What all do I need as a gigging bass player?

streetknight · #1 07-31-2011, 06:18 PM

Hey guys, didn't want to get this confused with my earlier "gig rig" thread.

I've gotten some great input as far as amps go, but what all do I need.

Instrument and speaker cables. Do I need to take cables that will go to the D.I. or is that the sound guys deal?

I will need a tuner, do I just use my pedal tuner like I do or guitar, or would I be better off with something rack mounted?

Thanks for any help and info.

silentmike · #2 07-31-2011, 06:45 PM

With cables, IME, it can never hurt to have too many. Things inevitably go wrong. An extra jack cable or two, a spare speaker cable and perhaps an XLR (if you're feeling flush) is always a good plan in my book. It just prevents major gig disasters.

As for a tuner, the pedal one you use for your guitar should be fine for bass. Boss, Korg, TC Electronic - any of these brand's products will work on guitar or bass. If you're still unsure then have a look on the manufacturer's website or just plug your bass in and try it! There's no need to splash out on unnecessary gear if you already have something that works!

Schlyder · #3 07-31-2011, 06:50 PM

- extra strings
- batteries
- D.I box
- tools (screwdrivers, hex wrenches, pliers, forceps, electrical tape, knife, scissors, soldering iron, solder, small file, paracord, epoxy,etc)
- nailclippers
- aspirin
- cloth hockey tape
- crazy glue
- spare fuses
- spare cables
- power bar
- extra extension cord
- rolling papers
- music stand/with light
- flashlight
- towels
- first aid kit
- Sharpie marker
- duct tape
- rubber chicken

- condoms

5string5fingers · #4 07-31-2011, 06:51 PM

Whatever is simple,easy to work, and are familiar with.

Stick_Player · #5 07-31-2011, 06:53 PM

Talent.

jmceachern36 · #6 07-31-2011, 06:53 PM

A long extension chord and a power strip are good things to have. Also, a long instrument cable can be used to plug into a sound board. A screwdriver and pliers can come in handy too.

**IvanMike** · #7 07-31-2011, 06:53 PM

The boss TU-2 is reasonably cheap and reliable for a tuner pedal. Many others do the job as well. A spare instrument cord and speaker cable don't hurt. A reliable amp that works for you is a must, and an extra set of strings always helps. (although we tend not to break them so much).

Oh yeah - a bass....

5string5fingers · #8 07-31-2011, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stick_Player

Talent.

eehh depends on the gig. I think a lot of people on here would admit they forget that in the car. Maybe a talent of knowing how to wing it.

Exploiter8 · #9 07-31-2011, 06:56 PM

Reliable transportation!

X8

Kael · #10 07-31-2011, 07:00 PM

A (preferably paying) gig.

evilt70 · #11 07-31-2011, 07:01 PM

Spare strings are a must! SHLYDER had a great list, I would add a screwdriver, small allen wrench set, and a DI box (they are cheap), cause you can't always count on every soundman having one. I carry it all in a $15 Black and Decker plastic toolbox to every show. You'll be amazed at what you may find you need, and the box will hold it all

Schlyder · #12 07-31-2011, 07:04 PM

I said tools/toolbox

Ric5 · #13 07-31-2011, 07:04 PM

As a gigging musician I would own at least 2 basses and at least 2 bass heads. You will need a 2x15 or a 4x10 speaker cab. You will be in bands where you need to play a low D. So you will either need to detune, tune D standard or play a 5 string bass.

carl h. · #14 07-31-2011, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kael

A (preferably paying) gig.

And we have a winner!

rickwebb · #15 07-31-2011, 07:07 PM

all of the above... plus a sense of humor... and patience...

seanm · #16 07-31-2011, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schlyder

- cloth hockey tape

What is the hockey tape for?

Schlyder · #17 07-31-2011, 07:22 PM

For the fingers.. if need be, or thumb ala Mark King.

BurningSkies · #18 07-31-2011, 07:35 PM

I take a gig bag with things for both me and the band.

For me:

-power strip
-extra power cord
-outlet tester
-3x speakon cords (2x regular, 1x bridge cable)
-2x 1/4" speaker cables
-extra strings (never needed)
-microfiber cloth (wipe down bass body)
-extra batteries
-cotton cloth (strings)
-Instrument cables (usually 5 or more, different sizes from 12' to 25'.
-Tuner (TC Elec. Polytune)
-2x 20' XLR cords (sometimes more)
-Flask

My regular gig bag also includes stuff for whole band in case of situations:

-SM58 x2
-SM57 x2
-Mic cords
-Tape Masking & electrical
-Batteries
-picks
-2x power strips
-patch cords from 2' to 20'
-paper for set lists
-marker for set lists
-a drum rug (in the back of my car, doubles as a trunk mat)
-Screw drivers, pliers. Wire cutters
-sets of guitar strings.
-spare 12AX7 and 6L6 tubes

Low Class · #19 07-31-2011, 07:46 PM

Bass, strap, cord, tuner, amp. I'm ready.

dsanders · #20 07-31-2011, 08:05 PM

I've noticed something over my bass career so far. There is no other instrument where players show up as prepared as we do.

I'm always the one cutting cables, loaning a strap, or loaning out preamp tubes (that's not a joke btw).

That being said if it's your band you can show up with a bass, 2 to 3 cables, a tuner, a strap, a stand, and that's it. If you are subbing or it's a pick up gig take a stand a light and a DI as a minimum on top of everything else.

Yes I have a toolbox and a rack drawer full of stuff for those oh s*** moments. I rarely use any of it and could survive without it.

I also have never ran with a backup amp but I always have a radial or Aggie DI with just in case.