How do you transport your gear?

[boombloom]

I take my upright with me when I shop for cars. If the bass will fit I'm more likely to commit.

 

[rtslinger]

In either of my 4 cars in order 2013 Kia Optima SX T-GD1 with a GTS RaceChip, 2021 Kia Forte GT, 2006 Chrysler 300 Touring, 2002 Subaru Legacy Outback LL Bean

 

[Jogobass]

rent a van
or a trailer car
have the client pay for it

 

[kesslari]

OP, I salute your tetris skills! I just bring my own gear in an Audi A5 convertible, and I can bring an optional passenger.

 

[lermgalieu]

I have a Suburban and typically carry one 2x12, one class D head, one bass in gig bag, and nano pedal board. So it takes up like 1/25 of the truck, leaving room for probably 7 adults. Not very exciting to look at, so I didn't take a pic.

 

[Timmah]

I don’t have any pictures handy but I’ve been a Subaru Outback devotee for a long time because of just how much gear they’ll swallow. My typical gig night pack:
Powered mixer
Mic/cable bag
Backup bass head
Pedalboard
Primary bass head
(2) 15” mains
12” monitor
2x12 bass cab
(2) crates w/power cables, tarps etc
Merch box
Bag w/speaker and mic stands
Bag w/light stands
(2) small light trees
2 basses

Leaves plenty of room for a passenger and some extra space for gear. I occasionally carpool with a guitar player (add a 1x12 combo amp, big pedalboard, and 2 guitars) or keys player (another combo amp, keyboard, and stands) and we have plenty of room.

 

[Slammin Scotty]

Timely posting for me. I am looking for a used car and the criteria are:

• 2 doors (ideally 3 if you count the hatch.)
• Manual transmission
• Fun to Drive
• Can fit an Upright Bass

For years I drove Mini's and they fit the bill. DB, Mark traveler 210, Mesa Walkabout in a bag, Mike stand and cables, a pair of small floor monitors, and I still room for a passenger. I had four Mini's and now I am looking for something different.

oddeotek Have you ever tried to fit a DB in the Audi? I used to slide it into the Mini on it's back with the neck between the seat and the scroll over the shift. I double in one of my projects, where I need to take the DB and a BG along with a small rig.

I currently drive a Miata for BG only gigs where all I need is a BG, a small cabinet, a micro head a mike stand and a misc cable/mike bag. No room for a passenger.

The Audi looks promising though, Worst case I continue to borrow my wifes QX90 for DB gigs.

Here is a pic of my '04 mini

 

[ebo]

I figure this has to go up for auction sometime soon. Quick logo change and bring it on!

 

[jeffb28451]

Incredible. Wow! Do you also use KY and a shoehorn!

That is amazing and without the extra pics I may not have believed you! You have inspired me.

You know, with my Fearless 115 and Aguilar 750 in an anvil case, I'm thinking it may be time for another Miata...or maybe your TT just has some magic!

 

[cymbop]

Mine's a Protege 5 hatchback from 2002.

My Ampeg fridge tilts over the bumper in into the hatch like a breeze, no assistance required. I've even gone to a gig with the drummer and his whole kit in addition to fridge, head, and bass. (That one was tight, but it worked out!)

Hatchbacks for the win.

 

[dave64o]

obligatory soundtrack to the loading and unloading of your little car:

... if Benny Hill is helping you load your car!


My aging Honda Pilot holds a ton of gear.

I still kid our LS/BL that she checked what kind of car each of the bassists who auditioned were driving and picked me because I could haul the most gear.

She swears I was their first choice and my car was just a coincidental bonus. And I mostly believe her because of the feedback i got from her and the rest of the band at my audition. Although, I've been the only one meeting at her house to pickup gear before shows and then take it back again after shows. Hmmmm...

 

[pbassnut]

Honda Element is the ultimate. It has the wheelbase of a car, but can fit my bass rig, our 2x12 sub, two 12" mains, 4 wedges, 6 mic stands, all power and mic cables, mics, everything. The seats fold up or can be totally removed for different workloads. I'm so sad they stopped making these. Mine has 250K miles and I can't figure out what to replace it with.

