For years now, I've taken two guitars to every gig I've played. However, in the last few years I've seldom bust a string so I'm contemplating dropping down to just a single guitar.
As slim as the risk may be, I can't help but feel a little uneasy about this. I can change a string in about a minute but in that situation, on a gig, a minute can feel like forever...
So who, out there, takes just one guitar out with them and what are your contingency plans for string breakages? Do you swear by locking tuners or string winders or maybe you have another creative way of getting out of that particular corner.
Let me know.
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Spare amp too. I've a Laney LC15R combo to mike up if needed.
The less live fucking around the better.
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"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
That said, I've never broken a string when playing live, so I never faced a situation that would make me think I needed to.
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invest in one of these - note the word invest.
http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/accessories-c2/gig-bags-c323/mono-cases-mono-m80-2g-blk-dual-electric-guitar-case-black-gig-bag-p3163
expensive, but a superb case and makes moving 2 guitars no problem at all, has ample storage for a spare lead, battery, tools etc can even hook the pedaltrain mini or nano bags onto it so you can carry it all at once if that's what you're using.
I use it for gigs, grab two guitars, put them in, have a fold down stand http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/accessories-c2/stands-and-hangers-c70/hercules-hercules-gs402b-w-mini-electric-guitar-stand-with-bag-p6966 in the front pouch, and I'm all set.
the case is expensive, but it's been worth in how easy it's made taking two guitars over the last few years
I always use fixed bridges so if a string does break I can carry on until the end of the song, and I can't imagine an electrical fault where I couldn't get at least one pickup working within a minute or two.
Taking a spare guitar in case you break the headstock off is like taking a spare car in case you crash on the way to a gig IMO.
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Exactly, although I've never had a headstock fall off, I've experienced string breaks and electrical faults. I also don't like to assume that someone will hand me a guitar if my gear fails.