Thinking of becoming a "one woman man" (bass)

[bass player 48]

I like basses as much as the next guy, really, I do. I wish I could afford lots and lots of basses. But I can't... and I can't safely store too many.

I have three. I'm a Fender guy and I have three very nice Fenders - a Precision, a Jazz, and a active P and J (P bass lyte). I like all three, and I've felt pretty justified in keeping all three for the last several years.

They all have their own personality, but I do play all three with the same strings (nickel rounds) when I play them and I use them for pretty much the same things, and I'm just finding that prefer one over the other two - the active P bass lyte has the best neck and most flexible sound. I'm losing interest in my HWY 1 P and Geddy Jazz (both with little personal upgrades)

I haven't wanted to rush into selling them, because I'm really afraid that someday I'm going to want a regular P or a regular J... but, I've been feeling this way for a long time now. I'm trying NOT to let money drive this decision, because even though I could really use the money this summer, if I end up buying another P and/or J someday I'm going to lose a lot of money compared to just keeping the ones I have now.

So, I guess the question is, can I be happy with just one bass for the rest of my days? The one that I want to keep has some pro's and con's -

Pro's - It feels the best. It sounds the best, and is the most flexible sound wise. The body shows a lot of wear, which I consider a pro because it's all my player wear and I call that "mojo". It's very light and ergonomic. I just keep coming back to it.

Con's - It's not my favorite "looks" wise. The body / finish combo looks kind of cheesy to my eye. (I've had others compliment the look and say it looks very classy - so who knows?) It has one high fret, I think it's the 21st fret and it is just a little high on the treble side. You can find it if you're looking for it - but I don't know that I've ever heard it buzz while playing.

Anybody gotten rid of a collection and just picked their favorite bass and run with it? How did it work out for you? What should I do?

[dave64o]

Are you gigging? If so, having at least one backup bass is a smart idea so definitely consider keeping at least two basses even if you do sell the third.

If your P Bass Lyte really feels, plays, and sounds that good to you then ignore your cons. The pros FAR outweigh them. Regarding its looks ... i think they're damn nice looking but that shouldn't mean a whole lot to you, it's just my opinion.

For what it's worth, I have three - a Stingray 5HH, a Precision V, and a Jazz Deluxe V fretless - and I'm happy with them individually and as a group. With them I can come up with any sound I need to. My Stingray is usually the first one I grab and I don't play much fretless (why not? because I suck! ) but I do use them all and I don't want to get rid of any of them unless I try another bass that convinces me without a doubt to replace one of them - and I'm not feeling any GAS that would make me want to try another.

[tplyons]

I've done it... it's an incredible feeling. I had my "one woman" and I had my hooker on the side... had to a have a fretless in the gig bag.