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Cheap backup bass?

Gord_oh

Midtown Guitars: Ulyate Pickups & StringJoy
Commercial User
Oct 4, 2008
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Michigan
www.midtownguitars.com
I know some players here have some pretty valuable basses, so when you go to a gig (if you bring a second bass) what do you bring for a backup?

I currently play a 1998 MIA Standard Precision bass, and I will be picking up my 1973 MIA Precision on Monday. I was thinking of getting a Squier VM or CV pbass as a backup (modded of course ;)) so I am not taking two expensive basses to a gig.

This thread isnt to suggest to me what to get, just what other people's primary and secondary basses are as a gigging musician.
 
I don't Pete Townsend my basses so I just bring one. The audience won't know the difference.

different tuning or a different sound. normally ill have one in standard, one in drop d (or c). that can be fixed with a hipshot xtender i know. but if something happens to one i like knowing i have another just in case. to me having two basses at a gig just makes sense. :eyebrow:
 
For me, I'm in an enviable position of having two nearly identical versions of my favorite gigging basses.

However, I have taken low-price point basses along as a backup as well (especially at gigs where security is a concern). The ones you mentioned are ideal. I have a CV 50s P and I love it. I'd rock it in a heartbeat. I have several different brands from that price point that I would have no hesitation carrying as a spare, and I've even made them Number 1 a few times.

These days, the competition at the lower price point is fierce. You get quality and attention to detail like never before. If you know how to set one up and even mod it a little, they make perfect back-ups (and for many, they make perfectly acceptable first stringers).
 
as much as i would hate to have any bass stolen or broken, id rather it be a modern squier than my '98 or '73 MIAs.

i was looking at the CV 60's p or the VM p. havent decided yet. or parting another one together.

The only bass I bring around is a Squier. It serves as my primary and secondary. At home I have another, but the Squier is giggable.

absolutely giggable.
 
I have 8 bass guitars all of which I use through out the year my Fender P is the only one that has Flat wounds on it All of the rest are strung with round wounds
The cheapest with good quality is my SX P everything else is brand name stuff Gibson, Charvel, ect. I would try to find a used SX for sale from someone you can trust maybe even on here. Who has had it set up professionally already. I couldn't be happier with it and it only cost me $75.00 used
 
I've gigged with identical basses as well as a less expensive back up. Is it ideal to have a bass nearly identical as a back up? Yes. Is it necessary? No. As long has it holds tuning you can adjust and finish your set.
 
I use a Peavey Cirrus 5 USA Fretted as my primary and either bring my G&L L2500 USA Fretless or 78 USA Pbass as the second. I would use all three on a gig if I wanted deal with hauling 3 basses.

I am of the mindset that I bought the basses to play them. I play in a band, so that's where they will be played. I also play in a cover band, so I need to "try" to have as many options available during a gig as is practical.

Main thing to me is, know your bass, and enjoy it. Who's to say your choice is the wrong one. :bassist:
 
I use a Peavey Cirrus 5 USA Fretted as my primary and either bring my G&L L2500 USA Fretless or 78 USA Pbass as the second. I would use all three on a gig if I wanted deal with hauling 3 basses.

I am of the mindset that I bought the basses to play them. I play in a band, so that's where they will be played. I also play in a cover band, so I need to "try" to have as many options available during a gig as is practical.

Main thing to me is, know your bass, and enjoy it. Who's to say your choice is the wrong one. :bassist:

missed-target.png


missed the target on that one. ;)

im worried about taking to much "money" in my gear. not worried on choosing the wrong one.