Bumpers?

Ampig · #1 08-10-2008, 12:18 PM

At most gigs, I lay my bass on it's side between sets. When we're playing outdoors, this often means it's laying on a rough concrete or aggregate surface. Do any of you guys have bumpers installed on the side of your basses to protect the finish/wood in this situation? What do you use recommend?

John Wentzien · #2 08-10-2008, 12:32 PM

How about a rubber door-mat, or cut a piece of carpet to size? Roll it up and take it with you.

Roger Davis · #3 08-10-2008, 01:22 PM

Yes, I always take a piece of carpet with me when I play. In addition to putting the bass down on it I stand on it to play. On certain hard surfaces it's a lot more comfortable. I wish, though, that I had specified bumpers when I bought my Prof from Uptons. In some circumstances it would have been very convenient to have them.

rick123 · #4 08-10-2008, 03:46 PM

Man, there have been some lengthy discussions on bumpers. If you do a search you should find several methods of building and installing bumpers from the pro luthiers right to the amateurs with terrific ideas (me). I personally think they're very important in keeping your bass looking and playing great.
I presume the bass in your avatar is not the one requiring bumpers. If so, I recommend a couple of pine 1" X 2"s.
Good luck

Ampig · #5 08-11-2008, 06:05 AM

The cardboard bass isn't mne. I play an Engelhart EM-1. I'll do a "Bumper" post search and see what comes up. Thanks.

littlebill · #6 08-12-2008, 02:10 PM

I have an Ingles stand that I recently obtained and use it everywhere I play these days. It is lightweight, easy to carry and the bass sitting on that stand looks a lot nicer than on its side. Not sure of the cost, mine came with a bass that I bought, but I think they are around $50.

Gearhead43 · #7 08-12-2008, 11:13 PM

I personally think basses are safer lying on their side at club / bar gigs. The closer to the floor they are, the less distance they can fall. A stand can be knocked over easier than you think.

Bring a beach towel to lay the bass on, they are the perfect size, and roll up very small - plus they can be very festive.

BPeder · #8 08-13-2008, 08:09 AM

At the hardware store, go to the section where they stock castors, bumpers, rubber folding chair leg feet ect. There will be a display of "Magic Sliders" or some such brand name. These have adhesive backs and are made of a slippery teflon material and are designed to go on the feet of sofas and other heavy furniture to make them easy to slide on a floor. They come in one size that's about 3/4 of an inch by 4 inches, perfect for the bass's edges. The ones I bought are about 5/16ths of an inch thick, enough to keep the top and back table edges from touching the floor. Give them a good hard bend so they match the curve of the bass and stick 'em on there. Some of you guys with real expensive basses might think twice but if it's that nice a bass, maybe you want to spring for the leather and ebony ones installed by your luthier. Peace-out

Ampig · #9 08-14-2008, 06:13 AM

Thanks guys. I have the same fears about a stand on stage. I'll look for the "magic sliders"

Tanglehead · #10 08-14-2008, 03:47 PM

When I bought my Pfretzschner, it has rosewood bumpers installed, and while I'd never used them before, I'm glad I have 'em. Concrete surfaces are the #1 situation that I've been happy to have them, but really any hard surface can cause issues to the treble side of your bass when you lay it down. My bass happens to be old enough to have some serious marring of the edges - from use, not abuse - and I think the bumpers really help maintain the condition that it's in.

SLaPiNFuNK · #11 08-14-2008, 07:03 PM

I had these put on my bass...