How many basses do you take?

[geoff_in_nc]

Not positive this is the right forum... oh well....

How many basses do you take to a typical bar gig? Specifically do you take one which is an actual backup, not like a 6 string as well as your trusty 4 string or something?

I just got a bass which will now be my main player, and even though I've been gigging taking just one bass for a while, I suddenly feel like I should have a second with me... "just in case".

Anyone ever really had a bass fail during a gig?

[MuzikMan]

I only take 1 four string and I think I am probably crazy. I have a second one but I never bring it. So far in 20 years I have never needed it.

[delta7fred]

One - G&L L-2500

Been gigging since 1967 and never taken a spare. I only had one bass up until about 5 years ago.

I did have a couple of strings break back in the 70s but no major bass failures as such.

I have had several major amp failures and now carry a Crate Powerblock - 150W lightweight class D guitar amp as a spare for the guitarist and I.

[the yeti]

two. i have gone with one plenty of times with no issue though. i couldn't imagine taking more than 2.

[DiabolicLow B]

Two, I always bring a back up, I have never needed it but you never know...

[Depth_Charge]

I have always brought a backup bass to gigs and have needed to swap a couple times at gigs, probably as a result of lack of maintenance of my axes.

[LiamPodmore]

Normally only one, as my other one is currently in the middle of having a wiring change (Going from active P/J to passive P) but when i have them both, i take a backup to the bigger gigs we are playing, but not really the small pub gigs. Only needed 2 basses once, which is when i broke a string on my backup bass, which i was using for Drop D Standard at the time, so i just played it all on my 5 instead.

Liam

[rtslinger]

I take two my Fender P flat wounds and the other whatever 7 left to choose from have round wounds We are a Classic Rock band and I use the Flats for 50-60-70 stuff. 80- through the rest I use round wounds for the brighter more biting stuff works well.

[Eater_of_Birds]

i take one but id really prefer two, even though itd be a major extra hassle. unfortunately i dont have a backup currently.

if mine fails im not sure what id do :s id be loathe to ask another bass wielder for his. i should really get at least an extra string set.

[Rickett Customs]

2, Fretted and fretless.

[toddLURR]

Two, or one with extra strings packed in the case

[deshi00]

I usually take 2 now that I have 2. Only failures I've had are broken strings. But I have been leaving one in drop C for a couple songs we play to just switch my bass instead of tune.

[Ron Plichta]

I take two and keep one as a backup. I have a Radial Bassbone on my pedal board, so both basses are plugged in at the same time and ready to go if an issue arises.

[toddLURR]

Originally Posted by Ron Plichta

I take two and keep one as a backup. I have a Radial Bassbone on my pedal board, so both basses are plugged in at the same time and ready to go if an issue arises.

[Frankjohnson]

Almost always - a second bass. You never know what might happen.

[dbhokie]

I just play 4-strings, I take 2 basses, never needed the second.

[klejst]

Although having a second bass as a true backup is wise, I have never had one or needed one (knock-on-wood). My one and only trusty Fender P has not failed me yet. I have thought about getting just a cheap Squier P to use as a backup, not as nice as my main, but at least it is something if God forbid something bad happens.

[maxgrant]

I usually take a fretted and fretless, as I have a couple of songs I like to do fretless. I usually also take a backup for the fretted. These days, I am playing my 4001 as my main bass, with a Jazz as a backup, and a fretless Jazz for ooh and ahh.

I broke a string on my Rickenbacker at a gig 25 years ago. Didn't have an extra bass. Didn't have any strings. I have always taken at least a modicum of backup with me since then. If not a whole bass, at least a bag of strings.

The song I was going to play right then was YYZ. I had the drummer take a solo while I tied my D string back together, and we played YYZ like that. I avoided the knot in the D string.

[dalkowski]

I bring two, because the day I bring only one will be the day when horrific, apocalyptic events transpire at the gig. I'll curse my poor judgement with my dying breath as the earth swallows me and my rig.

To date, I've never needed to reach for a backup.

[joshwilkesbooth]

Two. No more, no less.