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how important is a spare bass ?

#42
It depends on the level you are playing at and the type of shows you play IMO.

IF I was playing in a fingerstyle "blues gig", 3 sets a night , doing covers at the local dive bar to the people that just happen to be in the bar drinking anyway... I probalby woudn't be overly concerned about a backup, (but I personaly would likely bring one anyway.)

Playing the type of shows where people are coming to "see the show", not just drink and listen to whomever happens to be playing (BIG difference in type of show IMO), then it makes sense to have a backup. Particularly on a multi band bill where you are only allotted a specific amount of time to play. Unfortunatly, I've seen bands really screw over the Headlining Act, by monkeying around with malfunctioning gear and wasting show time.

That said... the stuff I do now is fairly agressive pick style playing, and yes.... strings break. They break on every bass I've ever owned and they are all VERY well mantained.
Having a backup is an absolute neccesity for me personaly. Not going to embarass myself by stopping a show to change a string.

Other issues where a back up has saved the bacon.
Broken strings.
Malfuctioning strap lock.
Screw stipped out of strap pin
Strap pin screw sheared off.
Broken nut. (o.k. I was playing guitar on that gig, but it's still relevent)
My guitarist had a Dunlop strap lock blow a retaining clip on stage, which dropped a Gibson Flying V to the floor, and sheared off a tuner.

Now, if you are just gigging casualy, the law of averages might take a long time to catch up with you. Question is... do ya feel lucky?

EDIT TO ADD: Of course , a roll of duct tape on hand is always a good thing too. :D
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#46
Over the course of 40+ years I've needed a spare bass on stage any number of times. I'm glad I finally got to the point financially where I could afford to bring one. ...so I do. Fine w/me if it stays in the bag.
 
#50
Is it important?....

Everyone usually finds out someday. There are lots of reasons your gear can go down. I personally carry two basses, and switch them out through the night. That way I get a little variety and the backup is always there (NEVER leave it in the car/van!!)
I also carry an extra head, because truthfully - that's more likely to be a problem. My M9 just lost a speakon output two days ago. Luckily there are two:D

I condsider it a courtesy for my bandmates more than myself...

Cheers,
 
#52
diamonddray said:
funny you should say that the active went out on my 05 warwick vett std active.thank goodness i had a spare brice.not the best bass in the world,but it did'nt cost a mint but good enough to get by.the show must go on!
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The active Corvette's have a push pull volume knob that puts the bass in active/passive mode.

You could have just pulled up the volume knob on the Warwick and made the bass passive. I'm sure you already knew that though. :smug::ninja::hiding:
 
#54
TeamTrejo said:
Not very.

If you have an active bass it's more important to keep some spare batteries with you. I usually just change to a fresh one before a gig so there are no worries.
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even the battery you dont need

a battery dying isint like your basses signal will cut out entirely all at once. itll start sounding a little distorted in the upper frequencies (youll think your tweeter is bad.) then slowly get quieter and crappier sounding. you can go a few gigs with a bad battery.

but then again, theyre so small, that having one would be smart.

as for spare basses, ive only ever been in a situation where i needed one i think once, having played an average of a gig a week for the last 5 or so years.

it moreso depends on the bass you play. if it has reliability issues, well, you need a spare. for things like a fender or carvin, or all other high-end type stuff, youll never even think about having a spare.
 
#55
i play professionally, often playing very large venues backing up large oldies shows with the original artists. i used to bring at least 2 basses on every gig, but then i stopped since i would never have a problem with them. now i just bring one to all my gigs. most of my fellow musicians who play guitar or bass only bring one, too. call it unprofessional if you want...i don't really care.
 
#59
I'd say very important. It doesn't have to be anything expensive.
No one wants to watch you spend 5 minutes (the length of one song) trying to fix something or replace a string.
Bringing 2 instruments to a gig is far more professional and easier than trying to plan for everything that cold go wrong with instrument #1.
 
#60
PATTY1 said:
i still have only one bass and can't afford a whole lot for a spare but i was just wondering how important it is to have a spare ( i gig about 1 a month on avg ) , and how many players on avg carry a spare with them when they play out...any idea ?? ps. i can change a string fast enough but if my active pickups die i'm screwed :(
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If you are in doubt whether you can afford a second bass or not, then don't, because you can't.

Take care of your gear, pack an extra set of strings and batt. (when active) and you'll be fine.
When you start to make some money, then go out and buy yourself a nice back up.

Cheers,
Michel
 

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