Cruise Gig Essentials

J0eBr0wn · #1 09-22-2011, 04:39 PM

So, I just got signed up with a booking agent to play bass on some different cruise lines. I've never done anything like this before so I thought I'd turn to talkbass for some help.

The contracts run 4-6 months and I doubt there will be any GCs or Sam Ashes wherever we make port.

I have:
Mod P-Bass
Mod J-Bass
Ibanez BTB5
Mesa M-pulse 600
Ampeg 6x10
GK 2x10

I don't have any pedals, but I'm definitely open to getting some. I am also looking into getting a different 5-string.

What should I take with me gear-wise (strings, basses, pedals, amps etc.)?

MrLenny1 · #2 09-22-2011, 05:49 PM

Based on my buddy's experience, ship provides amps.
Bring a good working bass or two. Bring lots of strings if you play topdeck(outside)
Basic tools for bass, sound man usually can help with minor wiring, soldering.
Gig bag, don't want a coffin case running around the crowds.
LOL

Zipper871 · #3 09-22-2011, 06:39 PM

A 5 string bass is good to have, since many of the production shows have parts for 5 string. A p or a j is good to have as well since you'll be playing a lot of old time swing, classic rock and country. It's also nice to have a j or p bass because some of the amps can be kind of meh and it's easier to get a good sound out of them with a p or j. You'll also want something you can use as a headphone amp for practicing. Other than that, what you bring is up to you, you don't really need much. If you're real particular about your sound, a pre-amp, di box, amp head etc. can be useful, but it's not really necessary.

Roscoe East · #4 09-23-2011, 08:32 AM

When I did my time on cruise ship gigs I never -- ever -- encountered a need for signal processing of any type. Three solid months of two or four sets per night, seven days a week, and absolutely zero need for chorus, flange, compression, distortion, auto-wah... It's a Meat & Potatoes gig I guarantee you; leave the stompboxes at home.

Every cruise ship I know provides a backline in all their venues, so you probably won't need to bring your own amp.

On the other hand, you'll definitely want to bring a handful of reliable cables, a tuner, several sets of strings, and batteries if your bass is active.

A gig bag is handy for getting your bass from one end of the ship ("Crow's Nest Lounge") to the other ("Captain's Theater") ...though, depending where you live now & where the ship embarks from, you may want a legit transit case, which you can then bury somewhere in your cabin or with the Engineering staff for the duration of the stint.

Also...bring something to prevent you from going stir-crazy during downtime. A book, an MP3 player, anything to keep you occupied when you're not playing. Otherwise you'll probably just drink.

J0eBr0wn · #5 09-24-2011, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roscoe East

A gig bag is handy for getting your bass from one end of the ship ("Crow's Nest Lounge") to the other ("Captain's Theater") ...though, depending where you live now & where the ship embarks from, you may want a legit transit case, which you can then bury somewhere in your cabin or with the Engineering staff for the duration of the stint.

I've been looking into mono cases. Any idea how well they hold up on flights?

Roscoe East · #6 09-26-2011, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J0eBr0wn

I've been looking into mono cases. Any idea how well they hold up on flights?

I think I've seen a few other threads on TalkBass that address this in more detail, but fwiw my opinion is that if the bass will ever be out of your hands, a gig bag is not enough protection.

Brad Hanback · #7 09-26-2011, 07:40 AM

The Reunion Blues Continental Bass Gig Bag....there is no other choice!!! I love mine and fly with it all of the time. I don't worry about my bass in that bag. I honestly think it is safer in that bag than it is in a hard case.

rosskratter · #8 02-05-2012, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brad Hanback

The Reunion Blues Continental Bass Gig Bag....there is no other choice!!! I love mine and fly with it all of the time. I don't worry about my bass in that bag. I honestly think it is safer in that bag than it is in a hard case.

+1
I need to buy a second one!

salcott · #9 02-05-2012, 10:46 PM

If you're not inclined towards being self-sufficient entertainmentwise, bring a spare liver.

LM Bass · #10 02-06-2012, 12:03 AM

Don't forget a good headphone/practise setup including mp3 player and metronome. Charlie Parker Omnibook/Bach Suites/Standing in the Shadows of Motown etc. You'll have lots of downtime to manage, and you want to have a plan on how to fill it! Gym and practising is your best bet.

Also, make sure you have an exit strategy, don't become a "lifer"! : )
(. . . Survived the show band on Princess lines from '89-91)

Snarf · #11 02-06-2012, 10:34 AM

I had an extensive thread going at one point on cruise ships. Might want to check that out, I wrote a lot about it and had plenty of good people adding great information.

Gear wise, bring ONE bass in a hard case (you will be checking it), and however many sets of strings you need. That is all, the ship will provide amps and DI's if necessary. But depending on the line, any of the main stage shows you'll play will be synced anyway, so DI's become moot. Ships often will even have strings and the like, but I wouldn't rely on that.

Make sure you bring a reliable laptop with lots of video games, ebooks, or movies/TV shows. Otherwise you will get REALLY bored. I even had plenty of stuff on my laptop but still ended up in the OB every single night.

Cruise life is ROUGH. Good luck!