Downsizing

[Dr. Cheese]

3...4....5...Yeah, you're not ready yet

Relatively speaking, 7 is not all that much.

I see there are a few serious folks here though
OTOH, some folks have no clue how much burden they could be placing on their loved ones,
as soon as tomorrow, which we are never guaranteed.

Getting rid of five modestly priced basses and an amp won’t be much of a burden on my family, and if I chose to get something high end when I retire, several will go to defray the cost of the new bass.

I have posted so much about gear, but I have changed over the last 5 or 6 years. I used to love nothing more than making a NBD post. These days, I could care less. I am happy with my gear, and I don’t care if anyone else thinks what I have is nice or not. Last Sunday, at the end of the Christmas Eve service, I had a feeling of contentment like nothing I have ever felt before. I had finished playing and I was so very happy with how I sounded and how my Peavey played. I have played instruments that would cost $5-$8K if I had to buy them now that did not leave me that happy. This is the same bass I have had for nearly ten years, it did not suddenly get better. I got better. Even though nothing I play is technically impressive, what I play fits the tunes and is in tune and in time. I feel much better about my playing and my ability to perform musically. I feel my playing speaks for itself and I don’t need to be validated by what I own. I often play my $100 Glarry Fretless because it is so playable and light, plus the tone is great now that I use flats. I finally feel like my skill, however modest, is the difference maker, not the fact that I went and bought something cool. This change in perspective is why I do not feel I have to hold on to a given bass anymore. Clearly, there are tones I love and like to use. I enjoy a bass with a good B string too, but I could take any one bass I own and handle my business these days. Obviously, I still have lots to learn, but I really feel like a bassist instead of someone who owns basses and just slaps on them for fun. That is really why I am comfortable with thinning my herd of basses.

 

[Snakeman1066]

I went from 30 to 14 I would love to get down to 5 or 6 but every time i go to list one i can't do it...or i do and then pull the listing...

 

[Pedullist]

I like the concept of minimalism. It ends there.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I like the concept of minimalism. It ends there.

 

[GretschWretch]

I have been triply blessed today. While at my nearest (full service) music store to pick up a repaired euphonium I learned that they have a good arrangement with a guy about an hour away who services their amps AND they have become a Fender dealer, which means said amp guy can work on my Fender Rumble 500, which has begun making noises which cannot be described in polite company. And they are encouraging about setting up a consignment sales arrangement with/for me for a reasonable rate, far less than what packing/shipping would cost. And the cherry on the sundae is that they also have become a Gretsch dealer and can order BASSES!

 

[eddybuzzard]

Getting rid of five modestly priced basses and an amp won’t be much of a burden on my family, and if I chose to get something high end when I retire, several will go to defray the cost of the new bass.

I have posted so much about gear, but I have changed over the last 5 or 6 years. I used to love nothing more than making a NBD post. These days, I could care less. I am happy with my gear, and I don’t care if anyone else thinks what I have is nice or not. Last Sunday, at the end of the Christmas Eve service, I had a feeling of contentment like nothing I have ever felt before. I had finished playing and I was so very happy with how I sounded and how my Peavey played. I have played instruments that would cost $5-$8K if I had to buy them now that did not leave me that happy. This is the same bass I have had for nearly ten years, it did not suddenly get better. I got better. Even though nothing I play is technically impressive, what I play fits the tunes and is in tune and in time. I feel much better about my playing and my ability to perform musically. I feel my playing speaks for itself and I don’t need to be validated by what I own. I often play my $100 Glarry Fretless because it is so playable and light, plus the tone is great now that I use flats. I finally feel like my skill, however modest, is the difference maker, not the fact that I went and bought something cool. This change in perspective is why I do not feel I have to hold on to a given bass anymore. Clearly, there are tones I love and like to use. I enjoy a bass with a good B string too, but I could take any one bass I own and handle my business these days. Obviously, I still have lots to learn, but I really feel like a bassist instead of someone who owns basses and just slaps on them for fun. That is really why I am comfortable with thinning my herd of basses.

You hit all the important points there Doc
Half a dozen basses isn't all that much, comparatively speaking to some others, and sometimes folks just feel they want to make things simpler, and I totally respect that. Reduction is a mindful process, which doesn't always happen on the first attempt (or second, or third ).
It really just boils down to asking ourselves honestly, is this something we need, or just want,
and what would I be leaving behind?

