Guitars for a Gig

[jalevinemd]

I've been gigging with my new band for just about two years and have only been bringing one guitar to each show. I figure it's kinda like Russian Roulette. Curious to know how many of you bring more than one guitar or bass with you. If you are gigging with two or more, is it out of necessity for songs with different tunings or is it simply to have a backup in case you have issues with one?

[gtrguy]

I took 2 MIJ 62ri Strats to an outdoor gig last night. I didn't want to be out of commission if I broke a string. However, I tried both and liked one better than the other during the show. One has active EMGs and the other passive Van Zandt True Vintage pups in it. The Van Zandt guitar had more edge and that worked out better. I also use a 3 guitar floor stand and let the bass player use the 3rd slot.

[jazzyvee]

When I was touring as a guitarist, due to weight restrictions, I was only allowed to carry one guitar and I can only remember breaking a string once or twice, though it may have been more in less memorable gigs. I've never had a guitar fail electrically or mechanically on me on a gig live whether it's been a cheap or expensive one. When I was on the road I'd change my strings every other gig to reduce the chance of breakage. These days I play bass more and only carry one bass with me to a gig unless there is a musical need for me to carry more than one. I have done but maybe a dozen times in all. The guitarist in my band is also a regular international touring guitarist and even when travelling abroad only carries one guitar with him too. I don't use altered tunings or have an aggressive style that makes me more prone to string breakages.

[gtrguy]

I torture the hell out of my strings at times, and they have been known to break. With certain guitars that have whammy bars, a busted string is a real pain to change and the guitar can be unplayable till you do. On bass, I always just take one bass to gigs. Having 2 guitars means you have to make sure both are in tune! It's like a twin engine airplane; some people say the possibility of engine failure is just two times as likely!

[edwardofhuncote]

I always have a backup bass with me. Just in case Murphy shows up at the gig. 

[El Thumpo]

I have a Steinberger Spirit as a backup bass. Takes up almost no space—in fact, between gigs it lives in the back of my car. It’s passive, so no batteries. The Steinberger bridge holds tuning for days, so it can be grab-and-play. No, it doesn’t by any measure sound like my regular basses, but that’s not the point. The point is to keep the music going.

I’ve had it for at least ten years. Haven’t needed to use it onstage even once, but it’s a cheap insurance policy. Bonus: since it lives in my car, it’s come in handy for impromptu jams and practice sessions.

[fmm]

I take either a Yamaha BX-1 or an Ashbory as a backup for out-of-town gigs.

[jacko]

I've always taken two basses to gigs. When I was playing functions some songs needed a fretless but it was also a backup for my fretted bass.  Nowadays I don't have a fretless requirement so I take two fretted basses - Only ever needed a spare once when I snapped an E string but it's a risk I'd rather not take

Graeme

[gtrguy]

The Yamaha BX-1 would be a perfect bass as a backup! I saw one stripped once and they used a beautiful wood sandwich for their build.

[fmm]

I bought the BX-1 new.  I'm on the lookout for another as a backup or for parts.  It used to be the go-to bass when I wasn't using my Series I, but lately I've been using a Sire S7 that I absolutely love.

[StefanieJones]

Sometimes I bring my old P-bass along just to use it for a song or two. but, I pretty much just play my Spoiler now. If I'm playing guitar I bring an electric and an acoustic.

[gtrguy]

I love BX-1s, except for the crack they all seem to get at the output jack. Mine has been upgraded with EMG electronics and is actually one of the best sounding basses I own. The body shape makes it hard to slap bass though.

[fmm]

My BX-1 so far (fingers crossed) has not developed that crack.  I can't slap, so that's not an issue...
A bonus feature is quick string changes.  Once I have the new string and hex key in my hand, I can have a new string on and up to pitch in under a minute.

[pauldo]

When I was gigging regularly...
Swing band was strictly the Distillate. 
Rock band was Distillate with my Frankenstein Fretless because there were a dozen songs where ya just had to have that mwah.

[StefanieJones]

I feel kind of torn right now. At our show Friday, I was playing the P-bass. I thought to myself why am I bothering, I'd much rather be playing the Spoiler. At the end of the song, I switched to the Spoiler and thought it's just so much better in every way. Why am I bothering to bring the P-bass? It's just another think to carry and I'm thinking I'd just rather not use it anymore. For what? Nostalgia?  So I think I'll be going to the one bass at a gig only from now on.