Essential Gigging Gear - From Novice to Pro

[VonSledgehammer]

But I'm not a boy scout, and I'm not a den mother. Drum sticks? Really?

I think of it as looking out for each other. I've had guitarists lend me patch cables, drummers lend me gaffer tape. And years of people helping me carry big, heavy cabinets. But sure, if someone is taking advantage of you, put a stop to it. Those things aren't mutually exclusive.

Also, I forgot to mention I'm a closet drummer and will jump on a kit whenever I can

 

[Tom Bomb]

If it hasn't come up yet, having a good crowd never hurts. Especially one that's perennial and friendly, that partys hard, and likes to splash out

 

[chris678]

I'd recommended a tuner, and a Pre amp pedal, sansamp do some nice ones often couple as a DI box as well! And a EQ pedal to fine tune your sound.

 

[bonzodog]

Hi all,

I'm a seasoned musician, but very new to bass. As I hit 30 I decided to take the plunge in picking up the instrument I've always enjoyed listening too.

My question revolves around my current situation, and a general interest in listening/reading to everyone's views.

I currently own and play a MIM Jazz bass. My next purchase will be a gigging amp where I'm looking at the Rumble 500. With those two obvious essentials I'll look to start getting out of the rehearsal room and with some gigging bands.

From the basic BASS and AMP, where do we go next? What's essential, helpful or just nice? Do I need a DI box? Compressor? Pedal Tuner? A second bass? Bass Synth?

I've had a scout around YouTube and Google, but always enjoy reading on here and wanted to hear what you all think.




Thanks,

Sean

Hi Sean, jump on to Scotts bass lessons on the net. Plenty of free stuff on the site to get you up and running to make your playing more interesting. Forget the extras just a cable/tuner and once you get the bug, upgrade to a good bass cab and head later.

cheers,

Robbo

 

[bonzodog]

Hi Sean, grab a good cable and tuner then get cracking with some practice and lessons from Scotts Bass Lessons on the net and get out gigging.

Once you get the bug practice against drum tracks and get some good gear later cab and head wise. The bass you have isn't too bad to get going on.

cheers,

Robbo

 

[mrbassmanjazz]

I'm with #7 on this. Spare cables, batteries, etc. Nothing more frustrating or embarrassing than when these let you down.

 

[nickbearden]

Hi all,

I'm a seasoned musician, but very new to bass. As I hit 30 I decided to take the plunge in picking up the instrument I've always enjoyed listening too.

My question revolves around my current situation, and a general interest in listening/reading to everyone's views.

I currently own and play a MIM Jazz bass. My next purchase will be a gigging amp where I'm looking at the Rumble 500. With those two obvious essentials I'll look to start getting out of the rehearsal room and with some gigging bands.

From the basic BASS and AMP, where do we go next? What's essential, helpful or just nice? Do I need a DI box? Compressor? Pedal Tuner? A second bass? Bass Synth?

I've had a scout around YouTube and Google, but always enjoy reading on here and wanted to hear what you all think.

Thanks,

Sean

There's been a lot of mention of spare cables, but I would like to add the importance of having at least one, possibly two spare IEC cables in your case. Can't tell you how many times those things wind up walking off after a show, only to learn of such at the next show. Could be you, could be someone else in the group, but having that spare IEC can be a show saver.

Also, keep plenty of spare quarters and change in your car for easily feeding meters out front of the venue while loading in.

If you're not powering pedals with a power supply and running entirely off batteries, certainly having a spare can come in handy.

 

[Davidkmusic]

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.

I started as a drummer and then transitioned to singer, guitarist, bassist. In at least two bands I played in the drummers would always ask to borrow my drum key on the gig. I've never stopped carrying one....and they, apparently, never started

 

[bass_student_1960]

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.

 

[bass_student_1960]

I started as a drummer and then transitioned to singer, guitarist, bassist. In at least two bands I played in the drummers would always ask to borrow my drum key on the gig. I've never stopped carrying one....and they, apparently, never started

 

[Topkat13]

I would say all you need is a band to play with...you can figure the other stuff out as you go. Somebody said a tuner which is a good idea.

