Talk about your basses...

[Basehead]

My current stable is as follows:

Fodera Emperor Deluxe 5 - My main instrument, since I can get pretty much any tone I want from this thing. Alder body, maple top and an ebony board - I still find myself admiring this class instrument. J-bass growl in spades...has that classic compressed Fodera sound (compressed in a good way!). Even with the jumbo frets, it's very easy to play. Great B string (34" scale), very balanced from string to string and plays perfectly with effects. The custom Duncan single coils are pretty badass. I've played (and play) many gigs without an amp, direct into the board and still sounds amazing. Going into a nice amp only enhances the sound. My love-affair with this bass has been going strong since I got it new in '95.

Ernie Ball Sterling 4 - An older model from '94. Ash body, rosewood fingerboard. I swapped out the stock MM pickup for a Nordstrand MM 4.3, which warmed up the tone, but still has a natural midrange-forward sound. I usually use this for straight-ahead/heavy rock gigs when I use a pick. Punchy but not the most versatile bass. I do like the stock EQ. The neck is chunky, but not uncomfortable and the single pickup makes it great for slapping. Grindy and cutting, but not the deepest bass on the block. A solid gigging bass.

Stuart Spector Design (SSD) NS-4 - If I'm playing a 4 string, this is my bass of choice. Neck-thru construction, maple wings, pao ferro fretboard, EMGs and a cool purple high-gloss finish. Hot output and an aggressive tone means I'm cutting through any mix but also has a sweet tone when chording/melodic tapping. Both this and the Fodera speak with authority. I've been using this almost exclusively with my over-the-top effects board since I like how the 18v preamp drives my pedals. Classic Spector tone and the neck plays like buttah. A very powerful 2 band EQ is all you need on this thing. The SSD sound KILLS the Sterling, so I can't swap the two on a gig since the difference is pretty drastic. Love this bass!

Ibanez SR400QM - I string this A-D-G-C (tenor), since the natural tone is bright, so it can get very guitar like. Upper register chords sound great on this and it has a nice, even response string to string. An inexpensive solo/wank machine. The stock EQ and pickups sound pretty good and I can get some deep (i.e.: more bass like) sounds from the active electronics. Light-weight, super thin neck (combined with lighter gauged strings) means I can fly on this thing. Lots of fun for not a lot of money. The output isn't a hot as the previous three basses.

Ibanez SR650PBAM - NOS bass that I recently got. Mahogany body, Poplar burl top, wenge/bubinga neck, with abalone oval inlays - A BEAUTIFUL looking instrument and very well made. Feels great and has a nice acoustic tone to it - lots of bite. Fast, very comfortable to play (like most SR's) and light - I'm really loving the feel of it right now. I don't think I'm too crazy about the (Korean made) Bartolini MK-1 pickups and preamp which sound a bit anemic to me, so I'll probably be swapping out the stock electronics for something else.

[spiritbass]

I used to have a LeCompte which was equipped with the first pair of smoked chrome Dark Star pickups. While waiting for Bud & Fred to swap out the pickups for a regular chrome pair (plating problem with the 'smoke'), I decided that I needed a backup so that I didn't have to do without a Dark Star equipped bass. I bought an '07 Indonesian JB-2, a DS-3N & B pair, and sent them to Jimmy (Landing Basses) who did the install for me. I eventually sold the LeCompte because I preferred the tone and ergonomics of the JB better. It's been with me for over five years now.

After playing my Indigoburst AB-1 for a while, I decided to commission a Z-series through an on-line dealer who had brokered a new 55-94D for me. Things did not go well with said dealer, who lost a lot of good things from his life including his Dingwall dealership, many brain cells, and at least temporarily, his capacity for rational thought. I ended up asking the Dynamic Dingwall Duo if I could change my order. They said "Sure!", and I ended up with one of the most perfect basses I've ever had in my hands. This would be my Bronze Age over alder four-string Super J/P.

