my current number one bass is...

[MadJack]

Very nice. I've not heard of Donner - maybe as I'm in the UK - but their headstock looks very much like the HB. I wonder if they're connected. Harley Benton punch well above their weight. Those covers look great on the HB 50s P-Bass.

While they are very similar, there are enough minute differences to know they are different. Both necks are the same width, but the Donner feels a little more D shaped, while the HB is more C shaped. The end of the headstock on the HB is a little more round. Both bodies are about the same thickness and fit a Precision hard case cutout, there are some minor contour differences that are only really noticeable when held up to each other. I don't have a preference to either one. For the most part they feel the same. The Donner wears rounds and the HB wears flats. That's the biggest difference I feel.

 

[graphics1988]

I have been fortunate to own many a great basses - this one just fits me well. It may not be the most flashiest looking - but the simplicity of minimal 'giggle switches' and thunderous P tones ...it's magic.

 

[58kites]

Yamaha Attitude Custom.
The neck on this bass feels so damn nice, and it's stable like a rock.
Everything just feels like quality on this bass.
It has the split P pickup, a good thumpy humbucker hidden under the pickguard at the neck heel and piezos in the bridge saddles.
Alder body that is a FSO but different enough to be interesting.

 

[ectoflanger]

A 1985 Aria Pro II ZZB Deluxe upgraded with MJS Soapbars (Split inline single at the neck and standard humbucker at the bridge) and a Hipshot X-Tender. I love the fast 32 inch scale action and the P-Bass-like timbre of the neck pickup blended with that of the bridge. Also it already came with the dings where Explorer type instruments get dinged, as well as the headstock so I don't lament accidental prangs in the relatively closer confines of a boat. Another plus is that its durable for residing on a sailboat year round, I keep it on the Hercules stand where I can just reach over from lounging on the starboard settee and go to playing-

 

[Old Blastard]

Drake Custom Bass Model 7. Light, easy to play, EMG P/J set up sounds great and no neck dive to speak of.

 

[ajwolfcale]

2023 LEH Offset 5. By far the best bass I've ever owned.

This makes me so excited to get mine!

 

[Stranger Danger]

 

[faulknersj]

This is the one I always grab.

 

[Hnz]

Tokai Hardpuncher 1984, strung with DR HighBeams 50 - 110.
All original except for the knobs and the tuners, these are replaced by Gotoh aged ones.
Photo by previous owner. I have replaced the knobs by silver dome ones.

 

[markob]

This makes me so excited to get mine!

You will absolutely love it.

 

[CletusMarley]

83 MIJ Jazz

 

[Jeremy Crockett]

I know we are not supposed to say this but, I am so happy with both of them that there is no "Number One".

 

[cdef]

Right now, though still in a kind of try-out phase, it's this semi-custom job by an acquaintance. We'll see how it lasts when gigs resume in 2024.

 

[Wyrdlow]

Right now, though still in a kind of try-out phase, it's this semi-custom job by an acquaintance. We'll see how it lasts when gigs resume in 2024.

View attachment 5295396

Looks nice! Interesting pickup layout too. I hope you post some more about it.

 

[mongo2]

I'm currenty between #1s but my former most used is a Hofner Ignition Club bass I modified to VVT controls. I now alternate that with my Eastman CLub Bass and a few DIY projects I've been working on recently.

 

[BlueTalon]

Right now, though still in a kind of try-out phase, it's this semi-custom job by an acquaintance. We'll see how it lasts when gigs resume in 2024.

View attachment 5295396

Please post some better pictures of that when you get a chance.

 

[Low End Scum]

I'm currenty between #1s but my former most used is a Hofner Ignition Club bass I modified to VVT controls. I now alternate that with my Eastman CLub Bass and a few DIY projects I've been working on recently.

Same, except it's a dead heat between my old #1 ('11 AmStand Jazz Bass), the Dingwall that's had my attention the last month and half, and my recently luthiered (74/75) Ripper. Wonderin if after over 10 years the J will finally be dethroned.

 

[Iridescentone]

Numero Uno. I think you can figure out why
View attachment 5275993 View attachment 5275994 View attachment 5275995 View attachment 5275996 View attachment 5275997 View attachment 5275998

Spectacular...want!

 

[Iridescentone]

This week it's this St. Blues with Fender SS flats, and Kent Armstrong pups.

And this one, with nickel rounds.

 

[58kites]

This week it's this St. Blues with Fender SS flats, and Kent Armstrong pups.

View attachment 5296139

And this one, with nickel rounds.

View attachment 5296141

I want a Lakin.