Bass player gadgets...

[Simon.]

Holla folks,

So, it's that time of year again and despite being a wonderful person in every way, apparently Mrs Simon. isn't actually telepathic and has had to resort to asking if there is anything bass & music related that Santa could add to the Christmas list!

Vintage Fenders, new Shukers and top end rigs aside, what are the indispensible gadgets that every bass player needs/should have in their arsenal? I'm not one for using effects, have a decent tuner I'm happy with (TU2, although have had an eye on a Peterson for a while). What else is there that can be acquired in gadget-land?

Cheers!

Simon.

Edited December 3, 2010 by Simon.

[EBS_freak]

[quote name='Simon.' post='1046117' date='Dec 3 2010, 10:54 AM']Holla folks,

So, it's that time of year again and despite being a wonderful person in every way, apparently Mrs Simon. isn't actually telepathic and is has had to resort to asking if there is anything bass & music related that Santa could add to the Christmas list!

Vintage Fenders, new Shukers and top end rigs aside, what are the indispensible gadgets that every bass player needs/should have in their arsenal? I'm not one for using effects, have a decent tuner I'm happy with (TU2, although have had an eye on a Peterson for a while). What else is there that can be acquired in gadget-land?

Cheers!

Simon.[/quote]

Harvest leather straps.

[Muzz]

Dunno about your gigbag scenario, but I invested in a laptop-capable rucksack which holds my RH450, leads, pedals, spare strings and all manner of bits and bobs. And it'll go over a shoulder for loading, etc.

Invaluable, and the sort of thing spouses can buy without too much help...

[Jean-Luc Pickguard]

Planet Waves SOS Tuner (in my opinion faster & better than ANY other tuner I've used and cheap as chips)
Fast Fret
Shower Hose Washers (use like Grolsch straplocks) a quids worth from screwfix will be enough for a moderate bass collection
A nice soft Fluffy Microfibre cloth to wipe the bass down after a sweaty gig
Spare cables (amp -> cab, power, patch as well as guitar cable)
Amplitube iRig (for iPhone / iPod touch)
Bass setup toolkit
behringer BDI-21 bass preamp - handy as an emergency DI box / bass amp sim

[neepheid]

I'm thinking of hinting at one of those Planet Waves string winders with the built in cutter.

A very comfy strap to help me bear the weight of my Gibson Victory Artist might be a good idea also. Maybe a gigbag - buying and selling of basses in the last year has left me with only 2 bags and 1 hard case for 6 basses.

[Shire]

Vox Bass Amplug?
[url="http://www.voxamps.com/amplug/"]http://www.voxamps.com/amplug/[/url]

With matching cab?
[url="http://www.voxamps.com/us/amplug/amplugcabinet/"]http://www.voxamps.com/us/amplug/amplugcabinet/[/url]

[NJE]

I am in a similar position most years, finding relatively inexpensive guitar related things that family can get me. Here is what I have gone for in the past:

1. Gig Skinz amp head bag, I can get power strips, 3 leads, 2 power cables, 2 speakon cables, pad, strap, and tuner and my Markbass in this. THE BEST bit of bass related kit I have ever had: [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Gig_Skinz_Gig_Bags.html"]http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_sp...z_Gig_Bags.html[/url]

2. Spare Leads, they all die eventually and good ones are expensive. Ask for a couple of speaker and guitar leads from OBBM, sound investment.

3. I always like a new strap too, Mono straps are nice as are the old comfort strapps.

4. Auralex Gramma pad. I dont actually have one yet but its on the list for this year.

5. A good multi tool with screwdrivers, allen keys and cutters. I keep one in the gigbag always.

6. Strings are always a good one, I resent paying so much for them so why not get someone else to get them.

7. A good compact guitar stand like a hercules or something similar.

[Lozz196]

[quote name='Jean-Luc Pickguard' post='1046136' date='Dec 3 2010, 11:10 AM']behringer BDI-21 bass preamp - handy as an emergency DI box / bass amp sim[/quote]
+1 to this. Good bit of kit, relatively cheap

Or as the previous post suggested, some OBBM instument cables, or speaker leads.