I wanted to get one of those Honda Elements as it seemed like one of the most versatile vehicles for a gigging musician ... plus they were essentially built on top of a Civic chassis which is a very reliable car design that has SERIOUSLY stood the test of time. However, when my mother-in-law died, my father-in-law didn't want to keep her 2005 Pontiac Vibe hatchback (almost exactly the same as a Toyota Matrix which is essentially a Corolla) that only had 15,000 miles on it and we'd be doing him a favor by buying it from him for $5000. It's ended up being a great car for me and my bass rig fits perfectly in the back section.

<<
I'm so sad they stopped making these.
>>

Agreed. A Honda Element would have been my next vehicle choice if and when my beloved Vibe ever died on me.

 

[fourstr00]

Timely posting for me. I am looking for a used car and the criteria are:

• 2 doors (ideally 3 if you count the hatch.)
• Manual transmission
• Fun to Drive
• Can fit an Upright Bass

For years I drove Mini's and they fit the bill. DB, Mark traveler 210, Mesa Walkabout in a bag, Mike stand and cables, a pair of small floor monitors, and I still room for a passenger. I had four Mini's and now I am looking for something different.

oddeotek Have you ever tried to fit a DB in the Audi? I used to slide it into the Mini on it's back with the neck between the seat and the scroll over the shift. I double in one of my projects, where I need to take the DB and a BG along with a small rig.

I currently drive a Miata for BG only gigs where all I need is a BG, a small cabinet, a micro head a mike stand and a misc cable/mike bag. No room for a passenger.

The Audi looks promising though, Worst case I continue to borrow my wifes QX90 for DB gigs.

Here is a pic of my '04 mini
View attachment 5208722

Honda Civic Hatchback. I’ve got the Sport Touring (dad-spec) model and nothing about it bums me out.

Two basses, full PA, with equipment cart:

 

[socialleper]

That's like three times the gear I use for a show.

If I'm packing everything, I take one bass, a DB751 in a case, my Barefaced 212, pedal board bag, and a backpack with all my cables, picks, earplugs, etc. All of that easily fits into the trunk and backseat of my Honda Accord.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

fuel efficient hatchback

 

[Freight Train]

I’m gonna call you the winner here!

Especially since the weather's ALWAYS good! And there's never any drunks on the road after a gig.

 

[aglide]

I really miss my Element. It was the perfect gig vehicle. It was my extra vehicle, paid off. Super quick, ridiculously great cornering for parking, a ton of room. Rubber interior . Had 80K miles, perfectly maintained.

3:00 am a couple years back...catalytic converter thieves. Took em about 90 seconds. I got it on my security video, but they got away.

There is no replacement.

They cut out my CAT in a hotel parking lot in Wichita. That was a fun drive back to KC. My insurance covered it, but this is another reason I'm nervous about keeping it around forever. Need to find something else at some point. I'm going on a non music road trip next week and opted to rent a car so I don't put extra miles on the Element and put it at risk for another CAT theft.

 

[aglide]

I’ve heard from the dealership that they are planning on reincarnating the Element as an EV. If I have the dough, I might consider getting one. The dealer also said everyone who has an Element is hanging onto it.

I've been hearing this too, but sadly, it's been a rumor for quite awhile now. I'm not holding my breath. But how awesome would this be if it does happen?

 

[aglide]

I have an Element. It’s getting pretty long in the tooth (389K miles) but I can’t see getting rid of it. Elements occupy a strange vehicular space because they were designed to be useful.

There's just nothing else quite like it. That's encouraging that you've been able to get that many miles out of it. I've been diligent about get mine serviced regularly to squeeze as much life out of it as possible.

 

[J-Mags]

My ex drummer has an Element and those are surprisingly cavernous on the inside. Great cars and well thought out for carrying lots of cargo!

Honda Civic Hatchback. I’ve got the Sport Touring (dad-spec) model and nothing about it bums me out.

Two basses, full PA, with equipment cart:
View attachment 5208790 View attachment 5208791

I can fit a downbeat-size drum set, a 2x12 guitar amp, my 2x12 bass rig, all the instruments and hardware, and a ton of extras in my Honda Fit. The thing is like a Tardis. No pics, because I've let it get kinda trashy, but it's a genius tiny car for transporting stuff.