So I am hoping that my new band, Stanley Lighthead, starts playing out within the next couple of months. It's an instrumental jazz rock trio - guitar, bass, drums - lots of groove, improvisation and solos. I'm supposed to be contacting a few places but have been procrastinating. But that's not why I am starting this thread.
This is the first time I've been playing regularly in a LONG time - it's been nice because I've been able to put some instruments through their paces that I was never able to before. Vintage, I've used the Guild M-85 II fretless, the Gibson Les Paul Triumph; new instruments were the Fender Duck Dunn Signature and MIJ "'70s P-Bass" with Alembic Activator pickups. I love the basses with flats (Guild, Triumph & Duck Dunn), but if we are going to play an entire set then I think I want a bass strung with rounds. So it's either the Fender '70s or another bass, my 5-string Alembic Stanley Clarke. The Alembic seems ideal, since I can get a wide range of sounds out of it, plus it has the high C string because I have to solo a lot in this band. But it's super heavy. So I was originally thinking I would take the Fender '70s as a backup, since it also has Alembic electronics.
But then I thought, maybe I could switch basses partway through the set and play a flatwound strung bass. So I'm thinking I might take the Duck Dunn out as the backup. That way for some songs I can switch to a long scale bass (the Stanley Clarke is about 30") with flats for a different feel. Or I could do the Fender '70s as the main instrument, and trade off with the Triumph - that one has the 24 frets which are fun to try and use, and since it's short scale it might offer a nice contrast.
But I'm also trying to keep things simple, so maybe just one bass? ??? Or maybe it's going to sound too jarring switching? I wouldn't want to switch song by song - I could see using one for five songs, the other for a few more, then back to the first one. Anyone have experience with switching basses during a set or thoughts on the topic? Or just tell your own story! :mrgreen:
To my main band's gig I bring three: a Waterstone 12-string that has a dropped D -tuning (E to D), an 8 -string Hamer and whatever 4 string I fancy (usually a T-bird or a Telecaster). To any other gig two: one 4 string and a spare.
I always bring two basses.
The one that I intend playing on.
And one spare in case I break a string, or something else should go wrong.
Sometimes, when we do a two setter, I change basses after the break. Just because I can :)
Or when we play some songs in a different tuning (DADG).
But most of the time I just stick to the first bass.
I do the same as Rob. Bring two basses and bring a spare, which I often don't use. It's tuned and ready besides me and I only needed it once because of a broken string.
I always 'match' my basses a bit. If I play the short scale Danelectro I'll take my short scale Gretsch with me. Or often it is T-Bird and 4001. I never know which to play. I'll decide last minute.
What you could do is bring a main bass with flats and one with rounds as a back up. You could use it for some songs and in case of emergency for a whole set.
Playing in a cover band, I like to switch between a bass with flats and one with rounds for sonic reasons. (Think switching between Cream & the Who.) That said, I wonder how many listeners notice the difference.... :-\
And as the others have noted, it's nice to have a backup.
Normally I bring two. I would never travel without a backup. Lately I've been bringing three - 4 string Ric, 8 string Ric, and Samick mini bass. The mini bass is kind of a fun gimmick that I use for one song. The 24-3/4'' scale allows me to play the intro to Hot For Teacher in unison with our guitarist. I added some electrical tape for visual effect. ;)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/p480x480/425274_10200358050412377_1640966823_n.jpg)
I bring two, mainly as backup - but also because we play Sunshine of Your Love, and I much prefer to use my '64 EB-0 on that one. The EB also serves as a backup in case my primary bass has a problem. (This has not happened since I got my P in 1967, but I guess it could.)
So I usually bring (whatever) bass, plus the EB-0.
Let's see........
Good reasons I can think of...........
I break E and A strings regularly, doesn't matter what brand they are, yes I change them out often.
In my mind 1 bass = none, 2 = 1.
Sometimes I'll bring two similar basses i.e. '76s or ones with sets of Lull pups.
