Do your basses have sentimental value to you?

[Jereth]

Something that I have only just realised as I am saving for a new bass (that's too good for my skill level ) is that I actually hold a quite a lot of sentimental value for the basses I have owned.

I've only owned a small few but I still even have my first bass (a $200 Squire Precision) though it's stored in a case under my bed and I can't imagine what would make me dig it out. Conversely I can't imagine giving it away/selling it though I'd struggle to articulate why

I don't expect many would be as severe as that but is there any basses you own - even though they might not be the 'best', what you're looking for right now or just a cheap old thing - that you just would not want to part with?

EDIT:
Interesting array of responses already!

I think it would be very interesting if people would like to add pics of the basses they do have an attachment to and why! I know I'd like to see them and hear the stories behind them

 

[bassbombs84]

Yes. Even my newest one. Couldn't sell any of them. I've tried to wrap my head around it and can't do it. Different bands, times of my life, presents....

 

[kittywithabanjo]

I have 2 basses purchased from money inherited I would never get rid of them because of that. This year I got a Sadowsky NYC after my job of 19 yrs ended and I got a payout. (Got a new deck too I call it the deck that Primesource built)

 

[mongo2]

No, I can't say they do. To me they're just tools to do a job.

 

[Qlanq]

As mongo2 said there, they are just tools.
If my tool case got stolen I could replace them with the same make and style and get on with it.
If my favourite bass got stolen I would probably build a replica from parts-having all the measurements recorded-and get on with it.
I do have misgivings about selling my early 80's Tokai Jazz Sound though. I miss that one.
It played lovely and I still have recordings of it, it had a truly great sound.
If you love something made out of wood and metal and plastic: Keep it. Just because it is worth little to someone else and you like it, it doesn't mean it is worthless.

 

[Aberdumbie]

Absolutely. The bass in my avatar was bought new in 1978. It's a perfectly fine bass, but hasn't been played since 1980-something. I still love her like the day she was new even though she spends her life as an "art" piece more or less. Still have the Ibby I bought new in 85 and play it constantly. Yeah I am attached to my bass's. They are as much a part of me as my grey hair.

 

[hondo4life]

Just my Hondo.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

Kind of with my first Fender, I got it when I was still in high school, but beyond that no. I am not really attached to any of my possessions, I consider selling them all regularly.

 

[M.R. Ogle]

Some, yes.
Especially if I acquired them in some unusual, interesting way.

 

[Rib 13]

my G&L ASAT (just love it -- owned her for 21 years)

my USA Peavey Cirrus (gift from my wife in 2004)

although I havent gotten it yet, the Sire M7 I have on order is a gift from my family

 

[Kevan Campbell]

Only my first bass (MIJ Fender '75 Jazz RI) which I still have and gig with whenever it fits the sound of the music I'm playing. My father bought it for me while I was living away from him as a kid after he convinced me to take up bass. I've got other instruments and gear that I'm very attached to and love but that J is the only one that I'd run back into a burning building for.

 

[Algo]

Yeah.
The thing is that for 2 of the 4 I have, those sentiments are not good ones.

 

[Dave W]

Yep, most of mine are to me. A few aren't though...

 

[hsech]

Nope, not at all. Some are Nostalgic because they are on the vintage side, but I have no sentimental attachment to them.

 

[ofajen]

Certainly for my Ripper, which was my first bass over 30 years ago and the only one for about 25. Luckily, it's also a great instrument. Not so much sentiment for the others.

Same way for the Lotus LP, my first electric guitar and still my favorite. Also for the Roland SH-09 and Juno 6 synths that I've had even longer than the Lotus or Ripper.

So I have some sentimental attachment to the instruments I've been using over 30 years.

Otto

 

[2saddleslab]

Yes, I have enough sweat equity and memories in each making them more than just tools.

 

[BritBass 2]

Yes, all of mine do.

 

[Norwegian Bass]

I think I am somewhat sentimental about my 2 Fender Ps and 2 Sadowskys; but that is because they are really good instruments.
The ones I've had that haven't suited me; are gone; and I don't miss them at all.

 

[mustBmtd]

In my case, hands down with a yes. Mainly for the simple reasons of picking the few basses I own to reflect me. And how I perform with the instruments. I think most of the well seasoned bassists might fell the same way. Some of the young guys today purchase them because their favorite bass player endorsed it. And don't have time or put in the time to look within themselves as being the Bassist they want to be, with their own basses. That they've found what fits them. And the ones I own do and mean a lot to me.

 

[Pocket4]

Learning my way through builds and finishes had made strong sentimental attachment. Those that didn't fully satisfy have been parted out and sold