Just getting back in the bass after about 30 years believe it or not I used to get with just one bass and my amp ,nowadays I hear people are taking back up basis is that always a good idea?
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2 basses for one gig?
- Thread starter daveyo
- Start date
Wow, that's a bit hard to read. If I am understanding correctly, you're asking if it is always a good idea to take a backup bass. I suppose the answer to that question depends on your situation. If you break strings easily, need different tones, etc., then a backup may be a good idea. There are several threads about this in the main Bass forum that can probably help you out.
I always bring two, one tuned standard, the other 1/2 step down.
This opinion on "yes or no" to a backup bass has been discussed alot. IMO, I always bring two. Have only needed the backup one time and didn't have one that day.
Do you bring more than one instrument cable? If you use a pick, do you bring more than 1?
It never hurts to have a backup plan should something go wrong. I bring two basses because I need a 5 string for a few songs. But I can play the rest of my band's sets on the 5 string should something happen to my 4 string.
Electric instruments are interesting in that they can appear perfectly fine, but be a brick because a solder joint broke or the output jack is making intermittent contact, etc. For that reason, I always bring a backup. If we played tuba or marimba it may be more daunting and up for debate lol. Personally I play some higher-stakes gigs (weddings, larger corporate events) and if something isnt working, I immediately reach for the backup since there is essentially no time to troubleshoot.
i generally take two. i forgot why.
i didn't start taking two axes to the gig until i had a bunch to take. but i have several, so having two at the gig means i have a backup if i need it. have i ever needed it? yes: once. maybe twice? but it's fun to change axes sometimes: different feel, sound, hang = just fun!
I always have 2 basses (and pretty much everything else) to a gig. Yes, I have needed to deploy my back up a couple of times (strap lock pulled out of bass one time and the other, I simply couldn't get my bass tuned midset). Stuff happens and making a 1-2 hour round trip to grab another bass just won't cut it. Your backup doesn't need to be a nice as your main player - it just needs to be able to get through a set or two. For example, my main player is a Fender AmPro PV, but I have a Squier PV for backup (I honestly couldn't tell them apart with my eyes closed.)
I also carry a spare head, DI box and a bag o' cables (all kinds) to gigs. It usually stays in the car, but have accessed it to replace a bandmates forgotten/failed cable a time or two.
I also carry a spare head, DI box and a bag o' cables (all kinds) to gigs. It usually stays in the car, but have accessed it to replace a bandmates forgotten/failed cable a time or two.
Last bass string I broke was in the 80s and I deserved it. But fretted + fretless = 2.
Thanks for your reply's
Y'all make good points for bringing two basses
I will definitely do that when the time comes
Y'all make good points for bringing two basses
I will definitely do that when the time comes
Yes.i always bring a backup. No exceptions.
I stopped bringing a backup after about 40 years of never needing to use it. Watch, this weekend I'll need it. I guess I better bring a backup.
Unless you are going to your gig on a bicycle, It's not a burden to take a backup. Might save your bacon some day.
Well, I used to bring a bass guitar along to gigs when I was playing upright. It proved useful in those situations where stage space was way smaller than advertised or when the horn section decided to string out their solos, quadrupling our playing time and using up my (limited) upright bass stamina.Do DBL bassists bring a backup?
JeezyMcNuggles
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Always. Input jack fails, hits the ground falling off the strap, homie knocks it off your stand, drunk dude comes up and obliterates it between sets. Stuff happens.
Ric5
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I remember only owning one bass as a gigging musician.
Now I take at least 2 and sometimes 3 basses.
JeezyMcNuggles
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Something with strings bro. Squier infinity would do the job just fine in one of those situations. Doesn't have to be fancy.
