Backup basses...because only one bass is inconceivable!

[groove pump]

I'm nothing near on par with what I'd consider to be a relative "pro" player, but if a group told me that they were only looking for Fender players, then they're not looking for a bass player. They want a prop. Don't think I'd be interested... unless the singer was a smokin' hot chick?...

Used to think I had all my basses covered with extra strings, batteries, cords, etc. and didn't really need a backup. Then I pulled out my Korean SSD Spector to tune up (this was many years back!!) and not one, but two of the tuning machines had managed to self destruct - the posts had sheared away from the gears. Nope, I don't carry extra tuning machines. Since the gods were clearly in cahoots against me, I decided that toting a spare couldn't hurt.

Now I'm trying to carry less beef around on shoulder - I'm in my early 50's and prefer to play a gig than endure it. My recent buy was intended to be a nice lightweight backup, but it just might take over the top spot from my custom P/J 4-string (EMG's and preamp). It's a sort of rinky-dink Bacchus WL-434, but I dropped in a set of DiMarzio Area J's (to work with the preamp it already has) and gave it a full setup. Now I have a low-dough decent player that's only a hair over 8 lbs. Bonus: my P/J has a gorgeous flamed maple top, so that can sit there on a stand and be the prop instead!!

 

[B-Mac]

One of these must be my backup.

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[Skybone]

I have 3 versions of the same bass, cos the backup needed a backup.

Now the backup is backup to the backup.

 

[Bodeanly]

I'm working on consolidating. Currently grappling with selling my Japanese Fender Jag

MIJ or CIJ and what color? I’m looking for a burst. Just sayin.

 

[smtp4me]

Never assume that guitarists or drummers know what the hell they'e talking about when they mention a type of bass.

Actually, that is exactly what I would not assume. IMHO, anyone who tells a bass player which bass to bring, knows very little/nothing at all about basses and is operating purely on assumption (the assumption that the bass player can't make their bass sound like anything required). And again, IMHO, the people who make such requests are potentially missing out on some excellent bass players simply because some might not have the particular bass they think they want.

 

[soulman969]

Three basses. Two back up whatever I happen to decide to play.

 

[G On Bass]

I have 2 mains. Depends on what I need that night. Since my gig bag holds 2 basses, might as well take them both along. Both are Wilkins Roadtested PJ5's

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[jd56hawk]

Actually, that is exactly what I would not assume. IMHO, anyone who tells a bass player which bass to bring, knows very little/nothing at all about basses and is operating purely on assumption (the assumption that the bass player can't make their bass sound like anything required). And again, IMHO, the people who make such requests are potentially missing out on some excellent bass players simply because some might not have the particular bass they think they want.

The Fender line was a joke...a recurring one, because there are some people who do think that. I haven’t met any, but I’ve seen quite a few posts here from people who’ve had that problem.

 

[kittywithabanjo]

 

[InhumanResource]

You had me until “active bass.” Is that what you told your wife? I don’t see how a 9V battery in your guitar makes it generically different.

Full disclosure. I own and operate three basses: Rosewood fretboard P, 5-string and a fretless Jazz.

What's generically different mean? It's nice having an active bass in the arsenal.

 

[ll Rip ll]

You had me until “active bass.” Is that what you told your wife? I don’t see how a 9V battery in your guitar makes it generically different.

Full disclosure. I own and operate three basses: Rosewood fretboard P, 5-string and a fretless Jazz.

Allow me to help you understand. The nine volt battery (s) can power a preamp. This is great for situations when you run into a mixer with a direct box, or when you want the EQ closer to your fingertips, rather than going to your amp mid song. It's not a must have, but it's a great tool.

 

[saabfender]

Sorry you’ve both missed the point.

 

[overit]

Band - Main, Backup
Original Rock 'n Roll band - G&L L-1000, Squier VM P5
90s Tribute band - G&L L-1000, Fender Deluxe Active Jazz V Okoume
R&B/Pop/Dance band - Fender Deluxe Active Jazz V Okoume, Squier VM P5

 

[Jakeman]

Both are main and "backup" - I play one for each set, depending on mood.

 

[Mike Sorr]

I suppose the USA SUB is the backup.

 

[apolinario87]

Well... Here's my main bass: 80's Squier Jazz Bass MIJ.

Backup no. 1: SX SJB75, stripped and upgraded.

Backup no. 2: Fender Parts P-Bass with flats.

Backup no. 3: Epi Thunderbird.

 

[TeamScorpioRI]

My main is a Peavey Cirrus 5.. The backup is a Peavey Millennium 5.

I love the sound on the Millennium, but the Cirrus is just so amazing in play-ability. I have been thinking of combining the PU's and Preamp on the Milli into the Cirrus.

 

[JRA]

i have two which are backups for one another, more or less, as they are functionally (feel) 'the same'. but my others (3) are about the same as well, so: they all can 'back' each other. (no frets were harmed by the lack of thought in this post)

 

[ll Rip ll]

Sorry you’ve both missed the point.

Active basses can do things that passive basses cannot. I prefer to have both.

 

[Altitude]

I don't consider any of my basses to be a "backup." They're all great and I take them each out as the mood suits or the nature of the gig requires.

I don't currently have any Fender basses though. Whether or not I agree with it, I do recognize that could be an issue for a hired gun who frequently plays in unfamiliar musical situations. You can rail against it, or just show up with a Fender, I guess.