Straw poll - gig them or not?

[songdog]

I'm squarely in the "gig it" camp. I have a '72 4001, and it's seen its share of gig action - and has some dings to prove it, happily never any serious damage. You can bet I keep an eye on it when I'm not on stage with it!

This is my only Rick bass, so if the music I'm playing calls for that sound, it's my only choice. You have the luxury of several to choose from. In your situation, I might consider the venue and style of the gig when choosing one. You are fortunate to have that choice to make!

[philipharris]

Well, our survey said: "Gig it"!! in spades. Thanks everyone, very interesting set of views expressed. At some point soon that bass will get the nod and start a show. Pics will be posted after hte bass has approved them. And the jacket stays (for this year anyway), although with some strategically placed gaffer...

[86kubicki]

My last two gigs involved my 4005 and 4002 - play 'em!

[ram]

Gig it! just be nice to it during & afterward... no kicking it over or bashing the headstock on a mic stand. get all the sweaty grunge off of it and maybe even a nice polishing!

[spongebob]

I would say not to gig!

I've stopped dragging my Ric around small pub gigs now....used it for a while, but with the prices what they are, it's a bit too good to use in a place where no-one can tell what it even is!

I've got Jazz and Precision Classic Vibe Squires (superb basses) for the workhorses.

I just know that if my 4003 went, I'd be devastated. It's nicely bedded in now.

My ex-bandmate recently had his Les Paul copy stolen at a gig. He was very, very attached to it - even though it was on an £80 guitar. Whoever nicked it obviously didn't know or care what it was - and I wouldn't want my Ric to befall the same fate....

.....or a 4002!

[Tom Patterson]

Recently purchased several mid & lower end bass guitars just for running around with. Some are quite nice and very playable like my early 80's Peavey w/maple fret board. I say let the Rics rest when at all possible

[superdick2112]

Rickenbackers are made to be played, not hung on walls. With a little care & caution, they can be enjoyed at all but the nastiest of clubs, and I have my $299 "redneck bar bass" (an Ibanez ATK-700) for those bars. You know the kind of bars I'm talking about - sticky floors, chicken wire surrounding the stage, rest rooms that smell like death, bartenders missing fingers, waitresses missing teeth....

Do not waste your days & wonder, "who will care for my Rics when I'm six feet under."

[cjj]

...You know the kind of bars I'm talking about - sticky floors, chicken wire surrounding the stage, rest rooms that smell like death, bartenders missing fingers, waitresses missing teeth...."

I'm glad I gave up those sorts of venues 30+ years ago...

[jps]

I've stopped dragging my Ric around

Hmm, I think I hear a good title for a rockin' song in that.

[bassduke49]

You know the kind of bars I'm talking about - sticky floors, chicken wire surrounding the stage, rest rooms that smell like death, bartenders missing fingers, waitresses missing teeth....

"Oh, we got both kinds! We got country and western."

[bassman7365]

I think Tony C. would kill me if I gigged with the (new) '81. Will take out the '97 4003 though. After all, one does have to have a workhorse.

[jps]

After all, one does have to have a workhorse.

I think CJ may have a few laying around.

[jimk]

I've stopped dragging my Ric around

Hmm, I think I hear a good title for a rockin' song in that.

Ev'ry time I go to town
The boys start kickin' my Rick around
Hit makes no diff'rence if it's Montezuma Brown
They better stop kickin' my Rick around.

JimK

[paologregorio]

PLAY IT!!!!!

+1!
That's what they are made for. Just use reasonable care when handing your Ricks and always be wary of some creeps that might want to snatch it if you're not looking.

+2!

[66Atlas]

I guess if I actually owned a bass that was in pristine condition and worth a ton of money I would keep it protected and never take it to a gig....but once the first scratch is on it the gloves are off!