Hi,
I know we've done this before but it's kind of fun. I wish I could find my last post on this subject so I could just copy and paste my list of spares. Oh well, here goes.
I bring 2 basses (main and backup), along with my main gear AND the following:
3 extra sets of strings
4 extra batteries (I play a Fender 50's reissue. Single coil)???
Wire cutters
Channel Locks
Extension cord
Surge protector
Guitar stand
Duct Tape
3 Cables
2 amps (1 spare)
Go Pro
Go Pro stand
1 bottle of Makers Mark (I don't even drink)
You might be surprised at all the stuff I bring to a gig, from allen wrenches to zip ties. I won't list everything but the important stuff includes at least two basses (depending on the show, I have brought up to five basses), 2 extra cables and batteries (active basses), one extra set of new strings plus some extra used strings just in case. In my backpack are two flashlights, nail trimmers, tweezers, several pens and sharpies, a capo (in case the guitar player forgets, this has happened a couple of times), scissors, ibuprofen, hand sanitizer, hand lotion, and lip balm.
In my gig bag:
2 microphones
1 mic stand
2-3 mic clips
5 XLR cables
4 guitar stands
1 25' extension cord
1 10' plug strip (surge suppressor)
2 three foot patch cables
2-3 speaker cables
2-3 instrument cables (including a curly cord)
1-2 extra AC cables (the IEC or "D-plug" type)
1 pair of drum sticks
1 Direct box
Misc. audio cables and adapters, AC adapters (ground lift), velcro, etc.
When I bring my PA I have a few more mics and cables, gaffers tape, extension cords, plug strips, etc.
My tool kit has pliers, needle nose pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, allen wrenches, crescent wrench, a few socket drivers, zip ties, a paint brush, etc.
What exactly goes "wrong" with a bass that requires one to bring a "backup"? Break a string? Two minutes work, if you have spare strings. Dead battery? Two minutes AT MOST - usually 30 seconds.
I just don't like schlepping extra kit - so I don't. When I'm really in the gig rotation thing, I keep an extra G string in the pocket, as well as an extra 9V - and that's it.
It's happened only a couple of times to me where my main bass quit working. Once was a broken string, the other when the active electronics went out due to a failed IC chip. Both times I was able to grab my backup and keep the show going.
If I'm playing in a bar or other low-pressure gig it's no big deal to take a little break to fix whatever has gone wrong on stage.
These days I'm often playing in large showrooms where folks are paying $40 a pop for dinner and a concert, or in front of thousands of people expecting to be really entertained. I can't say "Hey, wait a minute while I put on a new string." I just grab my backup and keep the show going. No downtime, no dead air.
Do I haul all of this stuff to all of my gigs? For local dates, mostly. ("Local" can mean 4 hours away from home.) All of the above has come in very handy at one time or another. If we're working somewhere that I know the sound company is dependable, I might leave some spares at home. For fly dates I have to cut down to one bass and put the essential extras in the case or backpack. Then I hope and pray nothing happens to my main bass.
Am I over-prepared? Yes! But I think that has helped me to procure the gigs I've been playing. I've just been in the right place at the right time with the right gear and accessories, not really because I'm that great of a player.
I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it, especially if I'm hours away from all the stuff in my garage. Even if I have to loan it to my band members because they forgot something or something of theirs broke, we keep the show going. What if I don't get it back? It's no big deal when I'm making a few hundred dollars a gig. What's a $20 cable?
I'm sure we all do what we must to make our music great. As long as we can keep making music, we're doing something right. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for your indulgence,
BassCliff