Sometimes I just like having several up on stage ;)
A girl has to accessorize properly, so sometimes I need a bass to match my hair and skirt ;D
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/TacomaPride36of48.jpg) (http://s222.photobucket.com/user/veronicasteed/media/TacomaPride36of48.jpg.html)
Three...Dano, Precision and Pace upright
Just one. I never break strings, and would only really want a different sound on 2 songs which we don't always play, (for one I'd want the EB3 and for the other the RD - The Triumph approximates both of those well enough).... Also, that sort of indulgence is frowned upon in the local scene (unless it's reasonable, like if you need an upright and an electric).
(http://wodumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Dee-Dee-Ramone-Joey-Ramone-Tommy-Ramone-and-Johnny-Ramone-of-the-Ramones-on-a-subway-in-New-York.-18-July-1975.jpg)
Typical Beatles/Sixties show:
Hofner 500/1
Rickenbacker 4001S
Danelectro Longhorn or Eastwood Classic IV or...
Beatles orchestra show:
Hofner 500/1
Rickenbacker 4001S
Fender Jazz
SX Custom VI
Jerry Jones Master Sitar
Original band:
Gibson Midtown
DiPinto Belvedere
I always brought one. Fender Roscoe Beck V. I've never broken a string. Use DR HiBeams and the bass is passive so no battery worries. I always bring and extra set of strings just in case.
Depends on the gig.
Stones tribute - 2 x short scales (SG RI, Duesenberg Starplayer, or Ampeg Dan Armstrong RI)
Doors tribute - 1 x P bass
Stones + Doors double tribute show - 1 x shortie and 1 x P bass
Blues gig - 1 x P bass or Darkstar P
General covers gig - 2 x basses (whatever I'm in the mood for on the night, eg. JAEbird, Big Al, P bass)
Original rock gig - ditto
I bring at least three, maybe four......................sometimes five :-[ standard tuning, half step, fretless, drop D and a spare NR in standard tuning.
The last string I broke was in 1983, when I was playing with a pick.
Quote from: Aussie Mark on June 04, 2013, 07:00:40 PM
The last string I broke was in 1983, when I was playing with a pick.
You are askin' for it, cobber!
Used to break strings on a regular basis when I played the (hair) metal stuff in three (instruments + voice) piece bands, late seventies, early eighties, so never went to a gig without the pair, the RD and the PC, then mid eighties Peter Cook converted my RD to fretless, so I'd bring three (a Hohner Jack as the third).
Last regular gig was the same three and post the strip-down of the RD the fretless Jazz... the PC is great for "multi-tasking" having a Mudbucker and a T'bird pup...
Use what you feel is "right" for you, Harry, and trust in the force your instinct and "ears"...
Always just one. Don't care about what gig, or what band, I'll grab the bass I feel for (only got longscales), for reasons unknown to me. ;D
Last time I broke a string at a gig was at least 25 years ago. The piano player succeded in changing actual string, while I kept on playing a simplified version of the bass pattern in some soul tune we were playing at the moment. We both just laughed. Must have looked comical! Would have been much worse in a smaller band.
roger waters has been touring 'the wall' worldwide for god knows how long. he takes three basses and they're all the same. he does however have lots of guitars and g. e. smith plays some bass here and there.
Normally two: a fender re 62 jazz bass and precision 51. Sometimes I bring a 57 precision. This since I play with my new band covering Led Zeppelin. Before, when covering Grand Funk, I used my Eb-0 and another spare randomly chosen.
Thanks everyone for the replies! Great to see the diversity of approaches. I love Granny Gremlin's characterization of more than one bass as "indulgent" - that was definitely in the back of my mind when I asked.
One good thing I can report is that we got our first gig! July 24 at a small place in San Francisco called "Cafe Royale (http://www.caferoyale-sf.com/)" - supposed to be pretty mellow and the owner sounds psyched for us to play! If I can get my Stanley Clarke up and running then I think I am going to take that and the Duck Dunn (two signature basses) - otherwise, it'll be the '70s P & Les Paul Triumph. Fortunately this doesn't look like the kind of place where I have to fear that beer will be poured on my gear. I guess that's another question for another thread - do you take good gear out or just beaters? :mrgreen:
Congrats on the gig!
I do like some others have noted and usually just bring one to play, and one just for backup (or I just bring an extra set of strings). I tend to rotate stuff, favoring one bass for 2-3 months, and then changing it up. My favorites for this band are typically the 73 Triumph (using this a lot recently), 76 Thunderbird, and 73 Ric.
