Lee Sklar only needs these 3. They all bring something different to the table.
Nice history behind that parts PBass.
Nice history behind that parts PBass.
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How many basses does a pro need?
- Thread starter LadyLoveStingRay5
- Start date
I took lessons from Chuck Rainey in the late 90's and he told me that he had at least 150 basses at the time.
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As always, these types of questions require the stock answer of 'it depends". What type of music, what's the schedule (no time to switch or replace broken/out of tune strings...), is it strictly one sound called for, is it a unique instrument (like Bootsy's star bass), how much room is there in the van for multiple cases...? Jamerson seemed to do okay with just a '62 P bass. Then there are entertainers who have as many basses as they do pairs of sunglasses and use a different one for every tune. Which approach is right is not a one size fits all answer. Hope this helps. If not, this is TALKBASS a.k.a. the online enabler for those with bass dependencies, which means if you don't have as many basses as you possibly can you're not trying hard enough.
- Dec 5, 2002
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I'm a weekend warrior and I have 15 so more than 15.
Professionals only need one.
The rest of us hacks need one of each.
The rest of us hacks need one of each.
I feel a little more like a pro when I bring a backup axe to a job where thousands of dollars - and our reputations - are on the line.
So: two.
Three if you also need what's best for Metal.
So: two.
Three if you also need what's best for Metal.
I sorta agree with Jamro217's post, which ultimately boils down to - As many as it takes to make a particular Pro happy. Which can (and does) vary from only one to... many more than I have. So, yeah; it depends...
Hummergeist
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Two. One to play and one in reserve for mechanical failures.
If you listen, he owns at least 4: his original Jazz Bass, the Frankenstein, the signature Warwick, and the signature Dingwall.
Back when Anthony Jackson wrote a column for Bass Player, he talked about how he once used three basses for a while, a Jazz, a fretless Rickenbacker, and another bass, but eventually settled on using his Jazz only. He wrote his column in response to a Randy Jackson column where he listed several basses he used for sessions. I guess the answer depends on the bassist and why people hire her or him. Some folks fill in and are expected to get whatever sound they are told. Others are hired to because they have distinctive sound.
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I'm trying to keep it at no more than 5 but I could do three in reality, since a couple of mine really serve only as redundant backups of models that have been discontinued. I purchased them because they're becoming scarce to find.
You need two. I have five. I keep one offsite at my day job just in case the house burns down. Probably will get a couple more this year for giggles, but they won't be gigging instruments.
Jazzdogg
Less barking, more wagging!
For the first thirty years, I had a plywood double bass from the sixties, and a fretless P from the Seventies. Both were paid for in cash which was repaid many times over from paying gigs.
It wasn't until after my late wife passed away twenty-odd years ago that I started buying more basses and bass gear, which I justified through pain.
A functional, reliable, rig and a bass that suits me are all I really ever needed. The rest was definitely more want than need.
YMMV, IME, etc.
It wasn't until after my late wife passed away twenty-odd years ago that I started buying more basses and bass gear, which I justified through pain.
A functional, reliable, rig and a bass that suits me are all I really ever needed. The rest was definitely more want than need.
YMMV, IME, etc.
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I have many, maybe too many, admittedly too many 
I toss wal-hangers in my shopping cart pretty often just to keep the strays that keep showing at my door off the floor.
I've only ever taken three along whether playing locally, for studio work or on the road. Two P's and a Jazz has always been enough.
I toss wal-hangers in my shopping cart pretty often just to keep the strays that keep showing at my door off the floor. I've only ever taken three along whether playing locally, for studio work or on the road. Two P's and a Jazz has always been enough.
How many basses does a Pro need? One.
How many basses does a Pro have? That would be a more interesting question.
How many basses does a Pro have? That would be a more interesting question.
Studio players need several, so they can provide the producer with more than one option. Touring players need at least two, so one can be re-tuned while one is being played and if a string breaks they can be switched out. Double Bassist rarely have a second instrument as a backup.
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I'm down to three. A four, a five, and a vintage Gibson I can't part with that stays in the closet.
How many basses does a pro need? All of them.
