Dedicating yourself to only 1 Bass

[thedovewarlord]

did my wife post this?

 

[Sir Bob Haulk]

I've been playing a Washburn Chicago force 8 bass since i bought it new in 1984 but i did buy a MIA Fender Jazz 20 years ago and played it a bit but really i'm still playing the Washburn. To me i've yet to hear or play a better bass. Maybe it's got something about it or maybe it just suits me but it's magic. Almost every gig i've played with it people come up and ask me about it. I've had people offer me silly money to buy it but i will never part with it and when i go to play that great gig in the sky my son will get it. I'm fully behind sticking with one bass and playing it for ever but maybe i'm lucky and people who change all the time just haven't found the right bass.

 

[Christcr]

Can't speak for everyone, but I have definitely "found the right bass"....... about five dozen times.

Let me present the mindset of a "gear slut" (that's me) this way:

Last night I ate smoked salmon for dinner. It's about the best tasting food I've had in years. It was definitely the "right food." However, if I ate that smoked salmon every night, even though it will forever be just as good as always, after a couple of weeks I would grow tired of it. Now.... just replace "ate" with "played," "smoked salmon" with "XXX bass," and "dinner" with "a gig/practice." And there you have it. Gear slut central tenet.

 

[JOSEPH MCCLENDON]

Those of you who have dedicated yourself to one particular bass, what impact - if any - do you feel like it has had on your playing?

I remember watching a video with Joe Hubbard where he talks about how it's better to have 1 instrument and become intimately acquainted with it.

And if you think about it, a lot of well known bassists have one bass they are known for. Like Marcus Miller's Fender, Jaco's "bass of doom", Victor's Fodera, Stanley Clarke and his alembic, Flea and the Music Man (or Modulus), Chris Squire's Rickenbacker's, Geddy's jazz bass, Billy Sheehan and his Fender P Bass - later the Yamaha which was modeled after that Precision.... the list can go on and on.

Of course, at times these bassists also played other instruments, but for the most part seem to be known for one bass (or at least one similar style of bass).

Personally, I tend to be a GASoholic and swap basses out pretty regularly. Although, I know that it's not the bass that matters so much as the musicianship.

So what do ya'll think? Have you noticed a difference when you are monogamous to 1 bass?

Those of you who have dedicated yourself to one particular bass, what impact - if any - do you feel like it has had on your playing?

I remember watching a video with Joe Hubbard where he talks about how it's better to have 1 instrument and become intimately acquainted with it.

And if you think about it, a lot of well known bassists have one bass they are known for. Like Marcus Miller's Fender, Jaco's "bass of doom", Victor's Fodera, Stanley Clarke and his alembic, Flea and the Music Man (or Modulus), Chris Squire's Rickenbacker's, Geddy's jazz bass, Billy Sheehan and his Fender P Bass - later the Yamaha which was modeled after that Precision.... the list can go on and on.

Of course, at times these bassists also played other instruments, but for the most part seem to be known for one bass (or at least one similar style of bass).

Personally, I tend to be a GASoholic and swap basses out pretty regularly. Although, I know that it's not the bass that matters so much as the musicianship.

So what do ya'll think? Have you noticed a difference when you are monogamous to 1 bass?

 

[JOSEPH MCCLENDON]

You watch your mouth. One bass is just sacrilege and you know it. Let us NEVER speak of this again.

 

[LowMax]

Those of you who have dedicated yourself to one particular bass, what impact - if any - do you feel like it has had on your playing?

I remember watching a video with Joe Hubbard where he talks about how it's better to have 1 instrument and become intimately acquainted with it.

And if you think about it, a lot of well known bassists have one bass they are known for. Like Marcus Miller's Fender, Jaco's "bass of doom", Victor's Fodera, Stanley Clarke and his alembic, Flea and the Music Man (or Modulus), Chris Squire's Rickenbacker's, Geddy's jazz bass, Billy Sheehan and his Fender P Bass - later the Yamaha which was modeled after that Precision.... the list can go on and on.

Of course, at times these bassists also played other instruments, but for the most part seem to be known for one bass (or at least one similar style of bass).

Personally, I tend to be a GASoholic and swap basses out pretty regularly. Although, I know that it's not the bass that matters so much as the musicianship.

So what do ya'll think? Have you noticed a difference when you are monogamous to 1 bass?

I absolutely believe that to be true! Does it matter if you have a thousand basses? if you have one special one you will become intimately aware of every inch of that fretboard and just where the sweet spots are when you're fretting notes. You get to know the feel of the action the strings and even the weight of the instrument on our shoulders. Why do we need so many damn basses anyway? No really why? We should spend a lot more effort on the art of music itself and not worry so much about the tools of the trade. Let's Master the art!

 

[JOSEPH MCCLENDON]

What are going to do when you have to go to the bathroom and your "ONE BASS" is still in the living room? Huh? Huh?... What about that mister thinky boy? Did you stop to think about that? Let us NEVER speak of this again.

