Lesson learned at gig tonight. (backup amp content)

[Shawn Lutz]

sometimes you gotta learn the hard way...always have a back up and spare emergency parts.

 

[guitarmike]

I have a Jekyll and Hyde distortion pedal and magnum 44. Fits in the gig bag. For times like yours where you do not have the luxury of troubleshooting time you can be up and running in 2 minutes. Its the only reason I own a distortion pedal anymore.

This is another "quick and dirty" solution that is portable and will get the job done.

My only issue with this option is that you can probably pick up a used Rebel 30 for less than the new cost of a good dirt box and .44 Magnum pedal......

Good point but the J & H and Mag 44 do not take any space or weight. If I didn't have J & H, I'd get one of the Radial distortion pedals, saw a you tube clip that way through a 4x12 and it was unreal how good it sounded.

 

[dawnofdreamx97]

I use a electro harmonix 44 magnum for my backup rig- it sounds great with a good dirt box in front and an eq and fits in my gig bag ....

 

[glassjaw7]

I've been using my HD500 into a tube head (fx return) so If the amp dies I can use the Pod direct, and if the Pod dies I can use the amp.
I've been considering one of those EH pedal/power amps as a backup. I can carry couple dirt pedals too and have a versatile, super portable rig.

edit-Nick, just read your post above mine. Pretty much exactly what I was thinking!

 

[ibenhad]

Always bring something. A pod thru the PA works in a pinch. If you play a tube amp fuses and spare tubes are a must. Everyone should have at least a spare 12ax7 in their bag.

 

[The Hoff]

At least it all worked out. Could have been a lot worse. So really, you learned your lesson and it didn't have to be the "hard way."

 

[dawnofdreamx97]

I've been using my HD500 into a tube head (fx return) so If the amp dies I can use the Pod direct, and if the Pod dies I can use the amp.
I've been considering one of those EH pedal/power amps as a backup. I can carry couple dirt pedals too and have a versatile, super portable rig.

edit-Nick, just read your post above mine. Pretty much exactly what I was thinking!

I'm telling ya they are pretty great sounding little things....

 

[Enjolras56]

it's funny though, all this shit we drag around for what...50$ to play songs ranging from "jack and diane" to "fixation on the darkness" to all our great, next up and coming originals.

i shoulda picked up the cello or something 25 years ago.....

You mean you get paid to play?

Awesome input guys... thanks. Rig-Talk-ers rule.

So, let's say you fire your amp up at the gig and it ain't working right...
What are the common symptoms that say fuse vs. blown preamp tube vs. power tube? I guess, in my case, blowing a fuse gives you no juice whatsoever, but how about the tubes?
Come to think of it, unscrewing the back panel to access the tubes would take about as long as we have for our set.

Also, is a fuse a fuse? Should I just pick some up at Radio Shack? Once I pop a new one in, should it fire up right away?
Excuse my ignorance here, just never had to deal with this before.

 

[Enjolras56]

Bump for any input on my last few questions. Thanks guys.

 

[just42dave]

payed to play lol.... i don't leave the house without prior acceptance for less than 110 a night. And I play almost every weekend and hate it!!! I just have to pay off my damn gear so I play in a cover band. Which this posting led me to go buy a darn 15w tweaker and throw her in my trunk just in case the mesas shit at a gig.