How many basses are too many?

[RedMoses]

Lol.

Ive had 7 at one time.

 

[Scottkarch]

I like different types of bass for different things.

4 string Fretted
Geddy Jazz
Washburn B20
Ibanez Sr something ( gift )
Ibanez Roadster
Retrovibe Vantage
Ric 4001

4 string fretless
Spectorcore
Ibanez roadster

Acoustic
Takemine fretted 4
Michael Kelly fretless 4

8 string
Dean edge

8 string fretless
Bryce

12 string
Dean rhapsody

EUB
Stagg

I would add a 5 sting and a Ubass and a full upright if I could.

 

[bobdabilder]

Blasphemy!!

OK, OK.............over 10 basses and it is becoming a case of concern.

 

[40Hz]

I work off a funtional framework like @Skokiaan does. Each bass in my collection has an iconic or unique sound, or delivers a specific playing experience.

About the only "essential" bass that a working bassist probably should have is a really good Precision Bass - if for no other reason than it gets regularly asked for. Not being a super big fan of the PB myself, it took me a long time to 'get' what it is about the PB that makes it so popular. I have since developed a deep respect and a certain grudging liking for it. But it'll probably never be my first choice.

That said, I currently own two Precisions.

Beyond that it's what you need or like.

I set an arbitrary limit of 10 basses in my collection for three reasons.

1. That's the maximum number of basses I can own and still regularly play.

2. It forces me to really decide if I absolutely do want something else. Because if something comes in, something else must go out. And since anything I do buy is bought with the intention of keeping, that "1-in/1-out" rule pretty much eliminates impulse buying, as well as force me to periodically reevaluate basses I already do own.

3. I need to keep a spot clear for the dog's bed.

Maybe my approach to instrument acquisition wouldn't work for everyone. But it sure does for me.

 

[SteveHeissner]

Don't place limits on yourself. We're not talking about a drug addiction here. Basses are a good thing.

 

[Seiki]

Too many basses? Probably when they no longer serve a purpose - at least if you're buying ones. If you don't find yourself choosing a particular bass at any time for certain reasons, then you've hit the point.

 

[MCS4]

No judging by me or anyone else, and this is subjective, but how do you know when you have enough?

I think there is a big difference between "enough" and "too many."

For me, "enough" is three basses, one of them fretless. That gives me two basses that are always set up and ready for my main gig, and a third that is typically used for experimentation, one-off projects, different tunings, etc. but can be brought in as a backup on the main gig if one of my main basses goes down. If I ever stop playing gigs, one fretted and one fretless would probably be "enough."

While three is "enough," that doesn't mean that more than three is "too many." "Too many" is just a function of how much I can afford and how much I will realistically play.

 

[rtslinger]

Seems to be 12? I have been searching for #13 since Nov last year and haven't played anything that has warranted pulling the trigger yet. Note my basses are gear, tools for the job so looking for very playable reliable workhorse.
Last purchase Ibanez SR300DX because it had active pickups before that EB-0 short scale because I didn't own one. before that a Jazz same reasoning behind that purchase

Brands I own
Gibson
Fender
Charvel/Jackson
Epiphone
SX
Ibanez
Dean
Silvertone

 

[ShirazBop]

Looking at it another way,... you don't need the ones you don't play (at least once a month),...

I've got a Church gig that I'm only playing 5 strings on so,... being a Fender DNA kinda guy,...I can play each of the 4 a different one each week in a month,....

1. Fender Am Std. P5 (essential, the 5 string for Precision players)
2. Fender Am Std. J5 (essential to have both a P and a J,...)
3. Musicman SR5 (bought before Christmas, love this thang!)
4. G&L MJ5 (just bought because I love the SR5 so much with the thinner neck and tonal variety, shipping today)
and
5. Fender P/J fretless 1977 (nostalgic value and my only fretless)
6. Steinberg Spirit 4 string (in Dallas for when I visit there)

And, up for sale, because I'm not playing it,... a beautiful Fender 1999 "Hot Rod" Precision. Beautiful, but not being played and the above cover it sonically,...

A few years back, I was up to 13,... crazy for a Weekend Worship Warrior,... A lot of good ones in there that would be nice to still have but just not needed, and they would not be played,once a month,...

 

[Alphaman]

I have had up to 15 basses. I have 9 basses now. I find that I can really only rotate playing about 4 or 5 basses regularly. Anything more and some of them go unplayed.

 

[Biggbass]

it's not a question of how many is too many,
it's a question of how many is too few.

 

[smo]

What is your cutoff?

For basses?
4. From there I'm a one in, one out.
Considering I also have guitars....

I know many people here like to have waaaay more than 4, but I don't think I need more than that to reach my tonal goals.
Besides, if I had more basses I'd need more fuzz pedals, and well, I don't actually need more of those...

 

[jmlee]

For me a bass is a tool, no different than what a mechanic owns. And once that mechanic's toolbox is filled with everything he needs, he rarely buys another tool, except to replace what has broken.

My father-in-law is a serious woodworker (after retiring as a homicide cop). He has at least 15 cordless drills. They all do the same thing. But he seems unable to walk into a Canadian Tire store and come out without another one. I feel his pain.

 

[jmlee]

But to answer the question, I have 14 electric basses. My wife says the number is 14.

 

[vmabus]

Crazy talk!

 

[Topkat13]

Really depends I guess. I can only play one at a time though.

 

[lamarjones]

I've been called to backline some events. THAT is how I know I have too much gear!

As for basses, I have three that I don't really use anymore. But they were my main ax for three or more years. I struggle with what to do sometimes, but they aren't going anywhere anytime soon.

Probably.

 

[madbass6]

No judging by me or anyone else, and this is subjective, but how do you know when you have enough?

I own two -a MIM Fender FSR Jazz and a Squier Classic Vibe 60s Precision. Both have upgraded pickups and strings but are otherwise stock. They cover as much sonic ground as I need to or want to cover. I play each of them equally -trading off just about every other week.

I enjoy following TB and have GAS as much as anyone, but every time I see something I want to buy (and that is often), I question whether it would get enough attention.

I think I have enough room in my stable for maybe one more bass, but it really has to be special - either a 1973 Precision, a nice American Standard, or even something custom (and by custom, it could be a frankenbass).

What is your cutoff?

Thanks for the rant

in my opinion "Key word$" CAN YOU AFFORD IT?Wish means family obligations are met/wife is happy/ kids too! First things first!Don't go into kids college fund etc.
After all that is clear.. if you can afford it and you want it! Sure, why should there be a limit! go for it!

 

[MovingPitchers]

I used to have three. I hated having three. So much maintenance. So much money. Sold two. Still have my number one.

Might get a second one just because I was comfortable with having two.

Yes I can afford it. Yes I play both. Yes it's practical for me n

 

[bigtone23]

I currently have 6. This takes care of what I really need in terms of bass. Of course I would love to add a couple other tones/looks to the mix (Ric 4003, Danelectro Longhorn, Stingray HH or Sabre 4) and a fretless 4 or 5 string Jazz bass, but it's about finding them in my budget and being blown away by them enough to warrant a purchase.
Given my situation, the answer would be 11. 11 would be too many after adding those 4.