Question Keeping your Bass from being stolen while on a gig?

[Moose308]

New Product Idea.

Feel free to exploit this and desgin it for yourself.

Problem - Basses getting stolen at gigs. Nobody cares about the guitars, steal all you want.

Possible Solution (with markteting tie in) - Exploit the installed base of Ernie Ball Strap Locks, and drive their future sales, with a "locking" Strap Lock which would quickly, easily snap into the pre-installed EB Strap Lock button on the bass. However, this widget would would not be attached to a strap, but rather a thick aircraft cable type lasso. Something you could bolt to the floor, or around a pillar, or something like that. The "locking" Strap Lock would have a key, or combo lock.

So when you leave the stage, just pop off your strap, and pop on the security cable. Only you will be able to open it with your key/combination. The chances are nobody would be able to defeat the lock/cable without a lot of effort. The weak point would be the bass itself (made of wood), and they would have to destroy the upper horn to get the strap button off. Since 99% of thefts are usually easy targets of opportunity (small items, easily carried, and unguarded), a locked down bass would be an unlikely target.

Just a thought.

 

[spencer]

Good one attach the other side to the cab.

Only I can see right before a gig starts, shoot where's my key.

Or loosing it and then trying to load ip with a bass attahed to a 810

 

[sitonmybass]

I also never leave my axe out on stage. Way too easy for some drunk to knock it over.

Exactly! My bass goes in its case even during breaks! I'm not a big fan of guitar stands.

 

[toomanyslurpees]

Well, this isn't for everybody..... but nobody has ever mistaken this case for their own, and I can spot this case from across the bar, it does have it's advantages.

 

[MSilvers]

We had someone steal a Marshall Half Stack from my school once. We actually managed to get it back. Ever since then there is always someone where the equipment is. Also don't lend your stuff to other people, even if you feel bad. It blows my mind when people show up to gigs without amps or other equipment.

 

[strummer]

Generally this is not a problem for me, or us as a band. I guess we don't have an audience interested in instruments and such, because between sets I have yet to see one of the audience on stage. They generally gravitate towards the parts of the locale where the women are, and that is usually the bar area, which never is on stage

 

[Lax]

I've never been stolen on a gig, but each of my guitar made a ground meeting one time...Friends or anonymous misplacing it back on the stand or else...

The worse one was a drunk tourist that got on stage at the minute we were not looking during a break and he dropped my JP6...
First I wanted to kill him, but he was completely drunk and happily the guitar didn't show trouble.

But since, I never leave stage, even if I have to eat my sandwich or piss there

 

[Calaveras]

You should see Switzerland man, it's the most beautiful and perfect place I have ever been. Everyone is friendly and you would be lucky to find a single person who owns a gun....

I was under the impression that everyone in Switzerland had to onw a gun as part of their national guard reserves or something. Don't they have compulsory service there like in Israel?

Meanwhile back in the US. I remember when I first played in NYC. I was completely freaked out. That place was a lot sketchier back in the 80's-90's. It's changed a lot. Last couple times I have been out there I was shocked, SHOCKED at how nice New Yorkers are.
Here in Oakland people assume everyone else is packing heat. So they talk, drive and act accordingly.
I keep my heat at home. Not worth getting busted and what am I gonna do? get in a shootout? over a bass?

 

[oli@bass]

I was under the impression that everyone in Switzerland had to onw a gun as part of their national guard reserves or something. Don't they have compulsory service there like in Israel?

Correct. However, we're not allowed to carry guns in public, and generally are not allowed to carry hand guns except with a special permit.

As for thieves: We struggle them with bare hands right at the scene of crime...

 

[ivbenaplayin]

Generally this is not a problem for me, or us as a band. I guess we don't have an audience interested in instruments and such, because between sets I have yet to see one of the audience on stage. They generally gravitate towards the parts of the locale where the women are, and that is usually the bar area, which never is on stage

Not much problem with people on stage around our gigs either. They'd get their ass kicked in short order by the bouncers! My band also has some airport-style retract-a-fence (I have no idea what it's really called...) that we put around the front and sides of the stage. It couldn't keep my 9 year old daughter out if it wanted to, but most people respect the fact that it's there for a reason.

