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Which Bass would you take?

#61
I bought a beater bass about 3 years back to take to gigs i thought might be dodgy but I take the same precautions with that bass as any of my main basses. I don't want that stolen or damaged either. I don't allow others to use my basses regardless of their value. The reality for me was that my main basses have the sound I want and the beater didn't so I wasn't enjoying the gig as much so now i'm back to using my regular decent basses and the beater is in the corner. If I was carrying two basses to a gig that would be my backup.
 
#63
I always take my best bass on the gig. That's why I bought it. But also, I don't play any gig where I feel threatened, or worry about my gear, or the behaviour of the audience. Why would you do gigs like that?

Many stage areas are too small so if there is any possibility of the bass getting damaged I'll won't use the stand, I'll put it in the case when it's not being played.
 
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#64
Josh Thatguy said:
A fat handful of twenties and tens and fives (plus an occasional baggie of whatever gets tossed in there, for the band members who do that sort of thing) in the tip jar by the singer's mic stand, free beers and shots from the patrons, and easy women... all for about two hour's work including load-in... THAT's why I'll be there. But that's just me.
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I always say that good business means that everyone wins. If you're happy with what compensation you get, it's a good gig.
 
#67
Josh Thatguy said:
It's very real... but the sustain comes from the active EMG Musicman pickup I installed. The bedliner is a relatively thin coat, over the factory flat black paint finish. The bedliner is sanded at the forearm area, so I don't bleed. The rest of it isn't sanded, so those whom I smash with it (if necessary) do bleed.
The chain strap isn't pictured, but is also very real...
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That is beautiful.
 
#69
BassJuju said:
While reading yet another thread about basses and the variety styles/quality/sound offered by various manufacturers, a question I have been pondering for weeks/months popped back in to my head. I will try to be succinct.

I have several basses. My favorite is, by far, a Fender American Elite Jazz-- I reach for it almost every time. Tone and playability are tops on the reasons why. I also have a pair of Ibby's that are my fretless and my first 5. When practicing away from home or playing gigs in the past, I've taken them instead of the Fender. The fretless will still go for obvious reasons, but the other, well that is the question. I would prefer to play the Fender, but I am concerned about the risk at which it is placed in taking it out.

What say you? Do you take your favorite, or the one that is less of a concern regarding damage or theft?
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What do you use the Fender Jazz for, if you don't play gigs with it? Recording?

I don't feel shy about playing my Rickenbackers out. Not sure if I'd take the 4003S out the next time my band goes on tour (I didn't have it the last time).
 
#70
jasonmatthews said:
Doesn't everybody insure their stuff? Certainly they do.... right? I couldn't imagine having an uninsured piece of equipment.

From the insurer's standpoint, the only additional type of policy on a piece of gear you travel around with is "accident" coverage. A standard homeowners or renters policy covers your personal property if it's stolen, but if you drop it or something and just damage it, it's usually not covered, AND your deductible still applies. They usually call those policies "personal article policies", and there is typically no deductible. Obviously every insurer has exceptions. But the cost shouldn't be that high. a $10,000 instrument can be insured for about $6/mo.
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Some of my stuff is sentimental value only. My Peavey is probably worth... oh, I don't know, $80? Maybe? But it was my first bass and I'd be really torn up if it got stolen.

I don't have homeowner's insurance. I don't own a home.

Some of my stuff doesn't have serial numbers, which was kind of an issue when my band was getting insurance on our stuff for touring last year.

Gizmot said:
If you're playing at places that you're worried about taking a nice instrument to, the question could be whether you should be there?

I've always taken whatever instruments I wanted to use anywhere I played. I take very good care of my gear and everything I own looks, plays and sounds great, most of it indistinguishable from brand new.

I love playing all my instruments and I'll continue using whatever I want at any of my gigs
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That's often where the gigs are. Most venues for loud music, at least here, aren't in good neighborhoods. I've used my Rickenbacker 4003S in downtown Oakland, but might think twice if we were playing the Burnt Ramen in Richmond again.

Josh Thatguy said:
It's very real... but the sustain comes from the active EMG Musicman pickup I installed. The bedliner is a relatively thin coat, over the factory flat black paint finish. The bedliner is sanded at the forearm area, so I don't bleed. The rest of it isn't sanded, so those whom I smash with it (if necessary) do bleed.
The chain strap isn't pictured, but is also very real...
Click to expand...
Awesome. The green is krylon?

Josh Thatguy said:
A fat handful of twenties and tens and fives (plus an occasional baggie of whatever gets tossed in there, for the band members who do that sort of thing) in the tip jar by the singer's mic stand, free beers and shots from the patrons, and easy women... all for about two hour's work including load-in... THAT's why I'll be there. But that's just me.
Click to expand...
I wonder where people are playing that most of their shows are apparently in good areas. Where I'm from, venues for shows aren't in good areas because people in nice, safe neighborhoods complain about noise.
 
#71
RickyWoo said:
The essential guide to owning various basses.

1. Buy a cheap bass that you don't care too much about at all (for parties, your kids, nieces & nephews, and beginners to beat around on)
2. Buy one that you've always wanted. (Your use only. Unquestionably used at the owner's discretion and only theirs)
3. Buy a good quality work bass that you can agree to accept all potential consequences by using it (Your gigging bass)
4. Buy a bass that you think you want (Your "I don't play that one much" bass)
5. Buy a bass that you didn't really want but was a good deal (Your backup "I don't play that one much" bass)
6. Any bass after this is for any random reason that you can justify (Your "check out my collection of 'I don't play that one much' basses")
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This must be the greatest piece of advice ever!
 
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#73
Having gone down from 17 to 3 main basses in the last few years, I mainly use my Enfield Lionheart prototype and Mayones Jabba super jazz. I'm not prissy about the instruments, although I am careful with them. Mainly it's most important to have the right sound for the job, being as people are paying me to play and at the end of the day it is my job :)
 
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#76
Bodeanly said:
When I go out to eat, I usually take my side chick because I wouldn't want my girlfriend to choke on her food or trip and die on her way into the restaurant.
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I love this quote SOOOOOO F789ING MUCH, it is hilarious and does kinda make a point... but the big hole in it is: a person is not property. If someone steals my girlfriend or wife, we were probably going to break up anyways. If the drummer gets drunk and falls on my wife and snaps her neck... this argument is now ridiculous because the chances of that happening compared to it happening to a bass guitar are absolutely miniscule. still an awesome quote which I hope to find a real use for someday.
 

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