I have a major problem

[sawzalot]

I have a gig this weekend. I've got a solid collection of instruments that I really like. All have relatively new strings and are all in great shape. I usually take two basses to a show. Should I:

1) Just before the gig, close my eyes and pick two random instruments and see what I get, or
2) agonize for the next day and a half about which I want to take.

GO!

 

[TolerancEJ]

What are your options? Give us your list

 

[Crusher47]

Pick the 2 you are most comfortable with?

 

[Kriegs]

Choose the basses that fit the tonal requirements for the genre and songs that you'll be playing.

 

[bholder]

Pain Is Good.

 

[jd56hawk]

Simple...pick the two best basses you own.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

humble brag about your collection online
that's what I'd do

 

[Bodeanly]

I can't decide which ivory back scratcher to use.

 

[creaturegods]

First, re-consider your personal definition of "major problem."

Then, just grab the 2 that are closest to the door.

 

[Steadfast]

Must take the two with brightest tort or you sound will suck....... unless you fire the drummer.

 

[Kipp Harrington]

Take the 2 lightest ones.

 

[sawzalot]

I love all four basses, all are appropriate for the genre, and all are for once in tip top shape (strings, setup, etc). Do I pick at random and be surprised or try to find some weird way to differentiate two from the others?

1994 Musicman Stingray
2000 Musicman Stingray 5
2000 Musicman Sterling 4 fretless
2012 G&L JB4

 

[Bodeeni]

I have the same issue. I usually narrow it down the day of the gig.

 

[arbiterusa]

My gigging instruments are all the same, B4FLs. I have four. I'll grab the one currently strung with flats and another one (strung with rounds) at random.

In a sense, I have no choices at all.

Tonight I do, because I'm only taking one. Flats or rounds? I'll let Talkbass decide. Seriously. Tell me which one.

 

[Wesley R]

Grab a P or equal, and a J or equal.

 

[Wesley R]

My gigging instruments are all the same, B4FLs. I have four. I'll grab the one currently strung with flats and another one (strung with rounds) at random.

In a sense, I have no choices at all.

Tonight I do, because I'm only taking one. Flats or rounds? I'll let Talkbass decide. Seriously. Tell me which one.

Grab the one with Tape Wounds!

 

[Groove Doctor]

I’d take the P bass.

 

[4sight]

Be adventurous, list all of your basses for sale immediately and play all the parts for your gig on a kazoo.

 

[jumbodbassman]

those all seem to have a very different voice to them. i would take which ones best fit the gig.

 

[Runnerman]

Just got my Squier MIJ P bass back from a fret crown and setup. There is no question...I WILL be playing it on Saturday. I do tend to have a number 1 that takes the vast majority of songs, then one or two backups with alternate tunings. The backups I tend to agonize a little over but the main I always know what it will be.