Do I have all the tones covered?

[dbsfgyd1]

Hello all,

I've got a question for the group. And I will admit, I'm posting this because I have a bit of the Gear Acquisition Syndrome going on. I'd like to list the basses that I own and ask if anyone thinks there might be a particular bass that would add a tone that I don't have. Here's the list:

• 1999 Fender Squier Precision
• 1960s Kingston Beatle Bass (hollow-body)
• 2017 Fender Jazz
• 1998 Epiphone Les Paul Standard Bass
• 2025 Sterling Sting-Ray
• 2021 Ibanez SR1345B 5-string
• 2021 Rickenbacker 4003

I've recently parted with a Gibson Thunderbird because I couldn't deal with the weight of it. Loved the tone, not the weight.

Anyway, I'd be very interested in everyone's opinions on if there's any place tone-wise that I don't have covered. I play currently in a classic rock cover band, but we also play a bit of country and plenty of modern stuff (Teddy Swims, Hozier, Taylor Swift, to name a few).

Thanks all!

Stingray, Warwick, and Spector.

 

[micguy]

You will never own enough basses to have "all the tones" covered. The question is if you have enough to satisfy you, and only you can answer that.

As this is Talkbass, and we're supposed to induce GAS (it's in the rules), I'll just mention here that you don' t have a single coil P in your herd, and they do sound rather different than a split coil P or a J. Just sayin'.....

 

[LiptonJigglers]

I dont see an alloy neck Kramer on the list and theres no Maton JB4 with sassafras body, Indian rosewood fretboard and DiMarzio DP122 and DP123S pickups.

 

[Bassdude66]

In my experience playing different styles of music requires more skill than gear. You could play just about any pop-rock style on on your Ibanez fiver.

Is this for work or hobby? If you're looking to work, I'd recommend getting one really decent bass and practicing your butt off. If you're just collecting you definitely need a fretless, a six and an upright.

It’s a hobby. I’m in a cover band that plays 35 or so gigs a year.

 

[J Wilson]

I'm curious. So you can cover all these tones, do you take all of them to each gig?

 

[Bassdude66]

I'm curious. So you can cover all these tones, do you take all of them to each gig?

No. I usually take three. 2 4-strings and 1 5-string. I change up the 2 4-strings that I take so I end up using almost all of them.

 

[sikamikanico]

If your idea is to have "all your tones" covered by different basses, then no. Not only will you have to add many more models (see this thread for examples), you will also have to have duplicates for flats and rounds (not even counting other types of strings). Then maybe consider different scales, woods, pickup models, electronics... list goes on. All of the parts interact to produce tones, so the number of combinations (and thus tones) is staggering.

If you realize this is a fool's errand (tho fun), then arguably you had it all covered at P bass, or a few basses in.

 

[mikeswals]

Is the drummer changing kits? Is the singer swapping mics?
Just take a backup bass and be yourself... I can already bet money the rest of the band isn't changing gear to cover all the sonic tones.

 

[Bassdude66]

Is the drummer changing kits? Is the singer swapping mics?
Just take a backup bass and be yourself... I can already bet money the rest of the band isn't changing gear to cover all the sonic tones.

Actually the lead guitarist brings more guitars than I do.

 

[monsterthompson]

How dare you use your money and time to enjoy your hobby. You should endure minimalism to serve the time honored sacred art of performing Mustang Sally and Closing Time, or get out of the game and leave it to the professionals.

 

[Passinwind]

How dare you use your money and time to enjoy your hobby. You should endure minimalism to serve the time honored sacred art of performing Mustang Sally and Closing Time, or get out of the game and leave it to the professionals.

As of yesterday I’ve finally proven definitively that I already own the best bass with which to play Wagon Wheel. Such a relief, and the local pros can suck eggs now!

 

[monsterthompson]

As of yesterday I’ve finally proven definitively that I already own the best bass with which to play Wagon Wheel. Such a relief, and the local pros can suck eggs now!

 

[mikeswals]

Actually the lead guitarist brings more guitars than I do.

I figured so, which is why I didnt mention that specific one.

The circuit here, people easily start hitting 80-100 shows a year, and won't bring that many axes; just a main & backup or a 4 & 5, and nearly all play in multiple bands covering multiple genres. The crowd doesn't tell any difference.

Don't get me wrong on GAS...I've gotten to buy all the dream basses I've wanted because of the schedule, but I can see beyond the stage no one cares if I bring one or ten, not getting paid any additional.

 

[Stylee Mousse]

Do you play picking with your thumb? No?

Tone NOT covered!