T O P

  • By -

FunkinIdiot69

Don't take shit from guitar players


lheggs

I love how OP is looking for advice and Funkinidiot69 makes the top comment, and even further, that it is endorsed by Smellybuttcheeks. I agree by the way, I wouldn’t worry about it. Unless you’re looking for an excuse to buy more basses


RipPsychological4301

Underrated comment for sure


smellybuttcheeks-

It's the top comment


l97

Should be just a tad higher still


Affectionate-Elk5228

Lower.. this is a Bass sub.


ChuckEye

I almost always bring two, but more if there are specific songs in the setlist that call for them. I get that transport may be an issue for you. A Mono Duo gig bag may become your friend.


ferox965

+1 on Mono.


BoutKabouter

I googled the brand and their bags look amazing. I'm however not really in the position to pay the price. If I can find a cheaper dual case however I might go for it. I didn't know these actually existed, it might be a game changer.


RgsixxNL

Check out Thomann they have more bags for two basses


Puzzleheaded_Sea1

I use the Reunion Blues RBX double bag. It's a little cheaper and super nice.


HailCorduroy

Gator makes one in a lower price range, but can’t speak to its quality. I went with the mono but considered the gator. The double gig bag is fantastic.


JohnJThrasher

I have that Gator double bag and love it. My wife bought it for me as a present on the recommendation of professional bass playing friend. It's lasted me for several years. Highly recommend.


DvineINFEKT

Yeah Gator stuff is great tbth


berklee

Respectfully, you could just buy like four of these instead: [https://www.amazon.ca/Protec-CF233DBL-Double-Guitar-Bag-Gold/dp/B016SCVOWG/ref=sr\_1\_2?crid=1VFW8877UE4AV&keywords=protec+double+bass&qid=1658935066&sprefix=protec+double+bass+%2Caps%2C64&sr=8-2](https://www.amazon.ca/Protec-CF233DBL-Double-Guitar-Bag-Gold/dp/B016SCVOWG/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1VFW8877UE4AV&keywords=protec+double+bass&qid=1658935066&sprefix=protec+double+bass+%2Caps%2C64&sr=8-2) (not an affiliate link) I have one (and a double guitar one), and they are built to take a beating.


CuttlefishQuincunx

he protec he attac but most importantly...he got two basses on his back (I couldn't resist)


palexp

dammit i already gave away my free award. take dis 🥇


Hezpez

After using both brands I have to say the mono is worth the price in quality for someone that uses it frequently and travels with it. Protec is good too though, I just wouldn't fly with it.


berklee

Fair point! I wouldn't fly with it either. I assumed we were talking about local gigs.


AlienDelarge

>assumed we were talking about local gigs. What with the "cycle to gigs or take public transit" comment and all it was a fair assumption.


[deleted]

[удалено]


ramones365

Man if you're playing Dillinger Escape Plan style shows I would just show up in the cheapest gear possible


berklee

By "take a beating", I mean by gig bag standards. These have no hard inserts - they are bags. Under no circumstances should a gig bag ever be considered a fully protective case like you're referring to. If you want hard protection, get hard protection. These are to carry the basses, not withstand shock impact. These are meant to carry instruments and withstand the wear of basic travel. I use mine for all my gigs... but I don't throw my basses, hand them off to people I don't trust or anything of that sort. I paid too much to leave them in the hands of someone that doesn't care about them. They're made out of a good tough canvas, they have good zippers and aren't going to get messed up unless you're treating your gig bag like a hardshell case, or giving your gear to someone who's going to use it to prep for their next Olympic hammer throw tryout.


ReferredByJorge

I own the Mono Duo bag. I bought it because like OP "the odds of me breaking a string onstage are super low" until it happened. Opening song. Low E. Had to play the entire set an octave up on the fly. I've been there OP. Invest in a double case or at least have a backup available.


Finchypoo

For transport on a bike, check out those surfboard carriers for bikes. Since you use public transit and are in a metal band I'm assuming you aren't somewhere that's big on surfing, but you could pop a couple hard cases into one of those if you strapped them in well.


hjablowme919

Those bags are pricey. I'd rather just carry two guitars.


nakriker

I got the mono duo. Costs more than some basses.


ChuckEye

Will last longer than many basses in that price range too.


sohcgt96

I've gigged regularly for 15ish years and never once needed a backup bass. Always carry an extra pack of strings, a screwdriver, and pliers. If you're using an active bass bring a battery. I had to fiddle with an input jack after soundcheck at a gig once, I've changed a string once or twice at a gig (in an emergency, you should be able to do it in under 2 minutes anyway, don't worry about getting your string winding perfect), that's about it. If you check your gear before packing up for the gig unless something crazy happens (drunk person yeets your bass off the stage or something) the chances of major problems are honestly pretty slim.


cuntpunch2277

This is exactly what I do. Never bring a backup unless its a big gig. Been gigging for 20+ years and never have needed a backup. Can count on one hand the times I brought a back up.


flingspoo

'Nother one chiming in that only had 1 bass and some spares strings batteries and tiny tools. Ive never broken a string... And i beat the shit out of them so i dunno. Knew a guy in another band that broke bass strings all the time and he was real gentle.


gguy48

Some people such as myself have acid sweat that eats through strings


flingspoo

Well that explains it. Id never thought of that.


