Do you need a backup bass.

[roccobass]

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.

need? No.
Is it nice to have? Yes.

For years it was only one, then I got a beater bass on the cheap. But still, I didn’t always bring it as a backup. Why? Because 95% of the time, there was no room to place it on stage. I was usually only allowed the most microscopic of footprints.

 

[marchone]

There is a greater chance for an active bass than a passive one to have something go wrong. Batteries notwithstanding.

If you can attest that all of your solder joints are done well and you have good quality pots and jacks, there is no reason you should need one.

Vintage instruments can be a challenge all their own. There are more than a few famous artists who ceased playing their old warhorses for new signature copies.

 

[retslock]

I never used to carry a back-up but now I do. It’s easier than changing a string mid set and with the cost of strings these days - my last set was $120 - I don’t keep a stock. If I need to I’ll buy more but with several basses to choose from it’s not a pressing need.

 

[shrigg]

I bring my fretless Jazz as a backup. I've never needed it yet, but if I did I'd have something to write about in the "worst gig ever" chronicles.

 

[Droopy_TX]

I gigged for 30+ years with only one bass, 'cause I only had one bass. Never needed a spare. Once I bought a second bass, I started carrying it as a spare; but, generally leave it in the car. Still haven't needed it.

Regarding string breaks: I've only ever had one string break on a bass. I opened my case one day, and there was a broken string. Got to think it was a manufacturing defect. I am not sure how one can break a bass string, except through abusive playing.

 

[pica]

I will always bring a backup bass when playing local gigs, simply because I like having the extra insurance, and it's no extra hassle to bring one along.

Especially now they have those gig bags that hold two basses.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Most guitar players that I know don't bring a backup electric. They will mostly bring an electric and an acoustic. Strings break, but strings can be changed. Drummers don't bring backup cymbals, snares, heads. Keys will only bring one keyboard. These are bar gigs, not headliner tours. Turn on some background music and we'll be back in ten. I don't keep a backup in the car, smash and grabs aren't uncommon around here. Most stages are very compact, I should put stage in quotes because it's mostly a section of the bar where tables are removed or darts are played when there isn't a band. Basically, I gear up to the level of the gig. Actually, I over-gear for most gigs if you consider what they pay even when I just bring one bass, and amp and a cable.

 

[JakobT]

This is true. But like so much of life, it’s a numbers game. You have to consider how many more times you would have had to drain that tunnel if it only had one pump, or just two pumps.

True enough - but there are other numbers as well, for instance: Is it worth it to schlep around an extra bass to 500 gigs so you can use it that 1 time something goes wrong with your main axe? To me those numbers spell out a loud «no». Not to mention the fact that something could go wrong with any piece of gear I bring. No. Life is too short, and so are my arms.

 

[Naigewron]

Especially now they have those gig bags that hold two basses.

Yeah, I've been meaning to check those out. Then again, my main live bass is headless so I like the shorter bag too.

 

[TBird1958]

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.

I've broken strings playing live countless times E's and A's especially, in my band's context I always bring a spare. No one wants to watch a string change and it would completely wreck the momentum that the band is trying to create with the set list. Someone here long ago said "One = none, 2= 1" when it comes to basses and how many you should bring. Wise words.

 

[Jefenator]

FWIW I'm usually a bring-two-basses kind of guy but I really prefer using two gig bags. I tried a double bag once and couldn't get rid of it fast enough.
Maybe I disliked it because it was semi-rigid so it took up more space than most hard cases (which I also detest). Maybe I would be OK with the right (slightly floppier) double unit. But two separate bags has always worked fine for me.
Okay, back to our original topic...

 

[Marko 1]

I bring a backup because it makes me feel more comfortable,

therefore it serves a purpose every time.

 

[HolmeBass]

True enough - but there are other numbers as well, for instance: Is it worth it to schlep around an extra bass to 500 gigs so you can use it that 1 time something goes wrong with your main axe? To me those numbers spell out a loud «no». Not to mention the fact that something could go wrong with any piece of gear I bring. No. Life is too short, and so are my arms.

I have a double gig bag, it’s really only a tiny bit heavier. I bring a backup amp too. It seems easy enough to me, so for me it’s worth it. And extra 15 lbs for some peace of mind and saving 5 different gigs over the years. I have used each backup more than once. They come in very handy when needed.

 

[TrevorG]

Never needed a back up bass but always wanted a good excuse to buy another. Enter the back up bass delusion.

 

[LBS-bass]

Vintage instruments can be a challenge all their own. There are more than a few famous artists who ceased playing their old warhorses for new signature copies.

Insurance costs might be driving that one. Many of those instruments are irreplaceable and the cost to attempt to replace them easily five figures. Just like the wealthy and their diamonds, leave the real ones in the safe and sport the cheap copies when in public.

I don't think it has much to do with likelihood of failure. If you've got a tech going over your stuff on a regular basis, it's going to be in playable condition.

 

[marchone]

I'm in agreement. Replacing parts devalues original instruments, too.

 

[LBS-bass]

I'm in agreement. Replacing parts devalues original instruments, too.

Yep, I thought about that after I posted. The more work you have done after a certain point, the more you devalue an instrument like that.

 

[zenrad]

My Squier CV P bass (that I accidentally ran over with my SUV once) is most always in the car. I've never HAD to use it but if it's inside with me I'll sometimes play a song or two on it just because it's a great bass as well as a survivor

 

[The Ethanator]

I had a 15-year old stock Ibanez preamp go haywire on me in the middle of a pit orchestra rehearsal and had to use another bass the rest of the week. Fortunately I've never had to drop what I'm doing to swap out in the middle of a gig!

 

[JakobT]

I have a double gig bag, it’s really only a tiny bit heavier. I bring a backup amp too. It seems easy enough to me, so for me it’s worth it. And extra 15 lbs for some peace of mind and saving 5 different gigs over the years. I have used each backup more than once. They come in very handy when needed.

I walk/take public transport to every gig. In those circumstances, 15 lbs makes a substantial difference.