I played my AB-1 for five years before I decided to pass it along to another player who would appreciate it and its 18mm string spacing and wenge board more than I. The sale helped to fund my Stormy Monday over ash five-string Super J/P Custom (no PG, or control plate). It's my first Dingwall with a maple board. Total keeper status.

I have yet to touch my fourth bass. I scored a 32" Precision here on TB and the seller was kind enough to ship it directly to JohnK for a makeover. He's threatening to call it finished the middle of this month. Proof of existence pics will be posted after I get my fingers on it and the weather cooperates.

[Ric5]

I started playing in the late 60s. My first bass was a 6 string guitar strung with 4 flatwound strings. After that I got a Hofner copy, then a Hofner, then a Gibson EBO, Then about 1973 I got a 1968 4001 http://www.3dentourage.com/425/68-ric-2.htm That Rick was my main bass from 1973 to 2001. From 2001 on I got into buying and selling a lot of basses and in the process I converted into play only 5 string basses. I have owned a lot of Ricks, p-basses, jazz basses, stingrays, and I have built a lot of frankensteined parts basses. At any given time I have between 10 and 20 basses.

[TechJunky]

Warwick P-Nut II signature My absolutely dream bass, bought this past December after I happened upon it at a GC near my parents house, and my fiance knew how much I had wanted one and talked me into buying it! Extremely versatile, yet still maintains that classic Warwick growl/tone. Thick neck, which I prefer, and very comfortable, although a little neck heavy (not too bad, and I've since raised up my basses, which helped a lot). Weighs a TON though, but again, not enough to scare me off or make me ever consider selling.

Warwick Streamer Stage II 4 My "other" dream bass. I always figured the P-Nut to be a literal dream, and never thought I'd see one in person, much less even play one. The Stage II, on the other hand, still seemed way out of my league, but at least since it's a standard production model, had at least some level of feasibility to acquire. Bought this a few years ago after saving up for a little while (plus some bonus money from work), and became the first bass I truly know to be a lifer. The feel, balance, and tone is perfect. Sometimes I wish it were a 5 string, but realistically would rather own this along side a SSII 5 (but the P-Nut takes that place anyway, so I'm good). Such a distinctive tone, exactly what I hear in my head.

Warwick Streamer LX 5 Bought this before I got the P-Nut because I wanted a Streamer 5 string. Awesome bass, very light, with a very thin neck. Most neck heavy bass, but again helped a lot after raising the bass up when I play. Super growly, occasionally to the point that I have trouble taming it, so I only use it for certain situations. However, it is also the fattest/most low end bass I own, so it has its place. Will probably keep this for a while, because it is an awesome bass, but would be the first to go if I needed to sell one or decided to trade for something else down the road.

[speak2planets]

2006 EBMM Sterling 4 String (Greta) - My main bass. She is an all around player. So far, she gets used for all my funk playing because she has that perfect tone that I look for. Smaller than a Stingray body and a tiny neck that is super fast. Everything is stock except an added Hipshot Extender. Usually have DR Blacks on her but am playing with TI Powerbass strings at the moment. I'll probably switch between the two (DR's when I'm broke).

1998 Modulus VJ4 Fretless 4 String (Suzy Creamcheese) - So many great things to say about this bass. SOOOO much mwah. She gets used for any jazz work or when I just want to have fun. I'm still in no way any good at playing fretless but I am definately getting better. Feels like a jazz bass should with great balance and a fast neck. I put a John East preamp in so I could switch between the passive/active sounds. She is strung with D'Addario tapewounds.

1974 Rickenbacker 4001 4 String (Unnamed So Far) - A relatively new aquisition to the family. A pure rock juggernaut!! Love dialing in the Chris Squire clank on her. Heaviest bass I have and I'm still getting used to her neck cause it's definately bigger than all my other gals. I run the Ric-O-Sound every once in a while just to remind me she can do it. Replace the stock bridge with a Hipshot replacement. And I know I'm gonna get bashed for this, but replaced the stock pups with Joe Barden customs and put in the updated 4003 electronics. She still sounds like a Ric with a little more power. She is strung with Rotosound Nickel 66's.

