I've done as much damage to my basses at outdoor gigs as indoor gigs. Probably more at indoor gigs.
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.
*Dumb Question* ?? Do you have "Outside" Basses?
- Thread starter OldSchoolBass
- Start date
+1
But I do keep them clean, oiled, polished and whatever other maintenance service I can think of
I love my basses!
- Mar 24, 2005
- 1,625
- 44
- 81
- Disclosures
- Seymour Duncan/Basslines SMB-5A Endorsing Artist
I think that the main thing is to get the bass out of the case ASAP so that it can "aclimatize" - get used to the heat/cold/humidity -
I've found that if I DON'T do that, the bass won't stay in tune through the whole set (could be 1 to 3 hours, depending on the crowd)
I've found that if I DON'T do that, the bass won't stay in tune through the whole set (could be 1 to 3 hours, depending on the crowd)
Not a dumb question at all. I think we all worry about our gear. However, I never really had an issue with playing outdoors. I do like to be prepared though. Maybe bring a tarp to cover your gear in case of rain.
- Feb 24, 2004
- 4,103
- 642
- 68
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Phantom Guitars, Eastwood Guitars
Only thing I do that even comes close to what you're talking about is;
I have 2 basses that I take when we fly to gigs, they're not terribly expensive and have good cases.
I have 2 basses that I take when we fly to gigs, they're not terribly expensive and have good cases.
This original post is so funny.
It's the ultra cheap, craptacular basses that fall victim to the typical concerns about humidity, warping, etc...etc...
If a bass is well constructed, then these problems are minimal and it's nothing that a quick truss rod tweek and retune/reintonate can't fix.
Granted, I baby my basses but at the same time I like to dismantle them from top to bottom so that I can learn something about what I am actually playing. And guess what...
I've never hurt a single one.
It they get banged up...they get banged up.
If you want an investment, might I recommend getting a broker.
It's the ultra cheap, craptacular basses that fall victim to the typical concerns about humidity, warping, etc...etc...
If a bass is well constructed, then these problems are minimal and it's nothing that a quick truss rod tweek and retune/reintonate can't fix.
Granted, I baby my basses but at the same time I like to dismantle them from top to bottom so that I can learn something about what I am actually playing. And guess what...
I've never hurt a single one.
It they get banged up...they get banged up.
If you want an investment, might I recommend getting a broker.
There will be tents and whatnot for coverage - I have been looking around for a cheap beater bass, but something servicable that I can use...
Granted, I knew my babying would bring out a post like this - and I am in agreement with you - I'm worrying too much - they joy of having certain instruments is PLAYING THEM.
And while they are not high end basses, they aren't crap either, so I guess I would fall into the "ok" category.I was playing my bass outside yesterday and a bird crapped right between the PUP's 
But I really don't care if anything happens to it as it is a $130 Samick.
But I really don't care if anything happens to it as it is a $130 Samick.
I forgot to add this in my last post - if there was a higher than usual chance of damage to my bass (no shade or blowing sand.....) I would leave my favorite bass (Ken Lawrence Brase 5) at home but would bring one of my others - Sadowsky, Alleva-Coppolo, or Lakland. I treat my basses carefully, but all of them are there to be used and all have dings... If you can't risk damage, lock it up in a temperature controlled vault or sell it to someone who would use it.
Dan K.
Dan K.
It's funny - my "cheap bass" - an old Yamaha BB300 - is currently my favorite bass. It's definitely the one I'd take to a "questionable" situation, but I'd also be happy to play it in almost any situation. Well, except that I hate the color and will be refinishing it at some point.
KO
KO
I use all of my basses outside except my 1974 Fender P.
I use my Lakland, Bongo and Fender MIA Jazz V outside all the time. In fact, I used the Fender Jazz V at a gig last Saturday (the Lakland was out on stage but I didn't play it) and the Bongo a few weeks back.
My basses are meant to be played. BUT... I also buy all of my gear used, so I haven't spent more than $1000 on any bass except my 1974 P.
I use my Lakland, Bongo and Fender MIA Jazz V outside all the time. In fact, I used the Fender Jazz V at a gig last Saturday (the Lakland was out on stage but I didn't play it) and the Bongo a few weeks back.
My basses are meant to be played. BUT... I also buy all of my gear used, so I haven't spent more than $1000 on any bass except my 1974 P.
Basses are like children you treat them like babies they'll act like one. Treat them with dignity but not pandering to their glossy goodness and they'll respect you for it.
the most dangerous thing to a bass is a drummer
Actually, my singer seems to like whacking my bass with a mic stand whenever I'm not looking. Kind of pisses me off.
the ole " i was spinning around to lock in with the drummer" excuse while smacking him in the face with your head stock will fix that fast. i can only think of one (1) singer i had to do that twice to...lol...they usualy get it the first time...aaahhh, those were the days...lmao