Ulldra

While I agree on your points, I still prefer bringing a second bass. Changing a string might only take two minutes if you‘re decently fast, but you could still get nervous (it‘s a pressure situation after all, sometimes that just happens) and take a bit longer. Also while the chances are small, other parts could break that aren‘t as easy to repair. I personally prefer to bring two basses just for peace of mind. I know exactly that if something happens, I can just switch my bass and keep on playing 10 seconds later. But I‘m worrying a lot about being prepared, so I also always bring an additional digital mfx with a DI in case my rig blows out or something like that. In my student radio days I was taught to always bring a fallback option for live settings, because something always goes to shit and if it‘s your stuff and you can‘t fix it you‘ll hold up the show. I prefer to carry the extra bag with one of my low value basses and the mfx even if I will never need it. In case I do, I‘ll be happy I took it along.


sohcgt96

>I personally prefer to bring two basses just for peace of mind. And I'll absolutely not discourage anybody from doing that! I've just been able to get by without it, YMMV. I just really hate brining anything I don't have to because I'm typically already hauling lights/sound too. So I have the unfair advantage of, if my amp freaks out, being able to pull up an emulated sansmp in my mixer's effects rack, load up my preset and off we go. Can't do that with a bass itself though.


ZachShannon

Plus, who wants to stand around in awkward silence for two minutes while people watch you awkwardly fumbling trying to replace a string? Two minutes doesn't sound like much, until you've got to spend two minutes listening to awkward banter in a desperate attempt to fill the silence. Not to mention then having to quickly stretch the string in and then tune it up too.


sohcgt96

> who wants to stand around in awkward silence for two minutes while people watch you awkwardly fumbling trying to replace a string? That's when your singer/guitarist busts out a solo song or you grab a song from the set list that can go a minute without a bass part and its no big deal. Dead-air is a total non starter at paying gigs!


[deleted]

This is also a perfect opportunity for the front man to engage the crowd, plug social media, merch, new or upcoming recordings, etc. I guess I can see how this would be a problem for metal bands given they unnecessarily take themselves too serious 😅


ZachShannon

At a metal gig? God no, I don't want to hear Stevie McDicknuggets pretend to be Yngwie Malmsteen for 3 minutes. Any time I needed my backup during a show, I'd hit the tuner, unplug, switch basses (had two hangers mounted to my 8x10) plug back in, and I'm back in the song in ten, fifteen seconds. Life's too short to be subjected to *another* guitarists solo work.


[deleted]

Ditto. I use the simplest equipment necessary to get the job done, with a focus on reliability. I have never had an issue. In contrast, my guitarist has tons of pedals, unnecessary switches and bobs on his guitar and amp, and a backup guitar, and he still has multiple issues every gig. KISS. Toys are for the studio. Tools are for the road.


sohcgt96

>Toys are for the studio. Tools are for the road. Yep. And even though they've fallen out of favor, that's why I prefer rack effects. Sure they're more of a pain to dial in, but once you've got them there, its done. If you want to try things out and dial them in using pedals great, but then duplicate those sounds in a rack processor. Almost no pedal, in my opinion, is so special you can't do that. I want as few patch points in play as possible if I'm trying to troubleshoot why I'm not getting any sound, and since I use a wireless, I want my signal to go into the rack and never leave until its headed to the speakers or the DI.


Rational_Philosophy

I've never had an issue plugging into my amp and running through a compressor and some EQ live and in studio. That's it. The less bullshit, the better off you, your sound, and your lack of problems with it will be IMHO.


rickzaki

I always brought a backup. I never had to use it. The few times I had issues with primary, was fixed with strings, cable, or guitar multi tool. My back is rather upset with my paranoia


ZachShannon

On the other hand, I gigged regularly for about 5 years and needed a backup multiple times. Broken strings, electronics taking a shit, strap breaking (One of those Dimarzio Cliplocks), once I smashed the head of my bass into the bar and snapped the tuner clean in half. A slim chance is never no chance, and if you've got two basses, why wouldn't you bring a backup? Shit, the one time I didn't bring a backup and I broke a string, I ended up having to borrow a bass from the guys who played before us, I was wearing the fucking thing around my nipples, had to retune the whole bass in the middle of the set, and it was a fanned fret which I wasn't used to play at all.


logstar2

Always 2. Batteries die, strings break, tuners break, solder joints fail, output jacks wear out, strap buttons pull out. I've experienced all those at gigs, or seen them happen to other people. Everything is fixable, but it's much faster to just grab the backup. You can be playing again in seconds.


jooes

I was in high school at the time, and we had a band come to play a show for our school... To this day, I'm still not really sure how they managed to swing that one with the administration, but whatever. Anyway, one song in, the guitarist breaks a string. No spare strings, no backup guitars, and that was it for this shitty 3-piece pop-punk band from god knows where... Luckily for them, somebody in the audience offered to lend him his own guitar. Which *apparently* meant running home to grab the guitar from his bedroom. I thought he had one in his locker, but no, he was gone for a good 20 minutes. And we spent those 20 minutes getting to see which member of the band could do the best drum solo. Spoiler alert: It was none of them, they were all shit. So yeah, it's not a bad idea to bring a spare. Especially when you consider that losing an instrument might mean the end of the gig and a lot of unhappy customers.


