Low paying gig...take the cheap gear?

[jerry]

I use my best stuff all the time, it never entered my mind not to.

 

[QweziRider]

But, do any of you think this way?

Nope.

I take what trips my trigger on a given night, regardless of the pay.

 

[brianrost]

I bring a beater bass and amp when I know the venue is, um, "rough". Like drunken dancers falling into the drums, fights always breaking out, etc. I bring a beater bass when busking.

 

[Ronzo]

I bring a beater bass and amp when I know the venue is, um, "rough". Like drunken dancers falling into the drums, fights always breaking out, etc. I bring a beater bass when busking.

That's when a guitarist says "Tele". Heavy enough to stop a fight, will probably stop up to a .38 Special.

 

[IamGroot]

Would the audience be able to tell the difference between the good and the cheap stuff?

TB-lasphemy.

 

[Runnerman]

Take the good stuff, put out the tip jar and play your a$$ off.

 

[Hot Rats]

I played a little bar in San Francisco last night and the afternoon bands keyboardist had a Fender Rhodes, Leslie rotating speaker cabinet and a full array of bass pedals. After the gig, I commented that he had some real dedication to bring all that gear to this little joint. He said, "I bring it to every gig, no matter the size, because it matters to me"

That's all I got on the subject.

 

[Slater]

Wait until you're loading up to go to the gig, then pick whichever bass you feel like playing at that moment.

 

[JRT64]

To me, it depends on the venue you are playing. If it is a nicer place that you are comfortable in, play the bass you want. However, if your not, and there is a chance something might get damaged or worse in there (I have played those types of places before too often), play the cheaper stuff. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[EatS1stBassist]

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

 

[ToneMonkey]

Low paying gigs aren't always sketchy gigs. Sketchy gigs are the ones I tend to play with cheaper gear. Although at the moment, I only own one bass and one amp.

 

[shnapper]

Driving a 73' Ford Pinto don't mean you gotta smoke banana peels…..

 

[Rolling Thunder]

they own multiple venues and we could get steady gigs at these places

If you were hired for temp work at an office that could lead to long term work, would you show up in a hoodie and Crocs?

 

[DJ Bebop]

Driving a 73' Ford Pinto don't mean you gotta smoke banana peels…..

 

[john_g]

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!
View attachment 4422555

Nice. Its my Wal that Im worried about! With the insane prices these days, im thinking that in a few years Ill be able to sell it and afford my own island. =)

 

[john_g]

If you were hired for temp work at an office that could lead to long term work, would you show up in a hoodie and Crocs?

Probably if it paid $6 an hour =) Just joking I see your point.

 

[DJ Bebop]

If you were hired for temp work at an office that could lead to long term work, would you show up in a hoodie and Crocs?

That would depend on the job.

 

[Aussie Player]

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

As an ex Bar owner I can assure you that if you lower your price, you will never have it raised at a later time.
Never sell yourself short.

When inquiring about possible dates, never accept a proposed date initially. Tell them you will call them back and confirm the date proposed against your booking schedule. After you have played there again, repeat only this time, tell them you are booked and defer the date a week to promote your value. It works if the venue has any value to your band.

 

[vin*tone]

Play every gig like it's your last.

 

[Lesfunk]

I don't know what the gig pay has to do with the gear you bring.
Weather?
Rough part of town?
Yeah, I can see that, but otherwise play what is going to make you the best you can be