Gigging with a Miata...

Brad Johnson · #1 08-30-2011, 04:17 AM

A friend asked me what I thought was an interesting question about what I carry to a gig when I drive my Miata. At 6'2' and well over 250 lb. the fact that I can comfortably drive a Miata is probably amazing enough. So here was my answer...

My Miata is a 99. It can hold a surprising amount of gear if packed well.

I can put two gigbags or a double bag in the trunk along with the Markbass Little Mark II in a bag with tools/parts/etc. Have also put a garment bag in there with everything else. Or for other amplification a 19" rack will fit in the passenger side floor though I haven't tried it since I built a tiny box for a Pioneer 8" shallow sub that fits under the floormat on that side. I have a 12" deep Odyssey rackbag with a Yamaha PB-1 driving a Crown Drivecore XLS1000 (1100w bridged at 4 ohms). Sometimes I take a Mike Pope Mitre box preamp in another small bag.

My Kart-a-Bag cart also fits in the floor and finally I've put my AER Basic Performer (4x8) combo or Bag End coax 1-15 or Schroeder 1210L or Nahas 1-12 on the passenger seat. I could also put my coax 1-10 Bag End in the passenger side floor instead of the rack and substitute my fold flat cart and put that in the trunk for a "big" (LOL) Bag End stack that'll work anywhere, even outdoors. If I take one bass that means even more free space in the trunk.

I've checked other similar convertibles, none of them come close to being able to carry this much gear and have fun getting to and from a gig. I guess the trunk is the coolest part. I was with a bassist friend the other day and mentioned I had two basses in the trunk and I'm pretty sure he thought I was kidding until he saw it.

Reaper Man · #2 08-30-2011, 09:19 AM

I have a 90 and I couldn't fathom being able to put that much stuff in the trunk...

though I could see it all going in there

Brad Johnson · #3 08-30-2011, 09:24 AM

The pre-99's have the spare taking up a bunch of space. The post 99's spares goes under the floor. The headstocks can then go into the passenger side fender and the other end drops right down into the trunk. Sweet.

guy n. cognito · #4 08-30-2011, 09:32 AM

Having owned three Miatas I must say I'm surprised that any bass fits in the trunk lengthwise.

On a related note, I recently lost an audition because I drive a MINI Cooper. I had been referred to a band in need of a bassist. While talking to the drummer, he asked about my car. I told him what it was, he paused, then said "well, how the he'll do you expect to get to the gigs in that little car?". Before I could even respond (or tell him about the SUV also in my driveway) he ended the call by telling me that they needed someone with reliable transport.

Personally, I think I dodged a bullet.

Brad Johnson · #5 08-30-2011, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guy n. cognito

Having owned three Miatas I must say I'm surprised that any bass fits in the trunk lengthwise.

On a related note, I recently lost an audition because I drive a MINI Cooper. I had been referred to a band in need of a bassist. While talking to the drummer, he asked about my car. I told him what it was, he paused, then said "well, how the he'll do you expect to get to the gigs in that little car?". Before I could even respond (or tell him about the SUV also in my driveway) he ended the call by telling me that they needed someone with reliable transport.

Personally, I think I dodged a bullet.

He did you a BIG favor.

What year Miatas did you have?

jlane72t · #6 08-30-2011, 09:54 AM

I drive a BMW Z4 and have been told multiple times that it's a very positive testament to my organizational skills that I can fit 2 basses, 2x10 cab, and gear bag (with micro-head inside) into the passenger seating area.

Had a 1st gen Miata for years...I will probably never love a car as much as I loved that one...but man that trunk was briefcase-sized.

guy n. cognito · #7 08-30-2011, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brad Johnson

He did you a BIG favor.

What year Miatas did you have?

1991
1997 STO
2006 with Convertible Hard top and Grand Touring package.

Porkbun · #8 08-30-2011, 10:06 AM

Planning on getting a 1995 Corvette. Cant wait to see how I can fit everything in the back, especially with the top back there!

My family wouldnt get a Miata because of safety reasons

devilock76 · #9 08-30-2011, 10:10 AM

Dare I drop the gauntlet of discussing carrying basses on a Fatboy. I know I could actually get a small stage rig on the motorcycle, if I didn't have to bring any PA or keyboard stuff. I just dread the idea of being on a motorcycle at 2 AM with the drunks on the road.

