I was curious as to what a solo bassist does with all of his gear when touring. Both Michael and Steve use a few effects and basses when gigging, but being a one-man show with no help must present some problems when traveling.

Do you try to condense everything (double gig bags, all effects in one rack, etc.), do you try to go as light as possible (like using rack bags instead of the standard molded ones)? Or do you put up with the hassle of heavier cases/racks for the higher protection? About how many things do you carry at a time?

When my roommate brought Michael Manring to town he used a 2x10, a 1x15 a small rack unit with his amp and an effects unit (The Boss red rackmount one) a foot controller for said effect unit, and like 4 basses in 2 bags. He got in all in his Toyota Corolla 4 door hatchback. He even had room to bring his lady. A really nice and humble guy, He seemed truly excited to come play in Modesto, CA.

He was able to take all of that on a plane?

No, that's what Michael takes when he drives to local gigs...

For gigs where I'm taking the car, I've got my AccuGroove cabs, a QSC poweramp in a rack case, my four space mixer rack with two G2s, Looperlative and Mackie Mixer in it, and a flight case with my drum stool, pedals, cables etc. in it. Oh, and two or three basses depending on the gig.

For flying gigs, I take my fretless 6 in a gig bag on the plane (though that's clearly got to change now), and a three space Warwick rolling rack with 1 G2, the looperlative and my pedals in the back. If it's a short trip, I also put all my clothes in there as well.

In October I'm going on tour round Europe via train, and for that I'll take the three space rack, my two 6s in a double gig back, and some other kind of bag for clothes, CDs etc. And a laptop for blogging. :D

So yes, we do need to scale back pretty heavily for touring...

Steve
www.stevelawson.net

No, that's what Michael takes when he drives to local gigs...

For gigs where I'm taking the car, I've got my AccuGroove cabs, a QSC poweramp in a rack case, my four space mixer rack with two G2s, Looperlative and Mackie Mixer in it, and a flight case with my drum stool, pedals, cables etc. in it. Oh, and two or three basses depending on the gig.

For flying gigs, I take my fretless 6 in a gig bag on the plane (though that's clearly got to change now)...


Talking about planes - I saw a letter to the "Guardian" from Julian Siegel - the British Jazz Sax player - asking how he can now tour in Europe, as he was told by airlines that he wouldn't be able to carry his instrument with him and there is no way he is trusting an irreplaceable, vintage Sax to the baggage hold!! :hmm:

So he was supposed to be playing in European Jazz festivals - but it seems this has now become impossible, with the "no hand baggage" restrictions...?

Right, I'll see if I can drop Julian a message via myspace, and let him know about the train option....

click here for the InterRail website (http://www.raileurope.co.uk/inter-rail/index.asp)

Steve
www.stevelawson.net

Talking about planes - I saw a letter to the "Guardian" from Julian Siegel - the British Jazz Sax player - asking how he can now tour in Europe, as he was told by airlines that he wouldn't be able to carry his instrument with him and there is no way he is trusting an irreplaceable, vintage Sax to the baggage hold!! :hmm:



I was talking to trumpetter Bruce Adams about this last week and he's seriously considering getting his trumpet couriered over for European gigs. It is a pretty mad situation (I mentioned your train plans to him Steve :) )

Cheers,
Alun

Getting the necessary gear from place to place via air travel is one of the biggest challenges of being a professional musician. I find it a bit odd that there really isn’t much gear out there designed specifically for this purpose -- compact and light, but flexible and hi-fi. I’m always searching for ways to do more with less. A good gauge is being able to get yourself, all the gear you need for a show and all the personal items you need for two weeks on the road across town in a major city at rush hour on about an hour’s sleep!