DI = nice
Compressor = helpful
Pedal tuner = essential
Second bass = helpful
Bass synth = ?!?
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Compressor = helpful
Pedal tuner = essential
Second bass = helpful
Bass synth = ?!?
+1 on the ear plugs. I never go to a show (listening or playing) without them.
Spare strings, 9V block (if applicable), I always bring screwdrivers/allen wrenches in case something is loose. Stand, bass, cables, cabinet, head, strap, ducktape to keep all cables in check.
As far as pedals go; I would consider only the tuner a "must". All else is nice, but I can do without.
Regards
Mark
As far as pedals go; I would consider only the tuner a "must". All else is nice, but I can do without.
Regards
Mark
+2 on earplugs. I will never understand NOT wearing them. There are plenty out there that are virtually un-noticable wrt affecting your ability to hear things. The cymbals are the worst offenders IMO. I ALWAYS wear plugs on a gig and rehearsal, whether I am playing bass, drums, or guitar.
I ALWAYS bring a 8" fan and an extension to plug it in (separately from the amps and mixer). I never regret bringing it, regardless of season/weather or whether gig is indoors or outdoors.
+1 for a flashlight - even just lighting up your gig bag contents makes it invaluable.
I ALWAYS bring a 8" fan and an extension to plug it in (separately from the amps and mixer). I never regret bringing it, regardless of season/weather or whether gig is indoors or outdoors.
+1 for a flashlight - even just lighting up your gig bag contents makes it invaluable.
I look at acquiring new gear like this - only pick up the things you need. Everything I've ever bought that I didn't need was sold later (at a loss), so think wisely about your purchases. A bass, an amp (debatable, depending on what you do) and some sort of tuner (pedal, clip one, whatever) is all any bassist needs, so beyond that it's going to be particular to your situation.
You don't need a DI if your amp has one or if your recording interface has Hi-Z inputs. Almost every venue would provide a DI for you, even if you amp doesn't have it. So you can buy one if you like the sound of it, but need one? Absolutely not.
Other sounds (via pedals, basses, amps) are something you should decided based on your own needs, experiences and judgement. That takes time, so enjoy the ride! That's just my two cents (your wallet will thank you later!). Hope that helps!
You don't need a DI if your amp has one or if your recording interface has Hi-Z inputs. Almost every venue would provide a DI for you, even if you amp doesn't have it. So you can buy one if you like the sound of it, but need one? Absolutely not.
Other sounds (via pedals, basses, amps) are something you should decided based on your own needs, experiences and judgement. That takes time, so enjoy the ride! That's just my two cents (your wallet will thank you later!). Hope that helps!
I'm not a "gigging" bassist, but, from issues at rehearsals, I learned to have a set of strings and an extra cable in my gig bag at all times. I also think that you should have a good quality pedal tuner. Something that you can easily see and mutes your bass when tuning. Some folks don't mind if you tune without being muted, but no one will complain if you are muted. Same thing with a clip tuner. I love mine and go everywhere with it, but some people don't think it's a professional "look". No one is going to give you crap for having a pedal tuner.
I've been playing for almost 30 years. All I *really* need is a decent amp (my amp has a DI output), a tuner (my amp has that too but most don't), and a bass stand to hold my bass between sets. IMHO, all you need are the above items--plus experience. Your gigging experience will tell you what other things you need.
A couple of years ago I moved to in-ear monitors, which also let me ditch the on-stage amp. So literally I could do a gig with my IEMs, a DI, and a clip-on tuner--I still bring my amp head (with the DI and tuner) but I leave everything else at home except the IEMs.
On my usual expanded personal "gotta have it list": Tools to do a last-minute neck adjustment. If I'm playing outside my bass necks go all over the place. I play MusicMans so it's a real easy adjustment. Spare cables. Duct Tape. Batteries. Extension cords.
On the "nice to have list": I use a wireless because I tend to trip over cables. A mic-stand mounted cup holder. My own vocal microphone. A soldering iron (bought during setup for a gig, where we needed it). Mic cables. Mic stand.
Sometimes all the "nice to have's" stay in the car. But sometimes I'm glad I have them.
Tom
A couple of years ago I moved to in-ear monitors, which also let me ditch the on-stage amp. So literally I could do a gig with my IEMs, a DI, and a clip-on tuner--I still bring my amp head (with the DI and tuner) but I leave everything else at home except the IEMs.
On my usual expanded personal "gotta have it list": Tools to do a last-minute neck adjustment. If I'm playing outside my bass necks go all over the place. I play MusicMans so it's a real easy adjustment. Spare cables. Duct Tape. Batteries. Extension cords.
