Boodang Posted March 3, 2022 Share Posted March 3, 2022 Looking through the 'what car do you use' thread and there seems to be a few people with small cars just taking one bass and one amp to a gig. So got me thinking, what do most people take... just the basics with no backup, or everything except the kitchen sink? I fall very much into the latter category and catastrophise at all the things that could go wrong. When I first started gigging I didn't even have spare strings, then one night the guitarist said 'what happens if you break one?'. Fair point, and from that point onwards I couldn't stop thinking about what would could go wrong. I usually bring 3 or 4 basses anyway but I also bring a spare amp/cab, obviously spare leads (usually quite a few), spare strings (each bass has a different set, so I bring spares for each), then there's my box of stuff with duck tap, soldering iron, selection of spare connectors (neutrix Jack's, xlr, jack chassis, 9v etc), spare psu's, fuses (various; mains but also the ones found inside the amps we're using), plus a few adapters (xlr to jack, stereo to mono jack etc), then a selection of extension leads, tools (snips, allen, screw drivers, etc), mains tester plug, multi meter.... I'm sure I've left some stuff off the list! Plus spare effect pedals for my favourite ones I can't do without. And I have even been known to carry spares for other musicians if I think they're not very prepared. Was in one band where I always brought along a spare snare and bass drum pedal, plus a spare mic for the vocalist. And that's why I need a Volvo 240 estate at least to get my gear to a gig! 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat Burrito Posted March 3, 2022 Share Posted March 3, 2022 In 34yrs of playing I have only ever broken one string and had one amp let me down so I am very much a bass / amp with a few spare leads / cables etc if I remember kind of player. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted March 3, 2022 Share Posted March 3, 2022 Bass, Line6 Helix Floor, 3U Rack case containing the computer and interface for running the backing, Stand for the rack case on stage, Bag of leads and bits, And for the smaller gigs or when I am unsure of the quality of the foldback an RCF745 powered cab. For big gigs, if I wasn't also in charge of the backing, I'd just take the bass and the Helix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted March 3, 2022 Share Posted March 3, 2022 2 basses, 2 amps, 1 or 2 112 cabs, leads, 2 sets of moulded ear plugs, sometimes a trolley. . . . that's it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boodang Posted March 3, 2022 Author Share Posted March 3, 2022 19 minutes ago, Cat Burrito said: In 34yrs of playing I have only ever broken one string and had one amp let me down so I am very much a bass / amp with a few spare leads / cables etc if I remember kind of player. In 40yrs of playing I've never broken a string and yet I still can't help but take spare sets (plural) to a gig! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted March 3, 2022 Share Posted March 3, 2022 For gigs Bass (occasionally 2) Cab Rack case containing amp, wireless receiver and PSU for pedalboard Pedalboard Cable snake between amp and p'board containing send, return and 9v supply cables Strap with wireless trans and lead At least 8 AA batteries Bag containing leads, mains cables and speaker cables, and spares of each Folding trolley Hercules bass stand Music stand (on rare occasions) Box of bits (picks; a few allen keys in the relevant sizes; multitool with pliers & drivers; superglue; nail clippers; UV torch for luminlay) For rehearsals Bass & strap Behringer BX600 combo Tuner Necessary leads Bass stand & music stand Box of bits Trolley... that little combo is ridiculously heavy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoham Posted March 3, 2022 Share Posted March 3, 2022 1 bass. (I've convinced myself I've need more than one in the past, but I really don't! Honestly, nobody cares if I play Muse on a P with flats or The Beatles on an active 5 string. I just use whatever I fancy on the night.) Line6 Helix LT 2 instrument cables (Also two XLR cables from the PA cable box) 3 plectrums IEMs & belt-pack iPad & laptop for controlling mixer. (Laptop ready to go on ethernet if the iPad or Wifi fails at any point. Never happened yet, but I don't quite trust the tech 100% yet) I play covers in city centre pubs, where nearby parking is often difficult and 'stage' space is at a premium. So, the less gear the better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted March 3, 2022 Share Posted March 3, 2022 2 basses 1 amp 1 cab Pedals (sometimes only a tuner and a compressor, sometimes the mothership) Emergency backup di box type thing - currently a Tech21 SH-1 and a backup compressor. 