I have a major problem

[Gravedigger Dav]

Buy two new ones and take them.

 

[rufus.K]

I'm surprised not more folks going for Random. That's how I'd do it

 

[stringthrough]

Rotation, make sure they all get gigging playtime.

 

[elgranluis]

I usually just play a different bass until I have played everything in my stable, unless I get a specific request from the band. Yes , the ric and se eb3 are interchangeable to me .

 

[mexicant]

I rotate my basses,its not nice to play favorites!

 

[marmadaddy]

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

Just four? You do have a major problem.

You don't have enough basses.

 

[five7]

Put them all up for sale and take the one that doesn't sell.

 

[Alexis Duntov]

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!

As they say in AA, keep coming back.

 

[Jase The Bass]

One of these things is not like the others,
One of these things just doesn't belong,
Can you tell which thing is not like the others
By the time I finish my song?

Did you guess which thing was not like the others?
Did you guess which thing just doesn't belong?
If you guessed this one is not like the others,
Then you're absolutely... right!

 

[Snibborwocky]

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

JB4 and the Stringray 5. There, you're covered. Have a great gig.

 

[KevInDaBassment]

Play life on "Expert Mode" and show up with this...

 

[bassbenj]

A lot of great fun advice. However the real choice is which basses fit the music you are going to play.
(I usually pick a fretted-fretless pair) If all of your basses are alike (like say you own a bunch of different color Fenders) then go with the other advice offered here.

 

[Hurricane Jimmie]

This is a small factor in my decision to work towards owning one bass.
Also there's no time wasted when I practice..... HA! Practice.... I kill myself sometimes.

 

[DirtDog]

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

Well, the answer is, of course, the one that your valet chooses to use. Duh.

 

[AcridSaint]

I think you should show up with no instrument and then blame the BL for not providing you with the right one.

 

[B-Mac]

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!

3) eenie meenie miney moe

 

[JRA]

fretted basses = all the same.
fretless basses = choose the one which won't humble you in front of hundreds of people.

good luck on your gig and good luck with your abilities to make rational/reasonable choices on your own!

 

[Benny Bennett]

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!

I generally have a Jazz bass, but will add a short scale, either Hofner or Jag SS. Depends on where we're playing, inside or out, or just what I Feel like that day.
Reach out, grab 2, and go if there's no reason for one over another.

 

[sudsmcduff]

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!

Is it a gig or a show? If it's a gig, is it at a club or a divebar? Is your stage footprint the size of a drumkit or postage stamp? Just bring the 5 and keep a 4 in reserve.

 

[BassChuck]

Imagine you're at the gig, and not really listening to the band, but doing other things. Pick the bass that would sound best to that person.
(and btw, you don't get any extra points for picking that bass that is fun and comfortable to play.)