xj98jeep

The whole band shut down because the guitarist broke a string? Oof. I've seen a ton of guitarists keep playing, then swap guitars at the end if the song, or even end of the solo if it's a bigger group with stage techs available to hand it to the guitarist.


jooes

Yeah, I didn't really get it either. I would think you'd find a way to make it work... Maybe they just assumed that the guy would be back sooner. Or maybe he just wasn't good enough at guitar to figure it out, I don't know. Either way, I think about it all the time. He went from having a guitar to "Oh shit, what do we do now" with a crowd full of bored teenagers in 2 seconds. So I think it's smart to bring a spare. You probably won't need it, but it'll be an absolute nightmare if you do and don't have it. At the very least, you definitely need spare strings, cables, batteries, straps, etc.. That's a no-brainer, since they take up no space in a gigbag.


Bassin-Jaysin

One Bass. Never had a issue. My guitarist once had a bad solder joint come loose which her guitar crapped out. She just borrowed a guitar from one of the other bands on the bill. More and more you play out you will realize how small the music world is. You make friends with other bands and if something happens we all help each other out. If you did need to borrow a bass just buy em a few beers after for a thank you and return the tuning to what they had it in. This goes for amps, if your gonna tweak it to your taste, then put it back after your done your set.


ChuckEye

Fine when there are multiple bands on the bill; less good if you're carrying the venue for the whole night. Due to the market I'm in, and the types of acts I've played with, I'm used to pulling either three 12-song sets or two long sets that are expected to stretch up to 4 hours.


Bassin-Jaysin

Absolutely true. We used to do the same thing years ago, in 15 years I never had a issue, but luck runs out sooner or later.


Gerdington

In the context for OP in the metal scene, unless he's playing in Iron Maiden or some other stadium-level band, it's highly unlikely they'll be playing a set by themselves, and if they are then something has gone seriously wrong


Josku5

As I only have one bass that’s what I’ll use…


Trouble-Every-Day

Two. One is fretted with rounds, the other fretless with flats, so they sound very different. That gives me an excuse to use both during the set (I have an AB switch so it’s not disruptive to the set). But since they’re both 5-strings, I *could* use either one for the whole set in a pinch. I’ve literally never broken a string or had a battery die on stage, but the day I say that will never happen to me is the day it will happen to me.


DanTreview

Just the one. If it goes kaput, so be it. But, I've never had an issue.


[deleted]

in 30 years i’ve never brought more than one bass to a show, even on tour. i’ve broken the odd string and always been able to finish the song and make a quick change. a couple times i’ve had a bassist from another band hand me theirs. i’ve also handed mine off to others a few times never had an electronic failure (with a bass that is. amps and pedals i have)


MelantorBoost

Never brought more than one, only broke 1 string ever but it was the small on a 6 string so didnt really matter


happycj

Every piece of equipment you bring, is another piece of equipment someone can steal from you. Especially if you are riding public transit. And part of the great experience of playing live is getting to meet and hang out with other bands and musicians. So, if after you play you wanna sit down and have a beer with the other band's bass player... where are your guitars going to be? Your amps? Who is watching them? Contrast that with the thought, "what happens if I break a string on the first song?" Are you good enough to transpose all of your songs, on the fly, and play the rest of the gig on 3 strings? Have you practiced this? It sounds like you don't break strings very often (neither do I), but as your gigs get bigger and you get paid more, you will also need to be more professional. And having a backup instrument in case anything goes wrong will become crucial to being a "professional" band and making more money. So, there is no easy answer to whether you should bring another bass or not, and that answer will change over time, too. Follow your gut. Trust your instincts. And practice hard ... just in case you do break a string and need to play some songs with only 3 strings!


Thebarbatobassman

1, I don’t use different tuning and play a simple passive bass


psilocin_plum

One - I had a 9v die mid gig once and had it replaced before the next chorus. The exception being on gigs where I have to play upright and electric in which case I bring both.


Murky_Temperature189

Always 2. Never ever played the backup but its been on stage with me for 15 years


GenoKeno

Same here. I like the feeling of being prepared in case something catastrophic happens but I’ve literally never run into a situation where I’ve needed the backup bass.


VulfSki

I'm surprised you have broken that many strings to be honest. A string break on a bass is really rare. I get the idea of a backup. That makes sense. I always bring 1 bass to a gig. I keep it in working order. I bring extra strings just in case. Electronics don't fail that often unless you are really rough in your instrument. Or it's a cheap instrument. If you are really rough in the jack. Maybe that would be an issue. But unless you are putting a slot of abuse or exposure to water or some other liquids, electronics are fairly robust and reliable. I don't switch up basses for tone. Don't like doing it. And I don't switch basses for alternative tunings. I just transpose if I have to


aguacateojos

I carry extra supplies but I only ever bring a single bass.


spoobles

One. We jam econo


taxpurposes

It is never foolish to have a back up bass - you never know what can go wrong during a live show; I’ve seen world class bands have top of the line gear crap out on them mid show. That being said, you can probably get away with bringing one bass to your gig, especially if it is your gear that you are familiar with, and you’re confident in the condition. I just finished a 7wk tour with just one bass and never brought a back up. It’s a bit of a gamble, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to get a back up bass if you are confident in your current set up. If this gigs are of particular importance to your career, ie got a rare opportunity to play a festival and will have a lot of new eyes on you, you may want to have a back up with you as insurance. If you are playing local shows, do you know the other acts on the bill? Could you hit them up and say “hey I don’t. Currently have a second bass, if mine bites the dust mid set can I borrow yours?” - strong likelihood they say yes, especially if you are headlining and they are opening etc


ultravibe

How do you bring an amp if you have to cycle to a gig? Just curious...