 

[Greensmith]

Those of you who have dedicated yourself to one particular bass, what impact - if any - do you feel like it has had on your playing?

I remember watching a video with Joe Hubbard where he talks about how it's better to have 1 instrument and become intimately acquainted with it.

And if you think about it, a lot of well known bassists have one bass they are known for. Like Marcus Miller's Fender, Jaco's "bass of doom", Victor's Fodera, Stanley Clarke and his alembic, Flea and the Music Man (or Modulus), Chris Squire's Rickenbacker's, Geddy's jazz bass, Billy Sheehan and his Fender P Bass - later the Yamaha which was modeled after that Precision.... the list can go on and on.

Of course, at times these bassists also played other instruments, but for the most part seem to be known for one bass (or at least one similar style of bass).

Personally, I tend to be a GASoholic and swap basses out pretty regularly. Although, I know that it's not the bass that matters so much as the musicianship.

So what do ya'll think? Have you noticed a difference when you are monogamous to 1 bass?

Those of you who have dedicated yourself to one particular bass, what impact - if any - do you feel like it has had on your playing?

I remember watching a video with Joe Hubbard where he talks about how it's better to have 1 instrument and become intimately acquainted with it.

And if you think about it, a lot of well known bassists have one bass they are known for. Like Marcus Miller's Fender, Jaco's "bass of doom", Victor's Fodera, Stanley Clarke and his alembic, Flea and the Music Man (or Modulus), Chris Squire's Rickenbacker's, Geddy's jazz bass, Billy Sheehan and his Fender P Bass - later the Yamaha which was modeled after that Precision.... the list can go on and on.

Of course, at times these bassists also played other instruments, but for the most part seem to be known for one bass (or at least one similar style of bass).

Personally, I tend to be a GASoholic and swap basses out pretty regularly. Although, I know that it's not the bass that matters so much as the musicianship.

So what do ya'll think? Have you noticed a difference when you are monogamous to 1 bass?[/QUOTE

Those of you who have dedicated yourself to one particular bass, what impact - if any - do you feel like it has had on your playing?

I remember watching a video with Joe Hubbard where he talks about how it's better to have 1 instrument and become intimately acquainted with it.

And if you think about it, a lot of well known bassists have one bass they are known for. Like Marcus Miller's Fender, Jaco's "bass of doom", Victor's Fodera, Stanley Clarke and his alembic, Flea and the Music Man (or Modulus), Chris Squire's Rickenbacker's, Geddy's jazz bass, Billy Sheehan and his Fender P Bass - later the Yamaha which was modeled after that Precision.... the list can go on and on.

Of course, at times these bassists also played other instruments, but for the most part seem to be known for one bass (or at least one similar style of bass).

Personally, I tend to be a GASoholic and swap basses out pretty regularly. Although, I know that it's not the bass that matters so much as the musicianship.

So what do ya'll think? Have you noticed a difference when you are monogamous to 1 bass?

 

[JOSEPH MCCLENDON]

One Bass?!?!?! I should have you brought up on mental abuse charges. You're a monster... We trusted you... My God man!!! What's wrong with you? Have you no soul?!? Let us never , NEVER speak of this again.

 

[JimmyM]

I absolutely believe that to be true! Does it matter if you have a thousand basses? if you have one special one you will become intimately aware of every inch of that fretboard and just where the sweet spots are when you're fretting notes. You get to know the feel of the action the strings and even the weight of the instrument on our shoulders. Why do we need so many damn basses anyway? No really why? We should spend a lot more effort on the art of music itself and not worry so much about the tools of the trade. Let's Master the art!

Why can't you do both? I know a heck of a lot of bassists who use many basses who are masters of their art. I also know a heck of a lot of master players who will use rental basses when they fly so they don't have to carry one. It's not an all-or-nothing proposition.

 

[nick4bass]

I've gone through periods of both ways. I played a fretless Jazz exclusively for about 5 years; this definitely had benefits for me personally. Then after meandering between a few basses for a short time I settled on a 5 string Steinberger Qbass (wide bolt-on graphite neck on a Spector-ish shaped maple body). After 8 or 9 years of that I had a plethora of Fenders and a Stingray just 'cause (I was playing a lot of gigs and could afford it then). It got kind of ridiculous.
Now I use 1 upright, 1 fretted 4-string, and 1 fretless 4 string. I'm happy just to still be gigging, even if it's not as frequently as my heyday.

