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How many basses do you take?

geoff_in_nc

geoff_in_nc

Dec 13, 2008
720
264
Raleigh, NC
#1
Not positive this is the right forum... oh well....

How many basses do you take to a typical bar gig? Specifically do you take one which is an actual backup, not like a 6 string as well as your trusty 4 string or something?

I just got a bass which will now be my main player, and even though I've been gigging taking just one bass for a while, I suddenly feel like I should have a second with me... "just in case".

Anyone ever really had a bass fail during a gig?
 
#3
One - G&L L-2500

Been gigging since 1967 and never taken a spare. I only had one bass up until about 5 years ago.

I did have a couple of strings break back in the 70s but no major bass failures as such.

I have had several major amp failures and now carry a Crate Powerblock - 150W lightweight class D guitar amp as a spare for the guitarist and I.
 
#7
Normally only one, as my other one is currently in the middle of having a wiring change (Going from active P/J to passive P) but when i have them both, i take a backup to the bigger gigs we are playing, but not really the small pub gigs. Only needed 2 basses once, which is when i broke a string on my backup bass, which i was using for Drop D Standard at the time, so i just played it all on my 5 instead.

Liam
 
#9
i take one but id really prefer two, even though itd be a major extra hassle. unfortunately i dont have a backup currently.

if mine fails im not sure what id do :s id be loathe to ask another bass wielder for his. i should really get at least an extra string set.
 
#17
Although having a second bass as a true backup is wise, I have never had one or needed one (knock-on-wood). My one and only trusty Fender P has not failed me yet. I have thought about getting just a cheap Squier P to use as a backup, not as nice as my main, but at least it is something if God forbid something bad happens.
 
#18
I usually take a fretted and fretless, as I have a couple of songs I like to do fretless. I usually also take a backup for the fretted. These days, I am playing my 4001 as my main bass, with a Jazz as a backup, and a fretless Jazz for ooh and ahh.

I broke a string on my Rickenbacker at a gig 25 years ago. Didn't have an extra bass. Didn't have any strings. I have always taken at least a modicum of backup with me since then. If not a whole bass, at least a bag of strings.

The song I was going to play right then was YYZ. I had the drummer take a solo while I tied my D string back together, and we played YYZ like that. I avoided the knot in the D string.
 
#19
I bring two, because the day I bring only one will be the day when horrific, apocalyptic events transpire at the gig. I'll curse my poor judgement with my dying breath as the earth swallows me and my rig.

To date, I've never needed to reach for a backup.
 

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