Most essential bass(es) to own

[Chris Paget]

I remember hearing one time that the two most essential basses to own in terms of having the right sound and the right feel in one package are the Fender Precision Bass and Fender Jazz Bass. Is there truth to this? What would the forum recommend as THE "go-to" bass to own, across all makes and models?

 

[Chris Paget]

I know this is a broad question- if it needs narrowing down, I also happen to be looking for a 5-string bass

 

[Shoewreck]

Fenders are overhyped, you know.

 

[Bobster]

Jazz, Precision, Stingray.

I think anyone would be well covered with those three.

Bob

 

[Engine207]

No collection of basses is complete without a Ric

 

[Righteous Thunderer]

This particular forum? Probably Fender/various high end jazz bass companies and EBMM. I personally recommend, for someone who wants a versatile 5 stringer, an EBMM Stingray 5 with whatever pickup combination you prefer. I myself would be totally satisfied with a single H version, but it eludes my collection for the time being.

 

[bigou]

No collection of basses is complete without a Ric

I did not own a RIc but I agree

 

[Mayers]

If you are in a cover band, a studio bass player or just someone you hired for backing a solo artist etc ... yeah you need a jazz, a precision, a stingray, a fretless and a modern 5 ...

if you are in a original band or solo artist ... well you shouldn't ask that question

 

[esa372]

...the two most essential basses to own in terms of having the right sound and the right feel in one package are the Fender Precision Bass and Fender Jazz Bass.

 

[rockstarbassist]

I've never owned (more than a week) a Fender, Stingray, Sadowsky, etc..

I've barely gotten by with my measly Warwicks, Spectors, Modulus', Wals, etc.. though. Been rough tho, gotta tell ya.

 

[garmenteros]

If you've got some money no collection is complete without a precision, jazz, stingray, rick 4001 or 4003, thunderbird, a good hollowbody (either a guild starfire or a gibson)... Add in a fretless and a boutique instrument (alembic which if I'm not mistaken are the people who started making over the top wood craftsmanship beauties) and you're set. Me I've got the collection covered... and I got a graphite necked bass too to round out the selection...

 

[StuartV]

What's the most essential ratchet and socket set to own?

What's the most essential car or truck to own?

What's the most essential type of screwdriver to own?

Having a slotted and a Phillips won't do you much good if you need to remove a Torx screw from something.

 

[richardzbaraski]

Jazz, Precision, Stingray.

I think anyone would be well covered with those three.

Bob

+100000 ! .. and a solid five string i think.

 

[nostatic]

Almost any good, articulate bass can work for most any genre or song. The conventional wisdom would argue that a Rob Allen Deep 5 (fretless piezo) is right for jazz, wrong for funk. But I think it works: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Presently I play in 4 different bands and I don't have a Fender in sight. Or a Ric. Or a Stingray. Slight caveat: I have a Lull PJ5 but that is a backup for when someone wants a "vintage" look on stage. And it still may be for sale...

These days I usually will bring a Rob Allen and a Roscoe to a gig. They are "essential" to the sound I'm trying to get to best support the bands I play with. The bass shouldn't define the player - it should be the other way around.

 

[FromTheBassMent]

I personally recommend, for someone who wants a versatile 5 stringer, an EBMM Stingray 5 with whatever pickup combination you prefer.

Yup. The Sterling or Stingray 5 (preferably in a multi-pickup configuration) is going to be the best reasonably-priced, high quality 5er if you're looking for versatility. Or the Reflex or Big Al if you've got a little more money and like the unique look of either of those.

You can get much better 5ers, but you'll need a stack of benjamins (F Bass, Rosco, Sadowsky NYC, Lakland USA)... $3-5k. You can get a minty used 'Ray 5 HH or HS usually for around $1200 around here on the classifieds. There's a GORGEOUS black cherryburst SR5 HH listed right now, and for exactly that price (no, it's not mine!).

On edit: You'll have to search on "SR5HH" to find it though!

 

[BigRedX]

Pick the basses that you like.

I own 30 basses and none of them are even remotely Fender-like.

 

[Gus Borden]

This is NOT a sarcastic statement - the most essential basses to own are the ones that speak to YOU. The ones that YOU feel sound the best, like playing the best, like looking at the most.

I spent about 7 years owning 1 bass and it was all I needed. It was MY essential bass. These days, I have 3.

but that is definitely a very subjective question.

 

[VWbug]

Whatever sounds good or works for you.

I know folks like to bash Fenders for, well.. Whatever.....

I don't think they are perfect or the best bass around.

That being said. I really like having a Fender Jazz and Precision. ( I play the Jazz more) We all like to kick the tires of convention from time to time but they work for me and I'm happy.

Whatever sounds good to you. Enjoy!

 

[Righteous Thunderer]

This is NOT a sarcastic statement - the most essential basses to own are the ones that speak to YOU. The ones that YOU feel sound the best, like playing the best, like looking at the most.

I spent about 7 years owning 1 bass and it was all I needed. It was MY essential bass. These days, I have 3.

but that is definitely a very subjective question.

I know EXACTLY what you mean! The first part of this statement is exactly why I feel the way I do every time I pick up my Thumb NT 5

 

[DiabolicLow B]

If I was looking for a new 5 string, Fender would not even be on my list.

That being said get whatever feels right for you.