I always try and have two on hand that are 'interchangeable' to an extent. I'm currently using a 5 and a 4 string (tuned BEAD) that are the same bass model, same pickups, woods, etc. The idea for me is to grab the backup in case of something broken (string, jack, strap, etc) and jump right back into the song or set. I would suggest switching at rehearsal between songs and see how quick you can make the necessary amp adjustments. To me, if you can't do it on the fly, then having a true backup makes little sense.
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How does your "Back-up (s)" fit in?
- Thread starter Essthreetee
- Start date
I have 3 basses. 2 fretted Laklands (a DJ and a JO), 1 fretless (Cort), all are 5 string. The DJ has flats, the JO5 has nickels, and the fretless is fretless (with flats). They all have totally different sounds, so it depends on the song.
LilRay
Commercial User
- Dec 27, 2007
- 4,166
- 39
- Disclosures
- Owner: Cockeyed Cow Custom Leathercraft
I don't have any "Back Ups". I have four basses and I play whichever one suits me that day. It also depends on the type of music I'm playing.
I don't like the idea of a back up as an inferior bass to one that you normally use. I guess it seems logical to some but I'd hate to get ready to play and think "Oh man I've got to use my cruddy backup because my main axe has _______ wrong with it."
God Bless, Ray
I don't like the idea of a back up as an inferior bass to one that you normally use. I guess it seems logical to some but I'd hate to get ready to play and think "Oh man I've got to use my cruddy backup because my main axe has _______ wrong with it."
God Bless, Ray
Just make shure, that they're both great and that you enjoy playing them both.
I use a Fender Precision with old strings as my main for my Hendrix Cover Band and a Fender Precision with newer Strings as backup. For my modern Pop-/Rockband I use them vice versa.
Gruesse, Pablo
I don't really have a backup, but a group of alternatives. So for gigs, I just choose one to play, and then grab another as the backup for that night.
I'm BRUTAL on A strings. Play agressive pick style most of the time, and have broke A strings on shows on EVERY bass I've ever owned.
This is EXACTLY why my backup is dialed in to sound virtualy identical to my no.1 Absolutly ZERO changes to e/q if I need to swap. Any one of my three P basses can stand in for the other with no changes.
I think most TB'ers would say my No.1 (lightly modded SX) is Inferior to my backup(2008 American Standard Fender) but so far as I'm concerned, my two P basses that go to shows with me on a regular basis are equal in playability and tone with a very slight preferance going to the SX.
It certainly isn't like "Oh darn, I have to play the Fender tonight!"
I don't keep any bass if I couldn't feel comfortable with it being my #1. That said, I usually go to my Cote Continuum. Scary that a few years ago I was considering letting it go. At practices I try to rotate through my others just to stay fresh on them. Although I always bring two basses to gigs (and new strings for both), unless I have a total failure of my #1, which has never happened, my backup just sits on stage, or in it's bag (where I can see it at ALL times!)
LilRay
Commercial User
- Dec 27, 2007
- 4,166
- 39
- Disclosures
- Owner: Cockeyed Cow Custom Leathercraft
I think most TB'ers would say my No.1 (lightly modded SX) is Inferior to my backup(2008 American Standard Fender) but so far as I'm concerned, my two P basses that go to shows with me on a regular basis are equal in playability and tone with a very slight preferance going to the SX.
It certainly isn't like "Oh darn, I have to play the Fender tonight!"
That's it. My Pop's #1 Guitar Is a Japanese Fender (Heavily Modded). Great tone/feel and comfortability for him. Just his preference.
My point was I wouldn't have an instrument to strictly be a backup ie; one to finish a show until my main axe got any needed repairs. If I don't like an instrument enough for it to occasionally be my #1 I won't buy it.
All my instruments get a fair but not equal amount of playing time. I'm not of the camp to buy an instrument to have it escalate in value if I don't play it.
The way I see it is the instruments were made/bought to be played. And every bump and bruise they get will have special memories attached.
Not an investor, I'm a player.
God Bless, Ray
I always take two basses - my Warwick Corvette and a MIJ P-Bass. I play the one that sits best in the mix of the band I'm playing with. Right now, that's the Warwick. But before that, the P was my main stage bass for the last 20 years. Neither are really "backups".
In my current band i have two 4 strings. A suzuki P-bass that my friend gave me...which i fixed up to play really nice. I keep it in standard tuning. My guitarist lets me borrow his old Yamaha bass, which i have in drop D. We set up our set list so we can switch off every two songs or so.
The Steinberger is my backup. I dig its personality somewhat less than the other axes, but it's stable, solid and very compact which makes it the perfect thing to toss in, just in case the "main" axe has a crisis.
It's got enough vibe, I do sometimes bring it out for a set or two. (Use it or lose it - that's how I do.)
It's got enough vibe, I do sometimes bring it out for a set or two. (Use it or lose it - that's how I do.)
I'm in a few bands and use the bass which works best for that gig.
- Pop-rock originals get the 74 Ric
- Roots based music gets the P bass or Jag.
- When I need to move serious bottom end I use the 79 MM Sabre.
- Pop-rock originals get the 74 Ric
- Roots based music gets the P bass or Jag.
- When I need to move serious bottom end I use the 79 MM Sabre.
I try to rotate, but always find myself back to my Dean q4 Euro.
I think its because Ive had it the longest, i know what to expect from it.
my TBC 5 string MJ is always my backup, mostly due to its weight and if my back is getting sore with my heavyer basses
I think its because Ive had it the longest, i know what to expect from it.
my TBC 5 string MJ is always my backup, mostly due to its weight and if my back is getting sore with my heavyer basses
Hey man. I bought a MIM P bass of you a while ago. Why didn't you hang on to it?
