Why do they tell you to tape cables to the floor?

Every time I read about setting up to play they always say "and remember to tape cables to the floor so no one will trip over them". I did this once and couldn't get the goo off the cables.

um, so no one will trip & sue them. They don't care about goo on left on cables. besides, the tape will hide all the old goo and furballs next time you play there.

Every time I read about setting up to play they always say "and remember to tape cables to the floor so no one will trip over them". I did this once and couldn't get the goo off the cables.

For the life of me, I can't imagine why they say that :mrgreen:

But even if we don't know why, if you happen to trip over a roll of 2" wide blue painter's tape, you could use that and it won't leave goo on the cables.

Every time I read about setting up to play they always say "and remember to tape cables to the floor so no one will trip over them". I did this once and couldn't get the goo off the cables.

GAFFERS Tape is De Kine!

Costs more, but it works and looks better than duct tape, doesn't leave the goo.

GAFFERS Tape is De Kine!

Costs more, but it works and looks better than duct tape, doesn't leave the goo.

And now I know. Thanks!

Every time I read about setting up to play they always say "and remember to tape cables to the floor so no one will trip over them". I did this once and couldn't get the goo off the cables.

Seems self explanatory to me.

WD-40 takes goo right off.

Just dont let it get out of hand and its no big deal.

The old theatre trick is 2 pieces of tape that overlap each other on either side of the cable so that it's extra wide. Then when you run your hand along both sides of the cable it's not going anywhere!! Nothing worse than people falling over cables into equipment and instruments, then busting it, themselves, your reputation and possibly your future income after they sue you for being negligent!! Compared to a lifetime of garnished wages, you're better off replacing your cables now and then!

Once again, Gaffers tape, any color you want, no residue on the cables $20-25 a role

yup, gaffers tape. They even make a 4" wide version with no goo in the middle.

Goo Gone gets rid of goo, hence the name.

Goo-Gone... and just about any other petroleum based solvent is not good for the jacket material of your cables... with few exceptions.

+(lost count) on the "gaffers" tape.

Not only is it to keep people from tripping, it also keeps them from pulling your microphones, guitars, pa cabinets, mixers, whatever the cord is attached to over and destroying your equipment.

ditto, gaffer's tape. don't use any more than you need, don't use solvents on your cables unless you want to replace them sooner rather than later.

the cleaner the setup the easier it is for them to have you back.... gaffe tape it

so no one will trip over them

That's why. Easy.

You can back the part of the tape that covers the cables with paper or just sticky face of tape to sticky face. That way no goop on cables. This lets you use the cheap Duct tape. You won't stop the cables from pulling up a bit if you trip on them, but it still mostly works as intended.

it's a little expensive though, http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&productId=202667732&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=202667732&cm_mmc=shopping-_-googlebase-_-D24X-_-202667732&locStoreNum=6367

Tunnel tape is what you want. It's wide gaffers tape with no adhesive in the center. I get it in black & yellow.

When ever possible, I use long cables.

I run them around the perimeter of the stage so they won't be in anybody's way. In the case of XLR's, Speaker Cables and, Extension Cords, I'll use two if if that is what it takes.

Makes the stage feel bigger and, if you do it right, you have moved your cables out of harms way.

I'm not sure who "they" are here, but I've never been flat out told to tape cables to the floor. That said, I do agree with comments about buying a roll of stage tape. I use it here and there. Personally I can't see taping every thing down, because often after we get all set up for one reason or another we have to move everybody over five feet or reposition the back line or whatever.

Never obey pronouns. ever.

Seems self explanatory to me.

That's funny.

tape cables to the floor so no one will trip over them

It really does, doesn't it?

Blue painter's tape is much cheaper and works quite well, but I have to say I haven't had to tape down cables for, oh, at least 20 years. As already mentioned, using longer cables and placing them carefully tends to eliminate the need...

Tim

where are you people playing at? the places i play have stages and the band is the only people allowed on the stage hence no need to tape anything down . but of course we dont have cables just strewn everywhere either

I use gaff tape whenever its necessary. Not just because of other people tripping on it, but band members just as much so. Sometimes I play in a jazz band with a bunch of old guys.

I use tunnel tape when I'm doing live recordings to two track.

We also refer to it as "lawsuit tape", since it has the yellow and black stripes on it.