Retiring your #1?

[juancaminos]

I retired my #1 then my #2...ha! But I have built up a good stable of other basses to be able to do that.

 

[juggahnaught]

For most of my 20 year bass playing career I've been playing an early Fender 57RI bass. Its the bass from which all other basses are judged and has seen hundreds of shows, jam sessions, and studio time. Pretty much every musical milestone I've had was with this in my hands. Over time I've had all the electronics replaced multiple times. I think this is the second or third bridge this has had. Currently sporting EMG Geezer Butlers and a Hipshot brass A bridge.

I think it might be time to retire the bass I've affectionately called "the Wife" as I move away from playing P-basses and more into active/modern territory. In August I acquired a new Stingray Special HH. The modern playability, range of tones, and piano like clarity. The volume knob only changing volume. This bass has it all!

But this isn't my first Stingray or my first active bass. Usually when I get something new, I'll play with it for awhile and then go back to my P-bass. I've had a regular 4H ray for a couple of years now and have had it modded with aguilar electronics and converted to 18V for when a P-bass didn't have the articulation or depth I wanted.

The new Stingray Special has not just smitten me, but every group I play with. I've never had anyone ever tell me I needed to play a Fender but I've had folks tell me to not use whatever it is that I was using. So now the Ray is #1. Do I try and keep the old P in rotation or does she get a well earned retirement where she lives in the closet?

You're overthinking it.

On gig day, pick the instrument you want to play, and go play it. Don't force it, don't overthink it. Repeat this ad nauseam.

The question will eventually answer itself over time as you continue playing. Good luck.

 

[zubrycky]

I have several basses and I play all of them. The nature of the musical situation determines which bass I'll play.

 

[Rib 13]

I have a 1995 G&L ASAT that is my 'wife'.....countless gigs, recordings, jams, and always Number 1 except when 5 string was required. Swiss army Bass that is capable of sounding like a bunch of instruments all in one......she has been retired for about 2 years.....no reason except Bass infidelity

 

[Nephilymbass]

For most of my 20 year bass playing career I've been playing an early Fender 57RI bass. Its the bass from which all other basses are judged and has seen hundreds of shows, jam sessions, and studio time. Pretty much every musical milestone I've had was with this in my hands. Over time I've had all the electronics replaced multiple times. I think this is the second or third bridge this has had. Currently sporting EMG Geezer Butlers and a Hipshot brass A bridge.

I think it might be time to retire the bass I've affectionately called "the Wife" as I move away from playing P-basses and more into active/modern territory. In August I acquired a new Stingray Special HH. The modern playability, range of tones, and piano like clarity. The volume knob only changing volume. This bass has it all!

But this isn't my first Stingray or my first active bass. Usually when I get something new, I'll play with it for awhile and then go back to my P-bass. I've had a regular 4H ray for a couple of years now and have had it modded with aguilar electronics and converted to 18V for when a P-bass didn't have the articulation or depth I wanted.

The new Stingray Special has not just smitten me, but every group I play with. I've never had anyone ever tell me I needed to play a Fender but I've had folks tell me to not use whatever it is that I was using. So now the Ray is #1. Do I try and keep the old P in rotation or does she get a well earned retirement where she lives in the closet?

Only been in that position once and I moved on because after doing so much with one bass for so long it wasn’t very inspiring to play anymore. If money isn’t an issue I’d just keep it around as a backup. You only mentioned 3 basses. 3 basses is definitely not getting into hoarder territory lol. It’s always good to have a backup as well. I like to bring my fender everywhere as my backup behind my Dingwall.

 

[TTPbass1]

Used to think like I had a #1, but now I often rotate my arsenal of 7 (8 with a Kala Rumbler but that just doesn't count), so they all are #1. I just focus in picking the best axe, or axes, for the job and that's it. I just love them all, but can't use them in all situations.

 

[sonojono]

There will always be a 1.

 

[Polfuste]

Keep it as your #1 backup.

 

[skyline_01]

For most of my 20 year bass playing career I've been playing an early Fender 57RI bass. Its the bass from which all other basses are judged and has seen hundreds of shows, jam sessions, and studio time. Pretty much every musical milestone I've had was with this in my hands. Over time I've had all the electronics replaced multiple times. I think this is the second or third bridge this has had. Currently sporting EMG Geezer Butlers and a Hipshot brass A bridge.

I think it might be time to retire the bass I've affectionately called "the Wife" as I move away from playing P-basses and more into active/modern territory. In August I acquired a new Stingray Special HH. The modern playability, range of tones, and piano like clarity. The volume knob only changing volume. This bass has it all!

But this isn't my first Stingray or my first active bass. Usually when I get something new, I'll play with it for awhile and then go back to my P-bass. I've had a regular 4H ray for a couple of years now and have had it modded with aguilar electronics and converted to 18V for when a P-bass didn't have the articulation or depth I wanted.

The new Stingray Special has not just smitten me, but every group I play with. I've never had anyone ever tell me I needed to play a Fender but I've had folks tell me to not use whatever it is that I was using. So now the Ray is #1. Do I try and keep the old P in rotation or does she get a well earned retirement where she lives in the closet?

Congrats on the 'Ray! I've just acquired a Special 5 HH myself, and I can attest that it's a special animal. Very versatile!

As far as the P goes: if you've got the physical space for it, why not keep it around? I don't pretend to know what kind of musical territory you cover but a future situation may arise when the P just "fits the bill". Just my two cents.

 

[Dragan]

"Retiring my no1"?
Man, it's a bass, not a CIA special agent.

