Bassists using your equipment at gigs

[fretno]

if you have ever used supplied backline gear you would have your answer...

 

[dlargent]

I will let any opening band use my amp at shows. I always have, and have never run into any problems. In fact, when touring around in the early 90's, it was a de facto standard that bands shared drum set and bass amp. But that was pre-internet, and in general people didn't have special fancy amps that they were proud of!

Makes for a much faster switch over: the other guy unplugs, and then you plug in.

 

[Gringo Starr]

I'll let any of my friends use any of my amps and I've used theirs too. I've also let my friends use my basses, even my #1.

But as far as some stranger showing up to a gig and wanting to use my stuff, nope sorry. Unless their rig / bass broke down during the gig then I'd probably relent.

He proceeded to plug it in, set a full pint of beer on top of it,

I would have socked him right then and there!

 

[rapidfirerob]

As it turned out, the bassist was a cool guy who understood bass equipment. He brought out his 4X10 Eden cab. We were both going to use my GB Shuttle with both cabs, but his did not have a Speakon input and no adapters were available. He then got his head and used his own equipment for the set, which made me feel better, though I would have trusted him with my amp. He should have done this in the first place. I still would rather not let others use my equipment. To those who say to bring a back up amp: I cannot afford to do so, or I would.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

For the people saying they'd never let anyone use their gear... I hope your head blows and you're stuck without an amp or backup...

There is a huge difference between lending a hand to a band with technical problems and a band that just cannot be bothered to carry their gear.

Huge +1 right here.

I have no problem lending one of my heads to a guy if his rig starts acting funny on a gig, but if he blatantly chooses to not bring one then he's SOL.

 

[bdkthunder]

General rule of thumb for us is that other bands are welcome to our cabinets and drum kit.
We only ask them to bring their own guitars,heads,pedals,snare and cymbals.Basically this saves you moving and changing all the big heavy stuff,and also means if a band needs to,they can fit everything they need in one car.It's pretty important to get in touch first though and ask.you can't just rock up at a gig and expect to use this stuff.In the event that a band is without,that's their problem for not getting their **** together beforehand.

This.

 

[FrednBass]

General rule of thumb for us is that other bands are welcome to our cabinets and drum kit.
We only ask them to bring their own guitars,heads,pedals,snare and cymbals.Basically this saves you moving and changing all the big heavy stuff,and also means if a band needs to,they can fit everything they need in one car.It's pretty important to get in touch first though and ask.you can't just rock up at a gig and expect to use this stuff.In the event that a band is without,that's their problem for not getting their **** together beforehand.

+1
And when i'm doing gigs with friends of mine (that i REALLY know and trust), i borrow/lend the bass too.

 

[RaginRog]

I've let people use my cab before...which is why I bought a cheap GK 4x10, for the purpose of "backlining" at gigs. If you're playing with 4-5 bands, it can help speed up the tear down process between acts. I do however get a bit agitated when suddenly everyone wants to use your cab/amp, when only one bassist originally reached out before the show (via Facebook) to ask in advance. If I get a bad vibe, or someone comes up assuming they're "entitled" because their band is on the bill, I generally pull my sh*t off the stage and tell them I'm leaving soon. I suppose it's the one reason I'm not a fan of playing original music (punk in my case).

 

[UntitledProject]

I've let people use my cab before...which is why I bought a cheap GK 4x10, for the purpose of "backlining" at gigs. If you're playing with 4-5 bands, it can help speed up the tear down process between acts. I do however get a bit agitated when suddenly everyone wants to use your cab/amp, when only one bassist originally reached out before the show (via Facebook) to ask in advance. If I get a bad vibe, or someone comes up assuming they're "entitled" because their band is on the bill, I generally pull my sh*t off the stage and tell them I'm leaving soon. I suppose it's the one reason I'm not a fan of playing original music (punk in my case).

I'm sorry, but I'm missing the correlation between someone using your cab and not being a fan of playing original music. I'm sure there was a cognitive step you went through to reach this conclusion, but my brain isn't making it. Could you elaborate on it? I think you're probably making a valid point, however, at the moment it's over my head.
Thanks.

 

[Marko 1]

I don't have much experience with multi-band shows, but I’m typically around older guys, and don’t encounter hacks that who abuse stuff.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

I'm sorry, but I'm missing the correlation between someone using your cab and not being a fan of playing original music. I'm sure there was a cognitive step you went through to reach this conclusion, but my brain isn't making it. Could you elaborate on it? I think you're probably making a valid point, however, at the moment it's over my head.
Thanks.

He probably means that on a cover gig you will usually be the only band playing for the whole night, whereas with original music you'll often have 3 or more bands playing on any given night - thus the increased likelihood of people asking to use your rig.

 

[No Malarky]

In a pinch, I will help anyone out. Beyond that, I need to see some cash first.

 

[UntitledProject]

He probably means that on a cover gig you will usually be the only band playing for the whole night, whereas with original music you'll often have 3 or more bands playing on any given night - thus the increased likelihood of people asking to use your rig.

Ah. I guess I never considered what it meant to play a "cover gig". I have a saying (please don't be offended, it's just a joke after all), "Cover Bands should be paid in quarters, the jukebox does the same thing..."

 

[Bassist Jay]

Unless it is people I know and trust, my gear does not get lent out and even with people I know and trust, the list is very very short! I personally wouldn't allow a band I did not know use my stuff. The risk is too great. I have worked very hard for the equipment that I have obtained and take very good care of it as a result. They have no investment into my gear and thus probably wouldn't take the same for it as I do. I even make sure I am not wearing clothes that will scratch the finish. No buttons, no belts etc.