On the "nice to have list": I use a wireless because I tend to trip over cables. A mic-stand mounted cup holder. My own vocal microphone. A soldering iron (bought during setup for a gig, where we needed it). Mic cables. Mic stand.
Sometimes all the "nice to have's" stay in the car. But sometimes I'm glad I have them.
Tom
I'm with those who suggested a guitar stand. It's really inconvienient not to have one at the gig. I also bring the cable I need to hook up to the board. Another really nice thing to have is a powerstrip because sometimes there just isn't enough outlets to hook anything up. I'd say that's essential for me. Also an extension chord. If you have an active bass bring extra batteries. Bass, amp, tuner, and this stuff.
Yep the "mom"! I always bring a big bag with spares and tools. Don't have a first aid kit, but its in my truck.I don't see a bottle opener on your list.
In all seriousness, I've always been surprised at the number of musicians that look to the bass player to be the 'mom' of the group. In addition to what's mentioned above, which is a good list, I usually bring basic tools, small first aid kit (Aleve, benedryl, Dramamine), extra earplugs, extra cable (instrument and speaker), pretty much everything but the orange slices.
No, it's not required, but as you step into a supporting instrument role, it's often assumed you'll fill that capacity on the gig elsewhere. Or I'm just a sucker.
Other than my amp, cab, bass, boards, I always carry a backpack that always contains:
2 instrument cables
1 speaker cable
1 power cable for my amp
1 multi function screwdriver
1 set of needle nose pliers
1 power strip w/ a long cord
1 recharging battery pack for my phone
1 bag of picks
1 eBOw (obviously optional
)
1 roll of electric tape
1 clip on tuner
1 small, simple, passive DI
Is this all essential? No. Well, all the cables are. But I've learned from experience it so much better to come over prepared than unprepared or caught off guard. And all of that fits in a nice, normal sized backpack. So why wouldn't I bring that stuff ya know?!
Oh, I also keep these in my bass's gig case:
More picks
Allen wrenches
Strap
A clean towel
Ear Plugs
Clip on tuner
Yeah....I've learned my lesson of getting to a gig and not being able to do or have something. It sucks. I've brought a backup bass to a few gigs in the past but overall I feel like it's too much when you already have all these other larger pieces to move. It always depends, but I may bring a backup to certain gigs at times. Same with strings. I haven't broken a string at a gig in over a decade. And I change my main player with my band strings once a month or so.
2 instrument cables
1 speaker cable
1 power cable for my amp
1 multi function screwdriver
1 set of needle nose pliers
1 power strip w/ a long cord
1 recharging battery pack for my phone
1 bag of picks
1 eBOw (obviously optional
)1 roll of electric tape
1 clip on tuner
1 small, simple, passive DI
Is this all essential? No. Well, all the cables are. But I've learned from experience it so much better to come over prepared than unprepared or caught off guard. And all of that fits in a nice, normal sized backpack. So why wouldn't I bring that stuff ya know?!
Oh, I also keep these in my bass's gig case:
More picks
Allen wrenches
Strap
A clean towel
Ear Plugs
Clip on tuner
Yeah....I've learned my lesson of getting to a gig and not being able to do or have something. It sucks. I've brought a backup bass to a few gigs in the past but overall I feel like it's too much when you already have all these other larger pieces to move. It always depends, but I may bring a backup to certain gigs at times. Same with strings. I haven't broken a string at a gig in over a decade. And I change my main player with my band strings once a month or so.
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Boring but necessary:
Extension cord, power strip
Flashlight
Basic tools (screwdrivers, allen wrenches)
In USA, 3 prong to 2 prong AC adapter
Sharpie, pen
Extension cord, power strip
Flashlight
Basic tools (screwdrivers, allen wrenches)
In USA, 3 prong to 2 prong AC adapter
Sharpie, pen
1. Bass w/case (extra battery if active)
2. Amp (I don't use one...Radial Tonebone Bassbone direct to PA)
3. Tuner (had a Boss TU-2 but now use a Shure DLX wireless w/tuner)
4. Sturdy/comfortable strap (3-1/2 to 4 inch wide)
5. Decent instrument 20 foot cable (I use Monster Cables)
6. Extra set of strings
These would be my gigging essentials!
2. Amp (I don't use one...Radial Tonebone Bassbone direct to PA)
3. Tuner (had a Boss TU-2 but now use a Shure DLX wireless w/tuner)
4. Sturdy/comfortable strap (3-1/2 to 4 inch wide)
5. Decent instrument 20 foot cable (I use Monster Cables)
6. Extra set of strings
These would be my gigging essentials!