 

[RaginRog]

Introduce them to friends of the band, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Wesson.

lol...I don't own any, so I'll have to stick to using a mic stand!

That all you need to do. ie. "Yo, dawg, I'm going for a squirt/beer/burger, can you keep an eye on the stage for me".

Who the hell has time to eat a burger between sets??
I wouldn't eat a burger from some of the places I've played...

We do the same thing with always having one of us stay with the gear. Also the reason I carry them hardshell cases, If I'm not playing it, it immediately goes right back in the case.

The bad thing about putting it back in the case, is that your making for an easy get-away. Of course, this also keeps morons from pickuping up your bass.

Reading stuff like this makes me feel blessed to live at a place where such thoughts are of no concern!

I live just outside one of the crappiest cities in the United States.

"Baltimore" or" Charm City" as it's referred to by some, "Harm" city by others.
According to this list-Baltimore ranks 12th:

Top 25 Most Dangerous Cities In The United States | Lets Talk Home Security

Their goal is not to get caught (duh), and its easier to spot someone walking out of a bar with a bass than the crook who smashes into your car and grabs it IMO.

My only advice is to know your exits, and position your basses in a spot that it would take a little more time getting to (ie the nook between your cab and drummer).

Good luck kids

Yeah, I always make sure I keep my stuff way back in a corner(on stage), or off to the side. I always keep an eye on it too, and usually ask a band member to keep an eye on it if I'm going for a drink or to use the head.

The last band I had was cool because 2 members were Cops...always had something "Loaded" close by!

Always have someone watching your stuff if you have to leave Guitars on the stage. If there is a backstage area, you are safe there or behind the bar.

It is also a good idea to keep things out of reach for people. It can help tro put the bass behind your rig or the drumset, so it can not be easily grabbed.

(Switzerland really is a very safe place, Oli is blessed in that, ....and cheese)

And Hot women!!!!

What did your guitarist do after he saw the mess the idiot did? Just curious.

Well he's a cop, so he initially wanted to shoot him....eventually he accepted the guys apology, and a round of drinks the idiot bought the band. He kind of blamed himself for leaving it unattended.

We have two guys that are huge powerlifters. They stand on either side of the stage and keep an eye on our gear and don't let anyone other than the band up there. They are actually "employed" by us. Believe me...no one goes up there.

Once we load off...one stays to watch the gear...the other goes outside to watch the gear there.

Plus, I play a bongo. No one steals an "ugly, toilet seat, cheap looking bass"...lol.

My bass is so well known it would probably roll the theif and take his wallet and possibly his shoes if they are my size.

LMAO..Hey, I ain't messing with anyone that can Bench 450, Squat 600, and Deadlift 600!!!

You just publicly defamed your beloved Bongo...You called it ugly, a toilet seat, and cheap....all in one sentence...

I guess that I should count myself the lucky. After decades of gigging I have yet to have something stolen at a gig - or any of the other band members for that matter.

I keep my basses well on the stage. Anyone going up there would be the most obvious. And if we set up early I either don't leave them or they get hidden.

I would think the biggest danger is load in and out. We try to keep a person watching on each end. Common sense stuff like keeping things covered, park the truck so the tailgate can not be opened, don’t leave little stuff like a wireless remote hanging around.

I guess one reason is that over the years I did a lot of private clubs. The members are always better behaved. No fights, this and that. But, there are the other rooms I play – I guess the common sense stuff is number one.

Having something stolen can be a huge hurt to the mind and heart. I had a Traynor YBA-2A head stolen from a locked music room when I was in high school. To this day there is a “hole” in life where it was supposed to be. Rare as poop to find also – so I have not replaced it yet.

I always try and get everyone loaded & unloaded as quick as possible, and guys I play with have always stuck to taking our guitars/basses out last...when we're getting in our cars for the ride home. A person is less likely to run down the street with a 1x15 cabinet or 4x12 cab, than a guitar in a case. Sorry to hear about the Traynor/hole.