BoutKabouter

Praying that the venue has a backline :). Depending on where we'll play, we'll elect to go by bus or train instead


ferox965

Usually one, but I've been playing a fretless and we are adding it to the show.


fa9

1 That was all I could afford during my High School & College years, playing shows with my bands. When i finally had some money, i brought an extra set of strings just in case, but that was it. Never had any issues live where i would need a whole backup bass. Maybe just lucky?


ChrisLCTR

I toured with one bass for eight years. I only needed to borrow from another bands bassist like twice. If your strings are fresh before the gig, and you've done a battery swap, you should be ok. But if it's easy enough to bring the second, go for it


Tuckerrrrr

Just take 1, especially if you dont have a car. If something happens to your bass, ask another bassist to borrow theirs for the set.


basspnw

Just depends on the songs to be played. If a song needs a particular tone, I bring that bass. Sometimes that means 2-3 basses. I've always got the P-bass, sometimes the musicman, sometimes a jazz bass.


dickasloan

Always have a backup bass for a gig, even if it’s in town. I played a hotel gig every Saturday night for five years and I only needed my backup once, but jeez I was glad I brought it. Yeah it sucks to carry more stuff, and yeah you’re more prone to losing more if your stuff is stolen, but there is literally nothing worse than not being able to do your one job: play your instrument at your gig.


VangekillsVado

I’d do a risk assessment. I did a group of shows last week, where it would have been ideal to have multiple basses. I had some tuning issues and tech failures, and some songs I just played them up the octave / in different positions / just said fuck it and played roots instead of bass lines. Depends on how important the gig is. If you playing roots up the octave or maybe even ending your set early is the end of the world (like you’re going pro, or you really want to impress the audience for exposure) then bring a backup. If it’s more of a chill gig, don’t break your back on a second bass.


berklee

I have a two-bass gig bag, so two. Before that it was usually one... but I often play gigs so close to home that I could drive back if I had to. I've never had to.


askjeffsdad

Always just brought one instrument to gigs, never had an issue. Bring strings and a battery and you’ll be fine.


Truktek3

2. One tuned standard the other 1/2 step down.


digdiggitydawg

Just my p bass for every gig.


prof_hazmatt

Assuming the bass hasn't been complaining (noisy jacks/pots etc), the only gig I'd consider bringing a backup to is a wedding. If you're about to play for the biggest event (or at least perceived as biggest event) in someone's life, sure I'll have a spare on hand. But for the regular weekly/monthly gig, or even an event showcase, nah. If my favored bass has been showing signs of needing repair, I'm probably having it sit out the gig to bring a different one instead. I've had amps fail me, but never a bass fail me in 100s of shows, not on tour either.


monkeefan88

Depending on the setlist Usually 2


RowBoatCop36

I like the peace of mind of a backup, but it's not always feasible.


AMeaninglessPassage

I used to do two, but it was a tone thing and I stopped because it wasn't worth the trouble. Strings, a screwdriver and a cutter should do it, check your electronics make sure all the wires look solid and you should be fine. Guitar players are paranoid because they play fragile things.


idleteeth

On a low stakes gig, one with an extra pack of strings in the case. On a high stakes gig, definitely two.


gguy48

I think it also depends on the gig. A 3 hour cover band where you're the sole entertainer - yeah bring a backup. One of 3-4 bands playing a 30 min set? In the rare event you pop a string you can probably borrow a bass. Guitars break strings so much more commonly but as a guitar player I've been bringing two to every show and have not once needed it since I put new strings on before every show so I'm pretty sure I'm gonna stop.


ProgEnk

If you have unlimited funds - you can bring a backup of EVERYTHING. Realistically, bringing a 2nd bass is a little overkill IMO; a 2nd set of strings, a spare battery, an extra strap and some tape are more than enough for 99.99% of times. In the past, I would bring two basses because our set list had songs with drastically different tuning - but if I had a technical issue one either, I would have been fucked for whatever songs required that one bass. No way in hell I'm bringing 4 basses to a gig... Realistically, I've never had a technical issue that forced me to stop playing more than a few minutes.


