As I get older and still play a lot of gigs, I find that I’d like to settle into one bass to ride out the golden years. Sadowsky for many reasons has been my thoughts. Would I be crazy to sell or trade several really nice basses for one desert island bass? Curious about thoughts from this crowd.
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Crazy trade idea
- Thread starter esbanke
- Start date
Only you can make that decision. Depends how much you like the "really nice basses" and how much you like the "desert island" bass.
I recently sold off two US G&Ls and picked up a US Lakland Hollowbody with the funds (pocketed some cash too). Liked the two G&Ls, but I love the Lakland. Happy with the result in my case. I could certainly see the opposite happening. Just because you buy a high end bass does not mean you will like it.
Edit: Adding that I do not expect to ever end up with just 1 bass (assuming my financial situation continues to allow it). I could maybe get down to 4. 3 of those 4 have been with me for over 20 years. The other one is the Lakland.
I recently sold off two US G&Ls and picked up a US Lakland Hollowbody with the funds (pocketed some cash too). Liked the two G&Ls, but I love the Lakland. Happy with the result in my case. I could certainly see the opposite happening. Just because you buy a high end bass does not mean you will like it.
Edit: Adding that I do not expect to ever end up with just 1 bass (assuming my financial situation continues to allow it). I could maybe get down to 4. 3 of those 4 have been with me for over 20 years. The other one is the Lakland.
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I love this idea. I don’t know if I could do it and stick with it, but I love the idea!
Perfectly logical but for those who have multiple instruments for pure enjoyment this might not be the way to go.
I have my desert island bass ..a Sadowsky NYC 4 string P/J. It see’s most of the action but I always bring along an additional bass to play just to change it up and as a backup.
When I start to liquidate my gear the Sadowsky will stay with me.
I have my desert island bass ..a Sadowsky NYC 4 string P/J. It see’s most of the action but I always bring along an additional bass to play just to change it up and as a backup.
When I start to liquidate my gear the Sadowsky will stay with me.
Ya I realize that it could lead into buying more basses again, but maybe with a focus on a certain type.
Depends on your needs and what you feel like you can do without. I cannot imagine myself having less than two basses, as I'd want one with rounds and flats at bare minimum. Throw in the likely need for a 5'er and now I'm up to a minimum of 3 basses.
If you're just doing Blues bar gigs into your twilight years, you can easily get by on a single P or J bass (Fender or FSO) until you retire. Whether you'll be happy with that is up to you. I'm too schizo with the styles I like to play, so I've given up on the "Do-it-all" bass quest for good lol
If you're just doing Blues bar gigs into your twilight years, you can easily get by on a single P or J bass (Fender or FSO) until you retire. Whether you'll be happy with that is up to you. I'm too schizo with the styles I like to play, so I've given up on the "Do-it-all" bass quest for good lol
I have several basses, but I always come back to playing one or two at every gig. While the others wait for string changes, cleanings and neck adjustments. I’ve never owned a Sadowsky, but a buddy has several and I’ve played them. Loved them a lot.
Its not a crazy idea..... BUT ....... I've had a lot of nice instruments go thru my hand. I know for a fact that what makes me happy isn't written on the headstock. What I'm saying is if you've held / played this Sadowsky and you think its absolutely perfect. Then YES, go get it. If you're going off of what you've read and from reading the spec sheets over and over, then I'd say NO. Example: I love a Fender Jazz bass. Yet I've held plenty that were absolute junk. I've only found a few that meets MY STANDARDS. Yet I'll say Fender J-bass' are the greatest.
Once you settle on the Sadowsky brand you will have to decide..what model ??? He makes so many great instruments..all different and great.
When I encounter this sort of a situation, the solution boils down is identifying exactly what problem am I trying to solve. Is the problem really a problem or just a minor annoyance and worth the expense to resolve? There is no right or wrong answer with that. That is for you to answer.
So I can’t offer an opinion, but I can tell you I have a 30 year old Fender PBj I’ve been playing on for the last 21 years and I wouldn’t trade it even up for an Alembic.
As a "mostly retired from gigging " guy, having a bunch of instruments that aren't being played feels too much like "collecting".
Now, collecting is fine, if you can afford it. I can't.
Selling off rarely played basses to aquire a " always wanted " bass for me would be a no brainer.
Now, collecting is fine, if you can afford it. I can't.
Selling off rarely played basses to aquire a " always wanted " bass for me would be a no brainer.
Totally a personal decision. I only have 4 and am considering selling the one that hardly makes it to gigs anymore. Funny thing about that is that's the only one that's pretty much stock. The ones I play the most are the ones I've put together myself with my limited abilities to get a sound I like on a bass I like.
If it sounds like a good idea for you, dive in.
If it sounds like a good idea for you, dive in.
What's your best hope here? Are you looking for cash? Do you need more room in the room? Do you want to reduce your estate so survivors don't have to deal with your stuff? Is there an instrument purchase that would require sale of other basses? Three months from now how will you know if you made the right or wrong decision? How about six months? Yes. I am a psychotherapist.
I have three very nice American Elite P basses as my stage sticks but when I eventually choose to go with just one: Sadowsky NY Custom all the way.
Make sure you’re happy with the Sadowsky first before selling anything you might regret. Sometimes capturing the unicorn is not worth it.
If the Sadowsky beats everything you have, I say go for it. However, don't get stuck on a name brand. ..... I've got two very cheap and no name Japanese basses that I've paid less than 300 for both combined that beat out everything Ive ever owned prior. FWIW, just find one that makes you say to yourself, yep, it's this one. If it doesn't make you say that out loud, then pass. IMO. best of luck.
I think I could do it. I have three electric basses, yet I only bring one to gigs or rehearsals. Losing the upright that gets used about 30% of the time would be the hardest, even though it’s a pain in the butt to transport.
I’m thinking of selling all the high end stuff and buying a used mid level. I’ve kinda gotten over my bad self. It’ll have TI flats on it.
If you're gigging as much as you say, having only one bass...I dunno man, what if you get a gig where you realize you need a different sound? Sadowskys are awesome and can do pretty much anything but still, what if you really want flats for a gig and your bass has rounds? That's a pain in the arse to switch back and forth. What if you don't want to take your beloved Sadowsky to a sketchy dive? I'd at least keep one alternative to the numero uno, even if it's a more budget axe. You'd likely find you use it way more than you expect.
A few years ago I had a Moollon P bass, a road worn p bass, 2 American vintage 58s and 2 American vintage 63s and now have an original 66 p, a custom shop 58, one of the 63s and a beater Mexican P I found on Craigslist so I’m of the mindset have a few really nice basses
