Basses that are indeed, one trick ponies

[Surprise Panda!]

I don't want this to be a fight, but wondering people's opinions of some basses they think can only do ones style.


No fights please

 

[Equin]

It's not the bass, it's the player.

 

[EddieG]

Fender Precision.

One trick, but its a good one, and it bears repeating.

 

[Equin]

Fender Precision.

One trick, but its a good one, and it bears repeating.

The precision may not have the largest tonal variety, however that does NOT mean it is limited the ONE style.

 

[Buskman]

When I think of "one trick pony" I think of a bass' tone as opposed to a style played on it.

That being said, the Gibson EB-0 comes to mind. Like EddieG said about the P - one trick, but a good one.

 

[thumpbass1]

The Hofner Bass as played by Sir Paul. It's limited in the tone versatility department imho, but what it does do is certainly wonderful. I know the venerable Fender P-Bass is going to be thought of as a one trick pony, but I've used my P-Bass in a lot of different musical styles and settings with great success.

 

[Chasarms]

Tonally? I'd second the Hofner comment, add Dan Electro maybe and throw in Rickenbacker at the risk of a flame.

 

[ausf]

It's not the bass, it's the player.

+1

 

[dvh]

Another nod to the the P bass as applicable to many styles.

But for "one trick" I'd have to agree with the EB-0

 

[Green Mind]

I also feel "one trick pony" refers to a bass' tonal capabilities not which genre of music it fits in. You can use any bass for any style.

 

[UncleBalsamic]

I agree with the Gibson EB-0 but not the Hofner Violin bass. They're not extremely versatile I'll grant you that but they have more than "one trick" in my opinion. But YMMV.

 

[twangchief]

It's not the bass, it's the player.

+1

It would be like saying an upright can only be used for one style.

...and my opinion is that the precision bass is very versatile in the hands of a bass player and studio engineer. I was surprised to hear some tunes that John Entwistle played on a precision that I always thought was some exotic, custom bass.

 

[Marcury]

Precisions are not one trick ponies. EB-0s are, but as said before what a trick!

 

[Buskman]

To clarify the style/tone statement I made before...

I can use my EB-0 to play:

Reggae/Dub
Classic Rock (Beatles, Stones, etc.)
R&B/Motown
Funk (think Meters, as opposed to Bootsy)

Tone wise? It sounds like an EB-0 in all these various situations. Yet it sounds good in all of them.

 

[John Wentzien]

I've heard lots of players with 100 knobs on their bass that sounded the same on eveything too..

 

[Buskman]

I've heard lots of players with 100 knobs on their bass that sounded the same on eveything too..

Once again I think that comes down to the player as opposed to the instrument.

 

[unclekebm]

any-one who thinks a P is a one trick pony
either never played one or doesn't know how to play bass...

cheers

 

[John Wentzien]

Since the "p" has been played on probably more cuts than any other bass, and in every genre--I'd have to say it is the "Most Versitile" of ALL basses.

 

[spade2you]

I've heard lots of players with 100 knobs on their bass that sounded the same on eveything too..

Was it powered by a car battery?

 

[John Wentzien]

Was it powered by a car battery?

No...110v will do ..by the time their signal goes through active pre-amp...multiple pedals, and a rack full of processers.




...and still sound the same on every song..