Do you DB'ers carry a spare set of strings to gigs?

[Clarky]

There are numerous threads on the electric bass side about whether you need back-up strings in case of breakage on a gig etc. The consensus seems to be that very few BC'ers actually break strings on gigs but that, for peace of mind and that small percentage of breakages, a sizeable number of us do bring along a spare set of strings.

So I wondered how many of you DB'ers ever keep a spare set of strings and a string winder in your DB gigbags for such an eventuality? I've not done so to date but wonder if its a good idea to do so. DB strings have some idiosyncrasies and the break point on the bridge is exposed to knocks. On the other hand a spare set of DB strings is a lot more expensive than a spare set of electric bass strings!

Edited October 7, 2013 by Clarky

[Bilbo]

No

[Clarky]

I like your conciseness Bilbo

[Clarky]

Poll added. We do love a poll

[alistair Sutcliffe]

Not spare strings, but i do have an old beater of an electric bass in the car just in case the db implodes.

[alexpea]

I have a set of Helicore Orchestrals that came on my bass in my case. Mainly because I put them in there when I took them of my bass and forgot they were there till I read this thread...

[Dave Vader]

I have the old strings that I took off it last time they got changed in the case. Just in case.
I do not own a string-winder.

[jakenewmanbass]

Nope and I have had the experience of a broken string on the first rehearsal of a musical (3 week run)
lots of hurried phone calls produced a replacement.
edit
having said that, my bread and butter gig has a bass that lives in their van, I've left an old set of spirocores in the bag... unused for prob 8 years

Edited October 7, 2013 by jakenewmanbass

[Cat Burrito]

[quote name='alistair Sutcliffe' timestamp='1381156823' post='2235088']
Not spare strings, but i do have an old beater of an electric bass in the car just in case the db implodes.
[/quote]

This.

Only because my improvised human beatbox is rubbish though

[Rabbie]

I do. Never ever used them but it makes me feel better. It's an old set of wackers anyway stuffed in the gig bag with all the other bits and bobs.

[hubrad]

Yup. Strings, winder.. don't even look in my wires bag! Used spare strings once (Evah.. ouch!) when one was damaged by too-close contact with part of the vehicle we were travelling in.
I have a soundpost setting tool, which usually lives under the front seat of my own car. I think I can explain it, should I ever get searched late at night.
I was a Scout for a looong time!

[bassace]

Yes, a new set of Mittels, a string winder and a 4B pencil. I've had more tail wires than strings break (2-0).

[geoffbassist]

I leave an old set in my car as I tend to drive to most gigs. They are a set that have been played to death by me in the past but would work as a last resort.
I have never broken a string, but expect it will happen at some point.

[EssentialTension]

I would if I had a spare set but I'm not keen to cough up £100+ as spares only.

[PTB]

I keep a set of old strings in my bass bag. I've never broken a DB string but aware that my Slaps are around 2 years old now.
On bass guitar, I have broken 2 strings live in 25 years so, again, not too worried.

Edited October 7, 2013 by PTB

[TheG]

Saw Larry Grenadier break a string on a gig with pat Metheny.

I always keep a spare set of old strings just for peace of mind.

[marvin spangles]

Yip older spiros and a winder.

[TPJ]

No, but I bring a backup bass guitar. I used to carry a UBass as a backup.

[fatback]

No, I think there's a better chance of bashing the bridge off something than breaking a metal string.

I try to make myself bring an electric, but I'm not sure I can remember how to play it.

[Lfalex v1.1]

Alright, not a DB'er, but I've never broken a string on a Bass guitar.
I don't carry spares for those. I seriously doubt I'll ever bust a strung on the EUB. it's also rather physically robust. I'd be most worried about batteries. Might carry a pair of 9v!

[bassace]

But you guys who don't carry spares: what exactly would you do if you did break a string? Not an impossible occurrence.

[Dad3353]

[quote name='bassace' timestamp='1381421893' post='2238930']
But you guys who don't carry spares: what exactly would you do if you did break a string? Not an impossible occurrence.
[/quote]

...or if you break a finger, eh..? Not an impossible occurrence, either.

[EssentialTension]

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1381426038' post='2239029']
...or if you break a finger, eh..? Not an impossible occurrence, either.
[/quote]
I always carry spare fingers; three on my plucking hand.

[Clarky]

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1381426038' post='2239029']
...or if you break a finger, eh..? Not an impossible occurrence, either.
[/quote]
Oi. Start your own poll, mate

[bassace]

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1381426038' post='2239029']
...or if you break a finger, eh..? Not an impossible occurrence, either.
[/quote]

If I broke a finger I would consider it a good enough reason for stopping the gig; a broken string is no excuse for a pro musician to stop. As long as there is a bo**ocks barrier somewhere outside Dover we should all be spared.