Practice while (business) traveling?

[Mojo34]

Hi everyone -
I've got a gig to play in June, but I'll be traveling on business for 2 weeks right before. Will only have 2 days to get back into the swing of things before the show.
What kind of travel bass or knock-around bass can you carry when you're away to keep in shape for playing? Is that little Blackstar any good? Small enough for planes?

 

[Nunovsky]

I have a Hofner Shorty Violin bass that I take around for small travels and I use it with a Nux Mighty Plug Pro.

 

[Dognorab]

Probably way too late for the OP but, yes, the Blackstar is fine for practice on the road providing you are happy staying below 12. It starts getting quite tight above 12 and is therefore quite a different feel/spacing from a full scale in the higher area of the fretboard. On mine, the 4th string is very keen to have a close encounter with the pickup pole but as long as you don't dig in too much, it isn't a problem. It is a great little unit to have laying around the house and I find it hard to not pick it up when I pass it. That is a good thing as it has made me play more, even at home. No problem on the planes down under but, I have only traveled it domestically. It is not much bigger than a baritone ukulele and I actually bought a ukulele gig bag for it.

 

[TrevorG]

I work away from home all the time. Answer... Fender Jazz, TE Elf and a TE 2X8 cab. Goes in the back of the car easy! If I wasn't driving it would be a great excuse to get one of those Mayones Cali4s and a mini bass amp by Palmer or GK. Good luck.

 

[Five or Six]

I would think 2 days would be plenty of time to brush up. Sometimes a break away is just what is needed until you get back at it.

 

[Outbush]

I have an Aria Sinsonido, a Vox Amplug II for bass and a set of Apple ear buds with a 3.5 jack. Light, small and easy; sounds great.

 

[John the Bassist]

I've come to prefer using an audio interface and some in-ears for quick-setup practice. I usually take my laptop and in-ears along with me when I travel in any case, and a small interface doesn't take up too much additional packing room (certainly not compared to the bass itself).

 

[Mojo34]

Thanks for the input. I think a Mayones Cali 4 has made it into my Birthday wish list! As far as this upcoming gig goes, I'll see if I can borrow something when I arrive. If I see a Blackstar, I'll for sure check it out.

 

[Ronnie Thunders]

Consider an acoustic?

 

[getrhythm]

I recently bought a full size fretless (Glary) and an Amplug II and headphones for travel. Bass fit in the overhead one way and the attendant's closet the other way. Two days refresher at home would be enough for me though.