do laser pointers cost again?

http://www.wickedlasers.com/

[fleish]

How much do laser pointers cost again?

http://www.wickedlasers.com/

It's not the lasers that are expensive, it's getting someone to fit them onto the sharks' heads where they get 'ya

[cybergaloot]

How much do laser pointers cost again?

http://www.wickedlasers.com/

It's not the lasers that are expensive, it's getting someone to fit them onto the sharks' heads where they get 'ya

One of these sharks?
http://www.overstock.com/As-Seen-on-TV/As-Seen-On-TV-RC-Flying-Swimming-Shark/6449968/product.html?cid=202290&kid=9553000357392&track=pspla&kw={keyword}&adtype=pla

[chinariderstl]

That's fricken hilarious!

[mosquito]

I wanna take one to a show!

[Gutbucket]

I see a potential for a floating shark feeding frenzy on beach balls and glowsticks.

[cybergaloot]

There may be a couple at Wanee. A friend of mine bought a couple. She buys anything like this. I keep telling her she's in the wrong job, she should be a product tester for Spencer's Gifts.

[newplanet7]

I've used the Decoy Stand method and like it.  If it's the first thing they can encounter or grab, they usually do and by the time they've done that I can get between them and the real stand (or the whole TS).

The one phish show I have been to 10-26-2010 (smoker BTW) there was some fella that did this.
I do believe his handle was/is paddlemike.
Seemed to work.

[fleish]

There may be a couple at Wanee. A friend of mine bought a couple. She buys anything like this. I keep telling her she's in the wrong job, she should be a product tester for Spencer's Gifts.

Definitely get a picture of the sharks crowd surfing or blocking or taking down beach balls

I had no idea Specner's was still in business. Brings back memories of being a kid hanging out at the mall. Looking at their site online they seem to have branched out a tad from what I remember (i.e. the "naughty" section - NSFW)

[mosquito]

Me too about Spencers.  Funny how now all of that seems so way way tame.

Guess I've been corrupted somewhere down the line...

[cybergaloot]

I have no idea if Spencer's is still around but the girl does like her practical jokes. She's got a full sized dummy she carts all over the place that even has his own Facebook page. It has been to all the Wanee Festivals and a bunch of others.

[kubacheck]

I have no idea if Spencer's is still around but the girl does like her practical jokes. She's got a full sized dummy she carts all over the place that even has his own Facebook page. It has been to all the Wanee Festivals and a bunch of others.

....including sitting in the passenger seat when she wants to use the carpool lane??

[chinariderstl]

That is funny as shit about Spencer's.  We (my buddies and I) used to cruise the malls back in the day and would always have to hit the "adult" section of Spencer's. Soooo risque. 

[cybergaloot]

I have no idea if Spencer's is still around but the girl does like her practical jokes. She's got a full sized dummy she carts all over the place that even has his own Facebook page. It has been to all the Wanee Festivals and a bunch of others.

....including sitting in the passenger seat when she wants to use the carpool lane??

Sadly this is the way he usually travels

[cybergaloot]

Or this

[cybergaloot]

Guarding my rig at the last Hoopee Jam (rig covered by a towel)

[cybergaloot]

And last, spun out too early at Wanee

[bryonsos]

Guarding my rig at the last Hoopee Jam (rig covered by a towel)

That is awesome! This taping stuff is hard, I didn't even know you needed a guard dummy!!

[Gutbucket]

I'd love to see him flying around with the sharks over the section.

[cybergaloot]

I'd love to see him flying around with the sharks over the section.

Joe Fester is his name and you wouldn't believe all he has done. He has spent time with a yoga instructor, taught an elementary school class, gone canoeing, been to the Bradfordville Blues Club here in Tallahassee (including dancing) and to Grant's Lounge in Macon, GA (home of Southern Rock), to numerous festivals here and there and a whole lot more. People go get him and take him places.

At the last Down on the Farm Festival (precursor to Bear Creek) he was sitting in a chair at the campsite and I was in the next chair sitting still. A young boy had seen Joe but wasn't sure if I was real or not. Finally he got up the nerve to reach out and tough me and when I turned my head he gasped. I about fell out of the chair laughing. Yep, I've been mistaken for a dummy! (go ahead and make jokes)

[Gutbucket]

I've seen Joe at Live Oak.  He is very convincing!

[fleish]

I'd love to see him flying around with the sharks over the section.

Yeah, I say get him a saddle or something so he can be riding the sharks.

Awesome stories about his travels, take that flat stanley!

[cybergaloot]

I'd love to see him flying around with the sharks over the section.

Yeah, I say get him a saddle or something so he can be riding the sharks.

Awesome stories about his travels, take that flat stanley!

At one point he had a remote control hand that would flip you the bird and a remote control "fart box."