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One Bass Bassist?

Dr. Cheese

Dr. Cheese

Supporting Member
Mar 3, 2004
57,323
120,628
Metro St. Louis
#1
Spoiler alert, I am not reducing my collection to one bass, but I no longer want a large (5+) collection anymore. The reason is that looking back over five or so years, I usually favored one bass. I remember taking as many as three basses to church, and wasting time switching between basses. It was just easier to play one and be done. When I was mainly using Pedulla, it didn’t sound good being slapped, so I did not slap so much, and nobody cared. I mainly play my Super 5 now, and I still don’t slap so much.:D I still think it is good to have a few basses around to change up sometimes or if one has issues. I still like option of fretless, but unless it is a program in which the it is decided I need a different bass for a given song, I am taking just one, and if it is active, a few batteries.:bassist:
 
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#7
I know the other thing that is making me more content playing one bass is that after a few years, I am really seeing where bass lessons are paying dividends. I am not just learning songs and licks, I am actually improving my knowledge in a meaningful way. It’s happening late in life, but I am glad it’s happening.:D
 
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#9
For the most part, I've been a one bass player. Occasionally I'll buy a second bass for comparison purposes. But, I've chosen to be a one bass player for the following reasons:

1. I bond with my basses (or I don't and move them on), and I become one with them. I tend to buy quality basses and do not need to upgrade. And, frankly, I do not see how changing bass guitars changes the tone or character of the notes I'm playing enough that I need more than one.
2. I've been playing and gigging since 1974. I've never broken a string or had a bass fail me. So I do not need a backup.
3. I've never been wealthy enough to own a stable of basses.
4. Philosophically, spiritually, artistically, I am a player, a musician... not a collector. A bass guitar is a means to an end... not an end to itself.
5. I apply all of this to all the instruments I play - synthesizers and effects pedals.

Edit: I do have two amps... I have experience amp failure at gigs, so a backup is required.
 
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#10
I was thinking about this earlier this morning when I was straightening up the music room. About when I started I had one bass and loved that bass (it was an Ibanez SG. Sure I wanted more but really didn't think I needed more than one and I honestly could not afford more than one. At gigs I usually have two of them. One as a back up JIC. But as I get older "Keep It Simple Stupid" is blissful. But also to some of us I think love the "Art" of the bass and the nuances, the feel, the beauty of the craftsmanship, and even some pride in ownership as we have worked hard and sacrificed to get them. It makes you no better what you have or how many as I have many and feel no more superior but maybe lucky to have what I have. In the end we all strive for what we want and I think that is what drives us... the perfect bass, the perfect bass run, the perfect pocket, or maybe the one take when laying down the bass track in the studio. The groove is the groove and what moves us all.
 
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#13


I do not think I will get close to this, but this sort of skill would give me joy that a Bass Central full of basses could not match. I am not knocking a bass collection since I certainly have one, but I have really come to enjoy playing itself more than the tool I use to do it, although being really handy with said tool (and being really used to it,) allows one to reach the goal.
 
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#14
Dr. Cheese said:
Spoiler alert, I am not reducing my collection to one bass, but I no want a large (5+) collection anymore. The reason is that looking back over five or so years, I usually favored one bass. I remember taking as many as three basses to church, and wasting time switching between basses. It was just easier to play one and be done. When I was mainly using Pedulla, it didn’t sound good being slapped, so I did not slap so much, and nobody cared. I mainly play my Super 5 now, and I still don’t slap so much.:D I still think it is good to have a few basses around to change up sometimes or if one has issues. I still like option of fretless, but unless it is a program in which the it is decided I need a different bass for a given song, I am taking just one, and if it is active, a few batteries.:bassist:
Click to expand...

I can’t remember a time when I took two basses to a gig other than to try one out with the band to see if it would fit sound wise.
 
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#15
My youngest daughter played cello in her high school orchestra and could not understand why I would need multiple guitars. Now I’m down to one Tele Deluxe and I bought my first and only bass, a Yamaha TRBX 604 a year and a half ago but have only been seriously playing it the last two months. I expected it to be my starter bass but it is a quality instrument, plays great, and sounds great. I’m going to play it for a while longer and see if my desire to get a more expensive instrument will go away.
 
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#19
markjazzbassist said:
Keep a fretted 5 and then a fret less and you could probably get rid of the rest and get yourself a nice amp, mess with pedals if you want, etc.
Click to expand...
2059FA6C-46C1-42E3-A6C9-E0DCDB50EA9E.jpeg


My GK/Schroeder rig is absolutely wonderful. The TC Electronic amp I use during service was bought by the church.
 
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#20
Dr. Cheese said:
I guess in my early old age, I have to come to terms with the reality that nobody is calling me to do sessions.:D I do not need a stable of basses (not that owning different basses isn’t fun in itself,) and there is no need for more than one bass for anything other than an emergency backup.
Click to expand...
So is your goal to reduce down to 3 basses? A main player , a backup 2nd bass, and a Fretless ?
 

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