[Bottle]

A few things on my wish-list (excluding basses - I've already got one in the pipeline)


Boss RC-2 loop pedal (after seeing urb use one at the 'bash)

Some sort of chorus pedal (again, bash-GAS)

Some sort of OD/distortion (to replace my now-sold ODB-3)

Re-amping box (possibly a Radial ProRMP - willing to look into it a bit more)

Multi-channel FireWire audio interface for Reaper (my M-Audio FTP only supports up to four simultaneous input tracks)

Multi-core stage lead (for pedal/effects I/O & power, and instrument inputs - can make this myself, just need the parts)


Just for starters

Ian

[ead]

A roadie

[Dood]

I was in my local guitar shop yesterday and the MXR/Dunlop rep was in. He very kindly gave me a string winder to take the stress of those tedious string changes!

I went to google the winder in particular and it reminded me of a slightly different version that you can connect to an electric screw driver!

For us who have 6+ strings, it can really save time changing strings!




I have an (old) similar winder and have to say, they're brilliant!

[Simon.]

Thanks for the ideas so far folks.

[quote name='Shire' post='1046140' date='Dec 3 2010, 11:12 AM']Vox Bass Amplug?
[url="http://www.voxamps.com/amplug/"]http://www.voxamps.com/amplug/[/url][/quote]
I got one of these last year, have used it heavily and love it. I find it a touch on the noisey side, but pretty darn good, and great for travelling with.


[quote name='Shire' post='1046140' date='Dec 3 2010, 11:12 AM']With matching cab?
[url="http://www.voxamps.com/us/amplug/amplugcabinet/"]http://www.voxamps.com/us/amplug/amplugcabinet/[/url][/quote]
This however is genius! Didn't know they did a cab to go with it. Definitely on the list!

[Delberthot]

Best present I have ever received was my Leatherman Wave. I use it every day and it lives in my gig bag

[clauster]

At a range of price points -

+1 to a Leatherman (altough our drummer uses mine more than I do lol)

Butane soldering iron for those emergency soledring jobs

An RCD for when you don't trust the mains supply at a venue (never trust the mains at a venue)

Spare leads/strap

The behringer version of an FX you've been meaning to try.

If you've more than one bass - double gig bag

Plectra (if you're a pick man)

Hipshot d-tuner (if you want to change a string pitch in a hurry)

Gaffer tape

Double sided velcro (great for keeping cables coiled)

Subscription to Bass Guitar Magazine

[Shire]

[quote name='Simon.' post='1046331' date='Dec 3 2010, 01:46 PM']Thanks for the ideas so far folks.

I got one of these last year, have used it heavily and love it. I find it a touch on the noisey side, but pretty darn good, and great for travelling with.

This however is genius! Didn't know they did a cab to go with it. Definitely on the list![/quote]


I agree, can get a bit noisy but I just keep the gain down. The cab is on my list too

[Donnyboy]

Dear Santa,
I would like a computer mousemat with a photo of bass guitars on it - preferably mine.

I've been a good boy this year.
Donald ( Age 46)

[davidmpires]

[quote name='Donnyboy' post='1046551' date='Dec 3 2010, 04:49 PM']Dear Santa,
I would like a computer mousemat with a photo of bass guitars on it - preferably mine.

I've been a good boy this year.
Donald ( Age 46)[/quote]

Wish granted

[url="http://www.basscentre.com/bass-gift-ideas/warwick-infinity-bass-mouse-mat.html"]http://www.basscentre.com/bass-gift-ideas/...-mouse-mat.html[/url]

if you don't have an Infinity, that's your problem.

[warwickhunt]

[quote name='Delberthot' post='1046332' date='Dec 3 2010, 01:46 PM']Best present I have ever received was my Leatherman Wave. I use it every day and it lives in my gig bag[/quote]


[quote name='clauster' post='1046350' date='Dec 3 2010, 02:00 PM']+1 to a Leatherman (altough our drummer uses mine more than I do lol)[/quote]

Shameless plug but I have a variety of Leatherman left if anyone wants one!