The only problem I've had taking my old basses out was at one gig when I used to use a 6x10 cab config with a hercules hanger braced onto the side. Thought it would be handy to hang the bass there between sets, but at one gig a road case got pushed against the front of my EB-3 and its clasp gouged the front of it pretty good. >:( Ever since then, bass goes in case.
Haven't had an issue with unruly bar patrons yet, but it's always entertaining. Sometimes I feel like I should be paying them! ;)
I only own beaters.
real answer 3 or 4 but more at times
usually the bass i want to play and something different - fender/fodera and jaebird or something with a humbucker versus fender pups.
Then a backup bass to the main one
usually either a 5 string or a fretless depending on the band. sometimes both
If an unknown venue or outside then one of the main basses or backup needs to be a self grounding bass as i sing alot and don't trust old wiring anymore.
plus what am i saving them for anyway.
Quote from: jumbodbassman on June 07, 2013, 09:21:32 AM
plus what am i saving them for anyway.
Good point! That's one of the things I like about this place - even the collectors are player/collectors.
Quote from: TBird1958 on June 04, 2013, 10:18:36 AM
Let's see........
Good reasons I can think of...........
I break E and A strings regularly, doesn't matter what brand they are, yes I change them out often.
In my mind 1 bass = none, 2 = 1.
I don't get it :o. I broke one string in my life , back in the 70's playing with a pick. I dig in about as hard as anyone I've ever seen and it was a heavy gauge (110) E string . I still think something was wrong with the string ???
Rick
back in the 70's when i played with pick and rotos i would break strings occassionly especially as they aged and i couldn't afford to change that frequently. more on the 4001 and ibanez musician than the p bass. been 100% finger guy since 85 ish. don't think i have broken a string on a gig since.
more likely to step on a plug and break the jack output on the bass or have something fall into and break something else usually a drummer or drunk crowd.
had a few vol/tone pots or switches mishaps at gigs thru the years also.
some dramatic weather swings causing neck bows form prior gig most likely issue especially if you don't have that truss rod with you
Quote from: rahock on June 11, 2013, 03:36:30 PM
I don't get it :o. I broke one string in my life , back in the 70's playing with a pick. I dig in about as hard as anyone I've ever seen and it was a heavy gauge (110) E string . I still think something was wrong with the string ???
Rick
Playing live I get pretty excited and really pound away with a .73 Tortex.........I've broken relatively new and older strings. I'm not saying what I do is the best form, it's just a way of playing that works for me.
Finally started working on the multiple bass thing. Actually managed to take all four to where I rehearse and set up my amp and effects. I want to match the Alembic & the Duck Dunn for one pair, the white P-bass with the Les Paul. Still wondering if I'm crazy to take two basses to the gig - I don't think I want to switch back and forth a lot - maybe play half with one, half with the other?
(http://imageshack.us/a/img843/2462/hxf4.jpg)
That stand is funny - I bought it back in 2002 when I started collecting instruments. Never used it since, but kept it just in case. Finally came in handy! I like this shot because it shows the differences in scales - maybe I should have put the Alembic and hobbit together? Next time!
Here's another one, this time just the bodies:
(http://imageshack.us/a/img443/2580/go1n.jpg)
The Alembic is definitely the oddball, the way it sticks out. The Les Paul is the oddball volume-wise - it definitely has the highest output of the three, at least on position 2 - I forgot to mess with that position switch! But 2 is my favorite.
Next thing I need to work on is my pedalboard!
Nice to have such variety to hand, H...
Re "beaters", mine are more "beaten"... :sad: ;D
Good luck... month to go...
my take on multiple basses, three or more is that you had better be damn good. otherwise people may see you as a poser wannabe or something else just as horrible.
Quote from: nofi on June 22, 2013, 08:19:28 AM
my take on multiple basses is that you had better be damn good. otherwise people may see you as a poser wannabe or something else just as horrible.
When I was playing for a living, I only had one bass. I used to break E and A strings so regularly that I could actually break a string, change it, and tune it before the song ended. There is an irony in becoming too good at doing that. My band forced me to buy a second bass, which wasn't easy for me then. Since then, I have always brought a standby for just such a need, and for the occasional tone switch on specific songs.
