The ONE bass

[jim777]

I've never had that "one" bass, and it does bother me sometimes. I've had some very fine instruments, but not that one. Actually, I had and still have that one guitar, but arthritis in my wrist keeps me from playing it like i used to. 4 years ago I could play like Petrucci for minutes at a time I really, REALLY miss that.

The closest I came was a Roscoe Century Standard 6 I made the mistake of playing when I was broke. Might have to actually get one and see if it lives up to the romanticized memory in my head.

 

[ubnomnar]

I don't believe in "The One."

I do believe in "The Many"... sometimes as many as 10... currently holding 7... and looking to sell down to 5.

 

[depalm]

I have, at least, 10 number ones

 

[nostatic]

Do you have your basses "optimized" for particular genres or styles?

If I'm doing a straight jazz gig, this is first call these days:

Though it is usually that and one of these:

For a rock gig just one of the fretted. A PJ covers all the tones I need, but fretless and fretted are different beasts. Plus a Rob Allen is a different beast as well.

 

[chinjazz]

5 different bands, different genres. One bass won't really cover it. Depends on your gig(s).

Agreed! Have I thought I had the "one" bass? Yes, actually many times...but my ears, tastes, and playing situation changed that many times over. It really is wise to have a few basses to cover the "basses" of styles/genres, especially if the music you play calls for it. A Jazz for a lot of ground, a Precision for old school - rock r&b, etc. My 2.5 cents.

 

[shrimpflea]

My Fender 62 AV P-Bass w/La Bella flats

 

[Timmy-Watts]

Ok since there is the best and more than the one, I'll add my 57 RI P bass and my fretless U-bass to my stingray 5.

 

[chinjazz]

Awesome bass! One piece neck I think.

 

[Timmy-Watts]

Awesome bass! One piece neck I think.

Yes it is. It has the dark stripe on back. I have played lots of Ps and lots of Rays. Most rays are great. Most P's feel to me like they are missing something. The nitro finish, ash body, and maple board contribute to this being the best P I have ever played.

 

[chinjazz]

One of the best combos of wood and makeup.
My Nordy is a one piece maple neck, skunk stripe, ash body.

The Marcus Sig basses have this as well.

Such a solid and full sound!

 

[Timmy-Watts]

One of the best combos of wood and makeup.
My Nordy is a one piece maple neck, skunk stripe, ash body.

The Marcus Sig basses have this as well.

Such a solid and full sound!

I love Marcus and I'm sure his basses are great but the only jazz that has gotten along with me is a Hamer CruiseBass that I sadly sold about 14 years ago. My voice is best on the right P or the Ray 5. Also the Fretless Ubass has it for me, and te upright but that is a different animal.

 

[BassPlayer900]

Well, I don't have a lot of experience with different basses, but I guess my current "The one bass" is a Fender Jazz bass. Gives me the tone I want and is very easy for me to play. It may not end up being the one bass for me if I find something else someday, but right now, I haven't played any bass as awesome as my MIM Jazz.

 

[THORRR]

I find it very interesting that nobody is mentioning
more of the boutique basses like Sadowsky, Nordy,
Mike Lull or Alleva Coppolo, or Lakland etc etc.

I have 6 Fender Jazz Basses including MIMs,
MIAs and MIJs plus one Schecter and a Squier P-Bass
for a total of 8.
ALL of them are great, but I still haven't found my #1 bass.

Still searching . . .

 

[Timmy-Watts]

I know people with those boutique basses and they seem to cycle through or have way more than ONE.

 

[SteveC]

I have yet to find a number 1 and only. My Geddy Lee is close. I had bad GAS for a 6 so I ordered a Roscoe. I'm thinking te Geddy for a basic passive 4 string jazz and a Roscoe for an active should cover my needs.

We'll see.

 

[chinjazz]

I know people with those boutique basses and they seem to cycle through or have way more than ONE.

I have cycled thru some boutique basses, as well as fenders, squires, etc.
I really dig my Nordy very much. Also have a Squire P, and Franken Rondo Jazz (both with after market pickups).

I think people cycle thru what they can afford.

 

[Wallace320]

But the killer is (Are: for they're two)



Yamaha Attitude limited II

You know it well men...

I've been thru active, passive, 5ers, 6ers...

Nothing Kills like it... It must be forbidden!

It's the more powerful (and unbalaced...) passive bass in the whole World! Period...

Cheers,
Wallace

 

[Alrod]

If I'm doing a straight jazz gig, this is first call these days:

Though it is usually that and one of these:

For a rock gig just one of the fretted. A PJ covers all the tones I need, but fretless and fretted are different beasts. Plus a Rob Allen is a different beast as well.

Those have got to be the most hideous bass's have ever seen in my life!. They probably sound like crap too. May I have them please

Dude you are lucky, those things look suite!!! I bet they sound killer.

 

[Alrod]

I have a 1998 GL Jazz that I really like. It fits me like a well worn leather baseball glove. If I had to pick just one, that would be it. (not that I have owned many mind you).

 

[GM60466]

I have lots on number one basses. Most of them are Jazz Basses or Jazz bass set ups.