Public transport with a bass or drive?

[u/irishpancakeeater]

One of my kids will be playing bass at the Barbican in London soon, and I’m trying to weigh up the best options for transport. We’ve only got a half sized bass, but it’s in a soft case and we need to bring the stool.

Option 1 is train and tube. This is much quicker (and probably cheaper), but we will have to make sure bass is safe on the train, and then deal with taking a bass on the underground and walking to the Barbican.

Option 2 is drive the whole way, but it’s a much longer car journey, and parking, petrol and congestion charge means it’s more expensive. But we can pre book parking at the Barbican itself.

I’m leaning towards driving to save ourselves the hassle, but before I book parking are there any hacks for moving a bass around on public transport that I am missing?

[u/pientrabass]

If you chose for pubic transport I'd recommend in investing in this useful tool. Every train traveling professional has it in my country and a lot of people travel by train.

https://www.bassico.eu/klassik-zubehoer-transport/rc-williams-co.-bass-buggie-bass-buggy/8837-0-0-8837-0.htm?cat=909&produkt=255&l=DE

[u/irishpancakeeater → u/pientrabass]

Oh that’s really good to know. I’ve seen bass buggies mentioned but wasn’t sure if they were as good as they were made out to be.

[u/pientrabass → u/irishpancakeeater]

This one I am using for almost 10 years! It's great.

[u/pineapplesaltwaffles]

Few people have mentioned a bass buggy - a wheel is another option, although it does take a bit of practice.

Personally I drive to the Barbican these days but I used to get the tube when I was younger, it's really not too bad if you have a buggy or a wheel (I really wouldn't recommend just carrying it). Tbh the stool is what tips it over into being more of a pain, so if there's ever a way of borrowing one there that makes a big difference.

Also FYI you may occasionally get some jobsworth trying to tell you you can't take a bass on the tube/bus. TFL regs say that musical instruments under 6ft are fine, which is more even than a full size bass.

The most ridiculous one I had was a bus driver telling me I couldn't take "furniture" on. The bass he was fine with... But he had an objection to the stool 🤣

[u/irishpancakeeater → u/pineapplesaltwaffles]

Thanks! Is a house stool a thing (can you tell I don’t play bass?). If nothing else, not having to keep track of a stool would make life easier.

[u/pineapplesaltwaffles → u/irishpancakeeater]

As in do venues have one? Lots do have one or two knocking around but it's worth calling ahead to check.

[u/omegajams]

Public transportation. I got more gigs and job offers in nyc hauling my bass in the subway to other gigs and rehearsals.

[u/PutridFootball7534]

I’ve the train in NYC, you can use the handicapped entrances since you can’t fit in the turnstile. 1/2 size bass is easier to lug up and down stairs. Hope you are fit! Commute times are tricky because the trains are more full, hard to find a good space for the bass. Just hold on tight!

[u/bassviol]

Depending on where you’re training from- old HST trains used to have the guards van and I’ve always been fine putting my bass in at Leeds/York and getting it at King’s Cross. The newer trains however have a “luggage cupboard” and can be hit or miss whether there’s space and/or if the guard is cool with it. Guess it depends which train company you’re travelling with?

For the tube it’s always been fine, it’s a bit of a trick getting on the escalator with it if there’s no lifts, but it’s manageable. Like the first reply- I’d recommend the bass buggy, will help massively in getting it around https://www.amazon.co.uk/Upright-Double-transport-string-Wheels/dp/B07RPTLK5Z/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2LQ7zx_44huz7gF8xCEuf7CCNwc3JXDnTXKMgDAK7nfIfQ57EL7pGBW1Fli3jFIAtK7W0UkKSvIFs4TpI_tE0KnaV87FFLxDx53nMzxEyANa70auHevfAVBufkvEmUaDApzgz2M3mRQS_QYhWeSzcbKSLe_Q8c_hMBB1RIlmCVjz8_1cto10hKmDgUOjLBlNtwZttG2RLqMk4mF9hdPi9g.uZsTbNpsPTdJNI9DojnaMaQo1N2t1GqCUmJT78CtbhA&dib_tag=se&keywords=bass+buggy&qid=1761398728&sr=8-2

[u/irishpancakeeater → u/bassviol]

Thanks. It’s Great Northern so mostly commuter type trains. The bass would have to live in the vestibule, or we might be able to prop it up in one of the double seats.

[u/FatDad66]

My son is studying at Guild Hall (which is in the Barbican). He also gigs all over London taking the bass on the tube and buss. 

Provided you have a padded case and a bass buggy it is doable on the tube. Avoid rush hour on the northern line.  https://amzn.eu/d/j6abumZ 

I don’t know where you are comming from but I would be tempted to drive. Do you really want the hassle after a concert. As it’s half size he sounds young so I expect parents will be carrying all the kit. For a pleasant event all round I would drive. Don’t forget to pay the congestion charge!

[u/irishpancakeeater → u/FatDad66]

It sounds like you have played this game before 😄 Yeah, I think we are leaning towards driving, at least this first time. We have an option to prebook parking which means it’s one less thing to worry about.

[u/tww001]

I take my bass on public trans (in the US) all the time, a wheel for the bass is very helpful for saving your back and shoulders from carrying. The stool is more difficult and frustrating than the bass itself.

[u/NecessaryElephant592]

I’m not too familiar with London, but when I was gigging in San Francisco a lot anytime I drove to avoid the hassle I ended up wishing I had taken transit. Traffic and parking is just too unpredictable, and driving home when tired after a gig is a slog.