Ever wish you weren't so attached?

[Evil Undead]

Have you ever been in a position where you were extremely attached to a bass you didn't need?

Maybe it's a beater or an old pile of junk, but maybe even a wonderful instrument that plays and sounds great but you barely use because you have one you use more.

Or, you could use the money for something else (vacation, car, etc) but can't bring yourself to sell a certain bass even though you have another you use more.

This has come from a conversation I was having with a friend today. Just curious to hear others stories and views.

[Selta]

Sentimental attachment to anything can be powerful. I have such an attachment to my first bass, as well as an ESP bass that I basically never play.

[pica]

My first bass was a Squier Affinity Jazz that I bought before I knew of any other basses. As I got better I bought an Ibanez SR700. I thought of selling my Squier to buy more bass stuff but decided to keep it as a second bass. However, I've gotten really attached to my Squier and sometimes play that instead of my Ibanez. BTW, my Squier plays and sounds really good. I know there are many posts on TB about the quality and playability of the Squiers

[T. Alan Smith]

I have a tremendous attachment to the 'Ray 4HP I special ordered back in '01. I think it's prolly the oldest piece of gear I own...and after playing for well over a quarter century, that's pretty piss poor. But that's all I have to show for all the gig money earned back in the 90's. That, and she's a spectacular piece.

[snyderz]

I used to have attachments, ie 'this one's a keeper!' All the keepers are long gone, as I now look at my basses as tools. If they are the right tool for the job, I keep them. If not, they can go with no regrets.

[Kwesi]

The best way to deal with attachment issues is to just buy killer instruments that way, now matter what you buy it'll be just as sick as whatever you might want to sell .

[Righteous Thunderer]

Originally Posted by snyderz

I used to have attachments, ie 'this one's a keeper!' All the keepers are long gone, as I now look at my basses as tools. If they are the right tool for the job, I keep them. If not, they can go with no regrets.

This.

I bought several very nice Warwicks that were my "Dream" basses, and not a single one of them survived the cut.

That being said, I can't currently imagine selling my Ibanez SR755. I barely play anymore, and I doubt I'll ever be with a band, but I just can't bear the thought of it.

[R Upsomegrub]

Ever wish you weren't so attached?

Yes.

[Sartori]

I have a pretty strong sentimental attachment to my Peavey starter bass. It's actually a pretty decent bass, though, for a cheapo. I don't think I could bring myself to sell it.

Of course, now that I've modded it to be more useful to me, it has pretty much zero resale value.

[bassbenj]

Originally Posted by Evil Undead

Have you ever been in a position where you were extremely attached to a bass you didn't need?

Maybe it's a beater or an old pile of junk, but maybe even a wonderful instrument that plays and sounds great but you barely use because you have one you use more.

Where is it written that one is only allowed to own basses that one "needs"?

I still have some of my first basses that I never play. What I'm sorry about are some of the old ones I "thought" I didn't "need" and got rid of!

[vin*tone]

Yes. I have a 79 MM Sabre that my partner won't let me sell because I've had it for over 15 years now. Never play it.

[hwystar]

Yes...to my '76 Rick-4001, every year I take her out during the local Guitar show in town with thoughts of a sale. And every year she goes back in the case. Played her 14 yrs, many miles and earned many $$$ we saw. I just can't part.

[RobJ]

I'm pretty attached to all my basses, all were carefully chosen, have been well kept and served me well over the years. I don't gas for new basses, I'm happy with what I have pretty much. One I have that see's little playing time is my '67 Hofner 500/1, it's a great little bass and I really enjoy it when I do play it but I really can't say I'd ever sell it.

[JimmyM]

I'm not attached to any of my basses or any of my equipment, quite honestly. If something ever happens to any of it, life will go on. But I have 7 I won't be selling because I like them too much to sell. Three of them almost never get any onstage time anymore, but they're here if I need them.

[Duckwater]

Yep, I had a $2000 offer for my Minarik that I paid 400 for, but I love it far too much to let it go.

[MysticMichael]

Originally Posted by Evil Undead

Have you ever been in a position where you were extremely attached to a bass you didn't need?

No.

If I'm that likely to never need it, I don't get it in the first place. Yes, I really do plan out my acquisitions in that disciplined a manner.

Also, "need" is a much more subjective and personal condition than it might appear to be on a superficial level. There are numerous reasons for which I might "need" to retain a particular instrument that I haven't played in quite awhile - or likely won't be playing for some time to come.

It comes down to a lot more than just sheer, cold utility. Over time, I develop a relationship with my instruments - each and every one of them. Once I've welcomed a new "member of the family", it's not likely to go anywhere, ever again.

MM

[michael_atw]

Umm...nope. I chop up vintage instruments apathetically too, whereas some other players would dread even removing a pickguard off a vintage instrument.

The closest to "attached" I could come is my '67 Coronado II. I don't ever use it but it's so cool and unique I keep it. But someday I'll probably say "@*#& you" and part with it.

[B String]

Oh Lardy does this apply to me!

I have a James Tyler "Abe Laboriel 5" that plays and sounds like a dream. Used it on many sessions and gigs. Rarely gets played for no really good reason other than people like to see Fender like basses around here.

I had a bunch of quality parts laying around so I threw together a "parts" Jazz bass. It freakin kills! However...I never play 4 string, and if I do, I have a 60 P and 64 Jazz. Haven't even tried to sell it. I figure no matter how good it is, its still just a "parts" bass.

Next... My Heartfield DR5 has been my "knock around" bass for outside gigs or wierd venues, or road trips, etc. I really don't need it at all but the 33.75 scale plays so easy. Plus it has a great B string, and after adding Nordstrand pickups and preamp, its a total pleasure. Rarely gets played anymore.

Lastly I have a 60's Danelectro bass I got in 1968 from a Haight-Ashbury hippie who needed money for Pot. It has "Love" and other hippie type stuff on it in Day Glo paint. It hasn't even had strings on it in many years, and if I had half a brain I'd get rid of it and make my wife happy, but it has so much sentimental value to me. I got it when I was about 14.

These are just the basses I can't part with, and seem to fit with the OP's question. I still have a number of others that I work with and use a good amount. I really wish I could bring myself to sell a few basses, but I learned early...Sell the amps and the boxes, and the effects, and anything else, but DON'T EVER SELL A GREAT INSTRUMENT! .........sorry sweetheart.

[Want a 9]

Hey B string,

You have a Heartfield DR-5. That's cool I still have mine. It is a "keeper" to me. It is still a stock instrument, but I really love to play it. If I had to get rid of all of my basses but one; I would keep my DR-5.

[The Lemon]

Originally Posted by bassbenj

Where is it written that one is only allowed to own basses that one "needs"?

On Talkbass, about once a day. On the home page it'll be located between a "P-Bass" thread and a "Best bass for (genre)" thread.