Do you bring a backup bass to gigs?

[tfer]

The possibility also exists that you'll also break a string with the first note played on your backup...Maybe carry a second spare?...But then a string could break on that one too...and on...and on...

...Just kidding

Like I stated a few pages ago, my 6 string is my main bass. On a stand beside my cabinets is a 5 string fretless. An EUB is also there. During the course of a set, I probably change instruments a half dozen times. I could easily get by using the fretless or EUB, depending on which failed, for the remainder of the set. At the break, I'd get the 4 string fretted (which is the actual backup) from the trailer.

So in essence, I do carry 3 backups...

 

[tfer]

Do you bring a second car to your gigs in case your car breaks, too?

I pull the trailer with my truck. If I broke down, the guitarist would pull it with his truck.

If we both broke down, our singer would pull it with her SUV, so yes we do take extra vehicles.

 

[mongo2]

Like I stated a few pages ago, my 6 string is my main bass. On a stand beside my cabinets is a 5 string fretless. An EUB is also there. During the course of a set, I probably change instruments a half dozen times. I could easily get by using the fretless or EUB, depending on which failed, for the remainder of the set. At the break, I'd get the 4 string fretted (which is the actual backup) from the trailer.

So in essence, I do carry 3 backups...

And if you break a string on all of them? That possibility also exists.

 

[tfer]

And if you break a string on all of them? That possibility also exists.

If that happens, all I have to do is make it to set break, and I'll use the extra strings that I carry for each, and start winding...

 

[mongo2]

If that happens, all I have to do is make it to set break, and I'll use the extra strings that I carry for each, and start winding...

I just skip to that and carry only one bass. It's all I need.

 

[DigitalMan]

What strikes me as the most strange is that some folks feel their individual experiences alone are adequate predictors of future events when they could be learning valuable lessons from the experiences of others.

 

[tfer]

I just skip to that and carry only one bass. It's all I need.

Depending on which string goes, your neck relief would go straight to hell, and you'd be buzzing more than playing.

 

[mongo2]

What strikes me as the most strange is that some folks feel their individual experiences alone are adequate predictors of future events when they could be learning valuable lessons from the experiences of others.

To which "experience of others" are you referring to. The experiences of those who have played gigs for decades without a failure or the experiences of those who have failures?

 

[tfer]

There's also an extra amp in the trailer, and I have a line from my Hartke Bass Attack into our soundboard, and all I have to do if the amp fails, is bring up the slider.

Being prepared only takes a minute or two before the show, so I'm not sure why it isn't standard procedure. It probably takes longer to tune everything than it does to open the cases and set it up.

 

[avvie]

ust curious about people's approaches this one. The general wisdom (which I have myself doled out) is that a professional should certainly consider bringing a backup to important gigs where downtime would be an issue.

I have backup bass and backup amp as well. DI in the amps and on the pedalboard.

 

[mongo2]

Depending on which string goes, your neck relief would go straight to hell, and you'd be buzzing more than playing.

So would you, but, my medium action would minimize the effect of that. A skilled player should know how to compensate.

 

[tfer]

So would you, but, my medium action would the effect of that. A skilled player should know how to compensate.

My action is as low as I can get it under tension, and I can change instruments in under 10 seconds. That's how I compensate.

 

[mongo2]

My action is as low as I can get it under tension, and I can change instruments in under 10 seconds. That's how I compensate.

Do all the strings in an orchestra keep spare instruments readily available in case of a string failure? No.

 

[tfer]

Do all the strings in an orchestra keep spare instruments readily available in case of a string failure? No.

There's more than one bass in an orchestra.

 

[mongo2]

There's more than one bass in an orchestra.

I've never broken a string there either.

I simply don't surrender to the fear of improbable possibilities.

 

[tfer]

I've never broken a string there either.

I simply don't surrender to the fear of improbable possibilities.

I don't fear what I'm prepared for.

 

[mongo2]

I don't fear what I'm prepared for.

I prepare beforehand to prevent failure.

You happen to carry multiple instruments for purposes other than solely for backup. I have no need to do that.

 

[JimmyM]

I should never get involved in threads like this, because they always end up with someone trying to lecture me like I haven't been playing pro for 40 years and doing some fairly high profile gigs all over the world.

 

[TOOL460002]

I didn't because I had no back up. But now I do. I didn't at first but now do. I,have room so why not? I have backups of all cables, strings, other back up systems for shows so I don't have gear Crap out.

 

[bassbenj]

Do you bring a second car to your gigs in case your car breaks, too?

Actually most of us do! Since we all arrive at the gig in our own cars there is always a "backup" car to bail out one that breaks down! Too bad Buddy Holly or Ricky Nelson didn't have backup planes!

Anyway, Even though you are trying to cultivate a blase artistic image here, Boomie, as I recall you do your gigs with both an upright and a bass guitar which in my book says you've got a backup. Or to cultivate your image more, If a string breaks or bass dies, just tell Bowser that the old crap he plays doesn't need a bass anyway and you are going home and then take off. That should work.

(You know I couldn't resist "lecturing" you!)