2011 Martin Custom Acoustic 4 String (Molly) - This is my sitting on the couch-watching tv-playing along with tv music bass. Amazing acoustic tone and is much louder than most ABG's. The neck is about the same size and radius as my Modulus and feels really comfortable. I have a set of LaBella White Tapewounds on her to bring out as much mellow as I can.

1995 Carl Thompson No Frills 4 String (Unnamed So Far) - My newest girl. I've only had her for around a week or so and she fills in my boutique category. Most beautiful pieces of wood I have ever held. I am not super crazy about the EMG pup and may have to replace it with a Kent Armstrong soapbar. Mellow sound due to a nice wooden bridge and the TI Jazz Flats I put on her. Its tough to find strings to fit the 36" scale.

I know it seems like I have what many would consider too many basses, but trust me, they all get played daily.

[Wallace320]

Originally Posted by speak2planets

2006 EBMM Sterling 4 String (Greta) - My main bass. She is an all around player. So far, she gets used for all my funk playing because she has that perfect tone that I look for. Smaller than a Stingray body and a tiny neck that is super fast. Everything is stock except an added Hipshot Extender. Usually have DR Blacks on her but am playing with TI Powerbass strings at the moment. I'll probably switch between the two (DR's when I'm broke).

1998 Modulus VJ4 Fretless 4 String (Suzy Creamcheese) - So many great things to say about this bass. SOOOO much mwah. She gets used for any jazz work or when I just want to have fun. I'm still in no way any good at playing fretless but I am definately getting better. Feels like a jazz bass should with great balance and a fast neck. I put a John East preamp in so I could switch between the passive/active sounds. She is strung with D'Addario tapewounds.

1974 Rickenbacker 4001 4 String (Unnamed So Far) - A relatively new aquisition to the family. A pure rock juggernaut!! Love dialing in the Chris Squire clank on her. Heaviest bass I have and I'm still getting used to her neck cause it's definately bigger than all my other gals. I run the Ric-O-Sound every once in a while just to remind me she can do it. Replace the stock bridge with a Hipshot replacement. And I know I'm gonna get bashed for this, but replaced the stock pups with Joe Barden customs and put in the updated 4003 electronics. She still sounds like a Ric with a little more power. She is strung with Rotosound Nickel 66's.

2011 Martin Custom Acoustic 4 String (Molly) - This is my sitting on the couch-watching tv-playing along with tv music bass. Amazing acoustic tone and is much louder than most ABG's. The neck is about the same size and radius as my Modulus and feels really comfortable. I have a set of LaBella White Tapewounds on her to bring out as much mellow as I can.

1995 Carl Thompson No Frills 4 String (Unnamed So Far) - My newest girl. I've only had her for around a week or so and she fills in my boutique category. Most beautiful pieces of wood I have ever held. I am not super crazy about the EMG pup and may have to replace it with a Kent Armstrong soapbar. Mellow sound due to a nice wooden bridge and the TI Jazz Flats I put on her. Its tough to find strings to fit the 36" scale.

I know it seems like I have what many would consider too many basses, but trust me, they all get played daily.

Beautiful pieces tho'

Cheers,
Wallace

Ps: and lovely dogs,
to me, at least.

[wolfmancharlie]

Love the Dogs and you never have too many basses.Sounds like a very nice collection.

[tink9975]

Carvin LB75: Koa Neck and body, Ebony board. This was the first bass that I bought new and has been my main bass for over 20 years now. It fits me like a glove. It is lighter than my 4 string basses, has a fast comfortable neck. I upgraded to the Carvin 3 band preamp back around 2000. I have a Pope Flexcore sitting on the shelf, but I'm starting to waver on installing it. The electronics are the only thing I don't love about the bass, if it was P-J instead of JJ, I would probably get rid of my other basses and never have GAS again.