Though, it is funny, and entertaining, just watching all the enablers here, running about

During my years, I've seen many folks do incredible things, with minimal resources,
and that led me to this phrase, It is the best, that can make the most, out of the least

 

[Minimalist]

Getting rid of five modestly priced basses and an amp won’t be much of a burden on my family, and if I chose to get something high end when I retire, several will go to defray the cost of the new bass.

I have posted so much about gear, but I have changed over the last 5 or 6 years. I used to love nothing more than making a NBD post. These days, I could care less. I am happy with my gear, and I don’t care if anyone else thinks what I have is nice or not. Last Sunday, at the end of the Christmas Eve service, I had a feeling of contentment like nothing I have ever felt before. I had finished playing and I was so very happy with how I sounded and how my Peavey played. I have played instruments that would cost $5-$8K if I had to buy them now that did not leave me that happy. This is the same bass I have had for nearly ten years, it did not suddenly get better. I got better. Even though nothing I play is technically impressive, what I play fits the tunes and is in tune and in time. I feel much better about my playing and my ability to perform musically. I feel my playing speaks for itself and I don’t need to be validated by what I own. I often play my $100 Glarry Fretless because it is so playable and light, plus the tone is great now that I use flats. I finally feel like my skill, however modest, is the difference maker, not the fact that I went and bought something cool. This change in perspective is why I do not feel I have to hold on to a given bass anymore. Clearly, there are tones I love and like to use. I enjoy a bass with a good B string too, but I could take any one bass I own and handle my business these days. Obviously, I still have lots to learn, but I really feel like a bassist instead of someone who owns basses and just slaps on them for fun. That is really why I am comfortable with thinning my herd of basses.

The sums it up for me. I used to long for a new bass, a new car, or a new bike. Now I'm happy with what I have and rather spend my money on travel. There is so much to see.

 

[ToddB1963]

This is the same bass I have had for nearly ten years, it did not suddenly get better. I got better. Even though nothing I play is technically impressive, what I play fits the tunes and is in tune and in time. I feel much better about my playing and my ability to perform musically.

Doc, there is much wisdom in this statement.

 

[eddybuzzard]

There is a reason this subject hits a chord in me;
In early '17, I lost my uncle. He was a HiFi genius/collector, and my dad, his older brother, asked me to help him liquidate his estate, which I did, with countless CL sales, and trips to donation, and refuse collection sites.
In late '17, I lost my dad. I, as named executor, had to liquidate my father and late mother's ('09) assets, including their 3 BR condo/family museum, which included some remnants of my late uncle's, plus my late parent's and their parent's personal estate items. It was a mountain of stuff.
During this period, I lost my own son, in the summer of '18. He was a gifted musician.
I had given him a lot of my old acquired gear over the years, and with that stuff, plus all the things I had gifted my late mom and dad, I realized that everything I had given, was now back in my lap. That is one of the hardest parts.
Did some gear trading with my son's stuff. Made a lot of trips to an auction house. Gave a lot of stuff away.
Made a lot of trips to donation sites, and to the dumpster, and with a lot of help from my wife, we moved a mountain, and eventually got it done.
For the record, this was not a pleasant task.
It's just stuff after all, and someone will have to deal with it when we're gone.
I've scaled down quite a bit since this experience, and still in the process.

BTW, I got a really nice old Realistic HiFi now, and Jensen loaded speaker cabs,
that my uncle handcrafted, and it is awesome Thanks uncle G!
And, if you sign a car lease, you may be on the hook, even if you die
Read the entire contract

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Doc, there is much wisdom in this statement.

