The Top 10 Bass Gadgets for EVERY Bassist (NOT gimmicks)
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- Опубликовано: 29 июл 2024
- As bass players there are a few essential gadgets and bits of kit that not only make our lives easier whenever we get onstage, but also make us sound better too. Whether it’s a backup set of strings, spare cable, or a pair of snips, in today’s video I’m going to be looking at the top 10 gadgets that every single bass player should have in their kit bag.
As always, see you in the shed…
Scott :)
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Whenever I change my strings, I always put the old strings in my gigbag as the backup set. If you need to change a string in the heat of the moment, it makes it easier to put it on when it's already cut to the right length and quicker to tune when it already lost most of it's flexibility.
Also in my kit: a pen and a marker in case you need to write something down, business cards, hearing protection, a few copies of the stage plan for my regular bands and guitar strings for those guitar players that forget to bring their own backup sets. ;)
I’d add hearing protection, which you sort of covered with in ears. But for rehearsals and such where IEMs are not being used, hearing protection-whether simple foam or passive plugs or active-is a must.
Definitely. I'm always close to the drummer and stood in front of my stack of amps so I'd be deaf without them
Got 'em, foam plugs. Good for motocross too.
Great Scott! Thank you! But one thing I am missing in your list: It’s the nail scissors!
That's a good one!
Ha! You got me :)
Agreed!
I would add a nail file to that as well. I have a small glass on that lives in my gig bag. (As well as one that lives on my desk and one in my computer bag.... hey, I got deal on them!)
Word 👊🏿
Scott, you overlooked the most important item (in my opinion) - a spare bass. I always have at least 2 instruments with me at every gig. If I'm in the middle of a set, I don't have time to mess around with a broken string, dead battery, etc. I grab the spare bass and worry about fixing the problem during the break or after the show. This has saved my bacon more than a few times.
A bass player without a spare bass is as arrogant as the most conceited lead guitar shredder.
@@fearvo Opinions vary. I carried two basses for years, lately I carry one. Nothing arrogant about it.
One time I showed at church with no bass. I have multiple vehicles and thought it was in the one I drove. Fortunately Guitar Center opened early and I bought one and I got there on time. Nice bass, great price.
I've got several of those double gig bags and always carry two basses to the gig. Still carry all the other stuff in my gig box as well.
The ONE time I didn't bring a backup bass, I broke a string.
@@averyhorton3614 bummer. I've only broken about three strings in 35 plus years playing full time. I've been very lucky. But I still always bring two basses and extra strings and tools!
Heyy Scott! Have you ever thought about getting a green glove? You could use like a green screen!! It would be awesome
LOL, that would be awesome on lesson videos, confuse the heck outa people. Replace it with a Mickey Mouse hand (with the missing finger and all).
Yes Scott I have everything you mentioned, (except a small measuring ruler , never had string height issues) but also have a nail clipper, a small
Flash light, & L.E.D. stand light. And a back up bass with strap.
The small flashlight is a good to have.
I like to keep a capo and a drum key. Not for me, of course, but for the sake of the band.
😂👍
Sometimes it's easier to keep things moving... lol
Yup! Guitar strings, drum sticks, drum key,
DI for the keyboard player, IEM cleaner for the lead singer. They always ask the bass player first, as he's usually the most organized...
@@mikestoll3584 that's the way it is 🤘👍
I'd add a metal nail file (good for nails - in an emergency also good for fret issues), nail clippers (again, good for nails and in an emergency good for clipping strings, though better for guitar strings rather than bass strings) and a capo - useful for when the guitarist has lost his and also for checking the neck relief.
Thanks Scott. Great video. There is one more thing I put in my bag and that you haven't mentioned. A pair of nail clippers. I don't know about you but for me, if I forget to clip the nails on the first two fingers of my plucking hand, I start getting these weird and unholy sounds. So nail clippers is a must for me.
Do your nails grow so quick during stage?
For me, always bring an extra strap. I once had a gig where I didn't bring one and had to use a neck tie. Thankfully it was only a 3-4 song set. Now I always bring two. And those rubber washers. And showing my age, I always included a few quarters if I needed to make a phone call.
I keep a roll of quarters too actually, though it's usually there to cover meter parking if I don't have a reserved spot to park.