SX P-J Sunburst: I bought this right before the change in headstocks. It plays and sounds very good, but it has been extensively modded. It now has EMG PJX pickups, hipshot bridge, the orange tint has been removed from the neck, a new nut was cut and it had a full Plek setup done. Nice and bright, and a little rough around the edges.

Franken-Fretless: The body for my fretless was the body from my 2nd bass. It was a mid seventies Japanese P-bass copy branded "Bradley". I put in an EMG P and played it like that for about 10 years. Then I sanded off the thick sunburst finish, refinished it with oil and bought a maple/ebony fretless neck from Warmoth. recently I replaced the failing EMG P with an EMG PAX.

[speak2planets]

Originally Posted by Wallace320

Ps: and lovely dogs,
to me, at least.

Thanx y'all. Thems my mutts Maeby & Chewbacca. Both Olde English Bulldogges.

[Wallace320]

Love Beagles too

Playin' n'collectin' bass guitars, and yours are stunnin', it's nothin' like the love of dogs

Nice to know you

Cheers,
Wallace

[sbpark]

1976 P-bass: I'm a guitar player who's been secretly wanting to play bass and learn music theory for years. I've owned a few basses over the years, but never really played them and always ended up selling them to buy more guitar gear. Recently took a chance on a dirty, dingy old P-bass that I paid $250 for with a Crate SS amp (and ended up selling the amp for $60), only to be pleasantly surprised once I got it home that it was a 1976. The bridge and pup are not original, but I'm working on fixing that so it sounds somewhat close to the way it did back in the day. Have a Fender vintage bridge, pickup covers and a thumb rest on the way, scored an original 1970's case for it yesterday from a super nice guy who is also a fellow TB'er consequently, and am figuring out what pickup to put in it (most likely a Fralin). Although when it's done, it still won't be all 'original' but I think I'll still be doing it justice! I feel pretty lucky to have come across such a nice instrument to learn on and look forward to getting better!

[Wallace320]

So, dunno 'bout the pickups, yet maybe the guy who did that, meant business.
Vintage 4 saddles bridges are nearly nothing in accuracy and precision, if compared to himass BadAssII
Maybe the pickup is powerful and modern its way

Good instrument btw, congrats buddy!

Cheers,
Wallace

[sbpark]

Originally Posted by Wallace320

So,dunno 'bout the pickups, yet maybe the guy who did that, meant business.
Vintage 4 saddles bridges are nearly nothing in accuracy and precision, if compared to himass BadAssII
Maybe the pickup is powerful and modern its way

Good instrument btw, congrats buddy!

Cheers,
Wallace

I could care less, as I think the BAII looks hideous and out of place on there. If a priority was sustain, accuracy and 'precision' no pun intended) I wouldn't be playing a 37 year old, assembly line produced, bolt-on neck bass! I prefer making it look and sound the way it did back then and how it was intended to originally. Not saying it's the only way, but that's just what I want for my bass. The vintage bridges are just fine, have been used for decades and are even still being used currently with people doing a build and on RI and 'Classic' models with no problems whatsoever. If I'm going for a classic or old school, authentic Fender sound, the BAII needs to go!

Thanks for the kind words!

[Wallace320]

Originally Posted by sbpark

The vintage bridges are just fine, have been used for decades and are even still being used currently with people doing a build and on RI and 'Classic' models with no problems whatsoever. If I'm going for a classic or old school, authentic Fender sound, the BAII needs to go!

Thanks for the kind words!

Alright:
First thing comin' to my mind is exactly that, on Classics (I never could afford a RI model) it's the very first thing I swap out (second being... Well pickup)
Keepin' the appearance (it's enough) yet pushin' performance to its (enhanced) limits
Well... Maybe it's just me.

Congrats again. A tort's gonna be fine, with reverse tuners kinda look

Cheers,
Wallace

[sbpark]

Originally Posted by Wallace320

Alright:
First thing comin' to my mind is exactly that, on Classics (I never could afford a RI model) it's the very first thing I swap out (second being... Well pickup)
Keepin' the appearance (it's enough) yet pushin' performance to its (enhanced) limits
Well... Maybe it's just me.

