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Absolute Gear for working bass player

#21
A bass you feel comfortable on.
A amp you know how to dial tones in.
A good, realiable tuner.
Cord, strap, fuzz (essential to me).

Now what i use to get this accomplished
Modulus flea, GK 800RB, Korg DTR2000, Big muff

Alot of guys will say fender basses or Jazz/precision basses are where its at. It's honestly all about what you like, and what kinda tone you wana dial in.
 
#23
A bass that you can make sound good, or that can make you sound good

A favorite DI and an amp that makes your bass sound good--bear in mind that if a gig doesn't have a PA to run you through, they probably don't want your 2000 watt monster through matched 810s, either. Bare essentials means the smallest you can get away with, preferably easily hauled onto cramped stages.

Business Cards by the bucketfull
 
#24
lefty007 said:
An understanding and supporting wife/girlfriend (...the groupies!!!)
Click to expand...

ROFL! The fiancée has decreed that should I ever get the (quite small) opportunity to tour, I have a "free pass" while on the road. I honestly believe that I'd never take her up on the offer (I've never been a casual sex type o' guy) but it's a sweet offer. ;)

As for studio tools, I'd add a drummer who can play with a click. :D
 
#30
I am a working bass player, not a professional, as my band usually plays just 2 gigs a week....................

I am currently using a Carvin LB75 bass (which is fan-frickin'-tastic) through a Laney Richter R4H amp...................

I also have an effects rack, with the following:
Nady 201 wireless unit
Furman PL-8 Plus power conditioner with 8 rear outlets
Sabine RT-1600 tuner
BBE 462 Sonic Maximizer
the Laney R4H head rack-mounted

And a Laney 4X10 cab and a Peavey 2X12 cab.............

At one outdoor festival, I needed to run my signal through the PA system, otherwise this 300 watt rig works just fine.............

When my Lotto or Powerball ticket hits, then I will buy a Carvin BRX stack..................
And probably another Carvin LB75 bass.................

bassrig102905002small.gif
 
#31
1.A good bass that's shielded well and plays in tune.2.a amp that has a good basic tone that blends well in a ensemble setting(actually the same goes for the bass)3.backup cord's strings,battery's and some kind of toolkit.4.A good attitude and a sense of humor.5.relieable transportation
 
#33
For me, the stuff that ALWAYS goes with me: it's a pair of basses, fretted and fretless. Right now, Marcus Miller Jazz and Yammie BB404F Fretless.

Gallien-Krueger 400RB-III, use the PA for support, if there's no PA, I bring more ampage. It's reliable, and can dial in sounds quickly. Matching 410 and 115 cabs to bring when needed.

Countryman 85. THE DI as far as I'm concerned. Nothing replaces THE DI, even though my GK has a DI, and I'll likely have another DI along with me. This is a must for me.
 
#37
For me, it's all about being modular. Spend the money to get good, reliable equipment that can be scaled to meet the needs of various genres, styles, and ensemble sizes.

I can't tell you how much I REALLY love those shows/sessions where all I have to bring is a bass or two (+1 on the fretted/fretless idea quoted above), an in-line tuner, and my favorite D.I.

For other engagements, I have a smaller-scale, jazz and church setup that can use 1, 2, or 0 cabinets - depending on the situation.

The rock rig is in my signature. I'll also second the idea that if you're doing the semi-pro, working musician thing with a rock band - whatever you can do to contribute to the P.A. effort is a big plus (your own monitor, mic, stand, cords, etc.). The only caveat I would mention here is that it's better to wait a bit and buy good gear vice getting the bargain basement stuff that might not (read: probably won't) integrate well into your bandleader's P.A.

+1 also to the quote above about bringing the bass that sounds good when you play it...and when you play it, it sounds good (how's that for a redundant statement). That might not be the most expensive bass you own. If you make music with it...you'll get called back.

Jay
 
#38
I'm a professional! :hyper:
I have played with Sheena Easton, KC and the Sunshine Band, Martin Nievera, the " Concert King of the Phillipines", Louie Bellson, etc... I play in the Vegas production of Bradway's " Hairspray "
( big whoopitty do... who cares?, I'm just being obnoxious.. doing the "L.A. style name dropping") indulge me...
ok, you need :
1. a good sounding, reliable bass - 2 helps
2. At least 2 good cables to plug into a
3. Good sounding , reliable amp, ok, with built in DI
4. Strap
5. Tuner
6. Extra strings
7. A watch that works ( you're late , you're gone!)
8. If you are my age.. a steady supply of Just for Men
 
#39
An extension cord or power bar! If you can't plug in, you can't play. I keep a small 10' extension cord with three plugs in the gig bag and a longer extension cord in the truck.

I have had to put the amp 25' away from me just so I could plug in. I used my DI to plug two 20' cords togeather to reach.

A DI is also great. I keep a Radial Pro in the gig bag. I have used it:
  • As a DI (rarely)
  • As a DI for the guitarist so we could hear him though the monitors
  • As a cord extendor
  • Just today to prop up a monitor
 
#40
adrian garcia said:
I'm a professional! :hyper:
I have played with Sheena Easton, KC and the Sunshine Band, Martin Nievera, the " Concert King of the Phillipines", Louie Bellson, etc... I play in the Vegas production of Bradway's " Hairspray "
( big whoopitty do... who cares?, I'm just being obnoxious.. doing the "L.A. style name dropping") indulge me...
ok, you need :
1. a good sounding, reliable bass - 2 helps
2. At least 2 good cables to plug into a
3. Good sounding , reliable amp, ok, with built in DI
4. Strap
5. Tuner
6. Extra strings
7. A watch that works ( you're late , you're gone!)
8. If you are my age.. a steady supply of Just for Men
Click to expand...

Toured, musical director for some local theater productions, MD for some touring country acts (no one big-don't get excited!!) Sorry AG, following your lead!! (late night for ya huh?!?!) semi-professional ;)
IME, besides the above mentioned reliable basses and good sounding amp, I've found an external DI (meaning not the one in the amp) is also a must.
If your amp goes down on the gig - and it does happen- most of the time so will your internal DI, so a good soild extra one comes in quite handy.
And spend a few bucks and get something soild like a Countryman or Radial JDI (the Radial BassBone isn't a bad idea either. It sounds stinkin' great and it's also a pre-amp)
 

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