Great list! For those who like me use an iPad for reading charts during a church gig a network adapter for the iPad comes in handy. It saved my life once because battery was low and recently it saved our singer /keyboard player's life.
Love the list! I always have nail clippers in my bag. Life saver!
I always have a Leatherman multi-tool with multiple bit sets with me, covers a lot of areas. That’s on my belt so not in the kit. Pick/plectrum discussion made me chuckle. I’ve had at least a half dozen in my pants pocket for decades (we used to carry coins as well). Thanks as always great content.
I have a very similar kit for gigging, mostly due to having strings break, batteries go flat, input jacks fall out of the cabinet due to the other band yanking the cable out super hard. You learn to be prepared eventually! I reccomended a small torch also, just makes everything easier to handle in case of emergencies.
Headlamp
Scott, you’re always amazing. Love your bass lesson videos! Thank you for posting this (even if it’s gonna be a looooong while until I play out), all recommendations were useful and I’d say essential for a traveling bassist.
A string winder is a must!!!
I also always carry a nail file as well as a small bottle of methyl hydrate to clean and brighten strings.
I never carry a ruler as one can easily improvise, nor do I carry any more allen wrenches than what my basses require.
Old camera bags work great as gig bags. Leatherman tools have screwdrivers, knives, snippers, and pliers. A word of caution about 9v batteries - put a bit of tape over the end terminals, if not and they come in contact with metal, they will deplete, if they come in contact with steelwool, they will burn. A small sewing kit and first aid kit can be very useful too.
I also always keep a spare IEC power cable (the type that powers most amp heads) on hand. In fact, it’s probably been the most borrowed item in my bag.
Scott, have you been stalking me? I’ve been doing this for years. I pretty much have the same things in my kit bag. Awesome video 🙌🏾🙌🏾
Same here ;)
Fingernail care kit: Nail clippers, nail file, heavy duty clear nail polish (to re enforce damaged nails), and band aids. Always carried it and saved my ass more than a few times.
Spare cables have to be at least 3, the electric guitar player is going to ask you at least one at a certain point of the gig since he likes to "dance" on his cables, very rock. Also I'm not carrying stands anymore, thanks to Mark Bass velcro bass-holders! For me also some spare ear plugs: best bass boosters for little money :)
I always carry a spare amp power cable too. I've had three guitar players walk off with different ones after borrowing them. Lol
Sucks to be him ;)
Spare speaker cable
I would add extension cables and power strips to this list.
Absolutely.
I always at least make sure I have them in the car. I won't take them in but I can always go back out and get them if I need to
Scott made a similar video in the past and he included those.
Totally agree Scott! I've always carried all the spares! Trouble is, my band mates came to rely on my stuff and it got irritating at times!
D.I PEDAL, I played a gig where the thermistor in my amp blew. I just went straight from the d.i to the p.a. saved the last set
Yes more gear! Great video🤘
Two friends of mine saw the Wooten brothers live. Vic broke a string mid-song, took off his bass, lay it on the ground, put his foot on it, and played a solo by manually adjusting the tension.
is very nice and handy, in my experience it is also handy to have always an international electricity plug with you.
I love little tip videos like this! Glad to see I had everything you suggested in my setup (well... except for my folding stand.... it some how got up and walked away... and I haven't replaced it yet....). Also I use the TC Electronics RH450 head, which has the built in tuner on it (and with the footswitch, it shows the tuning real time all the time, so you can tune mid song with ease). My gigging rig is basically the amp head with it's carry bag (I just use a cabinet at the venue preferably, else then I have to bring mine), and my base gig bag with all the things. Light and easy!
I love your videos. The glove used to bother me, but then I learned the reason and now I have even more respect for you.
Thanks for that!
one of the most satisfying videos I've ever watched.
I agree Mr bass man
Thank you so much for the videos Scott! From my side I also recommend those little hand warmers for those cold weather gigs.
Good old Modulus... No truss rod. Just loving it.
I play bass, as well as drums and a little mediocre guitar lol, so I bought a tackle box. I've got all the items you listed, plus drum hardware (tension rods, extra beater, pedal replacement parts, etc...) I also carry a spare speak-on cable for my amp and a spare strap. This little tackle box has saved me on a couple of occasions
Great tips Scott ! It pays to be prepared !