Congrats again. A tort's gonna be fine, with reverse tuners kinda look

Cheers,
Wallace

To each his own, and it's all good! I'm just not sure why you'd consider buying a 'Classic", only to swap out the bridge! Instead of thinking about it in terms of performance, try and think of it from a tone perspective. Not everything has to be 'high performance' and top of the line to sound good. There is something to be said for each bridge, one being the high-mass BA bridges, and the classic Fender bridges. They each have their own intent purposes and characteristic sounds. And last time I checked, they both function just fine and do the job they were intended to. Trust me, I doubt I am the first person to pull off a BAII and go back to a vintage style bridge. Just depends on the sound you're going for!

[Wallace320]

Originally Posted by sbpark

To each his own, and it's all good! I'm just not sure why you'd consider buying a 'Classic", only to swap out the bridge!

Fit and finish (skunkstripe apart) is fantastic... Baseballbat neck (which I love for it's huge) with higloss finish (which I love too) resoundin' alder body (more resoundin' than on Standards for sure)
Then I feel the need to let it sound as huge as it looks and there tech walks in.

Cheers,
Wallace

[nostatic]

Fodera Yin Yang Deluxe 4 - chambered walnut body (first YYD ever done that way), ebony fingerboard, EMG PJ w/Pope preamp. My go-to 4-string bass that will do anything. Playability is superb, tone is flexible, and no aspect of the bass gets in my way. Rather, it inspires me to try new and different things. Distinct tone that is deep, clear, and incredibly articulate. Good technique is rewarded, sloppiness is evident. If I had to only have one bass, this would probably be it.

Fodera Matt Garrison Standard - my first bass strung E-C. I played Zon 5-strings for a decade before moving back to 4-string to retool my playing. The MGS is a brilliant spec for expanding beyond traditional bass playing. 33" scale, 17.5mm spacing, 26-fret, ridiculous low action, D-tuner to go a bit below E. Comping is easy as is soloing. Comfortable neck-through design with small frets. The bass is designed for performance.

Rob Allen Deep 4 fretless - my "upright substitute", but it is much more than that. Easy to cop an upright vibe and sound with the bass, it is huge sounding and can cover a wider variety of gigs than people usually think. I've played funk gigs with it no problem. Incredible tone. Nothing else sounds or plays like a Rob Allen.

Mike Lull M4V - I traditionally have hated ash/maple jazz basses. Actually I'm generally not a fan of ash/maple anything or JJ anything. But for some gigs I want/need a more "traditional" look so I rolled the dice for some reason and picked this up. Great build quality and tone, this bass made me rescind my "no ash/maple/JJ" policy. The orange paint just seals the deal.

In the works (done in a few months)

Fodera Monarch 5 Elite (one fretted, one fretless, strung E-C) - the MGS got me hooked on E-C 5'ers, and when this pair comes in the MGS will be up for sale. Mostly just my desire to have all my instruments have 34" scale. These will be neck-through 24 fret (or fret equivalent for the fretless) with 17.5mm spacing and the same neck shape as the MGS. Basically an MGS with 2 less frets and an inch longer scale. So I'll have fretted and fretless 34" scale 4-strings, and fretted and freless 34" scale 5-strings (E-C).

[comicbookguy95]

1. Peavey Foundation (USA): - My first bass and the ruleby which all others are measured. 4 string with satin finished maple neck and a gloss black body. Very punchy midrange. Bought it off a church friend for $150 and would pay alot more to replace it if anything happened to it. Seen the exact model in 5 string before and really thinking about getting one.

2. Epiphone Thunderbird: - Fell in love with the body shape and styling of TBirds but have yet to really click with this bass. A few months after I got it I went back to the Peavey. Finally got around to having it set up and that made it a lot better. Very deep mellow sound.

