If you couldn't play Bass anymore......

[DeepHz]

I am curious to hear from TBers what instrument you would choose if for some obscure reason you can't ever play the bass again? No physical limitations. Just no more Bass.
(I know, blasphemy)

 

[grinx]

Drums or lead cajon
Marimba

 

[Nedmundo]

I've had some hand/finger problems so this possibility has crossed my mind. If I could still play guitar, that would be my choice. (In fact, before the demise of my last band, I was slated to move over to guitar for covers we planned to add to our repertoire.) Otherwise I might return to lead vocals, which I did during my teens and early twenties, sometimes while playing bass but sometimes "naked."

 

[Sursonique]

the triangle

 

[DWBass]

I already play keys and percussion. Easy transition for me.

 

[Giffro]

Air Bass

 

[Inara]

I'd concentrate on my flute playing and singing. Or, especially if it was a thing where I lost the use of one hand's fingers, I'd think about taking up trombone ... I played brass instruments back in high school, and jazz trombone has been a big influence on my fretless phrasing.

 

[Dincrest]

My gut instinct answer is to learn to play drums.

 

[SunByrne]

Probably keys, but maybe guitar (blasphemy, I know).

 

[groove pump]

Never had a trombone, but love 'em. That sound is truly boss!!

Fascinated with good drumming, but I'd probably play too quiet. (quietly?)

LOVE the wooden xylophone - they need a bit of a footprint, but I've always wanted one.

Played an alto saxophone through junior high, but I'd look for a tenor if I took that up again.

 

[pcake]

when i had physical issues that didn't allow me to play bass, i started learning to play a small harp and to reacquaint myself with keyboard. i think keys would be the way to go for me if i couldn't play bass as i have a little of experience and a keyboard. i did enjoy the harp, but the minute i could play bass again, i don't think i touched it again.

i'd have said drums as i have my entire electronic kit folded up and ready to go, but the only way i'd stop playing bass would be due to physical issues, and i find that when my shoulder hurts too much to play bass, i can't play drums, either.

 

[TerribleTim68]

I'm thinking that if you couldn't play bass anymore, then chances are you've lost the ability to use a hand or arm. So, with that thought in mind I'm on board with everyone who said "drums" because clearly Rick Allen proved it can be done, right?

 

[PWRL]

It would depend on why. If it was because I was just forbidden for some reason, I'd switch to guitar.

 

[bolophonic]

I have also been into percussion for a long time, so I’d probably focus on getting good at that.

 

[CallMeAl]

If I was playing with others seriously, I’d want to move into percussion. I feel my time on bass (and other instruments) gives me a great perspective on playing to serve the song (and volume level! )

Playing casually with others, acoustic guitar. Great for singing (I already do a decent amount of this.)

Playing alone in a bunker-type situation, I’d resume my piano studies. Very satisfying, challenging and rewarding, and there’s so much potential material, I’d be busy for years!

 

[wildman2]

Prolly get into programming the bass drums and keys. With various programs..

 

[Bass V]

more cowbell, of course!
since getting a lil Yorkville BassMaster XM50 combo with it's sweet mix of SS clean and nice tubey warmth (especially in an all bass setting) for the perfect tone blend for my old 8str Rick Bakelite lap steel, I've been playing that more, primarily at night in the apt. after focusing on bass for years. but have no fear, this amp is killer for bass in a small setting and great headphone fun, it just nails the sound I crave for mellow steel, keeps my hammered ears preserved for a few more years, and what got me deeper into bass, away from shrill solos. steel was always my #1 so I'm good either way but losing anything would definitely suck.

 

[OogieWaWa]

Keyboards, that's where I started music in my youth mid last century. Still take one with me to gigs and dabble a bit with it more and more.

Edit: I like my neighbors, otherwise it would be accordion, banjo and bagpipes.

 

[LowEndOperative]

Drums. I already play them. If that's what you wanna call it, that is.

 

[Peteyboy]

Like my dad used to say, "I've always been pretty good at playing the radio."