• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Anybody else that can't choose a favorite?...

Ballin'bass

Ballin'bass

Jun 16, 2014
2,398
1,950
Madison, WI
#1
I am slowly building my collection of basses up (i have 5 now, though only 4 are shown in pic) and i get each bass for a different purpose. It started out with my long-time baby, an absolutely beautiful ebmm sterling, then expanded to eventually fit in a Modulus jazz bass, a Modulus quantum ss turbo, and even an old (but jaw-droppingly excellent) 80's Cort precision. honestly i was blown away by the cort p-bass, absolute dream to play, you could blow on the strings to fret them. also a Modulus fretless vj4 is on its way as the 5th member of the fam.:hyper:

Anyway as i've been building this collection up, i always figured i'd gravitate to one bass in particular, like "this is my favorite. i play it 90% of the time and just occasionally fiddle with the rest, or use them for specific applications." I find myself enjoying playing the different basses i have almost equally in my spare time and i love each one damn near equally (even when comparing the Modulus basses to the Cort!) I know it sounds nuts to some people, but i cannot truly say that my nicest basses are my favorite. i can't even really claim a favorite at this time. they all inspire me to play different things.

Anybody else with a (large or small) bass collection find this happens to them, where they can't decide which one they prefer to play? Or do most people just seem to have a "go-to" bass that they always reach for first? anyone who cares to share their experiences please chime in! long rants are welcome:).

Hope this topic hasn't been done to death already:bag:.
 
#3
I have 2 favorites and unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) they are almost identical and very expensive. I say unfortunately as I am considering selling one as they are extremely similar in feel, look and tone and I really don't need two super expensive basses to do 2-3 bar gigs a month.

I do like playing my other basses though.... A P with tapes for blues/country, a Jazz for funk, a fretless for the odd gig that calls for it, etc. I have 10 basses and play 8 of them almost daily.

I agree with the "right tool for the job" philosophy, but I get excited every time I pick up one of my Foderas.
 
  • Like
Reactions: oldfretless, Chili Bo Billy and Ballin'bass
#4
Baird6869 said:
I have 2 favorites and unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) they are almost identical and very expensive. I say unfortunately as I am considering selling one as they are extremely similar in feel, look and tone and I really don't need two super expensive basses to do 2-3 bar gigs a month.

I do like playing my other basses though.... A P with tapes for blues/country, a Jazz for funk, a fretless for the odd gig that calls for it, etc. I have 10 basses and play 8 of them almost daily.

I agree with the "right tool for the job" philosophy, but I get excited every time I pick up one of my Foderas.
Click to expand...

happen to have any pics of your twins that you're referring to? i do love me some bass porn:). especially if one might become available....:ninja:

edit: oh i assume one of them is your avatar?
 
#5
Ballin'bass said:
happen to have any pics of your twins that you're referring to? i do love me some bass porn:). especially if one might become available....:ninja:

edit: oh i assume one of them is your avatar?
Click to expand...
Yup.

Here are my two babies!

E3414254-EF73-4ADA-90C8-267BEAFD3017-2431-00000CCEBA8CF149_zps7d176a2e.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Deleted member 264575, pacojas, smperry and 2 others
#6
In my life I am loyal and faithful to people, beginning with my wife of 25 years. When it comes to basses, however, I have a self-imposed limit of 6, which is subject to change based on whim. They constitute a musical harem, from which I pick a daily favorite. Variety is good. I don't want to drink the same wine or whiskey every night, either :-)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Andre678, Moosehead1966 and Ballin'bass
#8
Ballin'bass said:
Lomo, you and I are a lot alike I think! ;)

I have imposed a limit of 5 for myself. But... I never know when the desire for a 5 string may become too strong to resist! But prolly not for a good while.


Ooo is that other one walnut? Gosh that'd be the keeper for me!
Click to expand...
Ha! The walnut one is the one I am considering moving and the mango topped one is a keeper for sure. Two different similar types of awesome. Reminds me of Sophie's Choice... Hard to pick which one I really want to keep!
 
#9
All my basses are basically pretty similar. J Basses, 4 and 5 strings all active mostly 70 spacing one 60s.
I go through phases that last a few months, where I play one bass exclusively.
Most of us are concerned with having our own voice on the bass.A huge factor is how we play, touch , phrasing etc. but a big part is also the sound of the instrument. I personally cannot move away from the J bass sound so all my basses have that in common.But if someone would own a Jazz, a P Bass with flats, A Musicman, A Fodera 6 string, A fretless Zon..... how do you keep your identity? I would find that difficult.
Most of my favorite bassists are ( or were) bonded to just one particular bass and that makes them instantly recognizable to me, and I like that.
 
#12
I guess I go through phases, if anything....it was all about my MTD for a while, but then my Jazz came back from the shop with a new nut and a mean setup...I have barley looked at that 535 since it was giggled last Sunday......
 
#14
I have 3 basses, and 3 of them are my favorites.

1985 Westone Spectrum GT: Fine Japanese instument I grew up with, used for anything, rock, jazz, ambient, whatever

2011 Squier VM Jaguar: my "cheapie", the only Fender I need so far, with P/J pickups and a great neck, good all-around backup and bar bass, has nice appointments and looks cool as hell

2011 Rickenbacker 4003: sounds heavenly, can be used for anything, is my main rock bass

When it comes to GAS, I've been happy with these 3 basses since 2011, and while I look fondly upon other basses (especially on this site) I have not had GAS fever in some time now.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Deleted member 264575

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back