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So how do you guys with multiple basses do it?

#81
I'm a really "functionality-based" kind of person. So without having brand names or anything get in the way, here's what I feel like *I* need.

1) A jazz like five-string as a main bass.
2) A backup to that bass that's close but not exact for variety
3) A four string jazz
4) Something with flats
5) A fretless five
6) A really modern six string
7) An upright or EUB
 
#83
my current line-up is pretty modest compared to some...

1."82" Ric 4001(gloss walnut\autumglo)-will never sell it,this was my #1 for many years(now retired).needs a fret job,therefore it does'nt get giged.my second GOOD bass(first was a 4008 that I really regret selling.)

2.Conrad beatle bass...$5.00 at a garage sale,could not pass it up.has been on a few gigs but,not really a "gig-worthy" bass

3."04"4003...I can't live without a Ric.

4.EBMM sterling...modern tone,all around awsome bass

5.Fender 51 r.i....vintage p-bass tone,n'uff said.

3,4 and 5 are my go to basses. they all get played regularly in a rotation(or if my mood changes).tonight will be the 51's turn,sat. will be the MM's turn,next gig will be the Ric(see the pattern;) ) I love these basses because they are SO different. thats all the justification I need. none go un-played.can I survive with just one? sure but,variety is the spice of life.
P.S. my son has a Fender Jazz if I so feel the urge for that sound.
 
#84
Michael Jewels said:
...I think it's good for everyone to have more than one flavor in their arsenal.
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That's one opionion, and one I used to share. I think an argument can also be made for establishing "your" flavor so to speak. Many of our "idols" had one bass and a particular sound and that seemed to work well for them, right?

I understand the "need" for multiple basses and flavors in some situations, but i think you can do a lot with one bass and various playing techniques and there's nothing wrong with having "your" sound.

Just another perspective.
 
#85
I personally think that some people put more effort into their gear than their playing! That being said, I could justify maybe 6 basses. If I were richer than I am (but not very rich! I might just become a collector), I'd use a Sadowsky Jazz, Jazz Fretless, Jazz w/ Flats, Fender Precision, Ken Smith Fusion 4 Wide, KS Walnut BSR5, and a KS Cocobolo BSR6, and maybe a KS Cocobolo BSR6 Fretless.

9 isn't too bad. That way, I'd have everything I'd need for studio work, everything for freelance live stuff, and 6 stringers for jazz.
 
#86
SteveC said:
I understand the "need" for multiple basses and flavors in some situations, but i think you can do a lot with one bass and various playing techniques and there's nothing wrong with having "your" sound.
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A "hypocritical" +1 :)

As much as I am a gear hound, I can't really think of very many top players out there that do a lot of bouncing around with their instruments, and many, maybe even most, that I can recall stick fairly strictly to one bass, or at least one model/design.

I really love the variety I have to choose from, but I've often thought my skill likely suffers from not being consistent with one design. There's no way it can be good for technique IMHO.

So really, I'm torn on it... between my love for variety and my progress as a musician... I know what the "right" answer is, if my focus really is about the music, as it probably should be, but so far, I haven't been strong enough to deny the other side. :)
 
#87
Vic said:
A "hypocritical" +1 :)

As much as I am a gear hound, I can't really think of very many top players out there that do a lot of bouncing around with their instruments, and many, maybe even most, that I can recall stick fairly strictly to one bass, or at least one model/design.

I really love the variety I have to choose from, but I've often thought my skill likely suffers from not being consistent with one design. There's no way it can be good for technique IMHO.

So really, I'm torn on it... between my love for variety and my progress as a musician... I know what the "right" answer is, if my focus really is about the music, as it probably should be, but so far, I haven't been strong enough to deny the other side. :)
Click to expand...

I think we all spend plenty of time on gear that could be spent on other things. It's fun and all, but I think I have almost reached a saturation point. I have thougth and re-thought my gear so many times in the last few years and months that I think my head is ready to explode. I don't even feel like playing most days lately - no matter what the bass.
 
#88
Adrian, I know exactly how you feel. Am I building up treasures on Earth when I should be ......?

Do I really need an MTD 535, Ken Smith BSR5J-MW, Musicman SR5 H/H, and the Sadowsky I have on order? ... plus all the other stuff I have? They do all sound different, but I can make any one of them work in whatever situation. Music is art, and who says it has to be cookie-cutter. I know, some folks have gigs that require a signature tone (e.g. Fender Jazz), and I totally understand that.

Basically, I have come to realize I can't justify it, and I just don't need to. I've been blessed with what I have, that is for sure! I just need to be a good steward, and keep an open mind/heart. Am I lusting after things for no purpose? etc etc etc. If I ever have an internal conflict on what I'm buying, selling, using, etc... I just go to the right place for advice (you know what I'm talkin' 'bout!)
 
