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Just wondering what the consensus was on multiple basses vs extra strings?

In 40 years I have only broken 2 strings. Once at a gig (with no extra bass or set of strings) and once at practice (had extra bass but no strings).
Since those times I have always carried a spare set of strings with me in lieu of a 2nd bass but I have noticed over the years that guitarist seem to often bring multiple guitars to the gig.

Just wondering what the majority of working bassist do and if you bring multiple basses to a gig, do you only keep it as a spare or actually used it during the gig.

Two. One strung with flats, one with rounds. Our cover band covers a wide range of styles.

Plus, changing a bass string takes time!

I never go to a gig with one anything.... even have spare cabs and amps in my 4 Runner at all times.
I have three double gig bags loaded with;

Bag One
for my main trio gig which does acoustic sets in Eb and sometimes electric sets in E
Bas Tuned to Eb
Bass Tuned to E

Bag Two
sub gigs
Bass with rounds
Bass with flats

Bag Three
for out door gigs
five string
4 string

One. With a spare set of strings in the case. In 37 years of playing bass I never needed more than one.

It's rare that I bring only one. If I only bring one, I'll have an extra set of strings with me. Although I've never broken a bass string in 36 years of playing, there's always a potential first time, which would be if I didn't have spare string with me.
For one of the bands I play with (Dirty Bison), I'll have to bring up to 4 bass guitars which will include a 4 string, 5 string, a fretless and my 12 string.
Last night Full Moon Fever played it's very first gig. I brought two Ricks, my Jetglo '73 4001 and a FIreglo 4001V63 for a back-up.

maximum of 2. never needed a backup so far. I don't switch 'em up during the gig either.

I have three double gig bags loaded with;

What is a double gig bag, and who makes them? I just bought a Mesa Boogie gig bag new for about $55 delivered. I use it for my acoustic guitar set playing. I am amazed at how fast it filled up with strings, pliers, cables, etc. I might need to get another bag and want to see whats out there.

It amazes me hpw many folks use boxes, buckets, and duffel bags for gig bags. But an actual gig bag is much more preferable to me.

Thank you,
Craig

Two. Strings tend to break in the middle of a set, so being able to switch basses relatively quickly is a blessing.

When I use to play out, I only owned one bass so I made due with that. I guess I lucked out!! I use to bring extra strings but never needed them. I'd have a spare cord and that's about it.

Now that I own multiple basses, I suppose if and when I'm in a band again, I'll never bring less than 2 basses and maybe a set of strings.

Sepp

Two-My 4003 RIC of course and either my p-bass or j-bass. All three have an extra set of strings in their cases.

Usually i bring 2, not for backup,but just in case i decide i want to hear fretless on some songs. ( i play my fretted Rics most of the time,and i have never broken a bass string) if there is any malfunction,it usually involves a cord....

2 - my 4001 and my 4003. My Precision is strung with flats normally, and most of my gigs require rounds... If i need that flats sound then the P replaces on of the Rics. There's always at least one Ric on stage tho

idealassets wrote:What is a double gig bag, and who makes them?

http://www.monocase.com/mono-dual-bass.asp

Grey wrote:

idealassets wrote:What is a double gig bag, and who makes them?

http://www.monocase.com/mono-dual-bass.asp

I have used this for 15 years now.

http://www.reunionblues.com/Double_Elec ... 340-59.asp