I didn't always carry a backup bass, but then I saw a friend break his nut while onstage, and I had to go home and get him a bass to finish the gig. In my case, it's a small addition to the gig pile.
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Backup bass or extra strings?
- Thread starter superheavyfunk
- Start date
I guess I don't quite understand; be kind to the stray double-bassist who also happens to own an electric.
When I play upright, I've got to PULL HARD. When I play electric, I have to very seriously hold back how hard I pull the strings, not because I might break them, but because if I pull even a third as hard as I do on upright, it's just all buzzes and thwacks.
How do you EVER pull hard enough on an electric bass to break a string? I have to just stroke them as gently as a kitten or they buzz all over the place. Do y'all have your electric bass action set up to the sky? and if so, why, when you've got amplification to make you as loud as you need to be?
When I play upright, I've got to PULL HARD. When I play electric, I have to very seriously hold back how hard I pull the strings, not because I might break them, but because if I pull even a third as hard as I do on upright, it's just all buzzes and thwacks.
How do you EVER pull hard enough on an electric bass to break a string? I have to just stroke them as gently as a kitten or they buzz all over the place. Do y'all have your electric bass action set up to the sky? and if so, why, when you've got amplification to make you as loud as you need to be?
both. (not in poll? nor carrots?)
Back up bass for on the spot.
Strings to change during the breaks between sets.
Back up bass for on the spot.
Strings to change during the breaks between sets.
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The strings are made of a slightly higher grade of the same material as the car. They'll be fine.
I've never broke a string at a gig. But I've had a jack go bad and a tuner break.
Neither of those issues or a broken string can be remedied as fast as switching basses on the fly.
YMMV
Neither of those issues or a broken string can be remedied as fast as switching basses on the fly.
YMMV
If someone could guarantee only strings would fail, I would carry only spare strings. I've already been beyond failed strings more than once.
~Stripped tuner
~Broken nut
~Bad output jack
~pickup failure
I carry an extra amp, too…
~Stripped tuner
~Broken nut
~Bad output jack
~pickup failure
I carry an extra amp, too…
Like strings are the only thing that can break? I always bring two basses, and a pack of strings. I've never needed the strings, but when the neck pickup failed on my Jazz bass as I was setting up for a gig, I was super glad I had another bass on hand. Jazz bass bridge pickup tone all night would have been a real drag.
I have never broken a string. I have had my bass crap out. It's only happened once. I bring a backup bass. It's quicker than replacing a string - even with a quick release bridge - and you have a bass in case yours craps out for whatever reason. Also, if you want to change things up, you've got options.