Well I live in Oakland. I have had some microphones and PA gear stolen but never anything more dear (like a bass!). I make it a policiy to always have an eye on my gear. Or have someone in the band watching it. If I can stash it in a backstage I will, but even then it is not safe. Some other bands have some very lame friends!
I always stack my gear backstage in a way that makes it daunting to fiddle with it. EG, put the gear box on the floor against the wall. Put the bass on top of it. Put the cabinet in front of those two. put the head on top of all of that. Now they cant get at your pedals or your bass without moving the big heavy stuff!
I also never leave my axe out on stage. Way too easy for some drunk to knock it over.

It be a cool idea to actually run a cable and lock your rig all together!

Just thought of that while reading your post. I guess the best thing is to keep an eye on things.

New Product Idea.

Feel free to exploit this and desgin it for yourself.

Problem - Basses getting stolen at gigs. Nobody cares about the guitars, steal all you want.

Possible Solution (with markteting tie in) - Exploit the installed base of Ernie Ball Strap Locks, and drive their future sales, with a "locking" Strap Lock which would quickly, easily snap into the pre-installed EB Strap Lock button on the bass. However, this widget would would not be attached to a strap, but rather a thick aircraft cable type lasso. Something you could bolt to the floor, or around a pillar, or something like that. The "locking" Strap Lock would have a key, or combo lock.

So when you leave the stage, just pop off your strap, and pop on the security cable. Only you will be able to open it with your key/combination. The chances are nobody would be able to defeat the lock/cable without a lot of effort. The weak point would be the bass itself (made of wood), and they would have to destroy the upper horn to get the strap button off. Since 99% of thefts are usually easy targets of opportunity (small items, easily carried, and unguarded), a locked down bass would be an unlikely target.

Just a thought.

GREAT idea...I thought about using a long thin bicycle cable for that. You could use your idea and lock it to the handles on your amp.

Or loosing it and then trying to load ip with a bass attahed to a 810

That would suck!!

Also don't lend your stuff to other people, even if you feel bad. It blows my mind when people show up to gigs without amps or other equipment.

They'd be s--t out of luck. I don't loan gear to anyone unless they are in MY band, and it's usually only a patch cable or batteries.

Generally this is not a problem for me, or us as a band. I guess we don't have an audience interested in instruments and such, because between sets I have yet to see one of the audience on stage. They generally gravitate towards the parts of the locale where the women are, and that is usually the bar area, which never is on stage

Most of the time it's Drunks, or trashy people that venture up on stage...You know....the guys who have no chance at picking up the women!!

 

[lovechick]

I'm with ZiggyDude, never had anything stolen here in Central PA (knock on wood...) When I was younger, I used to attend an open-mic night that would get packed with a couple hundred patrons. One of the regulars had a guitar swiped. I decided that the best way to prevent the same thing from happening to me was to paint my last name in large letters across both sides of my case and keep the bass in there when I wasn't sitting in. Nobody would have made it ten feet with the thing. It still surprises me when other musicians ask, "Why do have your name on your case?"

 

[five7]

RaginRog, playing in a band with 2 cops? Great for protection, but can you have any fun?

 

[RaginRog]

RaginRog, playing in a band with 2 cops? Great for protection, but can you have any fun?

Oh Hell Yeah...My Guitarist was not only a Cop, but a Captain who ran a Dept.
That son of a b--ch was the coolest guy in the band. An absolute riot!!!

 

[five7]

That's what I figured!

 

[ZiggyDude]

This thread is good for a reason a new. I was thinking that I am careful to pack my basses first to keep them safe from al the "Helter Skelter" of tearing down. I tend to trust the environment to protect them sometimes. Due to the way the stuff packs - basses go almost the last to my truck (Edge for now).

Today while moving a ton or two of snow. I thought - "If I was going to a High Risk Gig - but still wanted to sound my best - what would I do or bring?" Well - obviously nothing out of print. But after that it gets hard. If the bass ihe one you can replace by mail order - how is it special?

