Why bring 2 basses to a gig?

[Steve Fox]

My backups have backups.

 

[bherman]

I double on EUB and electric bass so if I broke a string I'd muddle through until a set break then change a string. Takes me 2-3 minutes. I've never broken a string while playing a gig. I did have an EUB bridge break once, and just finished the gig with electric bass. While I always bring an amp, my bass is also always in the PA. So if my amp blew up, I'd be ok.

 

[Bassman822]

I rarely carry a spare bass, but spare bass strings (usually pulls), guitar strings, picks, drum sticks, drum key, duct tape, etc are always close by

Backup bass head also (which can also serve as a DI)

 

[Stranger Danger]

Two very different opinions of George Porter changing a string instead of reaching for a backup bass...

I’m almost certain Marko was kidding

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I learn all my songs in every key and practice with each string removed, individually of course. Only then do you truly know a song.

 

[Stranger Danger]

I have always brought just one bass to the gig and after 35 years of playing I’ve never had cause to regret it. On the other hand, if one bass were to spontaneously combust I suppose I would be out of luck. One nice thing about having two basses at a gig is that you can switch to the second one when the first starts to go out-of-tune. Having two basses at the gig does perhaps make you look more professional—and you get to show off both instruments.

I think you got to the heart of it. Despite the protests to the contrary I would wager that most of the guys bringing multiples to a bar gig is to show them off

 

[FRoss6788]

I think you got to the heart of it. Despite the protests to the contrary I would wager that most of the guys bringing multiples to a bar gig is to show them off

Well, you'd lose money here....

My spares are not on stage with me, just very close by, and in cases.

Not really sure what's so tough for some of you to grasp about being prepared.

 

[Jerry Ziarko]

Not as smooth or professional as grabbing another bass, and how many pieces was that band?

Rookie move imo.

You obviously don’t know who GB is, hardly a rookie. Several years ago I played a festival gig in the opening act. I don't care if he even owns another bass, that man could make a dead man dance!

 

[FRoss6788]

You obviously don’t know who GB is, hardly a rookie. Several years ago I played a festival gig in the opening act. I don't care if he even owns another bass, that man could make a dead man dance!

I think his humor slipped right by ya...

 

[chazolson]

Maybe 8-9 years ago, I saw The Meters at the Austin City Limits theater. In the middle of the show, George Porter (one of the all time greats) broke a string on his P Bass during a song.

The band just kept playing while he walked over to the side of the sage, grabbed a string out of his case, and proceeded to change the string right there on stage. He tuned up, and was right back in the song. No tech, no back-up bass, no stopping the show... he didn't even take the bass off.

SMOOTH!

I saw George Porter break a string at Jazzfest. He continued playing the other three strings while a tech got up behind him and changed the string. Didn’t miss a beat.

 

[BassmanI]

I recently added the StingRay to my arsenal, or as I like to call it my "tool box", along with extra strings, batteries, etc. Basically, I switch as the song or set dictates.
For example, my #1 is still my American Standard P and I can use it on a variety of songs from old school rock & roll, to R&B, blues, smooth Jazz, mainstream (although I typically use the fretless for that)
My 2018 modded Player Fretless Jazz, as mentioned, I use that on some smooth Jazz, Mainstream, Latin, etc. etc.
Now, my new horse is my 2023 Sterling StingRay. I whip that out when I need that extra firepower of an active bass! Or when I do Sade covers ala Paul Spencer Denman.
Again, when I have my full toolbox with me, I switch depending on the song or set.

 

[shirojiro]

I’m in the “I’ve never brought a backup bass” camp, but then Ive never played massive gigs. Most of my experience is with clubs and corporate gigs.

I always had strings, cords, batteries, and extra strap, a leatherman, flashlight, and a drum key.

The things I used the most were the flashlight and the drum key.

 

[JimmyM]

Oh goody, more lectures.

 

[J-Bass RMR]

TLDR.

Why bring 2 basses to a gig?
For me? Fretless & fretted.

Minimal footprint too.

 

[MegaSwing]

I like to bring a spare roadie, and two spare groupies.

My groupie is my wife, who is lead vocalist in my principal group. There’s no fudging on that one.

I need no roadie. I have the easiest load/setup in the group (except for the damned sax) thanks to modern technology. I can blow the ceiling out with less than 50 pounds, including the bass. These are amazing times.

 

[Koshchei]

View attachment 5054129
Exhibit AView attachment 5054130
Exhibit B

Have not broken a string in decades while on a gig. Strings are less than 6 months old.
Ayyyyy.

Spotted the problem. How much playtime do they have on them and how often do you gig? Looks like the core of your E fatigued right at the witness point. If you play a lot (and hard), you were probably pushing your luck.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Do whatever makes you happy. If having backups of everything makes you feel more prepared, go of it. I'm of the opinion that taking too much gear to a bar gig will more likely result in gear walking or my car's window being smashed than actually needing it. My preparation is proportional to the threat.

 

[u2brothr]

One for set one....

The other for set two....

 

[Element Zero]

6 month old round wounds are ancient.

 

[MegaSwing]

FWIW, I've never broken a string in my gigging career, which keeps me worried.

Because stuff happens.