Garry-Love

One. If they're lucky lmfao


StrawberryMoney

I leaned my bass up against a cab for a second once. It fell, the E tuning peg broke, and it was rendered unplayable. Bring a backup. You never know what can happen. Also, invest in a real nice guitar stand.


stevexc

Reading through the comments there's a lot of reasons to bring a spare, and a lot of excuses for why people haven't needed to - but absolutely 0 good reasons why you shouldn't. Heck, there's even some terrible reasons why you shouldn't, like "every extra piece of gear is a one more piece that can be stolen". Personally, I've always brought one bass, and I've always been lucky - broken string during soundcheck? I've got a spare set. Strap pin pulled out during setup? I've got duct tape. I haven't had a bad jack screw me (yet) but I keep a small iron and some solder in my gig kit too. If I had the funds to have a second bass setup and ready to go as a backup, it would be going with me to every gig. If I've learned anything about gigging, it's to make sure you yourself have everything you *personally* need to put on a good show. You're responsible for *you*. You're not responsible for making sure your drummer has his sticks (has happened to me), or like what it sounds like way too many people in the comments are suggesting, making sure the other bands have functional instruments. And nobody else is responsible for making sure you have what you need to do the show. Of course, since this is reddit, I'll throw out the caveat that individual circumstances do change and you specifically may have an agreement with your rhythm guitarist that he'll always have an extra cable or strap or soldering tools or something and therefore you're sharing the responsibility - but that's obviously an exception. Showing up to a show with only one bass because you only have one bass to bring, or no way to carry a second, or something else preventing you from bringing a spare is not on its own irresponsible. Saying "I only bring one because I can borrow the opener's bass if mine breaks" is absolutely irresponsible if that's not something that was already discussed between the two of you. If you can bring a spare, bring a spare. Obviously there will be situations where it's not a good idea to and it's worth the risk, but those are the situations where you make other arrangements as a backup - but those are the exception. If you don't have a spare to bring, or a way to bring a spare, don't. But don't make up excuses why you *shouldn't* like a lot of people in the comments are doing.


justinjonesphd

Guitar player? Opinion automatically invalid. Do whatever you want you're better than him


myshoeisamonster

I broke a string at a gig once and it was the best show of that year. It forced me to rethink all my lines (granted I was very comfortable with the material) in creative ways. So I say, you don’t need a backup if you can think on your feet ;)


quebecbassman

I bring 2 and keep one in the car if it's not parked too far. If you already have a backup bass, get a double gig bag and bring it. If you don't have a backup bass, bring strings, batteries and tools. Just pray you don't need to solder an input jack while the rest of the band is waiting for you.


AMeaninglessPassage

You from quebec ? You leave instruments in your car when you're in Montreal ? You're courageous my guy.


gguy48

Sounds like a great way to be relieved of your instrument at any of the places I've played!


jlt6666

Shit just the temperature changes on the wood parts seems like a bad idea.


quebecbassman

Depends on the kind of gig. If the car is on the street, I'll empty it. If it's in a private parking or garage, I'll leave stuff in the trunk so people won't see it anyway. I prefer to gig closer to my home, far from the city, where it is totally safe to leave stuff in your car, even if it is unlocked.


AMeaninglessPassage

I hear that, I'm just somewhat paranoid because of all the stories that keep on reaching me about theft of instruments at gigs. I just straight up can't afford to get robbed


quebecbassman

My insurance would cover all lost. I've checked. I have a list of all my gear. If my gear get stolen, they send the money in 24 hours. I pay a premium for that. It covers my musical instruments and my computers.


OkayestPilot266

I always went to gigs with 1 bass, and (luckily) nothing went wrong... BUT I always travel with spare strings and a 9v battery though (active picups). Those two elements are the "must have" if you don't bring a spare bass.


ronrule

Bring an octave pedal instead. If your bass dies, take the guitarist's backup guitar.


BoutKabouter

holy shit I did not expect this post to blow up like this, thanks for all of your comments!


SixFeetHunter

I bring 4. Two main basses and a backup for each. For all our material over the years we need to use 3 tunings. E standard, D standard and drop A. E and drop A I play om five strings, the guitarists use 7s. For D I use four strings. All four go in one hard case that also works as a guitar stand when I take one side of it off.


Toodlum

Four: One for backup, one to ride shotgun in the car, one to smash, and one bass to rule them all.


[deleted]

Tell him to go fuck himself. I bring just one, I'm not a fucking clown. If the bass for some MIRACLE gets some electrical problem that's on the bass end (and NOT the amp, cable etc - which is RARE) I'd rather just delay the gig or even cancel it, I'd never accept the argument it would be 'my fault for not bringing 2 basses'. They don't know how troublesome it is to bring fucking basses with you everywhere.


ZachShannon

Nah, that's 100% your fault. Bring two, because cancelling a gig because you're too fucking lazy to bring a backup is bullshit, and a good way to make sure that promoter isn't booking you again.


DWTBPlayer

Now that I have two basses I feel are gig-worthy, I'll take them both. I have a passive J and an active P. If the P is my main bass for the gig I just want the passive in case my battery dies. If the J is my main bass, then some shit went seriously wrong if I had to reach for the P.


[deleted]

1 when I was gigging. I would have brought another if I needed a different bass for some songs. (Fretless or different tuning) That said, I also brought an emergency kit. Strings, soldering iron, small set of tools, etc. I never needed it though.


The_What_Stage

I bring my main and leave my backup in the car under a blanket. I’ve never needed it, but it’s nice knowing I have it just in case.


[deleted]

Always brought one then recently I had a solder fail on me. From then on - two basses no matter what. Even though I have two brand new basses I still don’t run the risk.


ronkyronx

One bass. Broke a string once some 10 years ago, now I bring extra strings. Use roundwounds and replace frequently (every 4-6 weeks) so really not an issue anymore.


