How many Basses Does Everbody bring to a gig?

[Bassheart365]

I don't bring an extra as an emergency spare...My philosophy is that it is always a good thing to have more than one tool in your toolbox.
I bring at least two - usually a 5 string with flats and a 5 with round wounds. Sometimes a third - a 4 string with round wounds. And sometimes I bring my upright and an electric. I change during the performance depending on what fits the style of the song.

 

[malthumb]

Sometimes two, sometimes one.

I used to always take two. I am comfortable enough with the condition of my instruments that I have no issues taking just one now. When I take one, it is ALWAYS a 5-string. Usually either the Alembic 5 or the Fender 5 (I have two other 5-strings).

When I do take a second bass now, it is less an issue of having a backup and more an issue of I just want the tone of my Sabre or Stingray on specific songs.

 

[tubatodd]

I read this thread (or one similar) a year and a half ago and got scared to death that I would jinx myself. So now I bring 2 basses and 2 heads to every gig. I leave 1 head in its gig bag reasonably close to where I'm performing. The 2 basses are on stands ready to use.

 

[Josh Kneisel]

Usually I bring 2. My upright and my electric

 

[9mmMike]

For 33 years I only HAD 1 bass and never had a problem. I've never even broken a string (although I have always carried a spare set). I now have 8 basses but still only take one to a gig.

I think I'm much more likely to have a problem with an amp or cab. I currently use an amp and 2 cabs, but also take a lightweight class D amp as a spare. So far I haven't needed it.

I've played off and on in bands since the late '60s and have never had an equipment failure onstage. I guess I'm both very lucky---and overdue.

Spare Class D for me as well. Fits in the gig bag. Been toting it around for a few years now. I should take it out and test the dang thing! Ha!

 

[mikeswals]

A casino gig from two weeks ago, 1-set done (3-set night) we went on break, and after break got back on stage and 1st song starts in 1 minute.... I looked down and hadn't noticed my strap button screw had unscrewed itself and was halfway out! At my gig there is NO stopping or delaying a set, but lookey there all I had to do is grab my backup bass!

 

[draygriff]

I take one to rehearsals and two to the gig. The second bass (Yamaha Billy Sheehan III) is usually left in the case. It only comes out when someone wants to sit in for a song or two. No one is touching my Fodera except me.

 

[Willy-D]

Had been a 2 bass guy when I clubbed. Took a fretted and a fretless to cover different tunes, and if one failed I could finish the night with the other.

Now I just do one with spare strings. I don't do active tone so that's one less thing to worry about.

 

[Li'l D]

The main player ,plays the entire night
I also bring a bass that's tuned step down for tuned down stuff when it's called for
Sometimes bring a third as a back up to the main player

 

[Li'l D]

So far never needed to play a back up but bring at least two basses pre gig

 

[chris_b]

I'll only take a backup when I've bought a new bass and I haven't got to the point of trusting it yet. Other than that I only take one.

I always feel nervous when I read these threads about all of the basses you guys take on gigs. I have never had a problem with a bass, but you all make me think the next gig is when I'm getting the problem!

 

[malthumb]

I'll only take a backup when I've bought a new bass and I haven't got to the point of trusting it yet. Other than that I only take one.

I always feel nervous when I read these threads about all of the basses you guys take on gigs. I have never had a problem with a bass, but you all make me think the next gig is when I'm getting the problem!

One of my favorite sayings is...

Better to have and not need, than to need and not have

 

[slagbass]

I always feel nervous when I read these threads about all of the basses you guys take on gigs. I have never had a problem with a bass, but you all make me think the next gig is when I'm getting the problem!

I've never had a bass fail on a gig either. Amps - different story! Guess which one I always bring a backup of?

 

[Willy-D]

I've never had a bass fail on a gig either. Amps - different story! Guess which one I always bring a backup of?

I broke a G string once in a Sid Vicious tirade in the early 80's.... only time a bass went down. I was able to finish the set as a 3 stringer though

 

[chris_b]

One of my favorite sayings is... Better to have and not need, than to need and not have

I feel a song coming on. . . .

 

[pappabass]

Only 1, I have more of a fear of my amp failing than my guitar

 

[Eilif]

For practice it varies, but for a gig, always 2.
If possible I have them both tuned up, strapped, plugged into an AB box and with the alternate on a stand at the ready.
I bring two to have a backup and because I simply like to play different basses and enjoy their different tones even if the audience can't tell the difference. Playing two different basses in a live situation is a great way to really experience their differences.

Depending on the gig, it might be Fretted and Fretless, Active and Passive, Solid and Semi-hollow or just two basses that happen to catch my fancy that day.

 

[njones89]

ONE BASS here. 4 string precision bass with rounds. Never fails.

Sometimes I take a 5 string jazz bass if I'm feeling lucky, but if I'm doing covers, 4 string is usually better for the job.

 

[Deleted member 264575]

Both of them.

 

[Shardik]

I bring a spare bass that usually sits outside in the car trunk. I also bring spare strings. Never had technical equipment issues in gigs, but strings have broken and jacks have failed during rehearsal. I once attended a music bar concert in Copenhagen where the lead guitarist played an expensive Fender Stratocaster RI that crapped out during the first song. Some issue with the electronics that couldn't be fixed on the fly. Luckily the singer also carried a guitar, and they rearranged their set list for songs that would work with one guitar first. During what turned out to be a very long break they drove across town to get a spare guitar. The ordeal looked painful.
Since that experience I always carry a spare bass. I do not carry an extra amp, since I do not rely heavily on sound shaping in the amp. If it breaks down I'll go straight into the PA.