Carry a backup bass, or not??

[Fuzzbass]

I don't see many folks hauling around two rigs.

Funny you should mention. The Stewart World 2.1 amp that I use in my rack rig is dual-monaural, meaning that it's essentially two separate power amps... if one side fails, I can get through the gig with the other. If my tube preamp fails, I can use my compressor instead... or even a SansAmp Bass Driver. And I usually use a stack: tens over fifteens. I can't imagine both cabinets failing at once. So even though it's one rig, it's really two.

 

[eric234]

i can only afford one bass

 

[tommixx]

I always carry 2 basses to a gig or a recording session (more if necessary)...I don't really consider them a backup though as typically I will choose 2 basses that will add something to the gig...for instance do I REALLY Need a 5 or is a 4 better for the situation.....What type of music am I going to play and what does that music call for.....In my main live band situation I usually take my Sadowsky Vintage 4 strung with Sadowsky Flats (I take this one to EVERY gig because it is really flexible) and a Fender Marcus Miller 4 strung with Sadowsky Nickels (with a Sadowsky outboard pre) for slapping and finger funk....

In another situation I take the Sadowsky and a Warwick Thumb 5 NT and in yet another I take the Sadowsky and a MTD 535 or a Warwick Streamer Stage I 5 Custom.......In all cases I typically will choose a bass for the set based on what the setlist is and we try to make the setlist consistent in a given genre so that I don't wind up switching every other song ( I HATE THAT!!!) I have switched a couple of times a set but usually I want to play one bass for a whole set....bear in mind that I do not play different basses for the "cool" factor it is just that sometimes the Sadowsky V4 is the better choice and sometimes I need a little something different....I will say this though, when I put Sadowsky nickels back on my Vintage 4 I usually wind up playing that one all night!!! I like to do that every once in a while because it just plays so FINE!!!

Peace,

T

 

[ZiggaDigga]

I'm in the always bring a backup camp as well...
I've had all sorts of issues at gigs, broken strings, broken nuts, broken necks...just a couple of weeks ago had the preamp in my Warwick go out at a gig. I've also had pickup screws work their way out while I played and had the pickup clanking against the string, no time to look all over stage for the screw, so I just grab another bass and continue on....Now if I'd just remember to hit those screws with a bit of Loctite....

 

[MAJOR METAL]

I grab my Sadowsky everytime, it is hard to switch to other basses when your playing the best.Latley i have just been bringing my Vintage 4 out.

 

[marc40a]

I usually don't bring a back up.

I always bring spare cords, batteries, strings, etc..

 

[Fret-less Six]

I load for bear when I go to gigs...I usually bring a fretted 5 and 4, and obviously a fretless six. I also bring extra strings, batteries, tools and fuses. I haven't had a problem yet, but hey you never know!

 

[PaulSimonon]

I usually bring my main fretted bass, my fretless, and my backup fretted. If/when I purchase a 6, I'll still bring three basses; the 6, my main fretted, and my fretless. I always have extra cords, strings, fuses, batteries, pliers, VAC tester, allen wrenches, and a screwdriver on me. My head has a DI on it, but if my head dies, I'm in trouble until I can fix it, which is why I have my VAC tester to check the outlet, and extra fuses just in case the tester missed something. Overkill? I don't think so. I still want a DI just in case too...

 

[Growler]

carry a...

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

You wouldn't even miss a beat....

-Growler

 

[Funky Doctor]

I have broken enough strings at gigs to know how much it sucks. I always take 2 basses (the only 2 I own) and let me tell you it has got me out of so much trouble.