Do you use multiple basses for a gig?

[AnthonyD]

I'm curious - and I got time - thought I'd pose a question to the folks with multiple basses... (Translation: Question for just about everyone here!)

Do you take multiple basses to your gig with the intention of using a specific bass for a specific song? How much swapping is going on during the set? Is the tone you get that specific to a particular song?

Or...

Do you simply like having the variety to choose from and grab one from your stable for a whole gig/set.

For me, I am a set-it-and-forget-it player. I dial in my sound and that's what I put out for the whole set, the exception being picking up the fretless for a specific "fretless" song.

For me, I have a Bongo coming and I do not think I'll be using my Bongo and my Sterling in the same set. I expect to grab one or the other depending on the mood of the day.

I see people commenting on getting particular tone from one bass or another or one config or another and I'm just wondering how we leverage that.

And like I said, I got the time...

 

[pepperman]

Yeah, I'll be using my SUB5 and my L-2000. We do a lot of original tunes that require a variety of tones and with those 2, from a funky P-sound to pretty snarly. I've got the gamut covered pretty well.

 

[koentje_bassist]

I take mostly 2 basses. A SUB4 to play and a Yamaha from our gitarist as a backup. Not planning to play a song on the yamaha. Subs do rock as hell.

 

[Eggman]

I will take 3 or 4 basses to a gig.

A 4 string fretted gets most of the play. A 5 string for a few songs that require the low B. Sometimes a fretless will tag along - or an EUB. I tend to throw in a backup fretted 4 - for looks and cuz I try to be prepared in case something should go wrong with my primary.

 

[ashiin]

now that i have a 5'er coming, i think it will usually be my 5, unless i want my 30th to tag along

 

[Alvabass]

Both pics from gigs, of course. I've also brought both my fretted and fretless Bongos, but no pics, unfortunately.

 

[Caca de Kick]

I take at least two, but usually three different basses (the 3rd strung with flats). We do only originals, so I like to try to use what type of sound I used on the studio track. It only takes 4-5 seconds for me to switch, but sometimes if the set doesn't permit it, it's no biggie.

 

[silverburst]

I usually take two identical basses, so I can have a back-up.

 

[bovinehost]

I usually have two and usually don't switch unless something (battery, strings, etc) goes wrong.

 

[AnthonyD]

Wow - different strokes for different folks, eh?

For me, once we began playing more "serious" gigs I decided I needed a back-up bass (you know, some redundancy in the bass layer to ensure high-availability!).

My fretless comes out for two specific songs in my general band. I am considering playing again for my church, and if that works out - and if I get my fretless-skills in better check - I expect to use the fretless exclusively in that setting.

 

[saxnbass]

When I did a show every week with a band of mine, I had anywhere between 1 and 3 basses with me. Usually 2. For the Halloween party show, I had 3. 2 fretted and a fretless. But it was usually 2 fretted. Different sounds. I had like 6 or so basses, so it was hard to choose which one to take, so I'd grab 2.

Right now, I'm only playing my Sterling out. That'll probably change once I get another MusicMan.

 

[Alvabass]

I expect to use the fretless exclusively in that setting.

If I know in advance that I won't have to play a single slap lick on a gig, I'll leave my fretted Bongo at home and bring the fretless alone, for sure. Not that a fretless can't be slapped, just that it's not how I envision fretless bass' playing.

 

[saxnbass]

^That's cause you kill on fretless.

 

[armybass]

I can not remember the last time I went to a gig with one bass. I like having a backup and also having different tones available to me although I usually don't do much changing at a gig. Most of the time I stick with what I start out with unless it is not setting well in the mix of a certain room or whatnot.

 

[MingusBASS]

I usually bring 2, you never know when you'll have a problem. Depends on how I'm feeling, I might stay with one bass the whole night or swap every set.

 

[Alvabass]

^That's cause you kill on fretless.

You're so nice, Eric. Thank you for your compliment, man.

 

[saxnbass]

You've inspired me to want a fretless HH Bongo, by the way.

 

[Alvabass]

You've inspired me to want a fretless HH Bongo, by the way.

Don't forget the piezos.

 

[saxnbass]

Man, what do piezos really do?

 

[AnthonyD]

Piezos add the soul, grit, growl, edge, essence.

I am a huge fan and would recommend them highly - especially valuable in a fretless.