Need suggestions on my live setup for my bass...

[JUSTINKP]

Hey guys,

My band is going to be playing our first full gig (40 songs) in the middle of May, and up to this point, we've just been opening for other bands, so I've just used the bass rig from the bassist of the headlining band.

Now that we're going to be playing our own gigs and headlining consistently, I need to figure out what I need for my bass rig.

Here's my current equipment:

Ampeg Porta-Flex 500 Bass Head
GK 4X10 Bass Cab
Musicman Ray34 Silverburst Electric Bass
20' Monster Bass Instrument Cable
Long Life Hearos Ear Plugs
String Ease, Picks, Tuner
100 Foot Extension Cord (Heavy Duty 3 Prong)

I know I need an XLR cable for the output of my Bass head to the sound system. How long should I get and what brand would you suggest?

I want a wireless system. I'm interested in the Line 6 relay wireless systems. Any feedback on these?

My guitarist suggested that I get a power conditioner. I don't know anything about these other than they range from $50 and up.

My guitarist also just bought a locking Stanley Mobile Pro tool box on wheels which he keeps his cables, tuner, amp head, processors, etc, in. I'm thinking this might be a good idea for my bass head, cables, wireless, etc.


This is my first band and first live experience with my own gear so I need some help guys. Thanks in advance!

[jaywa]

Congrats! I can offer opinions on a couple of these.

Originally Posted by JUSTINKP

I know I need an XLR cable for the output of my Bass head to the sound system. How long should I get and what brand would you suggest?

Generally the company running your sound will provide this cord. Personally I've never traveled with my own mic cord though I suppose it wouldn't hurt to carry your own just in case. The length depends on if you're going to have a "snake" (that is, a junction box containing all of the mic cord inputs that is placed somewhere on the stage and connected by a long master cable back to the board). If you have a snake, you only need enough length to get from the snake to your rig... probably not more than about 25 ft unless you are gonna be playing massive stages. If you don't have a snake, then that cord (and all your band's other mic cords) are gonna have to be long enough to get from your rig to wherever the sound board will be and that can be a lo--o--ng ways.

My guitarist suggested that I get a power conditioner. I don't know anything about these other than they range from $50 and up.

You'll get people ardently arguing both sides on this question. I personally have never owned one and never had a problem without one. Now if you're going to be touring places outside the U.S or something where clean dependable power is not a given, it may be worth the investment.

[funkifiedsoul]

You're all set, good luck!
Careful with that "string ease" stuff though, you're liable to drop your beer!

[JUSTINKP]

Ah!!! You just reminded me! I need to get a beer holder for my mic stand!

[TimmyP]

Get something that will allow you to tilt your cabinet directly at your head so you can hear it as well as possible. Lacking this, get a longer cable - the farther you are from a straight-front-facing cabinet, the more on axis you'll be, and the better you'll hear it.

[Wes Whitmore]

It sounds like you are expecting some stage volume and are trying to protect your hearing...good idea. First gigs are great. Lots of excitement diving into the unknown.

If you have a soundman/PA system there, they should bring AC and the DI cable to you. 100ft extension cable is more than you will need, if it matters. You should probably have a 25' cable handy incase you need it. That should get you to a nearby wall. You don't need a power conditioner. Save your money. You should get an inexpensive surge strip. Its nice to have the circuit breaker close to you, and you will probably need the extra outlets anyway.

20' instrument cable will be fine if you stand right next to your cab. Get a 30' cable or wireless if you move around or stand further than 10' from the cab. I use a Line6 30 and love it. You won't need more than that ever probably.

String ease...your call. I don't use it. Hands are lubed up after the first song.

Tuner...Super important. Make sure you, and the rest of the band, put priority in tuning...

I prefer bags to cases because of weight. Get something with a retractable dolly. Even a suitcase works well, but there is a lot out there to choose from. Check out roller hockey backs. Lots of zippers and pouches, and they can be converted to backbacks, or use the internal dolly system. I have a Reebok 7K which is awesome. I usually just throw all of my stuff (sans the basses and cab) in a OGIO backpack.

The 4x10 should be on wheels or a dolly board.

Backup stuff - I bring a backup bass, but you could probably just bring an old set of strings and keep them around if you need them. Make that 20' your backup cable. The wireless will need batteries. I keep a backup strap and a music stand with me too.

Good luck. Have fun!

Wes

[Gearhead17]

Line 6 G50 system is a great choice to go wireless, sounds as good or better than a cable. I use mine all the time!

You have your head on right! Good ideas on both ends. Skip the power conditioner - a decent surge protector would be adequate. Power conditioners are not doing much more than a surge protector - if anything. They provide lights on some of the models.

Have extra speaker cable, instrument cable, power cords, and an extension cords (10ft units) with you. I have all of it with me for every show and although it is a pain to tote along, I can save just about anyone's rig on stage. I am like the human Swiss army knife.

[Nagrom]

One thing I like to have is a short 1/4" instrument cable. If the venue wants you to plug into the house DI then you have a little patch cord to go to your amp.

[groove pump]

Way to go with the ear plugs. I keep a whole box of fresh ones handy for anyone who needs 'em.

Spare batteries for the wireless rig AND for your bass, plus a screwdriver if you need it to pop the cover. If you have them, you'll likely never need them.

