backup basses

[brianrost]

The only time I have a backup these days is when doubling on DB (as in my avatar). Otherwise, it’s just one DB (nobody brings a backup!!!!) or just one bass guitar.

Many years ago, I would bring two different basses if the gig called for it (fretted and fretless, different tunings, etc.)

I don’t bring a backup amp, either.

 

[bigdaddybass12]

I actually do! Mesa D-800+ fits conveniently in the cable slot of the hard case for my Super Bassman.

Good! Most of the time I dont. I had an acquaintance whose trace Elliot almost set off the fire alarm.

 

[Jefenator]

IME it's fun to switch instruments between sets, so I often bring two just for that.
I would do it a lot less often if it added an extra trip – but it doesn't.
On higher stakes jobs where ticket sales exceed $3000 and I have plenty of room in my vehicle, you'd best believe I'm going to toss in an extra one of all the essentials. Instruments, amps, PA mixers: I've seen all those things go kablooey in the middle of a show, more than once. Nothing beats that feeling when someone has a plan B all ready to go.

 

[Pep]

What is your gig load out?

Small Gigs: Hartke KB15, pedalboard, gig bag (cords, cables, mics, earbuds), (2) basses, and a wireless in-ear system.

Larger gigs: (2) Greenboy fEARless F112 cabs (stack), Mesa Subway 800D, pedalboard, gig bag, (2) basses and a wireless in-ear system.

 

[Pdaddy1978]

For me, the notion of a "backup " bass is to have a second example of the same bass for the eventuality that your primary bass fails.
I don't want to reach back for something very different to have to adjust to mid show.
Thats why I had 2 Pbasses.
But..they were different colors!

 

[Pep]

For me, the notion of a "backup " bass is to have a second example of the same bass for the eventuality that your primary bass fails.
I don't want to reach back for something very different to have to adjust to mid show.
Thats why I had 2 Pbasses.
But..they were different colors!

Great point. I’ve been carrying the MTD Artist 4 as my main bass and the MTD Norm Stockton 5 as my backup.

 

[Nebadon2000]

45+ years and couple thousand+ Gig's never owned more than 1 Bass at a time but I was just a Bar/Club Cover Band player with 7 year Original Band stint

 

[chris_b]

A lot of guys with no safety net. More than I'd have thought. It's a lifestyle choice I guess.

Since the early 70's I've carried several dozen assorted fuses. They have been in the accessories bag for 50+ years. I bought them because my Marshall was blowing fuses. I haven't needed them since selling that amp, but over the years I have supplied fuses to guitarists and the PA on several occasions.

 

[Medicine Man]

Man, I bring an extra bass and an extra amp, in addition to my "Bag of Wonders," as in, I wonder what is going to break today. It has tools, strings, straps, cables, direct box, you would expect plus whatever my paranoia demands that day. I've used my backup bass twice in 40 yrs, and the head never. But I sure as funk have soldered jacks on other people's stuff at the gig, provided drumsticks to idiots, lent out a direct box after dude smoked his Marshall, etc. Cables and duct tape more times than I can count. It's Murphys Law, not Murphys things that probably won't happen. To all of you who say you don't need a backup, congrats on beating statistical inevitably up until now.

 

[Jeff Scott]

Does this sort of thread pop up regularly on the DB side of TB?

 

[drooartz]

I do bring a backup bass to most gigs. Comes from issues I had back in the 1990’s with an active Spector I had as my only bass. I fought electrical issues with that bass and did once break a string as I was in my heavy slap days. So I bought an old Musicmaster as a spare because I saw it at a used guitar shop and thought it was neat. Figured it would get me through any gig even if it wasn’t the exact right sound or number of strings. Easy way to remove a little anxiety.

Spector is long gone but I still have that Musicmaster, and it still goes to most gigs as a spare unless I’m playing upright — though if the upright gig was big-time enough I’d probably still bring the Musicmaster just in case. It’s small and light and stays in the case but it’s there if needed. Don’t bring a spare amp but do bring what’s needed to run direct into the PA as a backup.

After 30 years gigging (good Lord it has been that long) I’ve figured out what issues might come up and prepare accordingly. Gear kept in good shape and a few reasonable spares so the show can go on.

 

[turf3]

Never brought a back up, but I bring an upright and a Pbass to every gig.

Mostly, that's what I do. Either one can substitute for the other in case of a failure.

 

[Danny O Danny]

I do have a thing where I don't like to be without a backup. Here's my approach:

Bass #1

Bass #2

Sonically they're very similar. Either one can serve as primary or backup. Both are equally enjoyable to play.

 

[wboyd68]

One bass, upright or electric. In almost 50 years of playing, I've never had a bass fail, not even a broken string. I don't know of anybody outside of rock bands who brings a spare instrument, or much by way of spare gear at all. They tend to rely on a high quality instrument, keep a very close eye on its condition, and have a relationship with a good repair tech.

I'm realistic. I've kept track of my gear failures over the years. I keep a spare amp head and some cables in a bag that stays in my car.

Same for me after almost 40 years of gigging.

 

[EricOnTheBass]

I'm probably asking for trouble, but I don't take a backup bass.

I do take an extra set of strings. In the unlikely event that the bass itself breaks, I'll drive to my house and grab another one. My gigs are usually not more than 30 minutes away from home. Our stage setups are often a bit cramped as it is, and I don't like leaving gear in the car in a busy parking lot.