 

[rodl2005]

I use the Mark Bass Bass Keeper-hard velcro'd around the side handle of my cabs- then again around the neck of the bass. It'd take a good few mins for a dimwit to undo my bass from the mass of leads, cabs, stands AND the BASS KEEPER. That AND the bar all keep an eye on it for us- as we're known well by all the staff at 90% of our joints.

 

[Calaveras]

Also don't lend your stuff to other people, even if you feel bad. It blows my mind when people show up to gigs without amps or other equipment.

Getting your gear stolen is lame. But it doesnt mean we should stop being human beings. I lend gear to other bands all the time. As long as they are respectful to my gear why not?
In the last 30 years I have only had 2 negative experiences;
When I lent my distortion pedal to a metal band they didnt bother to return it later.
When my old band played with a band called "Godstomper"
I let them use my boogie bass rig. The bastard cranked all the volume knobs full up! I was seriously about to kick his ass when the cops showed up to bust the party.
Still, my amp lived and I didnt really like that pedal. So sum total, a lot of bands (younger guys and girls mostly) got to play through real amps and sound good. Of course no one borrows my bass.

 

[Bloodfist]

When we get to a venue, we unload all the amps and drums first, the guitars stay locked up in the back of the truck. One member of the band always stays inside with our gear as we are unloading it. This is usually the singer since he really has no gear to haul in. Once the gear is in and on the stage we bring in the guitars, and set everything up. After the show is over, the guitars are the first thing to be locked up. While loading we have our singer stay with the gear inside, and our drummer stay with the gear outside until we finish loading our amps. After were done with our amps, we switch with the singer and drummer and they load the drums. On out of town shows that we have to stay the night, we try and back our trailer up a wall to prevent the doors being cut open. We're also putting an alarm system on the trailer soon. We also carry a .45 handgun with us to every show just to be on the safe side.

The closest I've ever came to loosing a bass was at the Dive in Goose Creek. We opened for 12 Stones, and in between sets one of the stage hands for 12 Stones grabbed my Spector bass and set it outside next to the sidewalk in front of the building. I didn't see him grab it, even though it was right next to me on it's stand on the stage. We all started looking for it immediately and one of my band members luckily saw it sitting outside. People were just walking by it and looking at it. Thankfully no one tried to take it because it had been out there by itself for about 15 minutes or so. I found out who did it and basically flew into a rage. I confronted him in the green room about 10 minutes before 12 Stones went on. He said he put it there because he thought that that is where we were going to load up at, then he got a little to "smart" with me. We didn't get into a physical fight thanks to the guys in my band and the guys in 12 Stones calming me down. The guitarist from 12 Stones ripped their roadie a new one, and they apologized for everything. They ended up giving me a free bar tab as their way of making amends. I told them I wasn't upset with them, but keep their roadie away from me. After everything was loaded up, and I got as much beer in me as I could stand I was able to enjoy the rest of the night. We ended up partying with them and the staff at the Dive after they closed, and had a great time. Here's the twist to it. That Spector was my main bass that I was using at the time. I had ordered my Stingray three weeks before the show, and was wanting to use it for the first time that night. If it wouldn't have been for the fact that it takes four months to get you bass after you order it, that would have been my Stingray sitting out there that night, and I'm pretty sure it would have disappeared. For that reason alone, you'll never hear me complain of the wait time for a Musicman!

 

[Elad_E]

I was under the impression that everyone in Switzerland had to onw a gun as part of their national guard reserves or something. Don't they have compulsory service there like in Israel?

me too.
being an Israeli I heard about the differences between our reserve service and the life as a reservist of the Swiss people and the Finns and I heard both keep all their combat gear when they finish their regular service including their assault rifles and ammo.

sounds potentially dangerous but seems like they don't have any troubles with that arrangement.

regarding the theft issues - seems everybody leaves their instruments on the stands after sound check and well after the show.
maybe we are less prone to theft or douche bag accidents though it really depends what crowd you're playing in front.