Low paying gig...take the cheap gear?

[john_g]

We have a gig Friday night at a relatively small place for our absolute minimum pay. This is essentially our "foot in the door" as they own multiple venues and we could get steady gigs at these places. I "want" to take my most expensive bass as I havent gigged with it in a bit but I keep thinking, "cheap gig-cheap gear". Now, my cheap stuff still sounds good so its all good either way. But, do any of you think this way? Yeah I know, first world problems lol

 

[friskinator]

Not sure why cheap gig needs to equal cheap gear, unless there's a possibility of it getting damaged or stolen. Play the good stuff.

 

[Oddly]

If this is a 'foot-in-the door' gig, I'd be doing my absolute best to impress.
Now, if your not-as-expensive bass is good enough to do that, then fine, use that one...(and maybe question why you've got the expensive one).
If the 'good' bass makes you play better, then that's the one I'd use.

Good luck. Hope this leads to plenty more work for you.

 

[Lo-E]

If the pay is lower, find other ways to benefit: play the good stuff because you’ll find it more enjoyable.

 

[john_g]

Not sure why cheap gig needs to equal cheap gear, unless there's a possibility of it getting damaged or stolen. Play the good stuff.

Ive only seen photos of the place but others in my band have played there and said its really small. Its a minor consideration, but I do worry about something getting damaged in a tight space, though thats not my biggest concern. I dont know, just keep thinking...take the cheap stuff. Again, its all good either way and not a huge deal.

Oh, i should add that my most expensive bass is a Wal MKI (which is now ridiculously worth about $10k)

 

[FunkHead]

No!

 

[CallMeAl]

If this is a 'foot-in-the door' gig, I'd be doing my absolute best to impress.

^This.

We played porchfest and it was so low volume, I took my Rumble 25. But you ain’t talking bout no porchfest

 

[Leonid Nidis]

Some take cheap gear to high paying gigs
No laws here imo,I would take the expansive bass in your position.

The only reason I would take cheap gear is that the venue is just not safe.

 

[RattleSnack]

This is interesting question and I had this kind of discusion with my colegues couple of times. From an artist point of view, you bring your best equipment and do your best show. But from a enterpreneur and economics point of view, you don't want to depreciate your equipment if the return is not good enough.
I would say bring your best game, but avoid in general this kind of gigs.

 

[Plectrum72]

Play the gear that will have you the least worried and the most relaxed for the environment in which you are performing, be it the cheap stuff, the good stuff, or a combination.

 

[john_g]

This is interesting question and I had this kind of discusion with my colegues couple of times. From an artist point of view, you bring your best equipment and do your best show. But from a enterpreneur and economics point of view, you don't want to depreciate your equipment if the return is not good enough.
I would say bring your best game, but avoid in general this kind of gigs.

Yeah I have to admit, Im a business owner and my instincts are ROI (not that playing one gig will do anything unless its damaged or stolen). But its ingrained in me a little bit.

 

[mrcbass]

I don't know that I'd want to play any gig where I have concerns for the safety of my equipment. If my gear isn't safe, than neither am I, cuz' my gear will get defended with my body if the need arises.

If I discover that I'm in an environment where I fear some fool will mess with stuff, I generally stay with the gear between sets.

You're playing to impress, so impress.

 

[Spidey2112]

Similar to gambling... what's the risk/reward? Even at what some might consider a corporate level gig, bad things could still happen to whatever level of equipment one decides to bring.

Gather the data, and make an informed choice... we don't need a worried 'bass face' throughout your performance, wondering whether the drummer is going to go all tilt a whirl with his sticks, or a plate of hot spicy meatballs gets upended into your gig bag.

Tasty.

 

[Shalto]

Having good gear and not performing with it is a missed opportunity imo. Like having a nice car but not driving it in case you get a scratch on it.

 

[El Güero]

Would you drive a new Vette to the flea market, and park it, and get out and walk around?

 

[theduke1]

Use whatever makes you sound the best. It’s sounds like this could be a paid audition.
Also go to give the best show. When you agree to take the gig, they deserve your best!
Duke

 

[Pings Bass]

I've got decent-looking (and sounding and playing) cheapo instruments I take for cheapo gigs, but for an audition of any kind you wanna dress to impress.

 

[TrevorG]

You've made it clear that the gig has more value than that night's wages. Next question is how up tight will bringing the good stuff make you. If you're going to worry about damage, it isn't worth it. If you don't think there's a problem and you might even play better - do that. Decide what will make you happiest regardless of the fee. Good luck.

 

[LBS-bass]

Take what's appropriate to the job. I don't think about this in any other way. If you want to sound your best, take your best.

 

[LBS-bass]

Also, some of the worst damage I have seen has happened on the biggest stages, and there's no connection to my mind between venue size and risk, other than perhaps people getting too close to the stage. But if that were a problem to fear, I'd have cancelled half the shows I ever played.