1 set spare strings I double up on most cables - always. IEC / Speakon / Guitar. Simple tool kit. If I'm singing - then my mic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stofferson Posted March 3, 2022 Share Posted March 3, 2022 To link in with the other thread too, I have a focus estate, it's perfection. 3 piece band, Singer/Guitar, Me, Drums Most gigs - heads and breakables, I can get all 3 of us in with what need plus merch box. In terms of what I take: Bass Head Pedal board Strap 2 x jack leads (no spares on me oops) 3 x speak-on cable (in case there's two cabs plus a spare) Kettle lead Extension lead if no power out front for the pedal board. Face towel! very important! Spare set a strings, 9v battery. I did used to have a large bag with 2 x everything in there, but never (touch wood) gone through jacks / power cables or speaker cables. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpondonBassed Posted March 3, 2022 Share Posted March 3, 2022 53 minutes ago, Boodang said: my box of stuff with duck tap I prefer to carry a goose tap. I like to get a little more honk in the mix. 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Man.about.Tyne Posted March 3, 2022 Share Posted March 3, 2022 Nail clippers 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaytonaRik Posted March 3, 2022 Share Posted March 3, 2022 (edited) I have no idea where to start...I own the band Pa/lighting so all that comes with me!!! Subs (if needed) Tops Stand bags Mic stand bag Audio cable trunk - everything fro, 1ft lot 60ft XLRs, various length 1/4" instrument cables, speaking cables Power cable trunk - extension cables, 6 way sockets, 13 amp power cables Stage boxes Mixer rack - self contained with a rack-router, IEM TX, wireless mic RX, X32 Rack and RJ45 network cables for stage boxes Spare Mixer (XR18) Wedges/drummers IEM pack Mic case LED par cans LED Mini Spot case iPads 2 x basses Guitar rack DI Pedal Spare Ashdown mini head Wireless rack Think that's about it! Yes, I have a van! Edited March 3, 2022 by DaytonaRik Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skidder652003 Posted March 3, 2022 Share Posted March 3, 2022 for me personally and not including the PA 1 bass 1 combo amp pedal board including DI, tuner, comp and phaser set of spare strings (again never broken one) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skidder652003 Posted March 3, 2022 Share Posted March 3, 2022 1 minute ago, DaytonaRik said: I have no idea where to start...I own the band Pa/lighting so all that comes with me!!! Subs (if needed) Tops Stand bags Mic stand bag Audio cable trunk - everything fro, 1ft lot 60ft XLRs, various length 1/4" instrument cables, speaking cables Power cable trunk - extension cables, 6 way sockets, 13 amp power cables Stage boxes Mixer rack - self contained for IEMs, wireless mics, X32 Rack and RJ45 network cables for stage boxes Spare Mixer (XR18) Wedges/drummers IEM pack Mic case LED par cans LED Mini Spot case iPads 2 x basses DI Pedal Spare Ashdown mini head Wireless rack Think that's about it! Yes, I have a van! yes i have all that as well as I carry the PA, but for personal use very little as I don't (like you i imagine) have the luxury of time to play with all the toys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaytonaRik Posted March 3, 2022 Share Posted March 3, 2022 (edited) 2 minutes ago, skidder652003 said: yes i have all that as well as I carry the PA, but for personal use very little as I don't (like you i imagine) have the luxury of time to play with all the toys. It's a struggle getting it all in and set up! At least I have crib sheets so that each band member can take care of their own mics, know what they need to plug in where etc. Time between arriving and sound check slips through the hands like sand!!!! Digital stage boxes - one upstage, one downstage - makes cable runs much easier though Edited March 3, 2022 by DaytonaRik 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itu Posted March 3, 2022 Share Posted March 3, 2022 - fretted 5, sometimes a fretless or an EUB - amp - cab and its cover - FX board & page flipper in a mono bag - tab (notes, scores) - tab stand The bass mono bag has neatly coiled cables, tuner, tab, spare set of strings, spare battery, tools, foldable scissors, DMM, ear plugs... If I am taking two electrics, I use the mono dual bag. Amp rack case has power and cab cables. