paul_c2 Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 I have gigged plenty of times before but it was a while ago, I have a few coming up soon (in a couple of weeks). I've ordered a spare set of strings, just in case I snap a string before/during the gig. And I'll take a number of extra leads just in case of an electrical issue; and a spare mains lead for the amp. My bass is a Jazz bass so it has 2 pickups, meaning that if something strange electrical happens to it, it might only affect the one pickup and I can survive on the other one (or it might be a more general electrical issue). What other preparations or bits and piece are worth taking to the concert, just in case something bizarre or unusual happens? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cato Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 Cricket box. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingPrawn Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 I wouldn't worry to much. If you get into the mindset that something might go wrong, there's a danger you'll end up bringing bring two of everything. There's more chance things won't go wrong! I just keep my gear in good nick as much as possible. For me it's usually things like batteries, extension leads, gaffer tape. Enjoy your return to gigging Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Number6 Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 Chicken wire mesh screen..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FinnDave Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 I reckon you need a spare bass and a riot shield. Standard equipment for the gigging bass man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Bay Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 [quote name='Number6' timestamp='1480181113' post='3182347'] Chicken wire mesh screen..... [/quote] That thought always makes me sing the theme tune to Rawhide in my head. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikel Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 A spare bass, in case your no1 packs up. A spare amp, you can never bee too careful. Lots of strings, leads, plecs and pedals, plus gaffa tape and a tool kit. Book a hire car just in case yours breaks down on the day. Have a mate who is first aid trained ready to give CPR just in case the stress gets to you with pre gig nerves. Check the fire safety certificate is up to date on the venue, you cant be too careful where wiring is concerned, and make sure you know where the fire exits are. Lastly, whatever you do, do not go anywhere near a can of Heinz Baked Beans in the 48 hours before the gig, unless you want to be hospitalised by one of those delinquent cans.. That should do it, and good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChunkyMunky Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 [quote name='FinnDave' timestamp='1480181359' post='3182351'] I reckon you need a spare bass and a riot shield. Standard equipment for the gigging bass man. [/quote] Or in the case of my Musicman Bongo, they're synonymous Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_c2 Posted November 26, 2016 Author Share Posted November 26, 2016 I can almost - but not quite - justify having a 2nd bass as a backup!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimR Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 Now that someone has mentioned taking a spare bass; you know what will happen if you don't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivansc Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 Worst experience I ever had was at the end of the first set, the drummer got up off his kit, walked to the front of the stage and keeled over. Ambulance was called and the paramedics did the full CPR deal then carted him off to hospital. A coronary, which happily he survived to gig again! Not much you do to prepare for that though, is there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ambient Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 Have you ever broken a string ? Has your amp ever stopped working ? Has one of your pickups ever broken ? I own one bass, one amp, one ebow etc, etc. Don't worry, just enjoy what you do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
machinehead Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 I take spare cables, battery, strings and a spare amp. I did have an amp fail on a gig once, thankfully during an encore. I've taken a spare amp ever since and it's never happened again. Then again I've never broken a string. Frank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mykesbass Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 [quote name='ivansc' timestamp='1480185428' post='3182393'] Worst experience I ever had was at the end of the first set, the drummer got up off his kit, walked to the front of the stage and keeled over. Ambulance was called and the paramedics did the full CPR deal then carted him off to hospital. A coronary, which happily he survived to gig again! Not much you do to prepare for that though, is there? [/quote] Sadly this happened during a rehearsal to a pianist I played in a big band with. A loud crash and I looked over my shoulder, laughed, thinking he'd fallen off his chair, then the horrible realisation of what had actually happened. Unfortunately he didn't survive. Lovely old boy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul S Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 I've broken and string and had an amp fail on me, so I always take a spare bass and amp as back up. Better them sitting within reach than at home! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikel Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 Worst gig? First gig with a new band back in 1980. Lunchtime slot supporting the King Crabs, Jimmy Nails band, at a CIU club in Newcastle. Having to use there kit and backline, the drummer spends the whole set whacking the back of his left hand as the Crabs drummer has his hi-hat set low for R and B. Huge swollen bruise on hand. Guitarist spilts his finger open on string end and finishes our set with blood all over the neck of his guitar. Vocalist panics and forgets most of the original songs lyrics. We come off stage to have a consolation drink with wives and girlfriends and.............on comes the stripper. At lunchtime????????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrunoBass Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 In all my years gigging I've never had anything fail or break on me. There, I've jinxed it now, next gig it'll all go wrong... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimR Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 [quote name='PaulGibsonBass' timestamp='1480194876' post='3182488'] In all my years gigging I've never had anything fail or break on me. There, I've jinxed it now, next gig it'll all go wrong... [/quote] Yep. The only time I've ever had a catastrophic bass failure was when a singer asked me, at the practice before a gig, if I wanted to borrow his bass as a spare. Up to that point, in 30 years of playing, I'd never even broken a string. Ever since then I have a spare bass. In its case somewhere fairly close by. I can't remember last time I opened the case and don't actually know if the bass is still in it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alyctes Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 Spare band... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SICbass Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 [quote name='Cato' timestamp='1480180911' post='3182342'] Cricket box. [/quote] Thankyou. That gave me a proper belly-laugh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mep Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 Strings, leads, batteries should do for most incidents. A DI box is useful too if your amp or cab fails. I have had to replace or use all the above at one time or another. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
josie Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 Spare battery and screwdriver installed in the gig-bags of the two I gig. Cable for my local om, which is very well run but does have occasional cable problems. But I check the batteries every three months (as today) and generally "prevention is better than cure". Mind you if I ever get to the level where more depends on it - and if I'm not as usual going by public transport - I might take a "spare" bass. If only to show off Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FinnDave Posted November 27, 2016 Share Posted November 27, 2016 My first Precision bass (30 summat years ago) would randomly cut out at gigs (never at rehearsals) and back then I couldn't afford a spare, so I always take two to gigs now. My am stopped working mid gig (after the first number, really) only a few months ago. I aways carry a Sansamp, but since then have it plugged up and ready in case it happens again. I am planning to have myself cloned in case I stop working mid gig too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rushbo Posted November 27, 2016 Share Posted November 27, 2016 [quote name='FinnDave' timestamp='1480211280' post='3182588'] I am planning to have myself cloned in case I stop working mid gig too. [/quote] Ha! The world ain't ready for two of me... I have a "gig box" full of spares of everything, including a DI, just in case the amp goes phut... I've used everything in it - apart from the DI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FinnDave Posted November 27, 2016 Share Posted November 27, 2016 [quote name='rushbo' timestamp='1480247516' post='3182729'] Ha! The world ain't ready for two of me... I have a "gig box" full of spares of everything, including a DI, just in case the amp goes phut... I've used everything in it - apart from the DI. [/quote] Yep, I have a DI box in my bag as well, and have had to use it once this year. Without the box, that gig would have been over after the first song! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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