Great video. I also pack MusicNomad string fuel, which helps keep my strings fresh and clean (I have very acidic sweat), a foam mute for sticking under the strings by the bridge for when I need that thumpy P bass sound, and a mini LED flashlight for those darkly lit stages.
Another good compact stand is the K&M 17550 Guitar stand "Memphis Travel" I have it and love it... I also got the soft cloth set you can get for it, which stays on while folded...
Great tips for everyone !!!
Very handy and helpful !!!
But what you miss to say:
Make sure to check the bag with anticipation to the gig !!!
Tnx !!!! 😎
Two things I would add: pencils and notepads. I like the lines post-it’s.
YES! Something to write notes on the sheet music with. Especially when you're working in some kind of a creative project. (On the other hand, one could argue that making music is always a creative process/project...)
Great information Scott!! 👍
Thanks Scott-extremely useful.
I take most of what you said, but also a capo, and a spare fret wrap or a couple of slices of foam, (Capo for checking my truss rod which i do at every gig), foam or wraps depending on the acoustics
You got to have a tuna! Excellent 🐟
Spare Cable ✅
Stand ✅
Spare Batteries✅
Tuner ✅
I play a Graphite neck Bass....Always intact ✅
Allen keys ✅
String rug ✅ Errr, but dirty strings👌🏿 = Funk 🤔
Spare strings.... Don't have those 😳
In Ears, got them but never use them. I really love Cabs/Monitors ✅
Looks like Scott's been inside my bag.
Thank you for your tips Scott ! ;-)
Great information as usual Scott! I also carry a “ tool kit”. Some things I add to your list are; D. I.box, preferably preamp type. I use Mesa subway DI. Spare speaker cables, spare power amp cable and a power strip. Here’s another good tip, Super Glue! If you happen to cut your finger somehow, it instantly seals the wound and stops the bleeding. I always have a spare bass on hand. I may, by nature of my mechanical background, be anal, but I carry a digital multimeter and soldering iron with flux core solder, and yes, I’ve had to use it.
I've reattached part of my thumb with super glue. The bleeding didn't stop, in fact the super glue mixed with the blood flowing down my hand and it became blood glue lol. It did reattach the piece of my thumb though lol. It solves most cuts that may require stitches though and is very handy
This is funny. I recently started using an old backpack I had just laying around as a gig bag.
Nice and usefull subject.
Thanks Scott, I have all that stuff except for the in ear monitors (Its just me I had ear problems as a child and can't stand in ear anything) and gloves, just seems usual to me. I have only two bases though, one passive, one active and I find my self playing the passive more. I have never heard of an A string snapping before, a G string yes, and I have had an ultra light weight G string snap while tuning myself. Always like you work and videos!
I always carry with me, in my backpack, a bike multitool. Mostly for the bike, but it has metric allen keys, and a philips and flat screwdriver.
It turn out very usefull in general, but I can recomend having one in a gigbag
Please put back the original badass brass bridge on that beauty.
That bass already sounds insane but brass bridge would be perfection
On the positive side, you have the skill, knowledge, and ability to be able to play an entire set on just the E string!
Two *labeled* cables & *fresh* batteries.
Allen wrenches of correct size.
Nail clippers.
Ear plugs - save your hearing for as long as possible.
Now that is a slick bass stand...Super compact! Yeah SD
My 1st thought was, you were going to say "you need more cow bell." 1:39
Good list - I shot 100%, these are all with me on gigs. Legit.
I would add a headphone bass amp for warming up with. Keep up the good work.
An extra couple of sets of ear plugs too. I don't have inner ear monitors, but I have two sets of musician ear plugs (molded and ordered from my audiologist), and always keep the second set in my kit. But I also keep a pack of the foam earplugs in the kit so that if you have a bandmate or friend in the audience who forgets their ear protection, you can be the hero and help them out.
I also keep a roll of tape and some zip ties, in the off chance i need to mark spots on the stage, or tape down/tie up some loose cords. A small tape measure is useful too in case I need to measure off distances when setting up monitor or amp placement.
Great stuff Scott! Love the channel.
Warning for the purchasers of that natty stand - they also do a smaller version which if you trust it will let you down and send you on a visit to your local luthier for a headstock repair. Okay it's smaller and more portable but it needs a couple of tapered shims to sit the instrument more vertically.
