Sub_Drop Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 I've been toying with this idea for a while now but it's only after hearing about an acquiantances gig experience that I've seriously thought about it. I perform in several function bands and dep for several more, because of this sometimes the gigs I play can be hotels, function events, christmas parties, birthday parties, general pub gigs or whatever an agent has booked us for. This leaves me playing to a wide range of clientele and sometimes gear can be touched, damaged or played by drunken audience members (who think it's fun to invade the stage and pretend to play/sing), so I'm thinking of buying a cheaper set-up and bass to avoid any serious damage to my expensive gear. Obviously kicking, screaming and punching through audience members would be the best option to stop them touching gear but this can't be done 24/7. Personally I haven't had many problems in this area yet but I did have one guy try and play my bass mid-song. So what's your opinion? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary mac Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 If you haven't actually had any real problems yet and only one guy being a pest out of all these gigs, don't think I would be too bothered. It would still be quite a large outlay, funding a reliable gig worthy set up. If you need to justify a GAS attack, then I concur and think it's a damned fine idea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sub_Drop Posted December 23, 2013 Author Share Posted December 23, 2013 [quote name='gary mac' timestamp='1387789604' post='2315545'] If you haven't actually had any real problems yet and only one guy being a pest out of all these gigs, don't think I would be too bothered. It would still be quite a large outlay, funding a reliable gig worthy set up. If you need to justify a GAS attack, then I concur and think it's a damned fine idea [/quote] Good point. I haven't really valued how much it would cost to get another set-up, so I think it must be a GAS attack (being christmas and all). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonzodog Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 I dont think you need to worry about amps and cabs but a cheaper bass for those sort of enviroments maybe a good idea. Over the years Ive had a few people try and grab my bass or go over and pick it up while we are having a break. Fortunately now my band only plays once a month we just pick and choose what gigs we want and would never play at a place where this could happen. My Vintage V4 is a cracking bass that only cost me £70 off ebay so would be a good cheap option to take Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hobbayne Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 My P Bass always goes back in the case during breaks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sub_Drop Posted December 23, 2013 Author Share Posted December 23, 2013 [quote name='bonzodog' timestamp='1387790798' post='2315560'] I dont think you need to worry about amps and cabs but a cheaper bass for those sort of enviroments maybe a good idea. Over the years Ive had a few people try and grab my bass or go over and pick it up while we are having a break. Fortunately now my band only plays once a month we just pick and choose what gigs we want and would never play at a place where this could happen. My Vintage V4 is a cracking bass that only cost me £70 off ebay so would be a good cheap option to take [/quote] Cheers for the recommendation, I'll have a look. I was thinking about getting a 5 string modified squier Jazz bass (£310), as I just like the feel and size of a 5 more than a 4 string. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sub_Drop Posted December 23, 2013 Author Share Posted December 23, 2013 [quote name='Hobbayne' timestamp='1387790994' post='2315564'] My P Bass always goes back in the case during breaks. [/quote] I've started doing this now too. I normally use a Sandberg TM 5 string, so protection is a must. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
largo Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 Surely this is what insurance is for? If you gig as much as you say, then I'd have a backup bass & amp at least kicking around anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sub_Drop Posted December 23, 2013 Author Share Posted December 23, 2013 [quote name='largo' timestamp='1387797958' post='2315690'] Surely this is what insurance is for? If you gig as much as you say, then I'd have a backup bass & amp at least kicking around anyway. [/quote] Yeah insurance isn't a problem (should of said that from the off really). I just want something as a back-up (or to use at more personal events) in case of the worst. Seems to be the best way to go. Now to browse the bass and amp/cab for sale threads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annoying Twit Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 If I was in your position, I would consider it a fun challenge to go out and play lots of cheaper instruments to find one of those basses like the mentioned Vintage V4 that's cheap, but very nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Len_derby Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 I think It's sad that you find yourself in this situation. Instead of getting a new set of gear at your expense, why not tackle the root cause? It's totally unacceptable, in my book, for a punter to come and dick around with your 'tools of the trade'. It's your job, your livelihood. Would they do this with the tools of a plumber who'd come to fix their boiler? Have you got any ugly mates who would come and act as 'security'? I know the Doc does this. It's easy for me to say, at 6'2" with a shaven head and a face only a mother could love, but no one pisses about with my gear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 [quote name='largo' timestamp='1387797958' post='2315690'] Surely this is what insurance is for? If you gig as much as you say, then I'd have a backup bass & amp at least kicking around anyway. [/quote] yep..agree. I don't get tyhe idea of trading down if you are still doing valued work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat Burrito Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 I bought a Squier this summer for precisely this reason and agree with earlier comments that 1) it hadn't really been a problem in 25yrs of gigging and 2) the bass is better to replace than the rig. The problem is you actually run the risk of getting more attached to the cheap bass. The Squier is currently my main go to bass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 I always keep an eye on all the gear when we gig and anyone goes near it, I`ll shepherd them away from it, politely at first, very rudely if necessary. That said, it`s not happened for a very long time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 [quote name='Sub_Drop' timestamp='1387791093' post='2315565'] ....I was thinking about getting a 5 string modified squier Jazz bass (£310).... [/quote] I played this bass in a shop and preferred it to the £600 Fender model. I'd find a bass that plays well and feels good. You can always upgrade the pickups if you need it to sound better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sub_Drop Posted December 29, 2013 Author Share Posted December 29, 2013 All good opinions and I agree if its valued work then I shouldn't downgrade. I haven't had many problems in the past, I was just thinking about the possibilities after my friend told me about his experience. I might just shave my hair off and get a tattoo on the back of my head (I'll look proper 'hard' then). I do have urges to buy a new bass anyway so I think i'll test a few models and products out. Cheers for all the posts and replies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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