The Bass You've Had the Longest

[Rebel Rocker]

1976 Gibson Grabber. My parents purchased it for me new in 1976. Bass $369.50 hard shell Gibson case $50.00.

 

[Oldbasslover]

1967 Guild Starfire 1 that I bought in 1972. Because it really is a collector piece, I'll be donating it one of the musical instrument museums. There is a really nice one in AZ and another in San Diego, CA. But that is still probably 5-10 years away.

 

[C Stone]

My 1992 Peavey Fury 30 years...
Bought new from a mom & pop
shop in SoCal, still love this bass!

 

[birminghambass]

1972 jazz, bought it in 1996. Maybe 1995.

 

[JIO]

1964 T-bird II - I've owned it since '78 -

 

[andvari7]

My longest-lived bass was an Ibanez SR2 EX2, which was purchased for the aftermarket Kahler. I ended up playing it as my #1 for about 8 years. No other bass comes close, but my Basslab will beat it, on account of my unwillingness to sell it. That's my #1, and I've owned it since July 2020.

I am trying to finish the collection, but nobody seems to be interested in making a headless bass trem. Do not suggest I make one myself; that is not possible.

 

[PennyroyalWe]

Well, I've had my 92 foundation since I started playing 19 years ago. My dad owned it before me, bought it new. It has sentimental value to me more than it has value as a player. I've considered selling it, but I know that I'll miss it once it's gone. Generally it's used as a band practice beater now.

 

[Michael Stanley 2112]

I can only answer the first part of this question since I haven't had many of my basses for very long.

The one I had the longest is no longer with me (a very long and sad story).

At this point, I think the "bass I will take to my grave" is (for me) a two pronged question.

When I acquired my '79 P-Bass, I told my friend (from who I bought it) that I would never just "unload" it; it would have to go to a good home or it was going in the ground with me. That was an emotional promise, made to a friend.

The bass with which I am in love is my '93 Accu-Bass. I don't see that thing ever leaving my hands (although the "Rock Bass" is a close second).

 

[brocco]

My 72 P that I bought new at 18.

 

[J-Bass RMR]

My 1st Bass....
1978 Fretless P in Wine Red I bought from my mentor in 1980.
He was already a (pre-CBS) Fender enthusiast at the time, so that was instilled in me from the beginning.
As a result, I also have the next 3 basses I acquired;
'67 Jazz - 39 years
'78 Antigua P - 37 years
'66 Jazz - 32 years.

Technically, I still have my 1st 2 uprights that my parent bought in '77 or so...

Restored to stock a couple years ago:

 

[jamro217]

Natural '76 P bass with a maple B neck. Replaced black guard with a tort and the original pickup with a better sounding mongrel. Bought the bass in 1978 for $335., case included.

 

[Petethebassman]

I bought this custom ESP used in February 1987 - I think it's safe to say it's a keeper!

 

[Gyver]

Fender USA Geddy Lee Jazz. It's too perfect, I will not sell it. I have owned a few other basses for a longer period of time that I would consider selling, however.

 

[BigJohnAZ]

My '77 I bought in 1980.

 

[definenredefine]

Bought new in 1987.

View attachment 4705280

What sort of amp is that?

 

[SoulReflection]

I bought this custom ESP used in February 1987 - I think it's safe to say it's a keeper!

View attachment 4705416

Looks like a "mirror" photo !

 

[foal30]

L2 Steinberger 1990

Fabulous instrument

 

[GreyBeard]

1995 StingRay V

 

[roller]

Longest in my arsenal is The Troutberger. I've got several basses that are older in age... I just haven't always owned them. This one probably dates back to the late 80s and I picked it up used in 1992. Yeah, I'm hanging onto it. It's fun to play and sounds killer.

 

[Sam Dingle]

2009 fender American jazz bass.