Members plurabelle Posted July 19, 2011 Members Share Posted July 19, 2011 Just wondering if you guys gigged with a back up bass. I wouldn't dare play a gig where I'm using electric guitar, without a backup. I'm not sure its necessary with bass. I played bass in a band for years when I was real young. I traveled all the time, rehearsed constantly, and only ever owned one bass at any time because I was too poor to own more than one. At that time, if I wanted new gear, then my old gear got traded in. Never had an issue where I needed to have a back up bass, but I was always aware that I should be careful with my gear, and I was really protective of my stuff when it was backstage. Also, does anyone who brings a back up, use a case that holds two basses? Just wondering how cumbersome those are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members perrydabassman Posted July 19, 2011 Members Share Posted July 19, 2011 I used to. I have found that it is really not necessary. I pack extra batteries and a spare string set. I usually will flip batteries out of my basses about every other gig, and I always pop a fresh AAA in my wireless bug before each gig. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Zon5string Posted July 19, 2011 Members Share Posted July 19, 2011 In 30+ years of bass playing I have broken exactly 3 strings: One A-string when I was about 17, and slapping much too furiously, a brand-new G-string while tuning up to pitch for the first time after changing, and an E-string during a gig (with no backup). Since that time (about 1998 or so) when I broke the E-string, I have never gigged without at least two basses. My Zon 5-string gets 99% of the play, anyway, but I always have one of my 4-strings available either as a backup for a catastrophic failure or for alternate (drop-D, 1/2 step down, etc) purposes. Even when I just go to jam with friends, I usually take 2 basses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members plurabelle Posted July 19, 2011 Author Members Share Posted July 19, 2011 I have a '54 tele bass copy now (tele pick guard, single coil pu), and I was thinking itd be cool to get a second tele/pre '57 style p bass, but set it up slightly different from my first one. I'd have two similar basses, but each were different enough that I'd have a little variety. I have suffered catastrophic equipment failure at gigs before, and am known in some circles as the guy who travels to gigs way too prepared. I don't see the harm in buying a second bass, especially if its one ill at least bring to gigs/rehearsals, and not leave in the closet like all 6 of my guitars. I started thinking about this last night when I came across a decent deal on a ATA flight case that holds two basses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members cloudhead Posted July 20, 2011 Members Share Posted July 20, 2011 I have one of my old basses I leave in my car when I goto gigs, never needed it tho. If something was to go wrong, It'd would more likely be my bass amp or cables. Does anyone lug around spare bass amps? I couldn't imagine many do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members samson3382 Posted July 20, 2011 Members Share Posted July 20, 2011 I carry a spare occasionally, not as much anymore. Just strings and batteries. Haven't broken a string in many years, last time I did it broke right at the bridge, no backup. I was able to unwind enough to pull through and tie a knot, made it the rest of the night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members walkerci Posted July 20, 2011 Members Share Posted July 20, 2011 I always bring 2 basses, 2 bass amps, at least 2 cabs, extra cables, extra strap, batteries, backup mic, backup guitar amp, spare power boxes, 1/4" to NL-4 adapters, etc. I haven't needed them yet. But I will the first time I forget to bring them.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jonjohn Posted July 20, 2011 Members Share Posted July 20, 2011 Always. After the input jack on my bass stopped working, first song. in front of 1000 people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members guitargod0dmw Posted July 20, 2011 Members Share Posted July 20, 2011 I usually bring 2 basses just in case. I've never had an issue to where I needed to use a backup (knock on wood), but we do a few different tunings so I've got them set up accordingly. I have them in separate hard cases, the double hard cases I've seen are monstrous and I'm not fan of the double gig bags as it defeats the purpose of a gig bag in the first place (for me, to be lighter and easily maneuverable). I've never gigged with a backup amp or cabinets, but I do bring a separate DI (Radial JDI) and always have 2 cabs, so I suppose it's sort of a backup. The DI for the amp, and I can always go down to one cab if needed. Backup cables, strings, picks, batteries, output jacks, gaffer tape, soldering equipment, etc. It's all in my handy little gig survival kit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members tabdog Posted July 20, 2011 Members Share Posted July 20, 2011 I bought my first bass to play in a band.I got a less expensive one right awayand have always had 2 at every gig,. I always kept them in separate cases. Tabdog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Johnny Crab Posted July 22, 2011 Members Share Posted July 22, 2011 Always unless I can't fit it(i.e. gigs where a private jet carries the band and those sharing their jet). For regular/house band gigs, I usually bring 3 just for fun. Sometimes they all get used, sometimes not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Marko Posted July 22, 2011 Members Share Posted July 22, 2011 Although sometimes I feel almost silly for doing so, I bring a backup bass. For a while I just left one in the band trailer (doesn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members MusicalSchizo Posted July 22, 2011 Members Share Posted July 22, 2011 Always two basses - for a while it was three, because I brought a 4-string for our guitarist to use. And two guitars, since I play some guitar in our set as well. People think I'm nuts. Double gig bag is my friend. Brian V. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members pickinatit Posted July 22, 2011 Members Share Posted July 22, 2011 I've never broken a bass string, ever...gig or otherwise. But I am a great believer in Murphy's law. You know...the one that says that "if anything can go wrong it will" (especially if/when you are unprepared). I always took (and still would take) a back up bass AND a back-up amp head. I also always have an extra set of strings in the case of every guitar and every bass I own & I don't even gig any more, just jam every Sunday, LOL. But old habbits die hard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members GibsonQC Posted July 22, 2011 Members Share Posted July 22, 2011 I take two basses, two heads, one cab & a DI box. With the advent of lightweight heads, I take a Markbass LM II. Just ordered a cheap fretless, so that will be my backup going forward. As to the second part of the question, I am happy carrying the basses separately. They're awkward enough 1 per case! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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