Ask the Experts | October 23, 2024

John Procaccini: Tour and Production Manager

These questions aim to delve into various aspects of acoustic guitar care and maintenance, travel tips, unique situations, and funny stories from the road. We hope to offer insights and inspiration for both beginners and experienced players alike. 

What is your official title?  

Tour and Production Manager. 

What artists have you worked with? 

Boston, Sammy Hagar, The Doobie Brothers, and Peter Frampton. 

Can you share some insights into your daily responsibilities when working with high-profile artists and their acoustic guitars?  

While my duties as a production manager are to oversee all aspects of the production support team, precious instruments owned and played by the artists are an important oversight, including their transport, set up, and care while they’re in transit and on stage. 

What are one or two essential tips you would give to beginner guitar players regarding acoustic guitar care and maintenance?  

Certainly the proper handling of the instrument in both storage and transportation, as well as proper climate control and treatment of the instrument's natural wood components as per the manufacturer's instructions. 

Could you elaborate on the common issues or challenges you encounter with acoustic guitars while on tour, and how you address them?  

Safe transport is always a factor, therefore proper casing or vault selection is key. Varying climate is also a large issue and using elements to control moisture and drastic temperature changes are very important. 

What specific steps do you take to protect acoustic guitars from environmental factors such as humidity and temperature changes, especially during travel? 

While most professional-level instruments come with quality cases, touring artists typically use several guitars while performing. Selection of a guitar vault or case that keeps the instrument safe is vital. The use of silica desiccant packs is a method for mitigating moisture. 

Can you share any memorable anecdotes or experiences you've had while working with touring musicians and their acoustic guitars? 

Double, triple, quadruple-check everything. When a challenge arises, start with the beginning of the I/O chain and address the least technical issues first, i.e. “Is it plugged in?” 

How do you approach troubleshooting and resolving technical issues with acoustic guitars during live performances or recording sessions? 

Typically, I rely on the artist’s guitar tech to be knowledgeable of the instruments he or she is the custodian of. Providing a secure workspace on stage and ample time for the tech to access the equipment during load-in generally allows the tech to address any issue or challenges. 

What advice would you give to aspiring guitar techs on how to get started in the role?  

If there is an opportunity to start in a music store, instrument repair shop, or with a manufacturer, there is great benefit to learning the characteristics of many stringed instruments. Also, enrolling in a luthier program such as the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery can provide an entry and access to the industry. 

 What's the most valuable lesson you've learned throughout your career as a guitar tech, and how can it benefit guitar players of all levels?  

Treat the instrument as if it is your own. Understanding the artist’s preferences and building a relationship with the manufacturer's reps and support team. 

What's the most unusual or unconventional venue you've had to set up for a performance, and how did you adapt to the unique circumstances? 

Hockey arenas have always been a challenge for acoustic instruments, as the temperature in large facilities varies greatly from the performance space to dressing and tuning rooms, making tuning a challenge. Gradual changes in temperature need to be considered and timing to deal with those changes are paramount. 

Can you recall a funny or lighthearted moment involving a famous musician and their acoustic guitar while on tour that still brings a smile to your face?  

There was an incident where the tech placed “what he thought” was a case with the guitar in it on the artist’s bus so the artist could play in his room on his day off. But the case was empty, creating chaos. We had to locate the semi-truck that the backline gear was in, unload it (guitar vaults are generally in the front of the truck), retrieve the guitar, and deliver it to the artist's hotel room. Complete ruination of a well-deserved day off. 

What's the most unexpected or unconventional request you've received from a musician regarding their acoustic guitar setup or maintenance? 

Multiple string set changes during a single sound check.