Low paying gig...take the cheap gear?

[rashrader]

Good advice and dont think i wont lol

Remember, you're only on a stage so that you can look down on the audience. Right?

 

[glocke1]

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

Nothing wrong with taking cheap or beater gear to a gig and leaving the nice stuff at home.

It sucks to not play the nice stuff on gigs, but it would suck even more to have it get beaten up.

Case in point, few years back I played a Halloween gig outdoors at a "beach bar".

They had a tent set up, and inside there were heaters. The heaters were blowing sand all over the freaking place.

Had I known, I would have brought stuff I didn't care so much about.

 

[Gustopher]

Never understood this logic. Take what you like playing and what you want. For me that's my best stuff, albeit I currently only have 2 basses. Unless there is a chance it will be stolen why even give it a second thought? If it's such a low class place that you don't want to bring good gear to it, why would you want to play the gig anyway?

 

[Gustopher]

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

Yes?

 

[EatS1stBassist]

Fun is the main thing! But that Gretsch sounds so pretty when you record with it.

Absolutely!

 

[fretlessman71]

Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.

Having said that, if your gear looks good, sounds good, and you look and sound like a pro when playing it, naught more need be said. You're doing it right.

 

[juancaminos]

Play what ever you like to play no matter what!

 

[micguy]

I never approach any gig as a cheap gig - if you want a better gig, show up at whatever gig you're doing and kick ass - that's what gets you the better gig.

I see a lot of posts about people worrying about expensive gear in non-safe places. If a place isn't safe, I'm not worried about the gear - I'm worried about me.

I've played a lot of gigs, and never lost gear at a venue. I have, however had gear stolen from a practice space - left a couple things there the night before a gig, to save some effort in moving stuff. I also had some gear stolen from my house (which is in what most would call a safe neighborhood) while I was out doing a FOH gig. So, if I have a bass I don't want to lose, do I take it with me, or leave it at home? My experience so far would suggest keep it with me.

 

[john_g]

Remember, you're only on a stage so that you can look down on the audience. Right?

Damn straight. I like to survey the peons. =)

 

[EatS1stBassist]

I played the infamous Pollywog Park gig. I was nervous the whole time. Left before the Riot. I always played the best I had. Ampeg SVT with a '78 American Precision!

 

[john_g]

While I am barely concerned with tight floor space and any possible accidents that could occur because of packing everything into a tight space, I am not concerned with things being stolen or beer being spilled, etc. I get the "take what makes you happy" and "show up and kick ass" point of views and appreciate it.

But this is the gig we were offered and it could potentially lead to more. Still, its a low paying gig in a small place. Doesnt mean we wont show up and put in 100%. The business owner in me is saying, take the bass that fits the job taking everything into account (pay/size/risk). I know not everyone thinks like that and its fine.

 

[M0ses]

The venue doesn't think about this 1/10th as hard as you do. Bass player is holding a bass and sounds good? Great.

 

[Michedelic]

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

Use the best/most appropriate tools available at all times, unless you're playing some toilet bowl with chicken wire in front of the stage, and there is a real possibility of damage or theft. The main objective should be to deliver the best performance, in spite of the context.

 

[john_g]

The venue doesn't think about this 1/10th as hard as you do. Bass player is holding a bass and sounds good? Great.

Im not thinking about it that hard lol just thought I would start a thread to get some input. Its not a big deal in any way.

 

[Geddaric]

If it`s a rough joint, I don`t risk it.
Damage can happen anywhere, anytime, but if the stage and dancefloor are same level and close proximity, my cheap basses go to the gig. Not saying THOSE don`t sound good....just cheaper.

 

[TrevorR]

With the covers band I played in this is the rig I'd take whether it was a corporate function for decent pay, a seedy pub for little more than petrol and beer money or an unpaid charity fundraiser gig… play what you enjoy playing!

I love playing these!

 

[DJ Bebop]

Use the best/most appropriate tools available at all times, unless you're playing some toilet bowl with chicken wire in front of the stage, and there is a real possibility of damage or theft. The main objective should be to deliver the best performance, in spite of the context.

But there is chicken wire in front of their stage, so that's not a problem. I miss your point.

 

[Altitude]

Every time this comes up I wonder what sort of violent gigs a few of you guys are doing.

Me, I don't play anything where I'd fear enough for my gear to not take it if it were what I wanted to play otherwise.

But since I'm holding the mic - let's mix this with the other repeating thread of whether or not to bring a spare bass. I _don't_ bring a spare bass to a questionable club, then leave it in the corner in its case or in my car outside. That's a theft waiting to happen.

 

[GreyBeard]

I use my best gear regardless

 

[Ronzo]

My backup bass or guitar would usually be on a stand close to me, and it would be played for some of the performance.

I learned doing wedding photography that your backup gear needs to be used, so that a change to the gear used would appear to be just part of the job.