So my question is do you need a backup bass. I realize during a show a string may break or a battery may go dead but have you ever actually had to change basses during a show and for what reason.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Do you need a backup bass.
- Thread starter pica
- Start date
Ya don't need it till ya do.
Only had to swap once due to an intermittent vintage pickup.
Only had to swap once due to an intermittent vintage pickup.
Yes. Always. And, yes, several times I have had to grab my backup. A couple of output jacks went out on me. And I have broken strings.
I've had basses go bad at rehearsal, and for that reason I'll never go to a gig without two. I've swapped a bass once at a show, but the problem turned out to be a cable.
It depends…do you play songs with alternate tunings? It might be helpful to just change Basses instead of changing tunings. Breaking a string? You can fumble through the rest of the song, then quickly change the broken string before the next song (yes, you do need backup strings). Dead or dying battery…should definitely have spare batteries, and should probably change them often enough that you avoid this on a gig. Or, be able to operate the bass in passive mode as well.
I occasionally have brought two Basses to a gig, but only for variety reasons, not necessarily as backup. I have only broken a string on a gig twice in my life, and changed out the broken one between songs.
I vote “no” you don’t NEED a backup…unless you feel like YOU do.
I occasionally have brought two Basses to a gig, but only for variety reasons, not necessarily as backup. I have only broken a string on a gig twice in my life, and changed out the broken one between songs.
I vote “no” you don’t NEED a backup…unless you feel like YOU do.
The only time I ever take a backup is if we're doing a live taping otherwise that's a big Nope.
Regular maintenance and knowledge of FENDER wiring keep me pretty worry free about my bass having issues. However, I do keep a set of strings, extra cable, extra strap, extra tuning key and a roll of electric tape in my gig bag.
Regular maintenance and knowledge of FENDER wiring keep me pretty worry free about my bass having issues. However, I do keep a set of strings, extra cable, extra strap, extra tuning key and a roll of electric tape in my gig bag.
Last edited:
Only if you want to keep playing when your main bass has issues. I don't care how much maintenance you do, stuff happens. I was playing my '73 recording Les Paul at home and one of the tuners gave out. How would you anticipate that, and what kind of maintenance would have prevented it? People who think they can never have an issue are only fooling themselves.
I've told the story more than once. I was playing a gig and the bass player in our opening act's bass quit. He took about 30 seconds to trouble shoot, switched basses and they were playing again in a little over a minute.
I've told the story more than once. I was playing a gig and the bass player in our opening act's bass quit. He took about 30 seconds to trouble shoot, switched basses and they were playing again in a little over a minute.
godofthunder59
Life is short, buy the bass.
- Feb 19, 2006
- 9,060
- 38,448
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Cataldo Basses, Whirlwind products, Thunderbucker pickups
Well, I've never needed to use a backup instrument, like an airplane emergency door, but I want the door to be there.
D
Not slagging on you but someone will inevitably say that you should search the topic because this has been discussed to death. Doesn't bother me, just a guess.
In all my years of playing I've needed one twice and those were both in the early days where I didn't have the $$ to have a backup bass. Now I always take two, always. Too many variables, it's an easy thing to do so why not. Better to always have one and never need it than to need it and not have it.
And I usually play both of mine at a gig so there's that too.
In all my years of playing I've needed one twice and those were both in the early days where I didn't have the $$ to have a backup bass. Now I always take two, always. Too many variables, it's an easy thing to do so why not. Better to always have one and never need it than to need it and not have it.
And I usually play both of mine at a gig so there's that too.
I had to use my backup a few times, and I think it's important to bring a backup for paying gigs.
I allways bring a backup. Thinking that if I broke a string it's quicker it switch then to replace it. This year in mid set a wire came loose on my volume pot.
As a former US Marine my motto is; "Two is one, one is none."
I always take two basses on the road/to gigs. I haven't had to use the backup bass yet but in my mind it is always better to have and not need than to need and not have. It is a minor hassle to deal with two basses compared to dealing with issues in a live environment or coming across as unprofessional.