 

[Greensmith]

I know everyone is different, but for me it makes a 100% difference being tuned into a single specific instrument.
I did not play commercially like most of you, however before bass I did play guitar for about 30 years and during that time I came across a particular Fender Stratocaster that really did it for me. I loved the way it looked, played, felt, in fact during the five years I had that guitar I played the best I ever played in my life, hands down. I could never put it down, it’s like I had a relationship with it or something.
Two years ago I broke three fingers on my left hand along with cutting off the tip of my middle finger, and my guitar playing days were over. I can’t even make a D chord anymore.
I missed playing really badly, so I figured I’d switch over to playing bass because it seems like an easier version of guitar, right?
I picked up an old student bass and messed around on it for a few months, and really began liking bass. So I decided it was time for a real bass, I bought what I believe to be an American made California series 96 Fender Precision and shortly after that I realized I’ve been playing the wrong instrument all these years. I LOVE playing bass, way more than playing 6 string. The bass I happened upon I truly adore, a lot like that Stratocaster so many years ago.
I personally think that when you find the right instrument, love it wholeheartedly, you become a better musician. I too go to music stores and play around on the other basses and that’s always cool, but I feel like I play better on my one and only.
Again, I do not play out in bands like a lot of you do, when I played guitar I would sometimes go downtown St. Louis and sit in with some blues bands and had a lot of fun doing that but I haven’t been in an actual band in over 20 years. I haven’t WANTED to. Now I am about a year into playing bass and getting good enough that I am looking forward to hooking up with some people and playing out again.
I very much admire the guitar players and bass players who have a one and only, you see pictures of them 20 years ago playing the same one they’re playing now. You cannot convince me that they will play a different instrument the same way they play the one they spend their life with. Just my opinion though..
For what it’s worth I’m older now and not nearly as broke as I was back then, LOL, and could easily go out and buy $1000-$2000 bass. But the one I picked up for $550 (included a nice B150 Marshall amp) I am in love with and as of yet have never came across anything approaching the feel, sound and look of mine

 

[Jeff Siddall]

I had one bass for the first 30 years, and now I have 6 and am in the process of building a 7th.

Not sure it had much impact to be honest. When younger I looked at the bass as just a tool. The one I had was particularly nice to play so I simply never had a good reason to change. Later in life I decided I should try new things. I guess I am the reverse of most people there.

 

[jimmerk]

what impact - if any - do you feel like it has had on your playing?

To me, my 1986 Guild Pilot, which I've owned for 30+ years is like home. Even with its replacement neck. I play more fluidly, with more confidence on that bass than any I've ever played or owned. We can't ignore the impact having a long-standing relationship with our bass has on our mojo when we pick it up. It may not be the best sounding or the best playing thing in the world but it's our baby. And we can sing with it.. I also played a StingRay for 20 years, but whenever I pick up that Guild it always feels more right. Of course the work I've out into it also makes it more mine. It has Nordstrand PJs and a John East Pre which is so nice.

 

[JOSEPH MCCLENDON]

One BASS?!?!? What about the children?!?!? What about all of those beautiful, innocent, pure hearted children. What about all of the orphans and kids that go hungry every night? What would they have to look forward to? WHAT REASON WOULD THEY EVEN WHAE TO LIVE?!?! What are we... Animals? Is that what you're teaching them? To settle for one bass? You're a monster. Let... Us... Never... SPEAK... OF... THIS... AGAIN!!

 

[John Eland]

I wish I only had 1 bass.

Well you can do, send what you don't want over to me!

 

[JOSEPH MCCLENDON]

What about if you're on your job and you take a break and you don't have another bass in your desk drawer and your "ONE BASS" is at home. That's just cruel. Let us never speak of this again.

 

[Harold Runyan]

Those of you who have dedicated yourself to one particular bass, what impact - if any - do you feel like it has had on your playing?

I remember watching a video with Joe Hubbard where he talks about how it's better to have 1 instrument and become intimately acquainted with it.

And if you think about it, a lot of well known bassists have one bass they are known for. Like Marcus Miller's Fender, Jaco's "bass of doom", Victor's Fodera, Stanley Clarke and his alembic, Flea and the Music Man (or Modulus), Chris Squire's Rickenbacker's, Geddy's jazz bass, Billy Sheehan and his Fender P Bass - later the Yamaha which was modeled after that Precision.... the list can go on and on.

Of course, at times these bassists also played other instruments, but for the most part seem to be known for one bass (or at least one similar style of bass).

Personally, I tend to be a GASoholic and swap basses out pretty regularly. Although, I know that it's not the bass that matters so much as the musicianship.

So what do ya'll think? Have you noticed a difference when you are monogamous to 1 bass?

I’m no virtuoso but I get by. I currently have 5 basses and don’t see myself going much below that number. Some sets need a low B string so I play my 5 string Corvette $$. Some sets need a more aggressive tone so my Corvette 4 gets the nod or maybe my Geddy. Other sets work best with my PBass or Mustang. It all depends on what and where I’m playing. If I had to just keep one it would be the $$. Most versatile bass I’ve ever owned.

 

[vstrode]

Well, whenever I get a new bass I have to sneak it into the house late at night when the other basses are sleeping ;}

 

[JOSEPH MCCLENDON]

Well, whenever I get a new bass I have to sneak it into the house late at night when the other basses are sleeping ;}

LOL that's awesome. Me too...