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Backup Bass - A Small Solution?

Smallmouth_Bass

Smallmouth_Bass

Dec 29, 2005
8,023
6,057
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
#1
There have been several threads about the subject of requiring a backup bass at a gig. While many think that it is essential, others think it's a waste of time and their equipment never fails (or nothing that can't be fixed quickly).

I used to gig with two basses but lately I have been leaning towards only one. No problems yet. I don't actually need two instruments for my gigs, so bringing two is just a matter of having a backup at this point. I try and travel as light as possible, which includes a small rig (micro head, 1 or 2 1x12s) and a very small pedal board with everything set to go.

While I like to keep the hassle factor low, I still wouldn't mind having a backup bass. I was toying with the idea of getting a Steinberger style backup (Spirit, Synapse or Hohner). Very small, light and easy to grab in the case of emergency.

Do any of you work with this setup? Does it sound like a good idea?
 
#2
Sounds like a great idea for the reasons you listed, although I don't personally own one. I bought an inexpensive used Peavey Fury for backup but if I had a choice a headless bass would be ideal.

You should definitely bring a backup, the one time you don't will be the time things go haywire!
 
#3
I bring my Squier P bass for a backup, it has Lindy Fralin PU's from a Fender body I had...I have never needed it, but one time a bassist from another band did :D

You could look into something short scale...or maybe another idea is getting a 2 bass gig bag...then you don't have to carry two hardshells around.
 
#4
Low paying gig complimented by low dollar backup bass? There's plenty of affordable choices like the Squire P mentioned, Fury, or others. I'd rather not mod a low dollar bass, and keep it stock, and spend money towards a high-end axe, amp or other...
 
#8
Yeah, I was specifically considering a "stick" bass, not the full bodied versions. It doesn't actually have to sound wonderful or even play amazing, as long as it would get me through if I were stuck, which is unlikely. Also, I like the fact that it would be slightly bigger than a pool cue (but shorter).

The other thing to consider (for me anyway) is, the less stuff you bring, the less the chance that that stuff gets stolen or damaged. Paranoid? Maybe. Worth the peace of mind? Probably.
 
#11
Smallmouth_Bass said:
While I like to keep the hassle factor low, I still wouldn't mind having a backup bass. I was toying with the idea of getting a Steinberger style backup (Spirit, Synapse or Hohner). Very small, light and easy to grab in the case of emergency.

Do any of you work with this setup? Does it sound like a good idea?
Click to expand...

I like two basses (usually fretted and fretless) just for the sound variety and that automatically gives backup, but I like to travel light too! So I've been pondering the Steinberger style backup thing too. It makes great sense. I'd love those DI gigs. Just walk in like a flute player!

But to tell the truth, I'm stuck in an oscillation! If I could find a reasonably priced REAL Steinberger I'd jump on it in an instant! Needless to say, have you looked at prices lately? And on the clone front, I'm a little suspicious of tone. Everyone raves about their real Steinbergers, but the clones though compact, seem to need some work to get where you want them.

Still I'd love to solve the problem of excess schlepping this way. I did try an Ashbory with the idea of a backup bass, but I really hated it! Scale seemed WAY too short for me and I hated the sticky feeling of those strings!

Still like the Steinberger idea though...
 
#13
somebody say small, headless bass?

IMG_6059.jpg


one caveat however... it's no "back up" bass. it could easily edge out a "main player".
 
#15
I only bring a backup if I'm leaving town. This weekend I have to borrow one as I am down to one bass for a few days - trade in the works.

As for a small bass, I think you're better off just getting a Squier or something for a couple hundred bucks. The new ones are a great deal at $299 and could serve as a main player for many people.
 
#17
"Yes, the "real" Steinbergers are expensive. Anyone have any experience with the Spirit models?"

I have experience with the Spirit XT basses. I bought one from Music Yo back in the day, and spent a little under 250 on it. It started off as a backup to my '89 Yamaha RBX300, but ended up edging it as a main bass, when the stock pickups in the Yamaha lost their chutzpah. I played that bass almost every weekend for several years straight, plus 2-3 rehearsals a week, plus practice time. Got to the point where the Yammy went several months unplayed at times.

Recently, I upgraded the Yammy to Quarter Pounders (WOW) and added a Fender Jazz to the gun cabinet. Now, the Steiny sits at home, and gets broken out on occasion for bigger gigs where I would need a third bass. Not because I don't like it, nor because it doesn't sound good. I love the retro look it gives me, and there is nothing like popping it out for a set of '80s tunes. I just really love all my basses and haven't worked it into the lineup.

Don't let the cheap price fool you. The Spirit XT, while no original Steinberger, is still a really nice bass, and the EMG Selects mine came with are silent as the grave, tonally full, and make the most out of this bass. But do get yourself a harshell case, or an extremely protective gig bag, as with any bass.

Hope that helped.
 

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