 

[bass_student_1960]

Yeah, I'm the band "mom." I have two extension cords, at least 3 20" cables, 2 10" cables, extra universal power supplies, extra boost pedals, guitar strings, OTC medication for all types of illness, you name it.. the Rumble has four-band eq which is nice, but it won't do the job in a larger venue or a big backyard.. as far as the original question, I have a Fender Aerodyne and an Ampeg PF-800n 800-watt head, and 2 Ampeg PF-410LF 4 x 10 cabs. I also have a Peavey Max 115 for smaller rooms. The Ampeg head has on-board compression which I use lightly to function more as a limiter. I also use an Electro-Harmonix Hum Debugger because I loathe 60-cycle hum. I have a Digitech Drop pedal. Instead of getting a 5-string or playing drop D, I just learn the song in a different key. Example: "Slither." The riff's easier to play in a standard tuning than drop E, and I also like the whole-step down tuning for "Thank You (Falettin Me Be Mice Elf)," so I can bounce from D to E, then I play the song in F sharp (on the fretboard) which works out to E. Having the right base setup (a bass you like, an amp you like) is a great place to start. Finally, re a backup bass, I've not broken a string since I was a newbie in 1981, and I don't really like any other bass sound but a P-bass, so I figure I don't need two of them.. I wouldn't turn my nose up at a Rick 4001, but for practical purposes, I just have one.

 

[Dbassmon]

Essentials for a gigging musician = chord bag - guitar chords, ac power strip, tuner, spare set of strings, basic tools, hex wrenches, screw driver, string clipper, spare guitar strap (you won't think this is important until you forget your strap), if read music you should carry a stand light, some basic medical stuff band-aids, aspirin, antacids etc. nail clipper, LED flashlight. some spare batteries 9v and AAs. I have a cat, so in my bag is a lint roller... You will be very thankful you have these items when you need them.

Pedals and Processing = that is all about you and your preference. Most likely your amp has a built in DI, you might include a mic cable in your bag. Compression, Overdrive, Chorus,....that is all about the sound you are after and there is no standard setup.

 

[cinderfella]

One thing I haven't seen mention of is insurance - both for your bass & amp and public liability should someone trip over a cable or some adoring fan jumps on stage, gets a headstock in the eye (I'm talking personal experience here) and then decided they aren't really a fan and decides to sue.
The only other thing you need is enthusiasm.

 

[Levin_Wannabe]

Hi all,

I'm a seasoned musician, but very new to bass. As I hit 30 I decided to take the plunge in picking up the instrument I've always enjoyed listening too.

My question revolves around my current situation, and a general interest in listening/reading to everyone's views.

I currently own and play a MIM Jazz bass. My next purchase will be a gigging amp where I'm looking at the Rumble 500. With those two obvious essentials I'll look to start getting out of the rehearsal room and with some gigging bands.

From the basic BASS and AMP, where do we go next? What's essential, helpful or just nice? Do I need a DI box? Compressor? Pedal Tuner? A second bass? Bass Synth?

I've had a scout around YouTube and Google, but always enjoy reading on here and wanted to hear what you all think.

Thanks,

Sean

A few things to add... a pencil, a small LED flashlight, (not your phone unless you want to give your phone to someone) a roll of blue painters tape.... and / or clothespins if it's a reading gig... the wind or fans have blown my charts around.... "Yeah, the big band is playing on the flatbed truck on the baseball field..." Uh... Ok. :^)

 

[Kenbo]

Don't spend loads of money get on Craigslist or EBay and buy an amp secondhand get it serviced I did this a Trace Elliot G70 it is a monster now serviced all in all less than £200, get on Craigslist and get hold of P Bass for next to nothing again get it set up cleaned etc all done all set, get a tuner if you really need one pedals maybe but learn to change your sound with the way play before getting pedals hope this helps

 

[Deacon Blues]