[lemmywinks]

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='1046943' date='Dec 3 2010, 11:23 PM']Shameless plug but I have a variety of Leatherman left if anyone wants one! [/quote]


Surely the plural is Leathermen?

+1 on the Gramma Pad if you haven't got one, also have a look at the Korg Pitchjack tuner - a really handy jack tuner that plugs into the guitar jack

[Donnyboy]

[quote name='davidmpires' post='1046921' date='Dec 3 2010, 10:55 PM']Wish granted

[url="http://www.basscentre.com/bass-gift-ideas/warwick-infinity-bass-mouse-mat.html"]http://www.basscentre.com/bass-gift-ideas/...-mouse-mat.html[/url]

if you don't have an Infinity, that's your problem.

Very nice - I do have a problem though...... be a bit much to get a bass to match a mousemat[/quote]

[tony_m]

[quote name='Donnyboy' post='1046551' date='Dec 3 2010, 04:49 PM']Dear Santa,
I would like a computer mousemat with a photo of bass guitars on it - preferably mine.

I've been a good boy this year.
Donald ( Age 46)[/quote]
[quote name='davidmpires' post='1046921' date='Dec 3 2010, 10:55 PM']Wish granted

[url="http://www.basscentre.com/bass-gift-ideas/warwick-infinity-bass-mouse-mat.html"]http://www.basscentre.com/bass-gift-ideas/...-mouse-mat.html[/url]

if you don't have an Infinity, that's your problem.[/quote]
Or how about [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/-I-LOVE-MY-BASS-MOUSE-MAT_W0QQitemZ220377328055QQcmdZViewItem?rvr_id=181434632291&rvr_id=181434632291&cguid=bbf9ba2312c0a0aa15761416ffca6efe"]I Love My Bass[/url] on FleaBay? Personally, I prefer the [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/I-LOVE-MY-BASS-MOUSE-MAT_W0QQitemZ220361988292QQcategoryZ4713QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m263QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%26otn%3D15%26pmod%3D220377328055%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D5506860008686944866"]Jazz[/url] version, but that's just me.

[AsterL]

[quote name='neepheid' post='1046137' date='Dec 3 2010, 11:11 AM']I'm thinking of hinting at one of those Planet Waves string winders with the built in cutter.

A very comfy strap to help me bear the weight of my Gibson Victory Artist might be a good idea also. Maybe a gigbag - buying and selling of basses in the last year has left me with only 2 bags and 1 hard case for 6 basses.[/quote]


Honestly one of the best guitar teching tools I've bought in a long time

I'd say its a must.

[bluesparky]

[quote name='tony_m' post='1051844' date='Dec 8 2010, 04:18 PM']Or how about [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/-I-LOVE-MY-BASS-MOUSE-MAT_W0QQitemZ220377328055QQcmdZViewItem?rvr_id=181434632291&rvr_id=181434632291&cguid=bbf9ba2312c0a0aa15761416ffca6efe"]I Love My Bass[/url] on FleaBay? Personally, I prefer the [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/I-LOVE-MY-BASS-MOUSE-MAT_W0QQitemZ220361988292QQcategoryZ4713QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m263QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%26otn%3D15%26pmod%3D220377328055%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D5506860008686944866"]Jazz[/url] version, but that's just me. [/quote]
BOUGHT! Damn you, drunk e-bay!

[tony_m]

[quote name='bluesparky' post='1052310' date='Dec 9 2010, 12:54 AM']BOUGHT! Damn you, drunk e-bay![/quote]
Whoops, my apologies for putting temptation in your way!

[woodster]

For those with a 'fluffy' cab, a Markbass bass keeper....


[url="http://www.markbass.it/products.php?lingua=en&cat=4&vedi=54"]http://www.markbass.it/products.php?lingua...t=4&vedi=54[/url]