If a laptop figures into your sound, figuring out how to gig with it can be difficult. Most keyboard stands don’t quite work out of the box. Some of them have add on shelves that you can try out.

Here are a couple options you may not have considered. First is the On-Stage LPT5000 Laptop Computer Stand. If you have a laptop because you gig with a MIDI controller this stand can be bolted to an arm or shelf on your keyboard stand. If you use a laptop for some other reason (such as loops, or to make use of programs like Ableton Live) you can bolt this stand to the top of a rack with wingnuts (so it can be quickly removed) or to a table so it is accessible live. The stand is under $30 so this could be a cheap yet effective solution.

It might be a better idea for you, though, to go with a full laptop stand. This is because in some situations setting your laptop on top of a pre-existing stand or rack that is already carrying a lot of weight or that is improperly balanced can cause a horrible tipover (especially if you have an energetic live show).

Perhaps the most popular stand for this application is the Stanton Uberstand.The main reason for the Uberstand’s popularity is that it is one of the sturdiest stands around so it shouldn’t tip at all as long as it is on a level surface. Furthermore, it is constructed from aircraft quality aluminum and steel so it will actually stand up to touring. On top of all that, it folds up flat and fits into a 12″ bag, so it is quite portable.

We would be interested in hearing other ways you have solved the problem of having a laptop on stage with you. The laptop-as-musical-instrument has become increasingly popular and this will be a problem that musicians in all genres will continue to grapple with over time.

In case you missed these posts, let me mention them again. I am working on making an indexed page where they can reside. Oddly enough the post on the Maxon tube screamer is the most visited of all our posts.

• Maxon OD808 = Ibanez Tube Screamer 808
  A post on how these pedals are the same, but you will save a chunk of change going with the Maxon.
• How to add a header image to your myspace
  It’s easier than it seems, though you could spend days looking for the myspace code for it.
• Downloadable tab files
• Sell your CD at your local record shop
  How to distribute an album yourself!
• The right way to grow your friends list on Myspace
  A downloadable PDF we put together that details some methods for (legally) adding tons of friends and keeping them up to date on all your shows.

Your ears are the most important instrument you have. Before you go to practice and rawk, be smart about how to preserve your hearing. We encourage you to read the awesome Are You At Risk? article over at H.E.A.R’s website. Better safe than deaf!

One great thing the article notes is that conventional earplugs will cut highs but let too much bass through, making things sound muddy. The best solution is to get custom-molded earplugs. Many struggling musicians can’t afford the cost, though, and if that’s you, check out these great earplugs over at zZounds. Both of these earplugs will provide an even cut of sound over all frequencies, meaning you can practice safely while still hearing everything.

Hearos High Fidelity Ear Plugs

Vater Safe and Sound Ear Plugs

Practice is a series of blogs devoted to helping you get the most out of your practice times, either individually or as a band.