Do you ever actually NEED more than one bass?

[Stevorebob]

Some peeps here play and record in several projects, and while some say everything can be done with a 4-string P Bass and flats (and tort, of course), others prefer tools targeted for specific results.

When I practice at home alone, one bass will do. When I gig, two minimum — especially if there are mixed tunings required. When I record, I bring three, four or more; I make sure I have something on hand the producer and engineer can work with. And it’s nice to have backups when one or two basses are out for set-ups or repairs. But like I said, If I’m just playing alone at home, none of this matters; one is enough.

 

[picker1974]

How many lawn mowers do you have?

I currently own 4 basses. My P-Bass, a fretless Jazz, a 5-string and a P-Bass I just put together for the current band. If I had to carry on with only one, I’d be fine with that.

I currently have about 12 lawnmowers and 2 basses. Things are about to change........

 

[mcrawfordmusic]

I think that its really important to have that one 'main player' that you're really comfortable on.

A lot of pros only play one bass (or variations of that bass) most of the time. Marcus Miller and Will Lee come to mind...

However, it's also important to have a decent arsenal if you're working with a lot of bands or doing sessions.
Sean Hurley and Tim Lefebvre come to mind...

 

[DennisO]

So a pro player might want a backup. How often do you need to take your guitar to the shop for tweaking. Once a year and leave it for a day or maybe two? Twice a year. Once every five years?

Don't get me wrong. I've just started playing the bass and I want to have a houseful. I know I can only play one at a time and that some of them will probably get a bit neglected but I still want them. I don't even really know why, but I do.

EDIT: Not "a bit neglected". More likely "unused".

I know what you mean. I just started playing bass not quite a year ago. My first bass was a used Squier P bass. I was instantly hooked. Now I have 8, 9 counting a Samick I'm redoing and modding. I'm buying an acoustic Ibanez shortly, and have my eye on a Fender fretless. And I don't plan to stop there. I am getting fussier in what catches my eye tho. But I find it hard to pass up a good deal. It's part of learning too. I'm learning what I like and what I don't. I play them all, but mostly my short scale Squier Jag, my Aerodyne, and my mim Fender Jazz.

 

[buldog5151bass]

So a pro player might want a backup. How often do you need to take your guitar to the shop for tweaking. Once a year and leave it for a day or maybe two? Twice a year. Once every five years?.

I know what you mean. I just started playing bass not quite a year ago. My first bass was a used Squier P bass. I was instantly hooked. Now I have 8, 9 counting a Samick I'm redoing and modding. I'm buying an acoustic Ibanez shortly, and have my eye on a Fender fretless. And I don't plan to stop there. I am getting fussier in what catches my eye tho. But I find it hard to pass up a good deal. It's part of learning too. I'm learning what I like and what I don't. I play them all, but mostly my short scale Squier Jag, my Aerodyne, and my mim Fender Jazz.

It's great if you enjoy working on them. But rather than 9 lesser basses, for the same price you could have 2 really nice ones.

 

[patrickj]

1 main, 1 identical backup.

 

[DennisO]

It's great if you enjoy working on them. But rather than 9 lesser basses, for the same price you could have 2 really nice ones.

I love my mim Jazz, it's in almost mint condition. I'll be spending money on more expensive basses, but I can't ever see me spending more than $1200 for a bass. There's a $5000 Fender relic custom shop at the local store. I love it, I studied the neck to see how the experts do the frets and fretboard edges, but I'd never buy one. I'm no movie star and I can't see them sounding much better than a $1200 American

 

[buldog5151bass]

I love my mim Jazz, it's in almost mint condition. I'll be spending money on more expensive basses, but I can't ever see me spending more than $1200 for a bass. There's a $5000 Fender relic custom shop at the local store. I love it, I studied the neck to see how the experts do the frets and fretboard edges, but I'd never buy one. I'm no movie star and I can't see them sounding much better than a $1200 American

I'm not saying you need a custom shop. But you can get used MIA basses for under a grand. How much have you spent on those 9 basses, including the mods? Just saying.

