what back ups are most important ??

[Gus Borden]

1. Bass
(2. D.I.) In parenthesis b/c I have to buy one still.
3. Extra strings
4. Batteries (for wireless)
5. Cables (In case I have an unforeseen problem with my wireles, or anything else that uses cables!)
6. My Korg (handheld) tuner - just in case I have some kind of fail with my rack mounted tuner (or now the one on my M9 is also a back-up, but the Korg is small enough that it comes anyway. Plus, never know when my guitarist might need it as a back-up)

 

[Jim Carr]

Here is my list of spares:

5 string bass
strap
strings for both instruments
batteries
extra cables (speaker, instrument, and mic)
fuses
ear plugs
pliers
12-AX7 tube
DI (only one)
SWR 350 amp
aspirin (for joint pain---before and after abuse--hey, I'm 60!)
sometimes I take a second speaker cab, if I can justify 610 (210 + 410).

I also carry a tool kit (below), and add larger pliers and a few other knick knacks like a bass wipe down cloth, a towel and a clean black pocket T. I'm road ready, let's roll!

 

[Mike]

i always bring two basses, a battery or two, small double ended screwdriver, an extension cord, fuse, and a spare instrument and speaker cable. if i have an amp failure i just plug into the board and limp thru the night with that foul tone.

 

[SBassman]

you guys are forgetting to mention to bring a clean shirt for the after-party!!!

Good point. That's especially important for a guy like me, who can really work up a sweat while gigging.

 

[butchblack]

I've gotten more paranoid as time goes on. What I usually carry

1. Spare bass. you never know when something will go on you
2. extra cables, power, instrument and speaker
3. spare head
4. 2nd cab. I'm using a combo that takes an extension so if the combo went I'd go with the spare head and cab
5. extra AAA and 9V batteries for wireless and tuner
6. bandaids, Advil, I'm thinking of adding toothache gel and throat spray

Future purchase of a DI that will fit in my gig bag. I had the house amp go on me at a jam, ended up having to go direct without a DI, left a lot to be desired.

Depending on the importance of the gig I may leave the bass, head and 2nd cab at home but as I've downsized equipment the only reason for doing that would be playing someplace that I'm not comfortable at. I usually won't take gigs like that however.