• Make a list of what you have
• Include usability (what shape its in, what repairs or parts are needed)
• List who in the band owns it. (Helps stop disagreements when members come and go.)
• For borrowed items, list accessibility (When you can use it, restrictions etc.) [Counting on borrowed equipment is always a bad idea. 

A sure way to ruin a band's reputation is when you agree to perform and you later find out the equipment you need is not available.]

• Make a List of what you need
• Include estimated costs. (Add taxes & if by mail, freight costs.)
• Guitar Strings, Sticks and other consumable items should not be on it unless needed for the Band as a whole. Gel Paper for lightning equipment yes, guitar strings no.
• Items like Cables might be listed, but write down who will use it. If you can, always best to leave personal items off the band's list.

• Prioritize the List by what is needed most
• Example: You want to buy a new Guitar but only have money for either a Guitar or a P.A. Mixer. If you have a Guitar that is yours and can be used but the band needs a mixer just to perform, which do you buy? The Mixer, of course!
• Once you make a priority list it will be easier for everyone to see and agree on what is needed to be bought for the band.

• Make a budget to see how much you have to spend on equipment.
• Have each person in the group make a budget of their finances so they know how much money they can contribute to the group. Each person should agree on how much they will make available to the group. (Every member should keep their budget confidential and not share that information with the group.)
• Remember, this is money you allocate to spend on equipment only for the group, not money for the group plus strings, movies, dates etc. Keep those separate in your figuring.
• Money should not be actually pooled until you are ready to make a purchase.
• Keep all receipts. Keep all receipts. Keep all receipts. Did I say to keep all receipts?

• When buying equipment for the Group, define who actually owns the equipment for legal reason.
• Never use the Group name on a purchase receipt. (Unless the group is incorporated, and if it is, ask your Lawyer about situations like this when you incorporate.)
• If a Manager "buys" equipment for you, have a signed agreement with him to determine who owns the equipment, and if it is a gift or cost is reimbursed to him as the band earns money as a loan.
• If a person or Manager pays for your equipment or expenses have an agreement in writing as to what they will get out of it by doing so. Consult a lawyer before signing anything, INCLUDING the back of a Check.
• Have an agreement on how equipment will be divided up If the group breaks up or a person leaves the Group. 
• If you fire your manager or band members you need to know what equipment will go with them.

• You can go broke buying Brand names
• If a $150 microphone sounds better than an $85 microphone, but is only $10 better in tone, if all other things are equal, the $85 microphone is the better buy.
• Buy an instrument or equipment because it does what you want it to, what it sounds like, not because of the brand name.
• In many situations you will find products listed as being established 1949, 1955, 1965 etc. but that company has only been in existence for a year or two but bought an existing brand name from another company. Always gauge these companies on their own merits, as they are now, not their brand name. Some are good, some are horrible.
• Out of the major Guitar companies, who do high volume, Aria, Ovation, and Godin are the main manufacturers who still belong to their founders. Gibson, Fender, Washburn and many others are far removed from their founders.
• Often, off brand companies have their equipment made in the same factories as the brand name companies, at times taking from the exact same production lines as the brand names.
• Don't go on appearance alone, be sure to test and compare sound quality, durability and usability between generics, off brands and name brands.
• A number of "Made in U.S.A." Guitars and Amplifiers are only assembled in the USA, with little construction of parts etc. actually done in America.

• Decide who will make decisions for the group
• Decide who determines what to buy and how it is determined. How many must agree to make a purchase, etc.
• A cap on the amount or a budget may be set for purchases made by the group leader or designated person or treasurer to make purchases without consulting the group. This may also include an a agreement to require two people to agree on the purchase first. 
• Everyone must agree on these procedures and on who the leader is.
• Decide on a procedure for changing leadership and other business positions /jobs for the group.
• After the band starts making enough money ($800 up a week or $3000 a month) and becomes a business, decide on a treasurer and on how many people are required and on who can sign the band's checks. (Two signatures preferred.)

Before opening the Bank account, talk to a Lawyer at some point to see what other matters you need to agree on and settle on, as well as what you must do to protect the band's name.

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