I'm up to 9 and I'm ready to thin the heard and keep 5 or so of the higher end ones, at one point I had to set up a spreadsheet just for maintenance and string changes. It can get out of hand....
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
How many basses is it acceptable to have....
- Thread starter Evil Undead
- Start date
less spreadsheets, more sheet music
referring to the overused saying "less ebay, more melbay"
Does a man have to be a motorcross champion to own a Ducati or two?
Buy what you want and what you can afford. If you can't afford it, save up for it...don't fall into the credit trap. Quantity is not related to skill level. Your appreciation of the instrument and the art form are enough to justify owning it.
I've been having some interesting conversations about the possible harmful effects of GAS. The upshot seems to be this: as long as they make you happy, you derive some usefulness from them, and they are not controlling your life in an adverse way, no harm done.
Buy what you want and what you can afford. If you can't afford it, save up for it...don't fall into the credit trap. Quantity is not related to skill level. Your appreciation of the instrument and the art form are enough to justify owning it.
I've been having some interesting conversations about the possible harmful effects of GAS. The upshot seems to be this: as long as they make you happy, you derive some usefulness from them, and they are not controlling your life in an adverse way, no harm done.
- Feb 27, 2005
- 3,218
- 125
- Disclosures
- Full disclosure, I'm a certified Fender technician working in a music store that carries Fender, Yamaha, and Ibanez products among others.
If someone wants to tile their bathroom walls with Ritters, it's no skin off my nose and none of my business.
I will probably want to hang out in their bathroom longer than necessary, though.
I will probably want to hang out in their bathroom longer than necessary, though.
1st question: As many as you want, so long as it doesn't consume your life.
2nd question: Only you can decide the total value, and that's not always the same as total price paid. Sometimes you get more than what you thought you paid for, sometimes less. You may want to keep a bass based on a unique construction, a sentiment, or because it sounds and plays fantastic in spite of the cheap price paid for it. All of these things are decided by you, not us.
And, you can change your mind. I've sold three in the past five months and the selling continues.
I do buy and sell quite a lot, mainly because there is so little choice in the stores round here and they are so overpriced. So I buy used, and resell if I don't like.
But I almost always make a loss, not massive but up to £100 on some occasions, usually £30-£50.
But I almost always make a loss, not massive but up to £100 on some occasions, usually £30-£50.
I don't gig out even once a month, but I have a dozen basses.
Why? Because I can, and they're all paid for.
Why? Because I can, and they're all paid for.
I took up bass about 3 1/2 years ago when I retired. I have never played in a band. I currently have two electric basses and a cheap ABG that I use to accompany myself at open mics. If anyone here has no business owning more than one of thise, I suppose it's me. However, I'm thinking very seriously about getting one of those Squier VM Short Scale Jaguars when they come out. My current basses are an active Cort GB 34a and an Epiphone Viola. Two totally different instruments.
Own as many as you like. Perhaps have two that are work horses say for outdoor gigs, and a bunch of other for recording, collecting etc.
I personally play every bass I own, just try to rotate some in more than others. people say that instruments won't be worth anything in the future, best put the $ in a 401 K. While I agree it's important to take advantage of 401K's and saving for the future, whose to say what WAL's or 60's - 70's Fenders will be worth say in 2040? Just buy what you like and take good care of them!
I personally play every bass I own, just try to rotate some in more than others. people say that instruments won't be worth anything in the future, best put the $ in a 401 K. While I agree it's important to take advantage of 401K's and saving for the future, whose to say what WAL's or 60's - 70's Fenders will be worth say in 2040? Just buy what you like and take good care of them!
- Aug 5, 2005
- 7,243
- 92
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: J.C. Basses
I know of three bassists in this region whom I would consider "pros" in that they make their living playing music and giving lessons. I don't think any of them has more than two basses (plus a DB). One of them plays the P bass he got sometime in the mid-seventies. Another has a P/J he's had since the 80's....
Just an example....
Just an example....
