Author Topic: How many do you take on a gig? (Read 254 times)

jazzyvee · « **on:** June 29, 2009, 06:17:29 AM »

How many guitars do you take to a gig?
I normally only take one instrument to any gig that I'm playing at. When I was touring, restrictions on baggage meant we had to travel light so I only had one guitar with me for all but one of the tours I've done.
I was playing exclusively reggae on my tours so didn't really need to carry more guitars to get a different sound, but did take two when we toured in the USA just because we were there for 2 weeks and just to be safe.

Fortunately I haven't had any problems other than the odd string break with any guitar i've taken on the road. I did sell my Parker Fly as punishment for giving me problems in Singapore after a string break. The difficulty was the machine heads had this crazy string locking setup where you had to align two holes on the string post before you could thread the string through. When on a dark stage that is almost impossible to do.

What do you think?
Are guitars and basses now durable, versatile, reliable enough to rely on one guitar?

I recently read that Clarkee's bass packed up on the SMV tour. I haven't been able to find out what it was that went wrong with it but the fact he had to continue on double bass it would indicate that he is happy to carry only one electric bass when touring.

Jazzyvee

olieoliver · « **Reply #1 on:** June 29, 2009, 06:29:14 AM »

When I was playing full time I always had 2 basses with me. My 4 string and my 8 string.

Now that I only play part time and usually in Church or the Studio it all depends on the set list. If I'll be doing any slap I'll take a 4 string if not I'll take a 5.

If I happend to be playing for more than a couple of hours I'll take both.

I've leave my upright at Church because I never know what song I'll use it on until the moment occurs.

OO

crobbins · « **Reply #2 on:** June 29, 2009, 07:54:00 AM »

I take 1 bass, and 1 guitar. 1 bass rig, and 1 guitar rig. That's enough exercise for me..

olieoliver · « **Reply #3 on:** June 29, 2009, 08:04:24 AM »

Fortunately I've only needed to carry my amp with twice in the past year. Most of the stuff I've done either have a house amp or in ear monitors. Makes it a little more appealing to carry an extra axe when you're not heaving a heavy amp around.

OO

OO

gtrguy · « **Reply #4 on:** June 29, 2009, 10:20:06 AM »

Two if I am playing regular guitar (in case I break a string mid-song) and one if playing bass. However, I have had bass strings break during songs also. I also take a quick string winder tool and a little flashlight.

keith_h · « **Reply #5 on:** June 29, 2009, 10:35:07 AM »

It depends upon the material. I typically take two. My Brown Bass and either my 5 string Orion or fretless Orion.

Keith

lbpesq · « **Reply #6 on:** June 29, 2009, 11:11:35 AM »

I always bring a backup guitar in case I break a string mid-set. Then, depending on the material we're playing, I'll often bring my Series I 12 string or my Orion Baritone. If I'm using my synth, my alembicized Fernandes (with 13 pin out) is always along for the ride. I recently picked up a Line 6 Variax. I may start bringing this one to do multiple duty, covering the roles of back-up, 12 string and any other sounds I may want (dobro, open tunings, sitar, etc).

Bill, tgo

terryc · « **Reply #7 on:** June 29, 2009, 12:17:09 PM »

My MK Signature only..it does all I want it to do
Roland Bass Cube with extension speaker, wireless unit and Zoom B2.1u

hydrargyrum · « **Reply #8 on:** June 29, 2009, 12:38:30 PM »

Off topic, but how do you like the Orion Bill? I was just thinking that I would have liked to have had it at practice the other day. Then I kicked myself again for selling it.

briant · « **Reply #9 on:** June 29, 2009, 01:38:35 PM »

I'll either bring two basses or one bass with an extra set of strings. Usually I make this decision based on what rig I'm taking. If it is a small rig I bring one bass to keep the amount of gear to a minimum.

bsee · « **Reply #10 on:** June 29, 2009, 02:37:43 PM »

I bring an Alembic plus a headless bass of some sort. It gives me a show-must-go-on backup with minimal extra load. If you're a short scale player, find a Kramer Duke. For long scale, there are plenty of options from Hohner, Steinberger, or even Zon. If you have the $2K or so, Zon has told me they would make a 32 if I wanted one, and they definitely make five stringers as well.

If I were studio bound, I might bring a 2nd Alembic, but the headless is a great backup option for live work.

If I were a guitarist, I would definitely bring a backup. Those skinny little strings are too fragile.

-bob

jacko · « **Reply #11 on:** June 29, 2009, 03:06:09 PM »

I take 2, a fretted and a fretless which both get used as the music dictates. They're both 5 string so at least if I break a string I can switch basses pretty quickly although the tone and feel will be different.

graeme

dannobasso · « **Reply #12 on:** June 29, 2009, 03:37:32 PM »

Though I have had a few black basses built for touring, I only bring 1 on a gig. I'm sometimes asked where is the backup? I say I don't need it. It would be like having a backup drum set. The Excels stay in tune and hold their set up. I do make sure the batteries are good and have tools and extras on hand which get given out to guitarists on occasion. Good thing I get them as Costco!

lbpesq · « **Reply #13 on:** June 29, 2009, 05:44:41 PM »

The Costco brand batteries, Kirkland, are actually quite good. Consumer Reports did a test last year and they ranked right at the top, as good or better than Duracells! It's the main reason I have a Costco card.

Bill, tgo

sonicus · « **Reply #14 on:** June 29, 2009, 06:12:00 PM »

It depends on the gig, but a fretted and a fretless often as of lately.I sold my Bass Violin so that's no longer an option.