Nope.
But, only because I'd never spend more than $3K for a bass, so I don't have any expensive basses.
But, only because I'd never spend more than $3K for a bass, so I don't have any expensive basses.
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Do you take your valuable basses to gigs?
- Thread starter shadven
- Start date
When the venue is questionable or the neighborhood is tough I rely on my made in Korea budget bass. Great for Blues jams, too. Never mind that it's red. 
M. M.
M. M.
Instrument insurance shouldn't cost that much. Give your agent a list of instruments and values that you want covered and have a rider added to your homeowners. Should be inexpensive peace of mind.
- Dec 28, 2009
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Mine is also insured through my homeowners. I have a total of I think 25k just towards my musical equipment for any type of loss anywhere in the world. I think it raised my homeowners insurance either $2.00 a month or $4.00 a month. I can't remember which?
Be careful with homeowners. Often it won't cover a loss if you are at a gig as that constitutes "professional use" and they'll exclude it. For anyone who plays out, real musical instrument insurance is typically a safer bet.
- Dec 28, 2009
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- Endorsed by K.B. Guitars, Nordstrand Audio Pickups, Von York Strings and Gallien-Krueger Amps.
I checked with the company on that and they said I was still covered thus why I am covered anywhere I take my gear to play.
I'd get it in writing. I've heard bad stories from friends who had a rider on their homeowner policy and then had a claim denied. One reason I like musical instrument insurance (I use Anderson) is there is no question around circumstances, etc. the policy is designed to cover a gigging musician.
Most home owners will cover one guitar only. And it will not cover it being stolen from a gig.
Good car insurance will cover it being taken from your car, but you are going to have to fight for it. Also, many policies will supply you with a "like kind and quality" bass.
Guess who decides what like kind and quality is?
Get real instrument coverage from a company that specializes in musical instruments.
If you ever need to make a claim, it will go much easier on you.
Good car insurance will cover it being taken from your car, but you are going to have to fight for it. Also, many policies will supply you with a "like kind and quality" bass.
Guess who decides what like kind and quality is?
Get real instrument coverage from a company that specializes in musical instruments.
If you ever need to make a claim, it will go much easier on you.
My general idea about the choice of instrument is I will let its level (measured by price) match my skill and venue level. Right now, I am at about $800. OK, admittedly it is a bit above my current level (but it gives me some room to grow).
If I would have grown to own a $15,000 bass, I think my music career and income would allow me to hire a bodyguard to care for my bass. In that case, gigging with it shouldn't be a concern anymore.
If I would have grown to own a $15,000 bass, I think my music career and income would allow me to hire a bodyguard to care for my bass. In that case, gigging with it shouldn't be a concern anymore.
I tend to agree with getting it in writing. A lot of homeowner coverages have a value limit, usually which is pretty low. Just the sameness if you have a collector car, most no fault coverages will not cover the replacement value. Seems very worthwhile for high value instruments. Worth the cost and piece of mind IMO. Have a friend in Cali and lost all of his guitars in moving into the state. Instruments went on the plane but never arrived at the destination. Not insured so a total loss. Now, all his stuff is insured. Tough lesson to learn.
Not no more i just ordered my new P Cabronita Wahoooo.....the CS 64 Relic will only be coming out once a month.
Hmm, I can't say I have any basses worth 15k but I have a few worth 7k and I've gigged with them. I know the risks of a drunk falling into them or someone stealing them, that's why I guard them like a hawk and I'm never far from them.
If you know the risks and you are willing to take the gamble then I say do it. why else do you own it? Collection? Treat it like an IRA?
Sepp
If you know the risks and you are willing to take the gamble then I say do it. why else do you own it? Collection? Treat it like an IRA?
Sepp
I see no problem with owning an expensive vintage bass and never taking it out of the house. If you feel compelled to perform with it live on stage, fine. But really, pretty much no one cares or notices but you. And in the end, you've spoiled your night by having to watch a guitar like a hawk, all night long.
Roy Vogt
Supporting Member
- Sep 20, 2000
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It depends on the gig. If the bass is in my control all night or if it's a recording session, no problem. If it's going to go under a bus or maybe gate checked on a flight, I will take a less expensive instrument.
+1 on dedicated instrument insurance. You can get it through the Musicians Union if you are an AFM Member. I have had to collect on a stolen instrument before, and then recovered the instrument and had to pay it back! Happy to get the bass back after two years, though.
+1 on dedicated instrument insurance. You can get it through the Musicians Union if you are an AFM Member. I have had to collect on a stolen instrument before, and then recovered the instrument and had to pay it back! Happy to get the bass back after two years, though.
Jim Carr
Dr. Jim
- Jan 21, 2006
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Leave it at home for the thieves? No. Buy professional instrument insurance and spend more time practicing and less time worrying.
At gigs, basses are tools. I usually pay around $500 per tool since a $500 tool gets the job done just fine. If a tool gets stolen or broken, I can buy a new one easily.
I play my Fodera at most gigs but obviously keep an eye on it.
The only times I bring a cheap bass is when a) the weather at an outdoor gig is going to suck, and b) if I host a Jam night.
Sorry, not getting my expensive bass rained on and not letting drunks play Mustang Sally on it.
Re: insurance.... Make sure you know your policy as homeowners and car insurance can be brutal if you EVER gig. I had an old Jazz stolen out of my truck a few years back after a rehersal. I called insurance, they immediately checked my gig schedule and went as far as looking online at band pics to see if I used a black Jazz for paying gigs. I got paid out handsomely, but if there was even one picture of that bass at a gig, I would have been SOL.
The only times I bring a cheap bass is when a) the weather at an outdoor gig is going to suck, and b) if I host a Jam night.
Sorry, not getting my expensive bass rained on and not letting drunks play Mustang Sally on it.
Re: insurance.... Make sure you know your policy as homeowners and car insurance can be brutal if you EVER gig. I had an old Jazz stolen out of my truck a few years back after a rehersal. I called insurance, they immediately checked my gig schedule and went as far as looking online at band pics to see if I used a black Jazz for paying gigs. I got paid out handsomely, but if there was even one picture of that bass at a gig, I would have been SOL.