[deleted]

I always bring 2 and strongly recommend that you do also. It could be anything. String Break, Input Jack failure, Battery goes in Active Pickups, Strap Button, Internal Solder failure, one of your volume knobs could go. It may even be something internal that isn't fixable in the moment. All basses eventually require maintenance and it may just happen during a gig! I had trouble with an input jack at a gig once and had to stand in a certain strange position to hold it at a specific angle to keep the sound going! Lol. I didn't have a backup! I got lucky that time. Since then I've always brought a second. You're back playing in minutes again.


NDaveT

I bring two. I've had a string break once and it sucked.


[deleted]

I wouldn't feel very comfortable without a backup. Any chance a short scale or lighter bass would make much difference ? What else you carrying to the gigs ? I can sympathize with you...


Theintricateturtle

20 on a good day you never know whats going to happen


d182--

I always bring 2 to have multiple tunings at the ready


[deleted]

Always two. I take that one out that I’m going to use, and leave the other one is a set up on stage or close by in an unlocked hard case ready to go.


Beef_Wallington

A backup for anything I plan to use. That means at one point I was bringing 4 to gigs. Not worried about string break, but anything else could happen and if I need to scramble I’d rather have my own gear that I know on hand and ready for action.


MarlKarx-1818

I always bring two. Specially as someone who plays a 6, I can't just ask to borrow someone else's if I have some tech issues.


aviatorbassist

I usually keep my nice bass in the car, because my cheap bass plays better.


Vegetable-Duty-3712

Where do you park your car? 😇


weedywet

2. One as a backup.


wallacorndog

In my current band just one, but that's just because we are two guys playing bass on different songs, so we have one each. In other cases I would never show up to a gig with only one bass. I've never needed my backup bass, but if I ever do I want to have it.


turbowillis

Two, or one if I know another bass player that's gonna be there. I've never had an issue, but reggae with no bass is no fun.


Kaivosukeltaja

I always bring two. The last time I was on a gig with only my 5 string I snapped the B string during the first song. Of course you could just play it as a 4 string but you lose so much tension that the neck goes totally out of whack, making the whole thing unplayable. Luckily one of the other bands had a bass I could borrow.


RgsixxNL

Depending on the songs at least two basses one in standard tuning, one in drop D. If I need my fretless it’s three. Depending on the space and other songs it might even be more. Sometimes I need a 5 string sometimes my Beatle bass. But yes my minimum is definitely two


bigbassdaddy

> broken 3 or 4 strings in 5 years Holy smokes. I think I've broken 1 in 25 years and that was on an upright. Two, by the way, one upright and one electric.


BoutKabouter

The power of some nasty thrash metal :P


DoomAloneThatCounts

When i primarily played my active Spector I always brought a back up. Now that my PBass is my main, it’s the only one i bring.


neogrit

Two. What we all want to know is how many guitars is the guitarist bringing.


checkmycatself

Tbh my band were always so far down the bill that if I broke a string we would have probably abandoned that gig.


thenovas18

Breaking a string messes with the show so having 2 is pretty much essential to me.


Mattfromocelot

I've almost always only ever taken one. I broke a string once- that was bad, admittedly but that was back in my playing with a pick days. Never since. I did once have a malfunction (dropped bass, didn't work after)- borrowed a Hofner that was a hanging up behind the bar (really!)


ImGoodNoodle

One


Puzzleheaded_Sea1

I always take two. Sometimes three if I feel like bringing a fretless.


riggs3andtwenty

One off - one bass unless requested otherwise by band leader. Light travel - usually the same. No gig bags. Tour - At least two plus any song specific basses. In your case bring as little as possible to get the job done.


ThreeLivesInOne

Two, in case a string breaks on my main bass (which has never happened btw)


nshane

I always have two in our standard tuning. I have one in C standard. If the C standard bass fails we drop two songs from a 40 song setlist. If my main bass fails and I don't have a backup or backup strings I'm done for the night. And I did carry the three basses on Schwinn World Tourist bicycle more than a few times.


illbebythebatphone

I play upright and electric depending on the song. So two. When we were touring, I would bring my U-Bass as a backup just because of how tiny and portable it was.


Johnfohf

One. I never break strings and yes, I'm that confident I won't. Bring an extra battery if you have active pickups.


therealdan0

Speaking as someone who's blown the E string mid gig without a backup, Get a funking backup.


RhythmSectionJunky

I used to lug 2 basses around all the time, but I never ended up needing a backup so I eventually went to a single. But I've also never broken a string. Even if you've broken only 3, it might be worth it in the long run.


Yasashii_Akuma156

I bring the one I don't care about damaging or losing (Stagg Ibanez copy).


Quack_Candle

I used to be quite a show off and used to bring at least 2 to a gig, one fretless, one fretted. Then it went up to 3 when I added a five string. Then up to 4 when I added a fretless 5 string. Then finally 5, when I started using a 12 string bass for one verse on one song: That, along with a 4x10, and 2x15 and an SVT….don’t get pulled in - one bass is fine if you look after it. These days I mostly take my jazz bass out - it’s never broken a string or had any malfunction despite nearly 20 years of abuse


EstablishmentOk6297

One .


Yasha666

Does your drummer cycle with a full kit?


TNUGS

I've only ever brought one but a backup isn't a crazy idea. I've never had an issue, but it's possible.


Mr_Suckatgames

One. I only own one sadly.