After playing bass for fifty years, and realizing that I still have so much to learn, I can mainly just agree with several other replies to your question:
1. A good guitar cable! Make sure it's long enough to suit your needs, but not so long that you're constantly tripping over it! Also, I strongly suggest getting the largest wire gauge available (Remember, smaller # = thicker cable!), and be sure that the connectors are the best available (I suggest Neutrik as a minimum standard).
2. A good speaker cable! As you probably know, all cables are not created equal! Using a guitar cable to connect head to speakers, for instance, will not only adversely affect your sound, it will eventually beat the final output section of your head into submission!
3. A comfortable strap! As I'm sure you've found, basses are much heavier than 6-strings (Duh! LOL). Your shoulder is going to bark after awhile, if you use the same strap(s) that you use(d) on guitar. I use a 4" wide, padded suede strap, and wouldn't use anything less on my aging frame!
4. A reliable, accurate tuner! Lately, I've been using a TC Polytune and love it!
5. A good, solid case! I have a 5-string MIM Jazz Bass. Just because it's MIM doesn't mean that it deserves any less protection than a 'Super-whiz-bang-autographed-modified-USA' version! Treat her well and she'll treat you well (...well, usually anyway!).
6. Whatever you need to keep guitar and strings clean, lubricated (when and where necessary), and hydrated (depending on your climate, and the season, this becomes more or less of an issue. I try to keep my instruments, including bass, guitar, drums, and a C2 Hammond organ at around 50-55% humidity. Others may disagree with those numbers, but they've always served me well). Also, when choosing a case, try to get something that will give you at least a little room for cables, strap, etc. The fewer things you have to carry, the better!

From there, it's a lot of personal preference (type and size of head, and how much are you willing/able to haul around for speakers) vs. budgetary restrictions, the style of music and type of gigs you play, and your personal playing style. Then, of course, there's that most valuable of all assets: Time...to practice, practice, practice, and develop your style and ability! I don't know why, but I'm assuming (always dangerous!) that you're a converted, or converting, guitarist. With that in mind, relatively few guitarists really 'get' bass! Aside from the skill and manual dexterity part, bass is an attitude (go ahead, guys, open fire! LOL). I suggest spending as much time as you possibly can with a good human drummer (not a machine!)...and preferably one with experience...then concentrate on your fingers 'hooking up' with the drummer's kick foot. Remember what you always wanted a rhythm section to sound like, and make that happen!! Not everything you need, as a bass player, comes under the heading of 'stuff!'

Good luck!

 

[pwhalen]

Real Gaff Tape for stage use; not duct tape. Unless you like sticky cables with tape residue on them.

+1000 Spend the money for gaffers tape, it's well worth the extra cost over duct tape.

Outside of the obvious that most have mentioned here (bass, amp, tuner, stand, cables, powerstrip) I would just say don't be "that guy" - never need to borrow anything more than once. If you needed it once, you probably will again so provide your own and don't count on others to supply your needs.

 

[Akami]

Probably all been mentioned before but get an Ultimate Support GS-1000 hanging stand for in between sets, and get a high quality mic and stand. Another option for covering the tuner is a Shure GLX16D wireless which comes with an excellent strobe tuner built in and the battery in the transmitter is rechargeable.

 

[G L Raymond]

Hi all,

I'm a seasoned musician, but very new to bass. As I hit 30 I decided to take the plunge in picking up the instrument I've always enjoyed listening too.

My question revolves around my current situation, and a general interest in listening/reading to everyone's views.

I currently own and play a MIM Jazz bass. My next purchase will be a gigging amp where I'm looking at the Rumble 500. With those two obvious essentials I'll look to start getting out of the rehearsal room and with some gigging bands.

From the basic BASS and AMP, where do we go next? What's essential, helpful or just nice? Do I need a DI box? Compressor? Pedal Tuner? A second bass? Bass Synth?

I've had a scout around YouTube and Google, but always enjoy reading on here and wanted to hear what you all think.

Thanks,

Sean

The House Hearing Institute in L.A. has molded ear plugs that cost about $200. They take a mold of your ear canals and have interchangeable filters in -9dB, -15dB, -25dB, -35dB attenuation. They are worth the money as they have a very flat response so you can still hear the relative balance in the band when you're playing. The inexpensive plugs will protect your hearing but attenuate the highs much more than the lows so you don't hear your balance to the rest of the band accurately. I use the -15dB filters for club gigs. The rest of the advice is all good. I did get a custom made mute switch from Horizon cable company (not expensive). It's handy for tuning silently. Also I have my tuner, preamp eq., mute switch all attached to my amp. so it's one package. All ready plugged together. Faster and more reliable. Also a small light weight collapsible hand truck (Home Depot, etc.) is essential. I can get all my gear in on one trip for most gigs.