Do You Bring a Spare Guitar in case of String Breakage?

[strings2000]

Do you worry you might break a string?

 

[metropolis_4]

I had a string break ruin a show once when I was a kid and I’ve had a fear of it ever since.

I bring a backup guitar and I also keep a pack of strings and a string winder close at hand at all times during shows

 

[Stratzrus]

I bring a spare guitar for a variety of reasons, string breakage being one of them but not the most serious concern. String breakage won't end a gig. Neck or headstock breakage, or pickup/wiring failure might.

Actually I bring backups for everything; guitar, amp, cables, and effects. I'm currently thinking about picking up a Fractal AM4 as a backup for my FM9.

Historically I've brought my HSS QMT Strat as a backup for my ES-335 but may either replace the Strat with my ES-137 Custom or bring all three which would be a pain but I'd actually use all three if I brought them.

 

[sleewell]

Yes


Thankfully have never needed it so I had stopped bringing it for a few shows but then I broke one at rehearsal and tried to treat that like it was happening at a show and even though you can replace a string pretty quickly it is still not as quick as having another guitar ready so I started bringing 2 again lol.

 

[Stratzrus]

...even though you can replace a string pretty quickly it is still not as quick as having another guitar ready so I started bringing 2 again lol.

Locking tuners helps.

Still not as quick as grabbing another guitar but much faster than with non-locking tuners.

 

[sleewell]

Locking tuners helps.

Still not as quick as grabbing another guitar but much faster than with non-locking tuners

Agree. I have them. I just don't wanna he that guy up there changing a string in front of people. then you gotta stretch it and tune it and if you're rushing it might not stay in tune. Just a lot it easier to have one strapped up, tuned, and ready to grab.

I dunno... I bought a mono dual case, might as well use it lol

I remember this show we played where this guy broke his low E during their first song and remarkably he didn't have a spare pack lol. He looked so panicked. I grabbed a pack from my bag and got some free merch after their show hahaha

 

[FuzzyAce]

It's all fun and games til you break strings on multiple guitars in the same song... been there.

 

[Eagle]

I once watched BB King break a string finish the solo and fit another string without another guitar or interruption. His tech just handed him a string.
Me on the other hand would have 5 guitars and a spare amp.

 

[BahamaDada]

I mean, breaking string with a hardtail/TOM bridge? No prob.

Breaking a string with a trem or (worse) a Freudlos? Uargh.

Always a backup for live - and even for practice.

I don't want to let my bandmates wait just bc my string breaks. Bass string never broke for any of my bandmates in 20y of music. Neither broke a drum skin.

Even worse case is electronics failing. Can't solder a pot back on the spot.

I always have a trem guitar and a hardtail.

 

[FrankyFire]

Having a gig on saturday, my band mate and me share a spare guitar. While we use locking tuners/headless and should be quick with restringing, our songs are long (usually around 5 minutes) and by just grabbing another guitar we can just continue playing and prevent playing overtime. The bands after us, FoH and venue will be glad.
Also there might be any other issue, like empty battery (I'm using Fishman Fluence) or an issue with the internal electronics or aux plug. It's like having a condom in your pocket. Even if you don't expect anything to happen, keep it with you just in case. No bad surprises.

 

[Eldorado]

Spare everything.

 

[Eagle]

Spare everything.

Especially the bass player.

 

[paisleywookiee]

I once watched BB King break a string finish the solo and fit another string without another guitar or interruption. His tech just handed him a string.
Me on the other hand would have 5 guitars and a spare amp.

Plus, it looks cool.

 

[Sidler72]

Yes always a spare guitar. I use the backup for the drop D stuff but doesn’t take long to tune up.

 

[JiveTurkey]

You gotta talk to someone about this

 

[Devin]

Instead of an unaccompanied guitar solo, I grab my spare guitar and just break all the strings on stage


Crowds love it

 

[BFRaid]

When I was young and broke, I was playing gigs on corroded strings that would break all the time. I have always had a backup guitar, but as long as I change the strings a week before a gig, I am usually in good shape. I haven't broken a string on stage since the 80s.

 

[GuitarBilly74]

I rarely break strings. I think the last time I broke a string live was probably over 20 years ago, maybe even longer. Still, I always have a spare guitar on me, because I know the day I don't bring one will be the day I break a string

I have a dual gig bag and I just load 2 guitars in it so it doesn't take too much extra space and it's not an extra thing to carry, just a little extra weight on my back.

 

[GLiDE-BPM]

Do you worry you might break a string?

I always bring at least 2 guitars no matter what! Sometimes 3.

 

[Chocol8]

I rarely break strings. I think the last time I broke a string live was probably over 20 years ago, maybe even longer. Still, I always have a spare guitar on me, because I know the day I don't bring one will be the day I break a string

I have a dual gig bag and I just load 2 guitars in it so it doesn't take too much extra space and it's not an extra thing to carry, just a little extra weight on my back.

THIS! I don't ever break strings but I am 100% convinced that the only reason for that is I always have a spare. No spare and not only will strings break, the replacement strings will break, pots and switches will fail, puppies and kittens will die etc. It's Murphy's law, and it is a law much like the law of gravity. Ignore it and you will discover pain.