Thank you! Musically, I am in a very good place these days. Becoming a more competent player has given me joy I never had when I was buying boutique basses and didn’t know the notes on the fingerboard or could not spell a triad. I had a good ear, but I did not have the skill to get the most out of any bass, regardless of cost.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

There is a reason this subject hits a chord in me;
In early '17, I lost my uncle. He was a HiFi genius/collector, and my dad, his older brother, asked me to help him liquidate his estate, which I did, with countless CL sales, and trips to donation, and refuse collection sites.
In late '17, I lost my dad. I, as named executor, had to liquidate my father and late mother's ('09) assets, including their 3 BR condo/family museum, which included some remnants of my late uncle's, plus my late parent's and their parent's personal estate items. It was a mountain of stuff.
During this period, I lost my own son, in the summer of '18. He was a gifted musician.
I had given him a lot of my old acquired gear over the years, and with that stuff, plus all the things I had gifted my late mom and dad, I realized that everything I had given, was now back in my lap. That is one of the hardest parts.
Did some gear trading with my son's stuff. Made a lot of trips to an auction house. Gave a lot of stuff away.
Made a lot of trips to donation sites, and to the dumpster, and with a lot of help from my wife, we moved a mountain, and eventually got it done.
For the record, this was not a pleasant task.
It's just stuff after all, and someone will have to deal with it when we're gone.
I've scaled down quite a bit since this experience, and still in the process.

BTW, I got a really nice old Realistic HiFi now, and Jensen loaded speaker cabs,
that my uncle handcrafted, and it is awesome Thanks uncle G!
And, if you sign a car lease, you may be on the hook, even if you die
Read the entire contract

That is a lot of loss, especially your son. I hope you are doing alright.

 

[getBAK]

I've kinda kept my herd thin over the years on purpose. If I have an instrument that I haven't played in a long time (that doesn't have some sentimental value), I 'release it back into the wild'. Let me suggest donating gear to local schools. There are few public schools in my area that still have music programs, I want to bolster the hell out of those who do.
Let's face it, 3/4 of us wouldn't be here if not for elementary school band

 

[eddybuzzard]

That is a lot of loss, especially your son. I hope you are doing alright.

I am alright, thank you! (some folks might disagree)
My son and I played on our worship team for many years, so we shared a lot of quality music time together,
while he was here. I really cherish those moments the most (plus the little ornaments all our kids made in grade school). I continued on the team for several years afterward, basically picking up his bass,
and that really helped me get though, a lot. And here I am
Happy Holidays!

 

[WRM]

This thread does not make me want sell any basses but it is giving me GAS to go start buying some knives.

GAS takes all kinds of directions, and since I had fond memories of carrying my old Buck 110, when I found out they made it an Auto, I had to add this to the collection?...

 

[Katoosie]

This is an interesting thread for someone still under 30, like me.

I feel like I'm surrounded by grizzled veterans right now.

 

[Katoosie]

I hear you. When I was raising my kids and did not get paid as much as I do now, I got rid of extra instruments due to financial concerns. But this month.. I just realized., for me it's a mental problem. Too many options hinders MY creativity and mental clarity. It's not for everybody.

One of the best ways to promote ease of living for folks like you and I is to simply limit options.. Too many bases, don't know what to play? Keep 1.

2 was too much for me.

I apply this to as much as I can in life, makes things easier on my brain.

 

[alembicbones]

I need to correct one thing. I would probably always have at least four basses because my wife gave me an SBMM Stingray 5 HH. That is a good thing because I like Stingrays and that bass gets good Stingray tone.

Good to hear Doc. I was worried this bass wasn't in your final arsenal. I reality, it is the most special bass you own. I have a bass that my daughter built for me in high school woodshop class that is a family heirloom.

I think your list of four should suit you fine. Then, bump it to 5 when you retire and buy that Sadowsky Metroline.

Happy New Year.
Bones

 

[ElMon]

The knife knowledge makes me like you MORE.

 

[jshinal]

After a tough but lucky year of bad health, I downsized to a fretless Lakin prototype and a mahogany Marcus Miller J. I am happier now than I was when gigging with an arsenal to choose from. I learned from that.

 

[SteveC]

I have a Roscoe P with flats, a G&L J with rounds - and new custom hum canceling pickups - both gifts from my wife so they stay, and my Roscoe Century 5. They all stay as they are gifts and the 5 is just the best 5 I’ve ever played. I think I want a fretless but I’m not sure if I’m just gassing a bit as they do sound cool and are fun to play but I really don’t have a gig for it other than maybe church. (Yes I know any bass can do any gig.)

O also played a sweet short scale Fender today. A Mike Kerr signature. Cool pickups. I like the short scale compact and fast.