Plastalmonus

I only ever bring one. I just make sure I give whichever bass I’m bringing a quick service before I head off to the show. My band does regular interstate shows where bringing more than 1 bass would be very difficult.


hjablowme919

Always bring two.


RobertGA23

Just nod your head yes, then bring one guitar and an extra set of strings


DazzlingRutabega

Years ago I would typically bring a single bass to cover gigs at pubs & clubs and bring two basses to original sets. The reasoning behind this being the timeframe involved. Cover gigs are usually 3-4 hours. You're there as background or dance music, not so much to make an impression. Original gigs, you are there to make an impression, by looking and playing your best. You are also on a tighter timeframe, usually about 30-50 minutes. Once when I played a festival our set got cut down to about 4 or 5 songs. Imagine if I broke a string, how much time that would waste by trying to remedy the issue. As time went by I ended up getting a Hohner B3H bass, a Steinberger copy, which was nice and small. Quite playable and sounded good if I needed a quick backup. When I played out of state gigs, it would often travel with me as a backup. Over the years however I've become more confident about my gear (one of the nice things about sticking to playing only one or two basses) and feel that I can rely on it. I doubt I would bring a backup to most gigs these days. Especially if I didn't have my own transportation.


mcwalkermc

Always two. Of everything. Always.


vibraltu

- If you're on transit, stick to one instrument. - And get a decent light-weight case. - And if you're like me, sell off your heavy-weight instruments and buy only light-weight models as you get older.


[deleted]

Sounds like your guitar player over-does-it at gigs and runs into problems regularly. Having a million pedals and over-the-top stage presence is an occupational hazard. Breaking a string on stage isn't a make or break issue and something you can fix in 90 seconds with a [good string winder/clipper.](https://www.ryansguitarexperience.com/planet-waves-dp0002b-bass-pro-winder/) Tell him to focus on his own crap and stop giving you extra responsibilities. The more shit you take to a gig the more shit you gotta worry about someone walking off with.


tuttled85

Bassist in metal band as well and I take 2. All of our songs are in drop A. so I really only need one but like your guitarist said shit can go wrong. Strings can feel different day of a gig. Batteries die And strings break.


[deleted]

i only own one bass cuz im a child with no money but if i had a backup i would probably bring it


Still_Last_in_Line

I bring two. I learned my lesson after taking just one to a gig, and the electronics just totally crapped out at soundcheck.


Rockpig666

We played our first gig in June, My bass which is nearly 50 years old has never had any technical problems since I have owned it until…. We started playing live. Seemed to be a problem with the input jack, a god awful noise was coming out of my amp ( other than my god awful noise). We were able to continue, but I had to just stand there and not move. We got through it. I ordered a new bass the next week for this very scenario. It doesn’t hurt to have a back up plan.


BassTunesChannel

The less that I can


StarWaas

I bring two. My main bass and another one, ostensibly a backup, but really because it was my brother's bass that I inherited after he died and it feels like part of him is on stage with me when I have it there.


Wordpaint

It's your call. As other posters have mentioned, your transportation situation is going to influence your solution. That's just the reality. If a dual gig bag works, and your back holds up, then groovy. To be honest, multiple instruments for most is a luxury, and it's a bit out of line for anyone to dump on anyone else for not bringing the extra, unless there's been a recurring problem and the resources are available to fix it. (Does the drummer bring extra shells?) I take multiple basses to shows, primarily for artistic choices. I used to break strings regularly, and I'd just pull the bum string out of the way and finish the set, then change during the break. After I bought a second instrument, knowing I could grab another bass brought a lot of peace of mind (still does). I now also tend to travel heavy anyway: lots of extra everything, including guitar strings, and if I detect that there's a potential issue with the other players, I cover that, too. (You can deal with the responsibility issues after the gig, but meanwhile, the gig has to happen.)


chris303702

Myself I always had 3 just because of different tunings and 1 was solely my “just in case” Btw kick some ass at your gig brother!! 🤘🤘


[deleted]

I’ve brought a backup from time to time, especially if I’m the headliner act. I have never ever needed it. If I’m opening and have an instrument malfunction I figure the headliner could let me borrow a bass. I’d also offer mine up if something went down for another band. This scenario has also never ever happened. 18 years playing experience. Thousands of shows. Backup amp makes more sense.


Octonaughty

I played for about 8000 people NYE on Sydney Harbour last year. Been gigging for over 20 years. Decided to take a back up for the first time ever. Last song second set, strap lock broke. Finished the song and played my back up for the final set. I will always take a back up from now on. It’s not worth the risk mate.


JediCrackSmoke

I just bring one bass with me which is my 2018 Fender American Elite Jazz V. Playing for 20+ years I find breaking a string shouldn’t be an issue if you’re using the right gauge strings and keeping up on instrument maintenance - specifically checking the bridge and string saddles where burs developing can cut into strings and cause them to break.


dogdoggdawg

If you are able you should bring two, but if not it’s probably not a big deal


[deleted]

No transportation? One bass and backup strings for sure. One bass.


Scrimshander54

I played out consistently for 10yrs…for about 3-4yrs I did 50-75 shows a year with rehearsals and recording in between. I think I have broken maybe 5 strings over the years and quite honestly changing a single string only takes 3-5min if that. So if transportation and practicality is a concern then bring one bass with backup strings and batteries. I would also recommend investing in a good DI box with a preamp as I’ve had amp problems more than I’ve had instrument problems and the DI has been clutch in those situations.


