2 basses for one gig?

[Liko]

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?

A backup instrument is usually faster than fixing whatever went wrong with your primary. You may think your axe is solid, and it probably is, right up until it isn't. Bass players have to really try to break strings, unlike some guitarists I know who can seem to pop their high E just by looking at it the wrong way, so I don't know a single guitarist who doesn't bring a backup for that reason alone. We still have to contend with dead batteries, physical damage done to instruments, and even just a wonky solder joint in your control cavity finally coming loose after months of no trouble, that can "brick" a primary instrument with zero warning.

If and when these happen, a backup bass, tuned and ready on a stand behind you, has you back up and running in 8 bars or less. Or, you can stand there on stage trying to troubleshoot or work around the problem during the song, possibly with loud pops and squeals as the signal cuts in and out. Personally, I prefer the insurance of a grab-and-go backup plan, then if my primary really is salvageable I can fix it during the set break.

 

[Peteyboy]

I generally have made it a point to be sociable with the other bands on the bill. You'll find there's usually a bassist in the house who's willing to throw you a bone should you need it. Or? Just be super cool and aloof and bring 2 of everything. I love the dudes who bark about the weight of an individual bass, only to then haul 2 amps and 2 basses in their Humvee or whatever.

 

[Gustopher]

I bring my backup and leave it in the case. It just makes me feel better knowing it's there. Never needed it. We used to play a lot of stuff in standard and in drop tuning and I would use the backup for that.

 

[2112]

I always bring at least 2. Basic due diligence to avoid crabbing the show.

 

[dreamadream99]

I have never brought a backup bass or amplifier. But only because I am lazy, and don't want to lug twice as much gear. Luckily I have never needed a backup, but if I ever do I will be hosed.

So on the one hand, it is good to be prepared – even if some would call it over prepared. On the other hand, the odds are in your favor if you decide to skip it and travel light.

 

[Jeff Scott]

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.

Once I had more than one bass at a time I'd bring a couple (sometimes, three) to gigs. But not as backups, but for each of their unique qualities to use on specific songs.

One example:

 

[Pings Bass]

Do DBL bassists bring a backup?

Yes, a bass guitar, which i use on some songs. If one has issues, the other can cover the same notes.

 

[Peteyboy]

Once I had more than one bass at a time I'd bring a couple (sometimes, three) to gigs. But not as backups, but for each of their unique qualities to use on specific songs.

One example:
View attachment 4349596

Well if I had THOSE 3 I'd never let them outta my sight either!

 

[Joe Nerve]

I'm almost afraid to say that having played close to 1500 gigs at this point in my life, I have not ever needed a backup bass. Bass head is a different story. I've needed a backup for that on TOO many occasions.

Because I get paid nicely these days, I keep a POS short scale purple SX bass in my trunk always... if I ever need it, its there. And on a side note, after it being in there through about 5 NYC summers and winters, I took it out about a year ago and it was completely playable. There was only a bit of buzz on the G string that a half a twist on the truss rod took care of. The bass had been frozen solid and baked in what has probably been well over 150 degrees, multiple times.

 

[40Hz]

I've always packed two just in case.

And I'm happy to say I never needed that backup. It always got left "just in case."

 

[Ggaa]

Now that I have one again, I'll bring that backup.

 

[tubatodd]

I showed up to a rehearsal once with a bass and a tuba ( for brass rehearsal after). Output jack stopped working. So I played tuba on all of my big band bass parts. I always bring 2 of everything but cabs to a gig.

 

[lfmn16]

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?

You'll think it was a good idea if you bass malfunctions. A band opening for my band's bass went dead during their set. He checked a few things and when it wasn't an obvious issue, he grabbed his backup bass. Total down time about a minute. Do you think he thought it was a good idea to bring a backup?

 

[Slough Feg Bass]

I've never taken 2 basses anywhere and always been just fine.
had a battery die once, so I sent backup dancer to the corner store to get a spare while the band took a break.
broke some strings and replaced them during drum solo or guitar solo or speech time.

 

[Brother Goose]

Always! Fretted 6 and fretless 5 string.

 

[coy garcia]

I always bring 2 as backup but usually only play one. This next gig I plan on playing my backup for a few tunes cause it is a classic and needs some limelight

 

[clockworkcorpse]

I've never taken 2 basses anywhere and always been just fine.
had a battery die once, so I sent backup dancer to the corner store to get a spare while the band took a break.
broke some strings and replaced them during drum solo or guitar solo or speech time.

does a backup dancer specialize in doing congo lines in reverse?

 

[Whale guy]

If bringing a second bass would require that you go out and buy another one, then I would highly recommend it. Remember, every GC has a sign somewhere that says " Your wife just called and said to get whatever you want ".

 

[Jeff Scott]

Well if I had THOSE 3 I'd never let them outta my sight either!

Funny thing is, I no longer own any of those basses (I still have the Quik-Lok stand, though).

 

[ThunderV]

I always take two basses to a gig.....the backup stays in the van.....and have never needed it....I figure I am due so I will continue to do this.