Pretty much my list, but I do carry an amp with a good DI, and you'll want some wirecutters to go with those spare strings...and also I'd say Livewire instead of Monster cables - to me, the Monsters seem kind of muffled - Livewire delivers a great price/performance ratio, and has proven durable. I'd add screwdriver and Allen wrench if going out of town and into a different climate, in case some set-up adjustment is needed.
That's an overwhelming response and very much appreciated ☺
Ear plugs - that's a good point and a definite for me. Over the years (of not playing bass) I've always kept these close by for rehearsals and shows.
Bass Stand - Seems like it would actually be pretty helpful and easily overlooked as being so...
Tools, spares, extension sockets - Yes, I'll definitely be stocking up on those.
Bass Synth - HaHa. That seemed a stupid thing to say as it's either been ignored or laughed at... But out of interest, has anyone as a bass player been expected to get some synth sounds as part of an 80's band or something? Or does anyone own something like a Novation Bass Station?
Tuner - I currently have one of those NS Micro Headstock turners which works OK, it just feels a little flimsy (is that word used in the US or just here in the UK?) at times. Those Boss pedal tuners always seem solid!
Ear plugs - that's a good point and a definite for me. Over the years (of not playing bass) I've always kept these close by for rehearsals and shows.
Bass Stand - Seems like it would actually be pretty helpful and easily overlooked as being so...
Tools, spares, extension sockets - Yes, I'll definitely be stocking up on those.
Bass Synth - HaHa. That seemed a stupid thing to say as it's either been ignored or laughed at... But out of interest, has anyone as a bass player been expected to get some synth sounds as part of an 80's band or something? Or does anyone own something like a Novation Bass Station?
Tuner - I currently have one of those NS Micro Headstock turners which works OK, it just feels a little flimsy (is that word used in the US or just here in the UK?) at times. Those Boss pedal tuners always seem solid!
Bass with strap
Cables
Tuner
Amp
Earplugs
Di box
Compressor
Back up bass
Extra strings and cables
Chorus
Drive
Other effects
That is, imo, a pretty good list order. Up to you to decide how far down the list you go. It will, of course, differ player to player.
Cables
Tuner
Amp
Earplugs
Di box
Compressor
Back up bass
Extra strings and cables
Chorus
Drive
Other effects
That is, imo, a pretty good list order. Up to you to decide how far down the list you go. It will, of course, differ player to player.
Need?
Probably ought to have?
- Bass
- cable
- amp
Probably ought to have?
- Bass
- back up bass strings (or backup bass)
- cable
- back up cable
- amp
- di in case amp fails, but for this purpose get an amp sim di like hartke attack or sansamp bddi and use that to get your tone, that way you tone won't significantly change if you send to foh.
- tuner
- spare batteries for di, tuner, active bass
- tools to adjust string height/length, neck relief, pickup height
- extension cord
- power strip (yes, that's in addition to the extension cord. If you have a pedal board or floor fan up front, bring TWO power strips)
- bass stand so it doesn't FALL!!!
- gaffer's tape so people don't trip on your cables and knock stuff down or get injured
- set list and paper and marker for when band changes set list last minute
- musician's earplugs or IEMs
Real Gaff Tape for stage use; not duct tape. Unless you like sticky cables with tape residue on them.
Great answers here. I'm kind of surprised at how many people are saying a DI. I have literally never needed one, and have been gigging for 35 years. Maybe I got lucky?
Two things not mentioned yet that I always have and come in useful pretty often: a drum key, and a pair of drumsticks. The former because the drummer will love you if they forgot theirs, and the latter so that you can help move soundcheck along if the drummer is not around (sadly too often in my case).
The flashlight I use is this: Amazon.com: NiteCore Tube Keychain Light T Series 45 Lumen Multi Color Pocket Flashlight (Azure): Sports & Outdoors
It's super tiny, USB rechargeable, and the low power setting is just right for when you need to be discreet on stage. The high power setting is surprisingly bright for something so small.
Two things not mentioned yet that I always have and come in useful pretty often: a drum key, and a pair of drumsticks. The former because the drummer will love you if they forgot theirs, and the latter so that you can help move soundcheck along if the drummer is not around (sadly too often in my case).
The flashlight I use is this: Amazon.com: NiteCore Tube Keychain Light T Series 45 Lumen Multi Color Pocket Flashlight (Azure): Sports & Outdoors
It's super tiny, USB rechargeable, and the low power setting is just right for when you need to be discreet on stage. The high power setting is surprisingly bright for something so small.
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