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Do you ever actually NEED more than one bass?

How many basses do you need?

  • None

    Votes: 11 2.3%

  • One

    Votes: 92 19.1%

  • Two

    Votes: 145 30.1%

  • Three to five

    Votes: 164 34.1%

  • Six to ten

    Votes: 22 4.6%

  • More than ten...

    Votes: 47 9.8%
  • Total voters
    481
#141
For better or worse, I always end up sounding like me, no matter what I play. I use one bass all the time, seems I change every 15 years or so, and string it with either what I know I like, or what I’d like to try. That doesn’t keep me from wanting something different, and it has been 15 years since I got my Alembic, so... :)
 
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#144
In terms of "need", I play fretted, fretless, and upright. Within each category (except upright), I have multiple variations that are more want than need. While I can get away with 4 strings and plenty of D-tuning as needed, I prefer 5 strings for some things and 4 strings for others. Or my fretted 6 in some situations.

For me, I need at least 3 to do the things I get paid to do.
 
#145
Newer Dave said:
Do people actually request a specific model of bass? How often does this happen? What happens if you say you don't have a Precision, just a Jazz or, God forbid, a Yamaha?

I'd just turn up with a bit of tape over the manufacturer's name or say that Fender have a new P model out called the Yamaha and they wouldn't notice the difference.
Click to expand...
It's irrational but it happens. Especially a P bass; certain bandleaders and sound guys have it in their head that's what they want.

You have to decide which is more productive: raging against the irrationality or having a P bass available.
 
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#149
Beyond tunings, I always like to have a 5string around, even if I don't like playing it all the time.
A bass player should have one split single coil bass, one dual single coil, and one dual humbucker. That way they have all the tones covered.
 
#152
Newer Dave said:
electric bass with brass wounds and an acoustic with nylon flatwounds
Click to expand...

I didn't think either of those types of strings existed, but I did find nylon flatwounds:

61brY8Vqu%2BL._SX466_.jpg


Still in doubt for brass wound, as brass is non-ferrous & would be an awful choice for magnetic pickups.
 
#153
You can drink nothing but Budweiser all your life, but then there's bourbon, brandy, whiskey, wines, tequila, and the fad rabbit hole of craft beer; all will provide a different particular aroma and buzz when you want it, but you're still getting drunk. It's not so much the 'right tool for the job' thing, but having a well-stocked liquor cabinet. You've got the same notes on a Gibson EB2 as you do on a P, but each one will get you to the same place in a different manner and flavor.
 
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#155
The best bass you can possibly have in your range for your needs, plus a simpler and reliable spare. It's that easy.

MAYBE the three to five range if you are a traveling musician and need the extras just in case. Even Les Claypool only has like 6 basses in total!
 
#157
What's "need" got to do with it? A certain public figure famously opined that we don't need a wide and varied choice of deodorants or footwear. But when we have the luxury of choice, we are indeed rich, and "need" need not matter. Comparing personal preference with need is a false dilemma unworthy of a poll, IMHO.
 
#158
Herbie only ever really played that beautiful LPB Jazz or his upright
photo-of-herbie-flowers-picture-id85366145.jpg


Worked for him.

And Sklar has the producer's knob on his bass, so he can get away with only one

I like basses though, so no I don't really *need* them, but I like to have em. A couple of Ps a couple of Js, a few other things ... 5s, fretless, 5+fretless. But mostly I could get away with a P and an upright.
 
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#159
lancimouspitt said:
I think if you're doing alot of recording then it definitely becomes a plus, and when playing live having a trusty backup is never a bad idea.
It's not a must to everyone, but i wouldn't be comfortable with just one.
Click to expand...

This is true. My originals band did a 6 song EP earlier this year and I used 4 different basses. Electric upright on one song. Another needed a 22nd fret for a harmonic in the hook and a fretless for a solo, the other 4 I did on a P.
 
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