2 basses for one gig?

[Bunk McNulty]

Don't let this happen to you!

 

[Peteyboy]

Don't let this happen to you!View attachment 4350096

That, Macgyver, is a valuable and impressive lifehack.

 

[74hc]

I've only ever brought one. Never had a need for a back up bass, just backup batteries. However, with the Kiesel, it can be switched into passive mode if the batteries fail. So, I stopped bringing backup batteries just because I was funding other musician's battery purchases.

 

[lermgalieu]

This has been discussed ALOT. Some do, some don't. I don't, and in 30 years of playing I have never had anything dire happen that I would need one. Backup strings, yes, and battery if you use an active bass.

 

[Artman]

One fretless and one fretted. Every gig.

 

[ArtechnikA]

Do DBL bassists bring a backup?

Many bring an electric - typically fretless - as a backup...

 

[darren1970]

I bring one as a backup ( just in case ) but also because I like a change.
I usually switch out at half time.

 

[stingray78]

Backup strings and battery yes. If I bring a second bass, its only because I need the sound of that 2nd bass.

 

[Afc70]

I always take 2- never know when something will fail, (and it inevitably will)- Murphy , the perennial saboteur-is always lurking at ever opportunity.

 

[groovepump]

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.

I only needed a backup bass once, and fortunately, I always bring 2 basses. I always bring backup bass, and cables and straps, and 2 amps. I have supplied my band mates with stuff they forgot to bring, or that died at the show. Nearly every gig, I supply someone with something, including (twice) one of my 2 backup amps.

 

[WI Short Scaler]

I only needed a backup bass once, and fortunately, I always bring 2 basses. I always bring backup bass, and cables and straps, and 2 amps. I have supplied my band mates with stuff they forgot to bring, or that died at the show. Nearly every gig, I supply someone with something, including (twice) one of my 2 backup amps.

I am that guy now, have lots of extra cables and backup plans are always wired now before we start.

Lessons learned over time!

 

[QweziRider]

...is that always a good idea?

It is for me. Had to use it just a couple weeks ago. Outdoor gig and suddenly my sound was cutting in and out. No clue what it was. But I wasn't going to waste stage time figuring it out. Grabbed the second bass and cable immediately, problem solved in less than ten seconds.

 

[QweziRider]

Do DBL bassists bring a backup?

I used to bring two electrics for a particular road gig. Until my wife kindly pointed out, "You idiot, the DB you get as backline IS your backup."

Some years I'm not as quick as she is.

 

[Zak TMD]

So I don't break strings often, and that's a fact. Change em regularly enough (when they're deadish, cuz I use roundwounds). I have been rolling with one bass for YEARS and it's never been an issue... but that said, I'm intending to bring two to all my shows from now on just in case. I'd say it's definitely not a bad idea. Just don't leave the backup in the car. My bud just had his backup and a head he brought just in case stolen out of his car.

 

[BlueTalon]

So I don't break strings often, and that's a fact. Change em regularly enough (when they're deadish, cuz I use roundwounds).

I used to keep a set of new strings in the case. Then it occurred to me that if I ever break a string (hasn't happened yet), my bass would sound a little weird with one new string. So now I keep a set of old strings in the case as well.

They don't take up much room.

 

[Zak TMD]

I used to keep a set of new strings in the case. Then it occurred to me that if I ever break a string (hasn't happened yet), my bass would sound a little weird with one new string. So now I keep a set of old strings in the case as well.

They don't take up much room.

While this is def a good plan, I hate the idea of even attempting to change one string once a set has already started.

 

[BlueTalon]

While this is def a good plan, I hate the idea of even attempting to change one string once a set has already started.

I don't think anyone likes that idea. It's only something you'd do if you broke a string and didn't have a standby bass.

If you have a backup bass, just grab that to finish the set, then change the string(s) at the break.

 

[marmadaddy]

Went years bringing two basses. Never needed the spare. Then about three years ago I brought just one to a gig. Five minutes before show time I go to do a quick line check and turn up the volume on the bass. There's no sound and the volume pot doesn't stop spinning.

Literally the first time in years I didn't have a backup and it was the one time I needed one. It was very unprofessional of me.

I no longer tempt fate.

 

[sonojono]

Always bring 2. Just like having another girl on the sideline in case your main chick starts to not act right and you need to replace her. Always have 2!!!

 

[electracoyote]

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?

IMHO, yes. I play for projects where I don't have time for contingencies when my one and only bass fails, even a simple issue would take far too long to solve. Within seconds I can grab the BU and keep rolling, even mid-song.

Have I needed the backup in 40 years of professional gigging? Yes, it was rare, but each time it was something that could never have been anticipated with routine care and maintenance. And each time it was ultra-crucial to the BL, client, and audience that I had a BU ready to go at the drop of a hat.

Of course, like so many things, it is a matter of standards and situation. Not everyone finds themselves in such critical situations.

Realistically, you can only bring so much stuff and backup to a gig. Fortunately, I've always found a way to get two basses on stage. And it's fun switching just for the hell of it sometimes. With the low price of quality entry-level instruments these days, more players should consider it.

I'll never forget the time I watched a bass player frantically trying to repair his bass while the band stumbled on. A savvy club owner noticed and proceeded to chew some ass. I never want to be the one who puts that kind of stink on the show.