Beer on my mic stand sounds scary - I usually prefer a pint in a glass though, so it needs to be a little more out of the way. If your mic is just off a dance floor with little or no stage elevation, expect it to get bumped here and there.

Great call above on the backpack or roller bag option. I'm due for a better gig pack right now, myself. Two things that have saved me in some way - and more than once - include a towel and some duct tape.

If/when you go wireless, keep a cord right there on top of your head so that you can switch to it on the fly when your wireless quits - yes, I had to do this once and I only missed about two bars of the song. Again, if you have the cord ready, you'll probably never need it.

My extension cord is actually one of those reels with four spots on its side to plug in. Very handy. Makes it easy for me to bring power from several feet away and plug in all of my gizmos right by my rig. Never used a power conditioner either.

A little flashlight will save your life about once a show. If you need to dig into the back of your rig or just find something in your bag in those typically dark settings, this is a must have.

Picks?... <<<insert humorous jab here>>>

[prd004]

Whoever is running the sound will provide the XLR cable.

As far as instrument/patch and speaker cables my advice is carry two of everything! One day you will open up your bag and go "where's my speaker cable" or your instrument cable will short out. Keep spare batteries and an extra set of strings on hand too!

I also carry an external DI as insurance in case anything goes awry with my rig. It's never happened, but if it did I can get through the night by running through the PA.

[henfjel]

Originally Posted by prd004

Whoever is running the sound will provide the XLR cable.

As far as instrument/patch and speaker cables my advice is carry two of everything! One day you will open up your bag and go "where's my speaker cable" or your instrument cable will short out. Keep spare batteries and an extra set of strings on hand too!

I also carry an external DI as insurance in case anything goes awry with my rig. It's never happened, but if it did I can get through the night by running through the PA.

that happened to me last night. the band that played before us made the hartke head short out.. played through the pa. awful sound

[saustindavis]

I like to keep a Leatherman (or other multi-tool with pliers) in my bag just in case I need it. I've used the screwdriver and the pliers on it before to fix the action on a bass that I had to borrow (oh God it was awfull...).

I also make sure to mark my cables and just about everything else with something red (use whatever color...) so that I know it's mine. I've heard of guys using heat shrink on cables, I use red velcro cable wrap thingies, and red electrical tape on the handles of my cases, etc. I get paranoid about someone thinking it's their cable or case or whatever...

I also keep a couple extra mic and instrument cables handy. One time a guy was playing bass for me, and getting a radio station through his amp. I swapped his instrument cable for one of my Monster cables, problem solved. I carry one short extension cord and one long one, a couple of guitar stands (I like my bass/guitar in a stand rather than laid on top of the case or leaning somewhere), and a surge protector (I wouldn't worry about the power conditiner), all in a small duffle bag.

[selftitled907]

sounds like you pretty much have everything in line for your first gig. congratulations on the gig also. so i pretty much agree with everything everyone has told you. i have been playing live for years now and never have i used a power conditioner. although it sounds appealing...and have never had a problem iwth dirty power.

the only thing i see that i would disagree with here is the house supplying the XLR cables. i would go in assuming you need to provide all gear down to the cables. that way you will never come up short. and it just goes without saying that everyone knows there own gear best. i never use house gear no matter how nice. i know how to EQ and set up all my own gear and always have everything i need this way. i just wouldnt count on anyone else providing anything and always have extras.

cheers and good luck on your first full gig, hope you have a blast.

-Gabe

[JUSTINKP]

Wow you guys are great! Thank you for all of the responses. You've been a huge help and the suggestions and advice are all great.

[Greasy Cookies]

You always need a lighter, a flask, Altoids and Trojans...It is Show Business....

[testing1two]

If you're playing 4-5 sets endurance is the name of the game. Bring some Advil, your own bottled water and/or tea, power bars (the edible kind), hand towels, a clock so you know when to start/end your sets, and the universal fix-it, gaffer's tape.

Other miscellaneous things:

1. Learn the venue policy about the "band tab" at the bar because drinking over the course of 5 hours can get expensive if you're not keeping track or the drummer is buying shots on the band tab for the chick he's trying to score with.
2. Have a box/bag/case for everything and a cart that you can stick them on. A fast, efficient load-out will make the venue happy and keeps your gear together which lessens the chances of loss or theft.
3. Mark/tag/label things that could be confused with stuff that belongs to the venue: cables, extension cords, mics & mic stands, direct boxes, etc.

[jaywa]

+1 on the Leatherman. Great, great, little gadget.

Also one of each screwdriver you may need for on-the-fly bass maintenance. In my case this is a single, smaller Philips head screwdriver but YMMV depending on how many basses you roll with and what kinds they are.

A set of Allen wrenches is also a good idea as they are commonly needed for bridge adjustments or other bass maintenance.

A tuner is a must, and if you are getting paid to play it had better be one that mutes while engaged. There is nothing more bush-league than having everyone in the place hear you while you're tuning. Don't cheap out using one of those clip-on jobs that acoustic guitarists use... they don't mute, they are not accurate for bass and they look cheezy as hell attached to your headstock. I use a Korg PitchBlack and love it much. Also remember spare batteries for same.

[MNAirHead]

sounds like you have it covered...

I'll be the first one to point out smaller gear and turn it down --- after gigging you'll be striving for smaller gear and a faster setup.

Label everything.

ALWAYS keep some $1s to tip your wait staff