Bass Failure On a Gig (Poll)

[Brad Johnson]

That was my feeling too. I've since ordered a second bass, and it just got here Friday! Also this past year has been very focused on repair, maintenance and setup skills.

Time well spent. I have people who pay me to do that.

I like having hands on confidence in my gear.

 

[CallMeAl]

Time well spent. I have people who pay me to do that.

I like having hands on confidence in my gear.

Part of the appeal for me is financial, but what I really like knowing how the instrument works.

 

[richntiff]

Never had a failure. BUT - backup bass is there ready to rock at all times. Why take chances!

 

[Pbass51]

I'll always carry a second bass after what on a gig years ago. I was supporting a vocal group that was opening for a touring band from Nashville and there were about 2000 people in the audience. I was playing my Washburn custom shop AB45. We did the soundcheck just fine. Showtime and the first tune starts and my bass is totally dead! I'm going nuts trying to get it going and meanwhile everyone just keeps on playing and nothing I can do can get to work when the bass player for the headliner comes running out with his custom Tobias and he says play mine! He takes mine and heads off stage while I put his on and play the set. I was so mortified at what happened! Turned out the active electronics in my Washburn decided to die at particular moment. I have never gone to any gig without taking 2 basses with me since this happened.

 

[leerod054]

It said to specify so here it is....was playing my Ken Smith...all of a sudden she sounded like crap. I remembered that Ken told me if I hear that happen pull up on the volume knob. That will switch it from active to passive. I did what he had told me and BAM......back to playing.

 

[Pbass51]

I'm glad you had that available when you're took a dive. I wish that my Washburn had it and that was the first thing I tried out of habit as my Modulus basses have that as well as my Warwick. In fact I'll switch sometimes from active to passive to get a different feel and effect

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

It makes you wonder why all active basses do not have a passive switch. It doesn't have to sound amazing. It just has to get you through the rest of the set or gig with a respectable sound.

I think MusicMan are one of the only major manufacturers that do not have an active/passive switch on their main models (Stingrays and Sterling, the Big Al had them).

 

[Pbass51]

I totally agree! As a matter of fact the Washburn had one put in when my repair guru fixed it. All my active bass have one including my main 5s which are Lakelands