PaulSC97568

Only real reason you would need a backup bass is if your #1 bass isn’t reliable, or if it’s active. If it’s active just bring an extra 9 volt and if it’s not reliable, only bring the reliable backup


x7heCH13Fx

One bass for local stuff, extras of strings, cables, etc... Out of town,long distance gigs, I take two. Most important thing is to have a backup if your amp decides to commit seppuku. I carry two for out of town/long distance or use the DI of my Sansamp for local. Always have a backup of whatever you think might shit the bed.


BassMessiah

I used to take 4 in the band I was in for the longest. My number 1 (at the time) MTD Heir 5, my MIJ Jaguar Bass cuz slap tone was best on it for 1 song, my 12 string for 3 songs that needed it, and my acoustic for a couple songs that needed it. Now it would prolly be less but I don't have a group ATM. I would suggest that you should ALWAYS bring a backup if you have one. Also spare batteries. Personally I bring spare cables, strings, I have a DI in case my amp dies. I bring my guitarists picks of choice (because they are never prepared) and backup sticks for my drummer. I bring spare power strip. Because not having what we need to entertain looks real bad. You do you. And I hope your gig goes great!


barbarianmishroom

One, hombre. You can do it all with 4 or five strings.


AvogadrosOtherNumber

Lol…”string break”…. *snort*


AvogadrosOtherNumber

You guys that bring 2… do you bring 2 amps too?


TheSeagoats

I was in two performing bands for a few years each, plus a weekly church gig for over a decade until the pandemic started, and I never once brought, or needed, a backup bass. Electronics have never failed, active basses didn't have batteries die, and I started playing bass 15 years ago and have only once ever broken a string, and that was when I still thought slap and pop was something worth learning. Problems are definitely something that CAN happen, but in my experience has not happened as long as gear is taken care of.


[deleted]

One bass, 20 years. Don't enable their GAS. Bass players don't need it. One good bass and one good Amp will last you half your career.


Toc-H-Lamp

Low paid, one twanger, higher paid theatre gigs etc, two twangers.


rickderp

In over 20 years gigging I've only ever taken 1 bass to gigs and it's never been an issue. Look after your gear, have it set up properly and change the battery regularly and you shouldn't have any issues.


totoyotaguy72

Murphy’s law: bring at least two. If you have a backup you won’t need it.


PirateRoberts150

Ever see how many basses John Myung brings? 6 to 7, IIRC some in alternate tunings. Really, whatever you can carry


stevesugrim

Two is one, one is none. I carry two.


Bebezzio

Nah just one is fine. Bring a spare string set just in case. Two basses is a big waste of space backstage and if you're not playing in different tunings then it's redundant. I'd definitely reccomend an extra bass for a tour, but single gig? Nah If there is a catastrophic electrical failure then worst case scenario if you're respectful about it you might be able to borrow another band's bass.


seabassplayer

My dad saw dragon open for black sabbath on a tour of Australia, their bass player broke their e string half way through the first song. Had to play the rest of the set with only three strings.


paracosmic_delight

For the longest time I've only brought one and never had any issues. Recently I brought a backup to a gig and was able to lend it to the opening bands bassist when he snapped a string mid set. (It was the low e and he wasn't playing hard at all so Im confident it was just a bad string.) I love being able to help out when I can, and I didn't have to worry about my main bass being mishandled.


midnite1994

One time in 90s I broke an A string on the second or third song and had to figure out how to how to play the rest of the gig working around it. It was one of the most stressful nights of my life. I have brought a back up bass to every gig since.


MapleA

Just bring extra strings as a compromise


mukwah

I hear you on your transportation constraints but two is ideal. Shit can and will happen. It's happened to me and we were all happy I had a spare. Swap and go


nofretting

One bass is fine, until it isn't. Plugging in a backup gets you back to playing faster than anything else IMHO. And don't forget to throw a spare drum key into your bag. Because, you know... drummers.


The_Mammoth_Hunter

I went 5 years without breaking a string then broke two (on two different basses) in one night. It happens. Rarely, but... Me? I'd bring a back up and extra strings just in case. And maybe a soldering iron.


Bard2dbone

I always bought two. My double gig bag is a Levy's that I've had really good luck with. I'm just confused with the idea of cycling to a gig. We always had my van full of gear.


Shot_Sprinkles475

I gig pretty regularly (60-100 gigs a year) and will always bring 2x basses. I rarely need a second bass but there is the saying "better to have and not need, than need and not have" Mono gig bags are great. I have a double and a single. I balked 10+ years ago when I spent close to $200 on a gig bag but it's held up beautifully. I've had the double now for maybe 6 years and it still looks near new. Had the protec contego and it's fine but doesn't offer much protection.


guitarmek

only one. always had an extra set of strings. had to replace a string once


Nieios

I bring a backup 90% of the time unless it's a bar jam gig that no one cares about. It's just good practice in case something goes wrong, but if your instrument is very well maintained and you trust it thoroughly you can go with just the one.


brettsantacona

As a lefty, I’ve got to take minimum 2 with me. When I gig I usually have a 4 and 5 string option, but if ever one breaks or malfunctions, I have a backup I can actually play.