Who takes a back up amp to gigs?

randysmojo · #1 08-10-2011, 06:03 PM

How many of you guys take a back up amplifier with you, either back up head, or combo of some sort? I finally think I have all the bugs worked out of my older Ampeg SVT-3Pro, but I also acquired an older Peavey TKO80 combo in a trade that I think I will be taking with me on gigs for a while just in case. It's not that big of an amp, but a lot louder than I thought it would be and with a good DI, it can get me through a tight spot!!

Thought it would be interesting to see what others take with them.

KimGT99 · #2 08-10-2011, 06:11 PM

I don't. The problem is that I already carry a slightly bigger rack unit and an 8x10 cab... But I admit that I considered purchasing a small sized head (like RH750) which I can easily take as a backup to gigs and use at home (rack is at our guitarplayers place).
But I´m not through with my thoughts yet, since a DI would probably already save the gig

will33 · #3 08-10-2011, 06:12 PM

I do but then again I setup/run my PA and mix from stage so I have backups or ways around most everything. My current backup is a little TubeMP that can double as a di in a pinch and I always have a way to repurpose at least one side of a poweramp if needed.

If I have a fill in gig or something where I'm just a bass player, I still have backups although sometimes they do stay locked in the car.

rickwebb · #4 08-10-2011, 06:13 PM

okay, try and follow this- my gigging rig consists of-
Ampeg SVP-PRO Preamp
Ampeg B2-R head ( preamp bypassed )
second Ampeg B2-R head ( backup)
Two Ampeg SVT-410HE cabs ( i'm usually running just the top one... )
Tech 21 VT pedal as a backup preamp

so i'm basically bringing TWO bass rigs to a gig... be prepared, right ?

fdeck · #5 08-10-2011, 06:17 PM

I have a spare micro head that I throw into the car. The spare amp bag also contains a complete set of cables. Much as I'd like to say that my gear is reliable. I've had amps crap out on me on a couple of occasions during my bass playing career.

will33 · #6 08-10-2011, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fdeck

I have a spare micro head that I throw into the car. The spare amp bag also contains a complete set of cables. Much as I'd like to say that my gear is reliable. I've had amps crap out on me on a couple of occasions during my bass playing career.

+1

Hopefully you never need your backup(s) but the one time you do you'll be glad you have them. Nothing's worse than the deer in the headlights look/feeling than a gig going to pot due to equipment stuff that can't be sorted.

A backup can be something you got at a garage sale that turns on and makes sound. Doesn't have to have stellar tone or cost much, just finish the gig.

Savage_Dreams · #7 08-10-2011, 06:26 PM

i pretty much have a backup for everything. spare head always laying in the trunk. 2 basses on stage, cables galore in the gig bag. effects and other such bonus equipment not really much in the way of backups. i can survive if an effect goes out.

**jmattbassplaya** · #8 08-10-2011, 06:29 PM

Me.

With affordable, powerful, and lightweight micro heads on the market these days there's no reason not to pick one up and take it with you on gigs just in case. My LMIII doesn't sound nearly as good as my SVT, but it definitely sounds great enough to finish a gig in case my main head goes dead.

JimmyM · #9 08-10-2011, 06:32 PM

Sometimes I do, but more often I don't. There are always a million options for me if my head blows.

**cheezewiz** · #10 08-10-2011, 06:50 PM

I always do now. I keep the TC Electronic BG500 in the band trailer no matter if I'm using my Orange AD200 or my SVT4Pro. I've been stuck a few times after an on gig breakdown, and I HATE just playing direct through the PA and not being able to hear myself on stage.

**B-string** · #11 08-10-2011, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Sometimes I do, but more often I don't. There are always a million options for me if my head blows.

Thats not what SHE said

Only taken a backup a couple of times, but I have never needed it. The guitards on the other hand.....

Joe Smithberger · #12 08-10-2011, 07:06 PM

GK MB150 combo stays in the car. If I have to run just direct, this gives me a monitor for "more me."

DD_BigBottom · #13 08-10-2011, 07:11 PM

It's not a bad idea if you have the time and room to carry one.

I don't worry about a spare if back line is provided at the gig.
I do if the gear has to travel long way in the back of uHaul truck that usually bounces everything around in the back.

derrico1 · #14 08-10-2011, 07:14 PM

I usually bring an LMII as a back-up.

MrLenny1 · #15 08-10-2011, 07:18 PM

Never have. Only own one amp and only had one go down at a gig.

AwkwardLoudness · #16 08-10-2011, 07:31 PM

Heck, I usually bring 3 amps. I use two of them in a wet/dry stereo rig, and the third is a backup.

tommy gilstrap · #17 08-10-2011, 07:39 PM

I do mostly weddings and corporate functions and my rig consists of two MarkBass CMD 121P combos. I run the direct low z out of the top one into the low z input on the bottom one. EQ each one a little different and it sounds great and surprisingly loud. If one happens to crap out my backup is already on. And they weigh 29 lbs each!

Adam Bomb · #18 08-10-2011, 08:02 PM

My gig rig is a pair of GK MB210s so I consider each a backup/spare if it came to that.

--Bomb

lokikallas · #19 08-10-2011, 08:22 PM

I haven't but the pf350 is so small and affordable I'm considering picking one up.

nashvillebill · #20 08-10-2011, 08:28 PM

I didn't for many years, but for the last ten or fifteen years I've always carried a spare--and have had to use it.

But then again, most of my gear is older than the hills.