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Do you bring a back up bass to gigs?

#163
I don't personally understand why the people that don't bring a backup bass are being virtually crucified by the TB'rs that DO bring a backup bass. Although I agree having a backup bass is nice, it's not THAT necessary. If you play in a shredding group and thrash around the stage, it'd probably be wise to do so. Around the world with your bass? Probably bring the extra. I personally keep my basses in tip top shape, and give them routine checkups inside and out. Had one problem in my history of gigging so far, second gig in 8th grade. Played a graduation party that was hosted at the local country club, overworked the power amp going to the PA speakers. Nothing to do with bass.

All I'm really saying is, your way works, my way works, if it works let's just both be happy that we're having a swell time playing bass and look past it :).

As for the OP's question, if you have access to a second bass to bring along I would advise it, not 100% necessary to buy a second one for that purpose alone though, in my honest opinion.

Best regards,

Brooks
 
#165
I've broken one string in over 40s years of playing and aside from that one time (1975 I think) have never had an issue of any kind where a backup would have helped. I keep my basses in good working order and never felt a need to have a backup. I do however pack extra cables as those are much more likely to fail than anything on a bass, and do carry a new set of strings as well. I also carry spare batteries but those get used mostly by guitar players who forget to carry their own. If you want to carry a spare bass have at it.
 
#166
I want to carry the least amount of gear to a gig as possible. Why the hell would I want to bring a second bass. In the 33 years that I have been playing, I have NEVER needed a backup bass.

I suppose if I had to play some fretless on a song I would bring 2 basses...but no need at this time and until that need arises, I will continue to carry as little gear as I can to get my sound across for my band.

To the guys who bring backups - groovy!
 
#175
Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
I generally bring a backup. When I don't I make sure and bring extra strings, batteries, cables, etc. and bring an active/passive bass in case the preamp takes a dirt nap during the set (that's only happened twice in 30 years-an Alembic Spoiler and a Music Man Stingray).
 
#176
So lets say you just start a gig and you have only one bass and you are 50 miles from your home you are 15 minutes into the gig and your bass messes up.Do you tell the patrons you dont have a spare so the night is over or do you tell them I have to run home and I will be back in 2 hours or so?You wouldn,t expected to be paid for the gig for only paying for 15 minutes would you?What about the other members of the band?Should they lose out because of you not bringing a spare?You are not the only one involved in the gig think about others!
 
#177
I probably should, but don't. I play in sleazy blues bands that usually play in relatively small venues with small (and often non-existent) stages where there's rarely room to put extra stuff and I don't like the idea of leaving a spare bass in my car or in some storage area that is out of my line of sight. I play passive Fenders and have never had an electronic failure and I always do a quick viability check of my gig bass for the night before leaving home. I also keep a spare set of strings and all the tools I might ever need in my accessory bag. I haven't gotten burned yet but realize that I am working without a net.
 
#178
Back in the 80's I was a pretty hard player. I broke strings all the time, right at the bridge. I also had the guts fall out of my bass on stage once. The input jack just fell apart. Plus, I've had the screw for my strap strip out. Stuff happens.

If the stage is big enough, I will bring a back up. If nothing else it looks cool to have two basses. There are a few small rooms where I don't bother simply because of the lack of space.

Neccessary? No. ...Until it is.
 
#179
I try to avoid it if I can. The less I bring the more I can focus on playing. More basses equals more cables, more sound problems, more things that can break, more stress to get everything plugged in at the proper levels, and set up in the limited time window likely alloted. I rather get that 1 bass I plan to play exactly right in the 10 minutes or so I might have available.

Especially if this your 1st gig-I'd advice to keep things simple, focus on the music and cut yourself some slack.

If this helps: among the NYC top-level musicians I'm lucky enough to see perform often, hardly anyone brings a backup of any kind, and certainly not for a 30 minute set with a 5 minute setup window.
 

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