How many basses do you WANT versus NEED?

[Eli_Kyiv]

Well, I need one, I have three, I want Cort Curbow fretless to add to my stable, but I'm not sure I will ever take it out for a gig.

 

[Starthief]

I guess what I "need" is none -- bass is a new side thing for me. My only aspirations are to have fun, learn something, and maybe incorporate bass into the drone/ambient music which is my main project.

What I think I want right now: a fretless U-Bass or Ashbory, an easy to play short fretted bass (I have a Mikro being shipped right now), and eventually perhaps something along the lines of Wing/Miezo/FingyBass.

It would not surprise me at all if I add to the stable beyond that, but I don't want to collect too many instruments. As I know from synth gear though, "too many" is a vague line that moves when you're not looking.

 

[BarqsBitMe]

Maybe the title post question actually defines G.A.S.. At least anyone who answers this question, you’re doing some self reflection. Please answer honestly.

I was once told an interesting phrase once which is “be careful with the things you own because one day they could end up owning you.”

A bass guitar at the end of the day is a tool to create music. I justify my bass needs / wants by the fact that not all basses are created equal, so having a bunch is like a painters pallet of colours. But how many colours does one need? What if just one bass is the only pallet you really need?

I think the battle of needs and wants is what makes life interesting. I’ve had up to 13 basses in my house at one time but knew a few were on their way out. It’s crazy how much money and time one can spend on this battle.
At the moment, I’ve got a closet I use to gauge what “too many” basses is to me. If the closet is full or there are basses sitting outside of it because they can’t fit...time to re-evaluate.

I’ve even thought of limiting myself to one bass per brand, but I seem to be stuck at two at the moment. At this point in time I have 5 incredible instruments that have taken me 7 years to find. Some you might know that I’ve done a tone of buying, trading, and selling on this site. The Classified section on this site has been my bain at times! LOL

Anyway, enough about me for now...let’s hear from others!
Why do you own the basses that you have?

I need one bass, preferably a 5 string but a 4 would do for 98% of stuff. The number of basses I want = n+1 where 'n' is the number of basses I currently own. Realistically I think I would probably restrain myself to a max of maybe 4 or 5 at any given time and would sell before buying additional ones. Then again, if I had a dedicated room to keep my gear...as many as the walls will fit would be most appropriate in my opinion.

 

[BarqsBitMe]

I want an acoustic bass, a five string bass, a fretless bass and an upright bass. I think I will get an acoustic bass next time I buy a bass

 

[marchone]

Have 3
Want 2 more
Need 1

 

[el murdoque]

When I came into possession of Bass #8, I suddenly felt GAS, disguised as the opposite of GAS.
In a moment of clairvoyance, it dawned on me that I need to buy a Fender P with flats and if I did so, I could sell off most of my other basses.
Yeah, right. Buy more basses to end up with less of them. I could clearly see that this was just another GAS attack. I gladly gave in, though. With a P with flats in my possession, it really started. I sold off other basses.

At the moment, I feel like I need two basses. My fancy schmancy 6 string and my P with flats.
As long as I do paid gigs, I'll keep a 5 string that can replace either of those in a pinch.
I don't need more than that. And at the moment, I don't want any more, too.

 

[bassballs27]

Ah.....so this thread is continuing from over 3 years ago now! Love it!

 

[eastcoasteddie]

I don’t need ANY, but I want just one more…

 

[Biggbass]

I just want one but have more than I want or need.

 

[MartinzeBassman]

I have played a lot on acoustic basses and I like it, plus that I feel that I don't need to be plugged in to get myself heard.