 

[pepj]

The whole point of buying a new bass is to try and retire the no 1.

Its worked every time recently, bar 1 which will now be sold.
I put that down as a Covid Lockdown bass mistake.

 

[GTx2]

I have a P, PJ and J......all are excellent instruments. In a sense....I do have a #1 but.........at the same time I do tend to just pick my flavor of the night and go with it. I try not to overthink it.

 

[mrperkolator]

I know some people have emotional attachments to instruments. I used to. I ended up selling it, and I'm happy I did. That pig looked and sounded cool, but it was an ergonomic mess to play (non-reverse PJ Epiphone Tbird). Since, I've leaned into my practical side and try not to keep things that I do not have use for (not just basses, but other stuff too).

That being said, perhaps we're all looking at it wrong. @GeneralElectric It sounds like your P bass is due for a promotion. It has done it's time doing field work, it's time for it to be promoted up the ladder. Make it your studio bass, and take a different one for field work.

 

[Thumpin6string]

If I "retired" my #1, I'd have nothing to play.

 

[Gizmot]

For most of my 20 year bass playing career I've been playing an early Fender 57RI bass. Its the bass from which all other basses are judged and has seen hundreds of shows, jam sessions, and studio time. Pretty much every musical milestone I've had was with this in my hands. Over time I've had all the electronics replaced multiple times. I think this is the second or third bridge this has had. Currently sporting EMG Geezer Butlers and a Hipshot brass A bridge.

I think it might be time to retire the bass I've affectionately called "the Wife" as I move away from playing P-basses and more into active/modern territory. In August I acquired a new Stingray Special HH. The modern playability, range of tones, and piano like clarity. The volume knob only changing volume. This bass has it all!

But this isn't my first Stingray or my first active bass. Usually when I get something new, I'll play with it for awhile and then go back to my P-bass. I've had a regular 4H ray for a couple of years now and have had it modded with aguilar electronics and converted to 18V for when a P-bass didn't have the articulation or depth I wanted.

The new Stingray Special has not just smitten me, but every group I play with. I've never had anyone ever tell me I needed to play a Fender but I've had folks tell me to not use whatever it is that I was using. So now the Ray is #1. Do I try and keep the old P in rotation or does she get a well earned retirement where she lives in the closet?

Good for you! Although it took you longer to get there, your experience in getting past a P bass is just like what I went through - it only took me 10 years to do it though.

I went from a P to a new '79 Ric 4001 (back in '79) and I still have and play it! I know that you're going to be playing your Stingray for a long time. I think you can either hang on to your P and keep it for nostalgia or you can sell it. If you're not going to be playing it, it is hard to warrant keeping an instrument that does nothing but sit in a closet (I have the same problem too).

As with other things in life - - it's all up to you and in this case, there probably isn't any wrong answers

 

[stefancaunter]

my #1 is almost fretless with a very scratchy volume pot but it’s the one that makes the bands “go”

 

[FishDub]

For most of my 20 year bass playing career I've been playing an early Fender 57RI bass. Its the bass from which all other basses are judged and has seen hundreds of shows, jam sessions, and studio time. Pretty much every musical milestone I've had was with this in my hands. Over time I've had all the electronics replaced multiple times. I think this is the second or third bridge this has had. Currently sporting EMG Geezer Butlers and a Hipshot brass A bridge.

I think it might be time to retire the bass I've affectionately called "the Wife" as I move away from playing P-basses and more into active/modern territory. In August I acquired a new Stingray Special HH. The modern playability, range of tones, and piano like clarity. The volume knob only changing volume. This bass has it all!

But this isn't my first Stingray or my first active bass. Usually when I get something new, I'll play with it for awhile and then go back to my P-bass. I've had a regular 4H ray for a couple of years now and have had it modded with aguilar electronics and converted to 18V for when a P-bass didn't have the articulation or depth I wanted.

The new Stingray Special has not just smitten me, but every group I play with. I've never had anyone ever tell me I needed to play a Fender but I've had folks tell me to not use whatever it is that I was using. So now the Ray is #1. Do I try and keep the old P in rotation or does she get a well earned retirement where she lives in the closet?

I will never retire my #1..I love playing it too much

 

[portpc]

My #1 since the early 2000's is a Fender Hwy 1 Precision, all I did was swap the p/u for a Dimarzio and relaced the bridge with a Gotoh. A few years back I picked up a slightly used G&L Tribute JB2 as I wanted a Jazz bass but have never been a fan of the Fender Jazz body.
Both have been steady performers /Co-#1's and punch well above their price tag.

Went to GC last week as I've never played a Stingray bass & simply wanted to try one, was really impressed with the playability and neck of the RAY4. Went home with a Seafoam green model that sounds pretty good, setup easily and I'll be gigging with this one shortly.
With a pickup swap this could easily be a #1 this year!

 

[ThunderV]

I have been playing the same Warmoth Jazzish "parts bass" for 25 years. It is truly my #1 and I would never retire it. I did at one time give it some time off as it sat in pieces in my garage for almost a year. Friends over the years would tell me.....dude, it's a parts bass, just build a new one. I tried that....needless to say....it's still my number one.

 

[JRA]

Do I try and keep the old P in rotation or does she get a well earned retirement where she lives in the closet?

i voted for "rotation" only because i personally couldn't bear to hide away a great player.

i've posted on these pages talk and references to my "#1" or "main player" hundreds of times, but TBH: if i play an ax for a gig = it's my "#1" --- so i have a bunch of 'em, i think.