 

[DennisO]

I'm not saying you need a custom shop. But you can get used MIA basses for under a grand. How much have you spent on those 9 basses, including the mods? Just saying.

I just added it up. $1430 plus my 4 year old Canon camera I never used. I traded my camera and $175 for my mim Fender Jazz and paid $350 for my Aerodyne, $250 for my new Squier Jag SS. My 3 most expensive basses.

 

[DennisO]

I don't understand this question. This has been solved scientifically. The basses you need can be expressed with the formula n+1 where n equals the number of basses you own and n+1 is the number of basses you need.

In all seriousness, I currently have 4 basses. Two fretted, one fretless, and one acoustic. They each serve a different role and have vastly different tones. I could see getting a second fretless and I'd really like an electric upright... but finding one with 7 strings is a monumental headache.

I think your answer is the best in my opinion. 2 fretted, a fretless, and an acoustic. But I still want 100 lol. It's probably because of their sweet womanly shape lol.

 

[DennisO]

It is kind of odd how people justify owning heaps of different basses.
I know at least one person who has a dozen & is actually kind of depressed that his wife won't let him buy another.

I also collect old toasters. I'm nuts, but loving it.

 

[Newer Dave]

I love my acoustic 5 string fretless. I've got a 4 string fretted electric but I hardly play it. If I get a new bass it'll be a hollow body Gretsch or something but right now I can't afford one. I love the tone with the new strings and I don't want to put it down.

Maybe later I'll want different strings but for now I couldn't be happier.

EDIT: I use an amp but it's mostly flat - eq on the guitar - and it gives me everything I need. Awesome.

 

[jeffb28451]

If you’ve got a 45 minute medley going and break a string or lose a battery, it might be a good idea to have backup, don’t ya think?

 

[saabfender]

If you’ve got a 45 minute medley going and break a string or lose a battery, it might be a good idea to have backup, don’t ya think?

If I break a string, I’m playing through. Never broken one, though. I don’t have any basses with active electronics so no 9V.

 

[buldog5151bass]

If you’ve got a 45 minute medley going and break a string or lose a battery, it might be a good idea to have backup, don’t ya think?

That happens, you stop after a song, and take 45 seconds to fix it.

 

[jeffb28451]

Well, it just looks like we have some heroes who have easy bridges to work with. For the record, I've never broken a string either, but I don't know that I can leave the stage, get good light, find the
right string in my bag, string it/tune it up and go. Then again, I've never roped calves at a rodeo, but maybe others have. Yeehaw, 45 seconds...while the rest of the band plays the medley and has no bass.

Mr. buldog, Yes, it's possible, but why? Just have another bass handy.

 

[DennisO]

I'm not saying you need a custom shop. But you can get used MIA basses for under a grand. How much have you spent on those 9 basses, including the mods? Just saying.

And to be better accurate, I spent $150 for all new everything for the samicS imI redoing. All Redactive from GFS. And probably $200 on my tools, stain and poly.

 

[Jodie Hill]

I've been playing for over 50 yrs. My experience has showed me that you need to cover your butt. A teacher once told me that if ya wanna be a professional, set yourself up so you never have to turn down a gig. No matter what kind of music, reading gig, big band gig, country, rock, jazz and to be able to bring the right instrument for the job. Example is I often play in big bands. Those gigs are 99% upright, but then you'll get a chart that needs electric. Sometimes a contractor will request a 5 string, or a rockabilly band a upright bass set up to slap. An electric that's set up as a slapper....on and on it goes. I have all basses covered as well as amplification. My advice is be prepared.

 

[Clipped]

I can only play one at a time BUT they’re all needed.

 

[mikebass8]

Years ago when I was gigging full time I owned six and played the one that matched my clothes the best. Sad but true!
Nowadays I own three. A four string, a five string, and a fretless. I play bass for recording and Worship now, and like the variety and the choice for the type of music or the mood I’m in. Probably still overkill, but if you’re able to afford them, why not? I want to add that they are modified Fender Squiers, so I’m not spending ridiculous money either!