 

[Drunk Heffalump]

Now, I'd understand asking to borrow a strap or maybe a cable,

Actually I have even less respect for someone who waltz's in and wants to borrow a F'n STRAP?
What would you say to a lumberjack that wants to borrow your saw? A surgeon that taps you up for a scalpel just before surgery.
These are the tools of your trade. Now I don't expect everyone to saunter in the door with the latest big expensive gun, but I do expect you to have sat down, pre-show and done that check list thing. Sorted out the details and done your best and have made an effort
Coming to a gig without a strap says

"I'm a loser who can't think ahead, or for myself, please save me"

And if you think about it if they're that uncaring about their own gear, think they'll give a rats behind about yours?

Usually the guy/girl standing in front of you and being that pathetic is someone the rest of the band talked into playing cuz they needed a bassist, not someone taking their craft seriously.
Stage space IS limited and these are the types of people making it even harder than it already is..

My 2 cents anyway..........

 

[mdogs]

Actually I have even less respect for someone who waltz's in and wants to borrow a F'n STRAP?
What would you say to a lumberjack that wants to borrow your saw? A surgeon that taps you up for a scalpel just before surgery.
These are the tools of your trade. Now I don't expect everyone to saunter in the door with the latest big expensive gun, but I do expect you to have sat down, pre-show and done that check list thing. Sorted out the details and done your best and have made an effort
Coming to a gig without a strap says

"I'm a loser who can't think ahead, or for myself, please save me"

And if you think about it if they're that uncaring about their own gear, think they'll give a rats behind about yours?

Usually the guy/girl standing in front of you and being that pathetic is someone the rest of the band talked into playing cuz they needed a bassist, not someone taking their craft seriously.
Stage space IS limited and these are the types of people making it even harder than it already is..

My 2 cents anyway..........

You know, s**t happens. I carry a full rig in my truck most of the time, I do quite a bit of fill in work and it makes my job easier on those very last minute calls. I just grab a bass or 2 and am out the door. My cases usually have the vital items needed in them...usually, but as I said, s**t happens. I can usually tell the difference between someone who made an honest mistake and someone who is using other people's stuff all the time. So, I don't really feel like I need a hard and fast rule, take it as it comes because you never know when you will be on the other end. FYI, I have NEVER forgot an amp or a bass for a gig and I have actually never run across anyone who has honestly done this either...

 

[jmattbassplaya]

Actually I have even less respect for someone who waltz's in and wants to borrow a F'n STRAP?
What would you say to a lumberjack that wants to borrow your saw? A surgeon that taps you up for a scalpel just before surgery.
These are the tools of your trade. Now I don't expect everyone to saunter in the door with the latest big expensive gun, but I do expect you to have sat down, pre-show and done that check list thing. Sorted out the details and done your best and have made an effort
Coming to a gig without a strap says

"I'm a loser who can't think ahead, or for myself, please save me"

And if you think about it if they're that uncaring about their own gear, think they'll give a rats behind about yours?

Usually the guy/girl standing in front of you and being that pathetic is someone the rest of the band talked into playing cuz they needed a bassist, not someone taking their craft seriously.
Stage space IS limited and these are the types of people making it even harder than it already is..

My 2 cents anyway..........

I figure something like a strap or cable is small and can be easily forgotten or even misplaced. A cab or head, however, is something you're not going to not notice (love the double negative) when you're walking by it. I figure people who don't bring these do so just because they're lazy and don't feel like schlepping the weight.

 

[georgestrings]

Ah. I guess I never considered what it meant to play a "cover gig". I have a saying (please don't be offended, it's just a joke after all), "Cover Bands should be paid in quarters, the jukebox does the same thing..."

Yet, a decent player in a good cover band typically makes ALOT more money than the same in *most* original bands - go figure... I play for pay most every weekend, in front of good crowds that pay to get in - and don't usually have to share the bill with other bands - can you say the same???


- georgestrings

 

[RaginRog]

I'm sorry, but I'm missing the correlation between someone using your cab and not being a fan of playing original music. I'm sure there was a cognitive step you went through to reach this conclusion, but my brain isn't making it. Could you elaborate on it? I think you're probably making a valid point, however, at the moment it's over my head.
Thanks.

The cognitive step being that when you're in an original band, it's less likely you'll have 3 hours of material to cover an entire gig. Therefore, most bars/owners have the propensity to fill the bill with several bands that all play originals (better chance of drawing a better crowd). While I enjoy playing original music that I helped write, I don't always like playing a gig with 4 or 5 bands. Aside from gear sharing, you usually have to keep tabs on your gear.

When I played in a cover band, I rarely played with other bands, and at best it was 1 other band. No gear sharing.

 

[RaginRog]

He probably means that on a cover gig you will usually be the only band playing for the whole night, whereas with original music you'll often have 3 or more bands playing on any given night - thus the increased likelihood of people asking to use your rig.

You got it.

Ah. I guess I never considered what it meant to play a "cover gig". I have a saying (please don't be offended, it's just a joke after all), "Cover Bands should be paid in quarters, the jukebox does the same thing..."

Oh yeah, I don't think cover bands should get more than $250-300 a night for the entire band (time, gas, beer money). Some of these cover bands want $750-1000...but that's just greedy in my opinion. It's a hobby.

Checking out a live cover band isn't bad, so I wouldn't compare it to a juke box.