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One in, one out?

Alexis Duntov

Alexis Duntov

Feb 16, 2013
1,442
1,967
Brooklyn, NY
#1
I'm curious to know what people think about sitting on unplayed instruments. I bought a bass today from a guy, a working musician in NYC whose policy is he can't afford to keep instruments he doesn't play. I have a vintage Music Man Stingray that I bought a couple years back and never play. I bought it because I was listening to records at the time that featured that sound, but I'm not in a disco or dreampop/80's band at the moment and I'm not hearing that sound. But part of me is holding out for that one project for which that bass will make sense. And I have this feeling that if I sell the bass, I'll want one in the future. And then I feel guilty that the thing is being unplayed. I live in NYC so I don't have extra space or extra money. What's your feeling on unplayed instruments?
 
#2
I have to admit to owning several. I'm really happy that they are mine, and I feel sure that each will fulfill its purpose as time goes by...then again, I'm not paying a bazillion dollars a month for a small apartment in The City.
I surely understand your dilemma...
 
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#4
If I want to get a new bass, the old one must go before or shortly after the purchase. Saying that, I've never had more than one bass at a time.

I've nothing against those that own multiple instruments, played or unplayed. It's just not my way.
 
#5
I think you already answered the question.

"I don't have extra space or extra money."

Sell the bass(es) you don't play. If you ever get into a project that "requires" the MM tone (no such project exists in my view) you'll be able to find one then.

I live on 4+ acres and plenty of house. I have extra space and extra money. I have a strict one-in-one-out policy for bass gear. I just don't need a huge collection. That tied up money could grow and earn more money somewhere else.
 
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#6
two fingers said:
I think you already answered the question.

"I don't have extra space or extra money."

Sell the bass(es) you don't play. If you ever get into a project that "requires" the MM tone (no such project exists in my view) you'll be able to find one then.

I live on 4+ acres and plenty of house. I have extra space and extra money. I have a strict one-in-one-out policy for bass gear. I just don't need a huge collection. That tied up money could grow and earn more money somewhere else.
Click to expand...
Fair enough. I don't really need the money but I could use the space. Interested in a 1979 MM Stingray?
 
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#8
I am curious why you think the vintage Ray is only good for disco...

In any event if you need to be pragmatic in addressing this situation, then sell is what you must do. (But you may regret it!)
 
#9
I have a few basses that to me are keepers even though they aren't getting played. I tend to play my #1 about 95% of the time but every now and then I want to pick up a different one and I'm always happy I kept that particular bass. I get to fall in love all over and it may become #1 for a while. It's a pattern that has repeated itself more than a few times.
 
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#10
StevieMac said:
I have a few basses that to me are keepers even though they aren't getting played. I tend to play my #1 about 95% of the time but every now and then I want to pick up a different one and I'm always happy I kept that particular bass. I get to fall in love all over and it may become #1 for a while. It's a pattern that has repeated itself more than a few times.
Click to expand...
"This is my number one. No, wait, this is my number one. Right? Yes, this is number one". Yup. I do that too.
 
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