Best gigbag recommendation: tape. I'd recommend a roll each of gaff tape, painter's tape, and electrical tape. Gaff can be used to fix straps or tape down cables, painter's tape is great for any sort of labeling (like your amp/pedal settings), and electrical tape can be used for emergency repairs or keeping cable coils neat.
All great advice.
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
I carry all of those things plus an extra strap,I also an extra set of guitar stings as well because the knuckleheads I play with aren’t as organized as I am
Great video. I carry two more items that aren’t even for me. A capo, because dozens of times acoustic guitarist have forgotten them and a drum key.
After putting fresh strings on. I would take the old ones. and put them in a ziploc bag. And put them in my gig bag.
I do the same thing but I boil them before I put them back in the gig bag.
@@bobbyfikesmusicfun I've heard of boiling, as well as soaking in alcohol in a PVC pipe with one end capped. Does this actually help (noticeably) for cleaning the gunk out of the string grooves and get the clean "new string" sound?
@@shannondwhite boiling does help and it will make them sound new and fresh for at least a couple gigs. Denatured alcohol works also. Not sure about the PVC pipe thing
@@shannondwhite I've tried that with mixed results and when it did work well, they sounded dead again pretty quickly
Agree, apart from clip on tuners which are ok, apart from when you need to get everyone to be quiet while you try and find a low D. Definitely use a pedal instead - also means no one has to hear you tuning too.
Hi, forgive me for being rude but I don't understand what you mean.. I have a clip on tuner on my bass and have never ask anyone to be quiet. I turn the volume off on my bass and tuner my bass with no problems.
@@joemccambridge2759 generally found them to be ok at practice, but when gigging in a pub with all the noise I have found it to be painful to tune the lower strings, especially drop D. From memory I used a D’addario clip on - so it may be it just wasn’t that great. Pedals for me are a way better option
enjoyed this video
Thanks Scott! I play a 6 stringer, lost the high C during tune-up at sound check, did not have a spare set on me, lesson learned.
I now play a 5 stringer. Problem solved ;)
I've noticed that very often, a new instrument will include the allen wrenches necessary to adjust that instrument, so I try to keep them with that instrument. I hate plugging Amazon, but they sell little plastic 9-volt battery boxes (super handy). Those stands are no good for asymmetrical basses. Other than that, great list.
Hi Scott, great video...one thing I do is keep a set of old strings in my kit so I don't have to cut it if I break a string....
If you're playing with a live drummer and not using in-ear monitors, ear plugs are essential. I've played without them in a metal band with some big amps and it was unpleasant.
Instead of allan keys plus screw driver plus snips, get a really good quality bicycle multi tool. It'll do the job just as well, take up less space and you won't lose bits
Spare bass, that's all I'm saying... I could not live without it. Oh and a double bass gig bag ... life safer, really
Thnx Scott from Arizona
Great collection. I always put into my bag some coins... you never know when you will need a beer!!
Spare fuses too! For those of us that still use an amp :)
I once broke the E string on my bass in the middle of the set. Of course I hadn’t brought spare strings. Apparently, that happens when you decide to detune to Eb so your nice descending bass line can keep descending to the very last note. Obviously, getting that just right without missing the beat took some practice, and the strings weren’t up to that.
What brand name is that portable stand that you show in the beginning?
It says "Tiger" on the side, but I can´t seem to find it online anywhere. Pretty neat device though, and I´ve been looking for something like that for some time.
Donner seems to make it as well: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B081PPHB3H/ref=ewc_pr_img_2?smid=AUQEMPZJWU2GJ&psc=1
Hello. A bit late to the party, but I believe it's the Tiger GST63-BK A Frame Guitar Stand.
I would recommend a more compact K&M stand, but that one also looks good.
Two other things I always have in my gigbag :
- A power extension cord : "How, you're a bass player and you also have pedals ? We don't have any power extension cords left, so you're going to be stuck behind your amp..."... No Way.
- A towel, a simple towel... When you have amps, lights, people close to the stage, and your hands are so sweaty that you can't doubleslap properly anymore, the sweats enter in your eyes and make you blind... This towel saves your life. (obsviously, not the towel I use to clean my strings)
Yup, tea towels are cheap.
