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Sell it all and keep one

#41
If you are gigging regularly, you can make an argument that it's good to have a backup (although in almost 40 years of playing, and over 30 playing out, I have never had a bass go bad on me). Don't just dump them cheap. Put a fair price on the two basses and the amp. When you get a fair price, sell one. Then re-access from there.
 
#43
I only play one bass. My 1979 Aria Pro-II Precise (Fender Jazz Lawsuit). After more than three years of never touching any of my other basses. I sold all of them (Alembic, Modulus, G&L, Fender, Guild) and I really don't miss them.
I am not saying that this is the best thing for everyone but it works for me.
 
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#45
leche said:
... I feel motivated to sell my other two basses...
Click to expand...

I know the feeling. I'm down to my '74 P and Geddy Jazz. If I had to have one it would be the Precision, no contest. But since I don't have to just have one, I keep them both. The way I always figured it is, the more stuff you own the more you have to maintain, the more space it all takes up, etc. For me, more often than not, less is more. So if you are actively using the basses, and they have something to offer that another bass you have doesn't, I would keep it/them to round out your arsenal. Otherwise, sell or trade.
 
#46
leche said:
So I just put a set of tape wound stringson my P bass, and what a fantastic sound it is! It sounds good on my ‘69 B15N and on my markbass (which I dont particularly care for). I feel motivated to sell my other two basses - jazz bass variations - and only play this now.

Talk me down, or encourage me to sell!
Click to expand...

If you're 100% sure you have no use for your other basses, then for sure it makes sense to sell them - to get some money and space back. Me, I am currently at my max with 3 electric basses - I have no room for more without my place starting to feel cluttered. I never bring a backup bass at gigs: I haven't needed one in 20 years. I can only justify owning 3 basses in that they each offer something different tonally that I can use depending on the project I'm working on.

Also, I could never bond with jazz basses (I'm mostly a p-bass guy), maybe it's also the case with you? I do like the added "burp" I get from a PJ, though.
 
#47
I have two basses that I would consider selling but they were both gifts from my wife. So I’m keeping them. My Stingray in particular would fetch some cash - it’s a beautiful and great sounding bass, just not my cup of tea anymore. And the other three are staying.
 
#49
Lorenzo V said:
I really like the efficiency of a simple set up;

For example, if you have 1 bass, 1 amp, and 1 simple pedal board you will also have:

1. 1 instrument to learn on intimately (no secondary distractions)
2. Less maintenance = less expense/time with batteries/strings/tuning etc
3. Faster loading/pack down time for gigs/practices
4. Less overall handling weight for above
5. Less space needed at home and on stage
6. Less things to go wrong (simpler cabling)
7. Less financial outlay
8. Faster set up time (only 1 bass to tune/less cabling etc)

BUT...I realise and appreciate people have different tastes/goals/collections etc, so it really is an individual thing.
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1 bass, 1 amp, and 1 pedalboards sounds simpler until....

A) I'm not inspired by what I have, and need something, anything different, then I got nothing, or....
B) I want to try an experiment, or need to do maintenance where the bass will be down for a bit, and... again, I got nothing.

Although I (in my poverty stricken college youth) existed with just one bass for a couple of years, once I got used to having more than one, I just ain't going back at this point. I have nothing against thinking the herd. I just ain't a 1 bass kinda guy.
 
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#50
I'd wait until the honeymoon period ends rather than do something hasty that you might regret.

Play the P and the P only for some period of time, basically until you stop thinking about it the way you do now. Then play one or both of the other two basses. If they just don't do it for you and you simply have to pick up the P right away, then sell the other two. If either or both suddenly makes you feel like you're breathing fresh air, well, then be glad you didn't sell.
 
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#54
leche said:
So I just put a set of tape wound stringson my P bass, and what a fantastic sound it is! It sounds good on my ‘69 B15N and on my markbass (which I dont particularly care for). I feel motivated to sell my other two basses - jazz bass variations - and only play this now.

Talk me down, or encourage me to sell!
Click to expand...
Unless your in a real bad financial situation and absolutely need to sell
I wouldn't! You'll regret it later.
 
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#57
40Hz said:
Anything you play will sound great through a B-15N IMO. So to me it’s a moot question. ;)
Click to expand...
I have a b15n. My Alembic fretless and anything with rounds does not sound so good on it, imo. I use other amps for those basses. My pre with ti's and upright sure sound nice with the Ampeg.

Regarding the op, when I think about selling gear and look at sites to get a value ...I find more stuff to buy. I have 7 basses, 2 uprights and 3 guitars. Oh yeah, and 5 and a half amps.

Selling just ain't fun, buying is!
 
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#60
I’m a sentimental sap, so I say keep the one(s) that mean most to you. Personally, I can never go below 3 basses: my first, my most memory-laden, and an anniversary present from my wife. What are the best reasons you can come up with keeping one or some? Write them down and leave them alone for a week or two (or maybe even month). If they still make sense, don’t sell.
 

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