What do you use for a backup?

[mude]

I like to take a backup to gigs in case my primary amp has any issues. But, I like it be be very light and easy and something I can just run to through the PA in case of emergency. Have used a Crate Powerblock, various digital things, etc.

If you bring something as a backup, what is it? Thanks.

Evan.

[wired]

I take my Egnater Rebel 20 to every gig as a backup. Sounds great through a 4x12 & is light & easy to grab & go.

[Festus]

Silvertone 1483 head.

[dk123123dk]

I use a Digitech RP500 with the amps and cabs disabled through a tube amp. If the amp goes, into the PA I go. If we had a sound guy and seperate monitor mixes on our PA, I would just go direct anyways.

If somehow the amp and the Digitech get fried, I have a Bad Monkey overdrive in my backpack. The direct out to the PA sounds ok, and would certainly be better than nothing.

I usually keep an acoustic guitar in the car as well in case of a power outage/late night jam session.


dk

[T.Wesley]

I use a Line 6 Duoverb as my backup. Light, though large (full head size). Easy to program, or you can just spin the knobs to set a grab-and-go sound. Sounds good through a cab or even better jacked straight into the PA.

--chiba

[PFunk]

My main amp is a Fuchs TDS head and the other is a Rivera Rake, that serves primarily as a backup, although it gets called on for some of its tonal traits during any given show. Both heads link into Ho Head Switcher and on to a 2x12 cab.

[Jim S]

I started a thread like this in the TGP SOUND HOME LOUNGE.

I bring a second Soldano SLO head for back up but I've never had to fire it up at a gig.




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[Gtrman100]

I use a Roland Cube 60- sounds good, light. loud, decent built in effects and amp modeling. Can be had used for about $200. Built like a tank, and good as a grab 'n go rehearsal amp too.

[big mike]

I normally take a second amp head and sit it on top. So I can switch the speaker/power/input cables quick, and be up and running.

My 2 main gig amps are same size/topography/builder so its a quick change, and no big deal to switch.

I used to take a powerblock but I decided since we pretty much just do 1 set original gigs for the most part now, i'd rather have my second favorite amp than a 'just get it done' amp. The 'barely bigger than a lunch box' size of the heads makes that easy anyway.

Bit of a wattage drop to 18, but we're miked anyway. Never had a problem, but the min I don't take a backup I'm sure I'll toast a tube or something.

Last gig about 8 years ago I was still using Ampeg R50H head...fell over in band trailer. Broken tubes, but cracked solder, Had to hang something from the speaker cord to limp it through the gig. (Pulled the contact together on the board or something). Never again without a spare.

Edit:

See my point? 3 cables and I'm back.

[clarkram]

For smaller gigs a Headstrong Lil King is backup to Nolatone Superbug, larger gigs I'll carry 2 heads, Komet Constellation and Louis Electric KR12.

[guitarman3001]

powerblock. best backup amp ever and also not a bad primary amp for gigging in NYC where most places have backlines and you can't really transport a big amp.

they don't make them anymore so if it ever dies I'll buy a ZT lunchbox to replace it.

[samuelson]

I usually take my Badcat 'lil 15 and sit it on top of the amp I'm using. small, lightweight, great sounding, two channel. and since we mic the amps it has plenty of pop. even without a mic in front of that amp it has plenty of pop.

[mude]

Lots of good backups.

Any others using something tiny (digital I assume)? I see the RP500 mentioned. Things like that or even smaller are interesting to me.

Thanks.

Evan.

[Elmer]

My main rig is an Axe-FX direct to the PA, so I never carry an amp anyway. In case of emergencies, I always bring a Pod XT Live with basic clean/crunch/lead patches set up to get me though the hard times. I've never needed it yet....

[nic'o'caster]

+1 for the Powerblock, great clean tone and works well with pedals too !