Best Vehicle for Bass Players

bassguitar808 · #1 02-21-2011, 11:38 AM

so my Corolla is on the way out
but it fits my Fender 2x15 cab in the back seat
my amp rack in the front seat, pedal bag
and at least a Bass or two in the trunk

I'm considering something maybe with a diesel engine, and manual transmission

whats the best recommendation for a fuel economic vehicle that can drag my stuff around ?

What are you driving ?

busta_bird · #2 02-21-2011, 11:39 AM

I have a SS Trailblazer. Plenty of storage, a little over 400HP. I'll not comment on the gas cost.

BassNoob1 · #3 02-21-2011, 11:42 AM

My parents drive me around in a Honda Pilot (I'm only 15

), it fits all my stuff pretty well, including my upright.

Jazz Ad · #4 02-21-2011, 11:43 AM

None of your silly choices.
The obvious car for a bass player would be a hearse.

D.A.R.K. · #5 02-21-2011, 11:46 AM

for a personal use vehicle, i went with a honda element (after 24 years of owning vans). not the best mileage for an economy vehicle (greatly depends on how you drive it) but a strong engine, suspension and sick amount of space for the size. i can tightly fit my entire back line and band (trio) in mine if necessary.

amroach · #6 02-21-2011, 11:48 AM

I have a ford fiesta and in it i can get: SVT 810, SVT-CL in flight case, Couple of Basses, pedalboard in flight case and flightcase containing misc items.

I got my end covered I don't think i need anything bigger then a compact car.

BassBob1 · #7 02-21-2011, 11:49 AM

pretty much what every fits your stuff and meets your other needs. I have a jeep wrangler and it fits my ampeg 410hlf and head in the back with the back seat folded up and my bass fits in the passenger seat. Get me and my stuff where it has to go and i love my wrangler for everything else, its just plain fun.

BassBob1 · #8 02-21-2011, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amroach

I have a ford fiesta and in it i can get: SVT 810, SVT-CL in flight case, Couple of Basses, pedalboard in flight case and flightcase containing misc items.

I got my end covered I don't think i need anything bigger then a compact car.

Wow, and i though i was squeezing. Seems you can fit a lot more in those Fiestas than i thought

amroach · #9 02-21-2011, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassBob1

Wow, and i though i was squeezing. Seems you can fit a lot more in those Fiestas than i thought

Its all in the practice. playing tetris helps.

**StrangerDanger** · #10 02-21-2011, 11:56 AM

I have a Ford Expedition.

Highly recommended.

kenlacam · #11 02-21-2011, 11:56 AM

Maybach. Of course if you can afford one, you don't need to worry about dragging your bass to various gigs, though. You'd have a bass-carrier named Jeeves to do that for you.

jmac · #12 02-21-2011, 11:56 AM

Honda Element. I can haul my gear and still use all passenger seats. Or if I need to haul a bandmate's gear I can remove a combination of rear seats to accommodate as required.

SactoBass · #13 02-21-2011, 11:59 AM

I drive a Toyota FJ Cruiser. Very versatile. The back seats fold forward, providing a nice sized cargo area for bass gear.

Ben Clarke · #14 02-21-2011, 12:04 PM

yep. Another for Honda Element. Mine's an 05 4WD w/ 136K on it. I can convert from 2 child seats/dad mode to full gear hauling mode in under a minute.

It's amazing how much you can fit in one of these. I get about 22mpg mixed driving if I keep my foot out of it.

And it's made in Ohio w/ higher US content than the other "big 3" options I considered at the time.

Pickups suck for gigging. I had a Dakota but I found myself using my wife's CRV if weather threatened at all.

edbass · #15 02-21-2011, 12:22 PM

These have worked the best for me, since the 70's. Of course you need to replace it once a decade or so, but they are very versatile, even providing extra storage when needed and a decent place to sack out in a pinch.

Plenty of room for backup gear, pretty much extra anything, and an easier load/unload than almost any other vehicle I know of.
I generally leave the van loaded and parked in my alarmed, insured garage or in my shop, couldn't be easier.

Plus, I really like nice cars and don't think that intentionally thrashing them is a good idea.

DubSound · #16 02-21-2011, 01:19 PM

I drive a VW golf and just have my back seats out, as much room if not more than a SUV. Hatchbacks are super practical

mpdd · #17 02-21-2011, 01:22 PM

tundra pickup - great as long as you can lift the gear on the tailgate and if it doesn't rain

ThisisCraigP · #18 02-21-2011, 01:28 PM

I have a Impala, needless to say it's not the greatest when it comes to hauling gear, or anything for that matter lol.

Travis_Bass · #19 02-21-2011, 01:32 PM

I fly 2 B-52 planes to transport my 200 Ampeg 810e cabs and 100 Ampeg VR amps.

Crane · #20 02-21-2011, 01:34 PM

I drive a Ford Ranger with a camper on it. It has plenty of room in the bed, and the camper keeps things dry and locked up. It also has a smaller engine than most suvs, giving better gas mileage. Mine has a 4.0L V6, so I only get like 19-20 highway, but the smaller V6 and the I4 models get better mileage. You can also get them for cheap and last forever, mine has 202K miles on it and still going strong.