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Blank Posted March 3, 2022 Share Posted March 3, 2022 Bass HX Stomp QSC K12.2 (if there is no PA) Spare set of strings Nail clippers Clip-on tuner Trolley for QSC if used Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lownote Posted March 3, 2022 Share Posted March 3, 2022 Bass Amp Speakers x2 Three leads (one instrument, two cabs) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thodrik Posted March 3, 2022 Share Posted March 3, 2022 Generally: Bass Amp and cab/combo Pedals and leads If I use a combo (a Mesa Walkabout 1x15), I can pretty much load in everything and out in one trip with the combo in my right hand, my bass in a gig bag over my left shoulder and my pedal bag over my right shoulder. This was my 'non-touring' set up in Glasgow for 10 plus years and was designed to enable me to get in and out of a black cab in one movement. I can walk about 100 yards with this gear which usually gets me from the cab to the venue. Not comfortable but do-able. If on tour, I generally use separate head and cab and a back up cab because we usually had a van. My touring days are probably over now but I now have a car which is nice. I drive a 2008 Volvo V50 with 160k+ miles on it. In practice a malfunctioning car is far more likely than malfunctioning bass gear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibob Posted March 3, 2022 Share Posted March 3, 2022 Depends on the gig, but generally speaking: Two basses One amp One or two cabs Pedalboard and cables etc Sometimes just one bass and my HX Stomp or a tuner. Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted March 3, 2022 Share Posted March 3, 2022 (edited) As my gigging band is an originals band it depends on the gig, some have provided rigs, or cabs so: Bass - always Clip on tuner - always Preamp/DI - always Bag of leads/spare strings - always Amp - depends Cabs - depends In my last band I always took a backup bass but in this band the 2 guitarists don’t take backups so I’m not either. Edited March 3, 2022 by Lozz196 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elfrasho Posted March 3, 2022 Share Posted March 3, 2022 2 basses Spare strings Hx Stomp 3 leads (one spare) Di box 4 bar Iems I mainly do dep weddings so I've basically got a backup of everything as it would be terrible for something to break! If you're driving, I don't see a problem taking this lot. It's basically a rucksack and two gig bags. One bass stays in the bag. I've had two basses fail and broke a few strings over the years so having a back up for a quick turn around just makes sense! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robscott Posted March 3, 2022 Share Posted March 3, 2022 3 hours ago, Boodang said: Looking through the 'what car do you use' thread and there seems to be a few people with small cars just taking one bass and one amp to a gig. So got me thinking, what do most people take... just the basics with no backup, or everything except the kitchen sink? I fall very much into the latter category and catastrophise at all the things that could go wrong. When I first started gigging I didn't even have spare strings, then one night the guitarist said 'what happens if you break one?'. Fair point, and from that point onwards I couldn't stop thinking about what would could go wrong. I usually bring 3 or 4 basses anyway but I also bring a spare amp/cab, obviously spare leads (usually quite a few), spare strings (each bass has a different set, so I bring spares for each), then there's my box of stuff with duck tap, soldering iron, selection of spare connectors (neutrix Jack's, xlr, jack chassis, 9v etc), spare psu's, fuses (various; mains but also the ones found inside the amps we're using), plus a few adapters (xlr to jack, stereo to mono jack etc), then a selection of extension leads, tools (snips, allen, screw drivers, etc), mains tester plug, multi meter.... I'm sure I've left some stuff off the list! Plus spare effect pedals for my favourite ones I can't do without. And I have even been known to carry spares for other musicians if I think they're not very prepared. Was in one band where I always brought along a spare snare and bass drum pedal, plus a spare mic for the vocalist. And that's why I need a Volvo 240 estate at least to get my gear to a gig! What if your car breaks down with all that junk in it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boodang Posted March 3, 2022 Author Share Posted March 3, 2022 (edited) 19 minutes ago, robscott said: What if your car breaks down with all that junk in it? I've got a spare car on the roof! But it's a good point. Most of it I'm not going to cry over as it's all replaceable except maybe my custom bass which I wouldn't leave behind. As it happens (touch wood) the Volvo 240 has never let me down and I've had it for the last 12 years. Edited March 3, 2022 by Boodang Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicko Posted March 3, 2022 Share Posted March 3, 2022 Two basses One Amp One 2 x 12 cab Small pedal board Case full of leads, picks, spare strings and a few tools Guitar stand DI cable, just in case A towel and spare T shirt In my last band I also had Small digital mixer 2 x 15" PA speakers PA Stand A few lights Mic And normally the singer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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