3. Ibanez SR506: - My first extended range bass and first active bass. I love this thing. Every time I think about taking one of the others to sunday service I end up not cause it's one less time I didn't get to play this bass. My grandmother bought it for me for my college graduation present after I argued with myself if that's what I really wanted. Seriously can't say enough good about this bass.

3.5 Franken-Fretless P-bass: - Bought a project P body off ebay for $50. Decided to make it my first fretless bass (also first project [also first P style bass]). Slowly making upgrades as I can afford them. Body is painted a dark Kelly green, changed the pick guard to black, pickups and knobs are white. Gonna use a Mighty Mite fretless maple/ebanol neck to finish it off (before I decide to change the bridge and pickups...)

[Webtroll]

63 Precision refin (natural/rosewood/white PG) from the TB forums setup by John10K. Beautiful and it plays perfectly. Medium weight, good tone.

8 string Tobias Renegade also from the TB forums. Green, setup by John Hacker of Austin Vintage guitars. Plays and sounds great, but the color... ew. Have a few ideas to fix that.

Mid 90s 5 string Warwick LX fretless, not sure about the body but the neck is laminates with what appears to be an ebony fingerboard. Stock MEC electronics. Best sounding fretless I've ever played or heard even though I'm not a fretless kind of player. Dark brown body, looks almost black.

SUB 4 (U.S.) from the TB Classifieds, setup by Chuck when the Bass Emporium still has a storefront. I replaced the okay EQ with one from SGD Lutherie modded to have detents at the halfway boost point. Plays and sounds amazing, probably my main go-to at this time. White body and pickguard.

SUB 5 (U.S.) from the TB Classifieds setup by a guitar playing friend. Plays okay, but I can't get it to feel right so I don't play it much. Not sure if it's the setup, the strings, or if I'm just not into EB 5 string basses. Blue with black pickguard.

Heavily modded Vaccaro 5 string (TB again). Pulled the dots and filled the holes with brown lacquer stick. Replaced body with mahogany body of the same shape made with Chip Todd (Peavey engineer). Bartolini pickups from a Roscoe and an Aguilar 3 band preamp. Stock bridge and tuners because the UltraLights are designed for thicker headstocks (this looks like an aluminum Kramer headstock 2+3). Needs a setup but it plays well enough to gig with as is.

Squier Active 5 (TB again) converted to 6. The conversion is good, but I've never been able to gel with this bass. Needs a setup now, and the strings are awful (stainless steel and the thickness is in stages over the bridge; I've decided I don't like them. Pretty bass tho, sunburst. Stock electronics.

Ergo 5 string upright modded to increase the tension on the nut and bridge so my clumsy hamfisted upright technique feels less incompetent. Fingerboard was planed so the middle dots are all gone, dots added along the side like an electric fretless bass. I'm not a fan of the piezos; they sound nice but I tend to make too many other noises horsing around and it amplifies all of them.

Project basses in pieces include a Precision from a Squier purchased on TB and a boatload of parts from TB and Stew Mac, and a Tobias 5 project (TB) that I dropped a bunch of money into EMGs for but haven't worked on because I'm having my doubts as to the legitimacy of the origin of the bass. Not the seller, but the neck which has the Tobias logo and Made in USA stamped on it but doesn't look quite right. The body is a little off too.

Not sure if I missed anything.

[BWileyTally]

Ok, I'll go.

Mine are cheap basses. Real cheap, but I love them just as they are.

Epiphone Thunderbird.
I love this one for its rock tones. A true dark and growly tone perfect for heavy music. Especially with flats!

Mako Traditionals p-bass.
Bought completely stripped for $40. Put some new flats on her, new bridge, nut, squire tuners and a David Allen P-Bass pickup. She's now my fav!

Kramer Focus 420s
Bought with the intention of a fretless conversion, however I haven't got around to that yet. I like that its lightweight and has a thin neck to it. It's stock pickups give more harmonic overtones than the D. Allen on my Mako, which I like better for some songs. Even with flats.

Maybe one day I'll be able to enjoy the finer basses in life. But for now these work great!