Reducing weight

[rpjazzguitar]

After getting hurt (not seriously) in a bad load-in, I started thinking about reducing weight and improving my cartage situation.

Without going into all the details, I wonder if anyone can recommend:

1. A lightweight but sturdy folding music stand. I occasionally need to spread out 5 page charts.

2. A telescoping stool that is lightweight and folds or collapses for transport.

3. A lightweight cart or wagon that collapses and won't take much room in the trunk.

4. A lightweight substitute for the Boss ME80 which has a usable expression pedal (used as a volume pedal 100% of the time). The GT-1 would fit the bill, more or less, but the expression pedal is too small to control. Also, changing patches involves scrolling with your foot, which is awkward on a gig.

5. A lightweight powered speaker, meaning under 20 pounds. The idea is to run the LJ into it in situations where I need more volume. The ME80 directly into a powered speaker doesn't sound as good. The ME90 might, but doesn't save any weight.

All recommendations appreciated! So thanks in advance.

[Spook410]

Would not mind seeing suggestions on lightweight gear..

[rob taft]

Don't know if the link below will work but if not search for the following on Amazon. I saw a video review on You Tube and the reviewer who usually gives what appears to be honest reviews. See video below starting at the 7:51 mark.

2023 Upgraded-Portable Collapsible Folding Stool, Retractable Telescoping Foldable Camping Stool for Adults for Outdoor Fishing Hiking Gardening Travel BBQ (Black)

Amazon.com

[sgosnell]

I've run the Little Jazz with a Toob Metro BG as an external speaker, and it increases the volume by a lot. I don't have a meter, so it's entirely subjective, but that's a good enough solution for me. It's light, portable, and not terribly expensive.

[rpjazzguitar]

Don't know if the link below will work but if not search for the following on Amazon. I saw a video review on You Tube and the reviewer who usually gives what appears to be honest reviews. See video below starting at the 7:51 mark.

2023 Upgraded-Portable Collapsible Folding Stool, Retractable Telescoping Foldable Camping Stool for Adults for Outdoor Fishing Hiking Gardening Travel BBQ (Black)

Amazon.com

Thanks for that. Interesting product. The seat is a max of about 18" high, depending on which brand. I usually go a little higher.

[sgosnell]

I guess you could use your Real Book as a cushion to get a little higher...

[hotpepper01]

As far as the music stand goes: consider switching to use of a tablet. The stands for tablets are low in weight and are compact. No need for broad, 5 page wide sheet music holder. Never a problem with wind. Downside is playing in high temperatures. The battery might stop functioning !

As for the cart. I use one of these big XL Coleman wagon carts. Lightweight? NO. But I can take a Fender Twin, 2 guitar cases, a big bag, a fixed stool, and a pedal board with me if I use some rubber spiders to keep things together. The cart folds up nicely for the car trunk. There must be some smaller models as well, so I believe.

[rpjazzguitar]

As far as the music stand goes: consider switching to use of a tablet. The stands for tablets are low in weight and are compact. No need for broad, 5 page wide sheet music holder. Never a problem with wind. Downside is playing in high temperatures. The battery might stop functioning !

As for the cart. I use one of these big XL Coleman wagon carts. Lightweight? NO. But I can take a Fender Twin, 2 guitar cases, a big bag, a fixed stool, and a pedal board with me if I use some rubber spiders to keep things together. The cart folds up nicely for the car trunk. There must be some smaller models as well, so I believe.

I was looking at that type of cart. Generally good reviews with the telescoping handle often a trouble spot across brands.

For what I need to carry, it looks like a better solution than the rock-n-roller type of cart -- because of the sides.

I'm thinking of carrying, at most,

Little Jazz amp (10.5 inch cube)
Powered speaker (Mackie SRM 350)
a big piece of rolling luggage which I figure I might be able to lay across the top (it contains pedal board, stand, music stand, drum throne base, cables).
a bag with mixer, mics and odds and ends.
drum throne seat (stand is in the rolling luggage)
guitar in an M80 case -- might have to be on my back with the shoulder straps.

It will sound stupid, but after my son outgrew his stroller I used it a few times for moving music gear. It was terrific. Built like iron, collapsed with one hand, rolled great and really secure (so you don't lose the baby). Would take amp, guitar, bags underneath, and even had two cup holders. I got tired of the sideways looks.