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.

@stevec6427

3 жыл бұрын

Definitely. I'm always close to the drummer and stood in front of my stack of amps so I'd be deaf without them

@megadawg342

2 жыл бұрын

Got 'em, foam plugs. Good for motocross too.

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.

@fearvo

3 жыл бұрын

A bass player without a spare bass is as arrogant as the most conceited lead guitar shredder.

@Brad5161

3 жыл бұрын

@@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.

@bobbyfikesmusicfun

3 жыл бұрын

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.

@averyhorton3614

3 жыл бұрын

The ONE time I didn't bring a backup bass, I broke a string.

@bobbyfikesmusicfun

3 жыл бұрын

@@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!

Great Scott! Thank you! But one thing I am missing in your list: It’s the nail scissors!

@JoJoDo

3 жыл бұрын

That's a good one!

@devinebass

3 жыл бұрын

Ha! You got me :)

@ShaunCollege

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed!

@stephenbobic3226

3 жыл бұрын

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!)

@BlackRootsUNLIMITED

3 жыл бұрын

Word 👊🏿

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.

@rwsansom76

3 жыл бұрын

The small flashlight is a good to have.

Heyy Scott! Have you ever thought about getting a green glove? You could use like a green screen!! It would be awesome

@shannondwhite

3 жыл бұрын

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).

I like to keep a capo and a drum key. Not for me, of course, but for the sake of the band.

@marcjuras1623

3 жыл бұрын

😂👍

@tyelrs837

3 жыл бұрын

Sometimes it's easier to keep things moving... lol

@mikestoll3584

3 жыл бұрын

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...

@marcjuras1623

3 жыл бұрын

@@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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

@rwsansom76

3 жыл бұрын

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.

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.

@Scarabee80

2 жыл бұрын

Do your nails grow so quick during stage?

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.

@evenseb7574

2 жыл бұрын

Headlamp

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 :)

@bobbyfikesmusicfun

3 жыл бұрын

I always carry a spare amp power cable too. I've had three guitar players walk off with different ones after borrowing them. Lol

@Brad5161

3 жыл бұрын

Sucks to be him ;)

@kanekitchen3802

3 жыл бұрын

Spare speaker cable

Yes more gear! Great video🤘

Great information Scott!! 👍

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 🙌🏾🙌🏾

@johnfeole1971

3 жыл бұрын

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.

Thank you so much for the videos Scott! From my side I also recommend those little hand warmers for those cold weather gigs.

Thanks Scott-extremely useful.

Thank you for your tips Scott ! ;-)

Great tips Scott ! It pays to be prepared !

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!

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.

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 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.

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 love your videos. The glove used to bother me, but then I learned the reason and now I have even more respect for you.

@devinebass

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for that!

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 !!!! 😎

Nice and usefull subject.

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

On the positive side, you have the skill, knowledge, and ability to be able to play an entire set on just the E string!

is very nice and handy, in my experience it is also handy to have always an international electricity plug with you.

one of the most satisfying videos I've ever watched.

Good old Modulus... No truss rod. Just loving it.

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.

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

Great collection. I always put into my bag some coins... you never know when you will need a beer!!

All great advice.

@devinebass

Жыл бұрын

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

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!

This is funny. I recently started using an old backpack I had just laying around as a gig bag.

I would add extension cables and power strips to this list.

3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely.

@stevec6427

3 жыл бұрын

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

@albaal7035

3 жыл бұрын

Scott made a similar video in the past and he included those.

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...

You got to have a tuna! Excellent 🐟

Two things I would add: pencils and notepads. I like the lines post-it’s.

@ollililjestrom

3 жыл бұрын

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...)

enjoyed this video

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

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.

@rwsansom76

3 жыл бұрын

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.

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.

@SneedBass

10 ай бұрын

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

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

Instead of clippers, wrenches and screwdriver, you can get a multitool (leatherman for instance). It's really useful in all kinds of situations. It saved my ass hundreds of times, so I definitely recommend getting one

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.

Now that is a slick bass stand...Super compact! Yeah SD

I would add a headphone bass amp for warming up with. Keep up the good work.

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.

Good list - I shot 100%, these are all with me on gigs. Legit.

I agree Mr bass man

Thnx Scott from Arizona

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....

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.

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.

thanks u very much

WOW good^^

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

Good job

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.

@bobbyfikesmusicfun

3 жыл бұрын

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

My 1st thought was, you were going to say "you need more cow bell." 1:39

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 ;)

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)

@Mike_LaFontaine75

3 жыл бұрын

Yup, tea towels are cheap.

@rwsansom76

3 жыл бұрын

I always bring an extra power strip too

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.

@bobbyfikesmusicfun

3 жыл бұрын

I do the same thing but I boil them before I put them back in the gig bag.

@shannondwhite

3 жыл бұрын

@@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?

@bobbyfikesmusicfun

3 жыл бұрын

@@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

@stevec6427

3 жыл бұрын

@@shannondwhite I've tried that with mixed results and when it did work well, they sounded dead again pretty quickly

Spare fuses too! For those of us that still use an amp :)

Please put back the original badass brass bridge on that beauty. That bass already sounds insane but brass bridge would be perfection

Muito bom , agradeço seus videos , aquu de Itacare, Bahia, Brasil.

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.

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.

@joemccambridge2759

3 жыл бұрын

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.

@3020AlexA

3 жыл бұрын

@@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

I always bring a pillow so I can take a nap during the drumsolo..🎵

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?

A side from that severely pre worn p bass you have . This Ken Smith relic is practically my dream bass.

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?

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.

hey Scott. Really digging your channel and your vids . I appreciate everything you're doing. In your quest for great p bass tone I suggest you try to find some clips from Mark Hill in Nashville Tennessee. He's a session player, he tours with Reba McEntire, he's worked with Keith Urban and many others. One of the best bass tones you will hear on a record.

Scott, we're bassists and you forgot to remind us to bring our BASS to the gig! 😂

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

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.

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.

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!

Excellent video as per usual Scott, but could you tell me the make of that stand that you're using? I have a few Hercules stands, excellent and built to last, but can add a fair amount of weight to an already heavy gig bag. :)

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.

That bass stand is epic, never seen it for sale anywhere though, when I played live back in the day, I didn't have any of this stuff except the strings, now I have everything because my bass keeps finding new ways to break apart, Ibanez basses really don't stand the test of time well

@caddelworth

2 жыл бұрын

The stand is a Tiger GST63-BK which is definitely available on Amazon, along with identical-looking stands with different branding (e.g. Martin Smith) which are a few bucks cheaper. (You're welcome!) Maybe _modern_ Ibanez basses break (shhh! don't tell Carol Kaye! 😉) but my bought-new-in-1972 Ibanez R-c--nb--c-er clone works great to this day - although yes, the bridge, nut, selector switch, and tuners have been replaced or upgraded along the way, I grant you. But nothing has ever _broken_ on it.

Great bit of advice Scott. Where do I buy one of those stands?

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😁

Excellent Scott. Maybe, we also need a ... pen?

@Mike_LaFontaine75

3 жыл бұрын

Pencil, pen, sharpie, and steno book !

when you drop out the bass stand, I though it was a cowbell !!!! I also have a capo and drum tuning key (sometimes drumstick) for my fellow musicians...

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.

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 😎💪👍

Great video!! You forgot the strap 😂