Quote from: nofi on June 22, 2013, 08:19:28 AM
my take on multiple basses, three or more is that you had better be damn good. otherwise people may see you as a poser wannabe or something else just as horrible.
Trust me, I'm only taking two! :mrgreen: Any more than that and I would need a different car and a roadie.
Quote from: hieronymous on June 22, 2013, 10:05:02 AM
Trust me, I'm only taking two! :mrgreen: Any more than that and I would need a different car and a roadie.
You have more than one roadie????? 8)
I am my wife's roadie, but she doesn't play an instrument. This is, I think, the Order Of Things.
I actually had a roadie once - in 2002 I got back together with the band I had left in '95 - I was living in my parents' house after they passed away and let a friend live there with me, in exchange for roadie services. I would walk into the club carrying my bass - everything else was taken care of! Nice while it lasted... :mrgreen:
Quote from: Pilgrim on June 22, 2013, 12:35:47 PM
... This is, I think, the Order Of Things.
Why do you think they're called SWMBO...? ;D
Quote from: nofi on June 22, 2013, 08:19:28 AM
my take on multiple basses, three or more is that you had better be damn good. otherwise people may see you as a poser wannabe or something else just as horrible.
Nofi... you
are my psychiatrist...! :vader: ;D
An upright and an electric because I need both. Having a station wagon helps.
Two - whichever one I am going to play and I have a cheap Squire jazz that stays in the car in case I break a string.
Don't play different basses for different music. Have 4 electrics 3 Gretsches, 1 Pbass and 2 uprights (1 plain gut string, the other metal wrap on synthetic core)
Usually takes a song or 2 before I settle into the bass I am playing and adjust my approach to suit the bass.
Two always, in case of a problem with one.
It's usually two out of a P Bass, Asat, T Bird or ES 335.
If we are doing an amplified acoustic set, the Ripper comes along.
I always take two - usually something like my ThunderJet and my '64 EB-0. When we play Sunshine of Your Love as part of the set, I love to use that old EB-0, as it sounds perfect. it's a good backup too, even if it sounds different than the Gretsch.
Zombie thread!
Two basses - typically a Thunderbird and a something Fender-ish, although it's usually an Epiphone/Squier pairing so if a loss is incurred it's not something irreplaceable. If I am forced to carry only one bass, in order to have everything covered I will bring the Frankenstein P-Bird (P-bass with Gibson TB Plus at the bridge). There are, of course, specific situations where I don't adhere to the standard, and anything is possible.
Live gig: 2. The one I expect to play plus a backup.
Recording session: as many as I think I might be asked for, although I'll always bring my Ripper and a PBass along. 85% of the time, all I'll be asked to play is the Precision. However, the Ripper has been gaining more attention and interest of late. Small wonder considering they record like a dream. I'm starting to see a few in studio instrument collections too. Maybe these producer types are waking up?
Sixer and electric upright for me...sometimes a Dano Longhorn just because it's so much fun to play.
I bring whichever I'm going to play (90% of the time it's the Gibson LPB-1), plus usually a cheapo Danelectro DC circa 1999 as a backup in case I break a string.
When I was in a more proggish band that did material I could barely play, the Dano became my main gig bass for a while because it weighs nothing and has a skinny neck and the sound worked for the band. I'm not sure it looked the part (too surfy) but nobody complained - people occasionally complimented me on it too.
At least 2 and if we've done a lot of gigs in a few days then a 3rd one will be the extremely light one to give the back a break(Greco solid body violin bass or a Gibson SG bass or Galveston USA flag bass).
When we do "fun events" such as tailgate parties at Texas A&M(pre-game) then I may bring a rack and 5 or 6 just to compare them all against each other(at volume), because I can, to have spares for young women if we do the "women on stage songs", because no one knows when there time will be up/life is too short not to, give the audience eye-candy, and to tweak the guitar players.
One fretted (mostly the PC), one fretless (mostly the RD)... the Dragonfly will be used for acoustic gigs with the guitarist as the drummer disappears for 2 weeks out to the North Sea rigs and is then home for 3...