I always bring an extra power strip too
The time when my bridge pickup screws failed & it's spring-mounted, so sprung it out & hit the bottom E, causing that string to be sharp for a whole song. I then had to apply pressure with my thumb against it, whilst picking for a 45 min set. Bring all the stuff, & maybe Blu-Tac?
I use an electronic tuner for mt basses, and a clip-on for my guitars. Cip-ons I've tried can't register the deep B of my 5-string basses. The electronic one has no issue.
A side from that severely pre worn p bass you have . This Ken Smith relic is practically my dream bass.
Muito bom , agradeço seus videos , aquu de Itacare, Bahia, Brasil.
I’ve been bringing most of that to gigs. I also bring at least one spare bass and a spare power cord for the amp
Scott, we're bassists and you forgot to remind us to bring our BASS to the gig! 😂
Good to see that i already went "Pro" before i've seen this vid and i absolutely can assure everyone that this is the truth!
We play on a Semi-professionell level and even there it would be so embarrasing if one of those desasters would occur.
Nice Vid 😎💪👍
Awesome - thanks for this list! Are there any of these you can call out that SBL members may get discounts for through the partners you have?
I was carrying a similar bag with me for a long time too. The bad thing was that sometimes parts were lost without me noticing it.
When buying some tools for my electronics workshop I stumbled upon a very interesting gadget. It was the 'Guitar Set' by Wera and I immmediately bought one.
Maybe it's interesting for some of You.
It's a set of very high quality tools and contains everything You ever need for guitar or bass maintenance on tour. It's not cheap but always worth the money.
There are metric and imperial allen wrenches , screwdrivers, socket wrenches in all important sizes, a Knipex string cutter, feeler gauge, crank and even a tool for centering jacks.
It even contains a box for/with picks etc. and has enough space for 2-3 9Volt batteries. The sturdy, small softbag fits easily into every gigbag.
btw.: I'm not affiliated to the company, only a happy user.
One thing I would add is having a sharpie. I carry everything else that's on the list in my truck because that's what I drive to gigs. I carry a couple of spare straps also.
I also just realized that I always carry my sansamp bass driver in my truck so in case I have an amplifier problem I can run direct and have some control, more than what's on my bass
Ohhh Ok. every single "PRO" bass player must have. I just save a lot of money by being a hobbyist.... Wait no....I have almost all that stuff except for the in ear monitors. And I also have a spare bass just in case i ever play an actual gig (NEVER HAPPEN) instead of playing naked in front of the computer.
Sexy.
@@ico7909 LOL
Is flea your idol just asking
Everybody knows the tone is better if you are naked...
@@gregapoljsak clothes are just like tone-wood but for your body
Great video! My bass gear bag was an old briefcase that I picked up from a thrift store. It held my handful of cables, pedals, extra batteries, set list paper/markers, and spare strings. I had a string break on a gig too-terrible! Also, a great way to protect effect/tuner pedals is to stick each one in an old, cut down sock. It's the perfect level of protection, with no zippers to worry about.
thanks u very much
Greetings. Thank you for this. I carry all of those things except a stand, my smallest one is similar to yours, but still too big. What brand is the one you showed? It is perfect!
What kind of stand is that please and does it manage offset basses?
One thing that is crucial to have too is a DI Box!
On every gig i always have a spare bass but not spare strings. That saved me on a gig where i went beast mode on slap....l changed the bass😁
Good job
I always bring a pillow so I can take a nap during the drumsolo..🎵
The Ibanez Multitool is a cool Combination for some of the stuff.
And also, If possible, a spare Bass in the Same Tuning.
5 Seconds to Switch the Bass If anything Happens with it.
It as having my battery go dead in the middle of recording something that finally got me to purchase rechargeable 9V batteries and swap them out regularly in my Ibanez. Most of my basses are passive, but that is the one I end up laying the most.
All the other things are items that generally stay in my little "fix-it" bag. My tuner I carry for that is a Korg Tuner/Metronome since my polychromatic one is on my pedal board. All definitely good stuff to point out as things to bring other than a bass and an amp.
I always take at least two basses in case of a string failure, though in 40 years of playing I've not broken a string yet. I also take extra kettle leads for the amp as I have had fuses blow.
Battery, chord, strings, screwdriver that is it. And another bass or bass head if doing a serious gig. Of course stands. Other than that I am good. Rack has a tuner.