#89
SteveC said:
I don't even feel like playing most days lately - no matter what the bass.
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Thank GOODNESS I haven't reached that point! I'm so sorry to hear that! I still love to play and perform, and look forward to every gig... even if I know it's not going to be a huge crowd, and I'm in my 40's so it's not youth talkin' atcha either. :)
 
#90
Lately, my GAS has been in control. I see basses for their beauty and sure, I still admire them, but man, I have let some go that I wish i had back. Seemed like the grass is always greener... well, no more. I
The basses I have do the job very well. My Nordy, for example, I know will not ever be sold. It is special bass from a special friend ( Carey ) and he and I both know, that will be the bass by my bedside on my last day. I am talking to him about a fretless because I do love fretless and wish I had one. The wait makes me ponder... will I be here that long? Who knows if they will be here that long? right? so we go ahead with plans...but there is a phrase that I love and stys with me.. " if you want to hear the sound of GOD's laughter, tell Him your plans "
My Fender Custom Classic is also a great bass, though I have not played it as much ince my Nordy came back from getting mods. I get offers on it all the time and that tempts me to try something different. I say to those who have the means. " if you want 200 basses , God bless you! "
I myself am happy with a couple. Never had more that 5 and they were all different flavors, but that's just me. I do get used to the feel of one and then my playing suffers some when i switch.. which reminds me, i could use some time with the metronome, so off i go! :D
 
#92
The problem I am having right now, if it can be called a problem, is that the Nordy is killing everything else! So I keep going to it and the other guys just sit waiting. I am telling you, the tone, the feel and the looks, it is just making me a grinning fool! I sound like a better player on it than anything else.
 
#93
adrian garcia said:
The problem I am having right now, if it an be called a problem, is that the Nordy is killing everything else! So I keep going to it and the other guys just sit waiting. I am telling you, the tone, the feel and the looks, it is just making me a grinning fool! I sound like a better player on it than anything else.
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There you go Adrian, easier decision...with my stash, I have a favorite but there are other colors in the instruments (not ON the instruments) I do like very much. All different woods/pickup configs. It sounds like your basses are generally close in character with one being preferable. No brainer.
 
#94
Vic said:
It's a single bass that can sound, at any instant, exactly as you want it to sound, sustain as long as you want it to, weighs nothing, is effortless to play, and never needs to be retuned. When you play it, your soul weeps from pure happiness, the sound seems to come from everywhere, even from within, and God smiles on you with pride and joy. :D
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WOW! That is a lot to look forward to, but we can get the last part now! We just don't see it and don't often think about Him that way.

Dan K.
 
#95
Dan Knowlton said:
WOW! That is a lot to look forward to, but we can get the last part now! We just don't see it and don't often think about Him that way.

Dan K.
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True in so many cases, but man, i think of it all the time now! I talk to Him constantly, daily, maybe even hourly. Mostly to give thanks and praise. As in being allowed ( apparently ) to reach my 49th this Sunday. I certainly did not take THAT for granted!
 
#96
Wilbyman said:
I'm not into hording for the sake of hording...anything...but if it's a unique instrument I really like, fits my style, gets played consistently...I think it's worth keeping.
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This is my view as well. It's true I have way more than I really need, but on the other hand, no matter how special it is, if it ain't gettin' played, it's being sold.

case in point... my fretless Zon... one of the most special basses I've owned, and partially (ironically) because I got it from Adrian, is enroute as we speak to someone who will give it the air time I couldn't. It's being replaced by a Celinder that has already taken a strong foothold in my rotation.

I'll probably be moving 1-3 basses in the next month or two as well for the same reason, tho I really love them all. We'll just have to see how it unfolds. I've been particularly active the last month or so, much of it unanticipated, and the dust hasn't settled yet. :)
 
#97
Dan Knowlton said:
WOW! That is a lot to look forward to, but we can get the last part now! We just don't see it and don't often think about Him that way.

Dan K.
Click to expand...
Actually, I guess I should have put the word "continues" in there. I didn't mean for it to sound that way. :)
 
#99
i have always been torn. On one hand, I want to have tons of basses to play with, look at, and choose from. But also want that "the one" bass, that just fits me, is comfortable, and i can do anything with. I want to have one that i have "worn in" after 15 or 20 years, and just has the feel. I have that in my L2K for now. I always bring my geddy as a backup. The problem i ended up having was i didn't know which bass to use for a gig. I would spend more time debating which was going to be the one for the night, then making sure i was practiced, and knew the songs.
 
#100
I have five but could get by with less, if I had to. The problem is that 4 of them were at least partial gifts from my wife! I try to play the four I am comfortable on in a pretty strict rotation - the 5th is a fretless and I just use that at home. My problem is that, outside of playing in a blues band, I mostly sub at churches - frequently at very short notice and I just feel more comfortable on a fretted bass when I come in at the last minute.

My shortest notice was one afternoon when I was reading, my kid was napping and I was called to play a service that started in 25 minutes - located 10 minutes from home! I made it, got the kid in the nursery, and even got to tune the bass before the count-off!

Anyway, they all sound different and mean a lot to me!
Bassfamilyphoto2.png

Dan K.
 

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