Ken

Marial · #10 08-30-2011, 10:11 AM

I don't recall what year mine was, but it had been fitted with a roll bar for autocrossing and had NO room for anything. I took it to a gig once, with the top down and my bass poking out of the top with they trunk open and my amp sticking out of the back of the car. It was good for one round of merriment outside the club and I vowed never to do it again. My POS van works MUCH better.

guy n. cognito · #11 08-30-2011, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marial

I don't recall what year mine was, but it had been fitted with a roll bar for autocrossing and had NO room for anything. I took it to a gig once, with the top down and my bass poking out of the top with they trunk open and my amp sticking out of the back of the car. It was good for one round of merriment outside the club and I vowed never to do it again. My POS van works MUCH better.

I had a Hard Dog 4- point roll bar on my 97, but it didn't intrude into any of the storage areas other than the "parcel shelf."

BBox Bass · #12 08-30-2011, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guy n. cognito

Having owned three Miatas I must say I'm surprised that any bass fits in the trunk lengthwise.

Me too. I own an '04 Mazda RX8 and guitar cases barely fit in the trunk; bass cases have to go on the passenger seat or the back seats. One reason I bought that car is because it has back seats that are easily accessible by the suicide doors. I can fit a 2x10 cabinet, rack case, 2 basses, mic stand, and a cable bag in that car if necessary. Most of the time I take my Subaru Outback to gigs, but if I play out of town I like being able to drive the Mazda sometimes.

Brad Johnson · #13 08-30-2011, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guy n. cognito

1991
1997 STO
2006 with Convertible Hard top and Grand Touring package.

Yeah, you missed the sweet spot for gigging, the NB.

crazy_kat_matt · #14 08-30-2011, 12:35 PM

pics? lol id love to see this

zachbass02 · #15 08-31-2011, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guy n. cognito

Having owned three Miatas I must say I'm surprised that any bass fits in the trunk lengthwise.

On a related note, I recently lost an audition because I drive a MINI Cooper. I had been referred to a band in need of a bassist. While talking to the drummer, he asked about my car. I told him what it was, he paused, then said "well, how the he'll do you expect to get to the gigs in that little car?". Before I could even respond (or tell him about the SUV also in my driveway) he ended the call by telling me that they needed someone with reliable transport.

Personally, I think I dodged a bullet.

HA! That sounds about right for Nashville. Definitely better off not working with those guys. I can fit my small rig in my wifes MINI. I haven't tried my 410 yet, but I dunno if it'd go or not.

natw42 · #16 08-31-2011, 11:11 AM

My ex had a mini, and schlepped me around to gigs when I had no car when we first got together. Put the rear seats down and there is a surprising amount of room. We took it camping a lot too w no issues. Hatchbacks are the shizz - i could put an incredible amount of gear in my Scion TC w the seats down. Now I have a Subaru Forrester that can haul a small band's worth of gear w room to spare.

But hey, whatever works. Rock on w your Miata!

Herbie 80's · #17 08-31-2011, 11:11 AM

Just looked at a few pictures of Miata.. how the hell do you fit anything in there?

Bassmanbob · #18 08-31-2011, 11:57 AM

There was a guy in here who said he could get two 410 cabs in his Cooper Clubman. I don't remember who it was and what 410 cabs he was talking about. I have an Eden 410 cab and doubt it would be that one. The Edens are very deep.

I remember that post, because at the time, I was considering buying a new car and I like the Coopers. But I'm still driving my Nissan Murano. It's seven years old, 130,000 miles and still drives like I bought it yesterday!

scowboy · #19 08-31-2011, 12:18 PM

I also drive a Mini Cooper S hardtop. When I got it was using 2x TC Electronic RS210. They fit with room for basses, amp and a bag of junk. Later I went to a Berg AE212 and I've ended up w 2x AE112's. An AE410 will fit again with room for all the other stuff. With seats folded down there is a good amount if space. A Berg 112EX will fit in the back without folding any seats down FWIW.

Tommy Nat · #20 08-31-2011, 12:34 PM

My bro used to have a 99 miata. One of my favorite cars to drive. Its amazing how much stuff you can get to hold in them when you need to.