What is your Bass guitar progression?

[Bass Man Dan]

You can't just Yada Yada the remaining 10 basses!! We need details.

Ok, this will give me my mental workout for the afternoon:
For 2017-2018:
1. MIM Geddy Lee jazz (Tobacco burst, black p/g).
2. Douglas 6 string (red)
3. Ibanez SR405 - (blue)
4. Squier Affinity p bass (metallic red)
5. Warwick Corvette rockbass (red)
6. Ammoon P bass kit
7. Warwick Corvette standard 5 string (natural ash)
8. Fender American Standard. Precision with Geddy Lee jazz neck (white with black p/g)
9. Warwick Corvette standard (red)
10. Warwick Corvette pro line (blue)
11. Squier Matt Freeman p bass (black)

I think that's it. It's been fun playing bass while earning a workable wage!

 

[Ozymandius]

Punk and metal, so my needs are not so varied but they are oddly exacting.
1. Used Gibson Ripper. My favorite so far. Wish I still had it.
2. Used Ovation Magnum. With slide switches. Pretty sweet, made me a lifelong Ovation fan.
3. LONG GAP raising kids and trying to hold down a job. Lost everything and had to start over.
4. Currently, play a Schecter Stilleto 4. Great tonal range- love it for metal.
5. Waiting for the money to afford the Jack Casady Epi. That is subject to change as my mind does.

Amplification ('cause it matters)- First was an Acoustic 220 with a 406 cab. I REALLY wish I still had this beast. Not the biggest they made but still about the size of a phone booth.
Current amp is a Peavy TKO 115. Didn't know what it actually weighed until I tried to get it out of the box. Love the sound but it's a piece of house furniture- God help the nasty ass of any would-be thief who tries to run away with this monster. Will plug in more speakers when I can afford them, something with a horn for treble.

 

[Duckophile]

I learned on a BC Rich Warlock played through a Gorilla amp. Yes, it was the '80s, why do you ask?

My first bass was a Guild B-301. Nice for what it was, though the pots were dead by the time I parted with it.

Currently relearning the instrument with an Ibanez TMB-100

 

[PeteOlig]

Univox Horner knockoff, Epiphone Wilshire, '70 P, '75 fretless P, '71 Jazz, '61 P, 1929 German upright, Kramer Duke, '87 Peavey TL-5, '92 Peavey TL-5, '55 Kay upright, Brice 6-string, '15 Ibanez hollow, '09 5-string P, and last (but definitely best), a matched fretted/fretless pair of Muckelroy HMCs.

 

[cdwthunderfoot]

I don't remember the exact dates but the progression over the last 17 years is as follows: Ibanez gsr200 -> mim p-bass, -> Ibanez sr405 -> to Ibanez srx500 -> another mim p-bass -> EB stingray 5 -> Stingray 4HS -> CIJ jaguar -> Epiphone t-bird -> Rickenbacker 4003-> MIA p-bass -> MIA Jaguar ->75 Gibson grabber -> Currently waiting for a USA Spector NS5-XL to be built.

 

[Mike neph]

About 4 years ago while I was going to college for audio engineering, the schools studio had a 73 precision hanging on a stand. Never havimg touched a bass, I noodled on it for about 5 hours after class and was hooked. I immediately went out and bought my first bass, an ibanez gsr200 in red with a wacked out neck(no longer own) From there the list goes:
2. Squier affinity jazz bass(sold)
3.squier classic vibe jazz bass (sold)
4.ibanez sr1205(sold)
5.modulus m92 (regrettfully relinquished due to a warped neck )
6.am std precision bass(sold)
7.ovation magnum 1 (sold)
8.am std jazz bass (still holding on... For now)

 

[superdick2112]

Oh wow, a purple sparkle P!!
Man, I had my eyes on that one. What are your thoughts on tbat one? How do you like the neck?
Is the tone killer? Chances are, I won't get to play one in a music store and kick the tires but the pictures of it make my heart jump a bit. Do you love yours?

The neck is straight-up Jazz Bass, and it feels great.
The factory-installed HipShot lollipop tuners are a nice touch - they are super-smooth & accurate.
It sounds very close to my American Standard Precision, but with a touch more bottom end, and the houndstooth G&G case draws compliments even before you open it to reveal the purple-sparkle goodness that lies within.
I do love it, but my Mystic Red Am. Std. P is still my favorite of my three Precisions.
The action, neck & tone of that particular bass are second to none.

 

[Kinky Afro]

Started as a beginner with an Aria Pro II through a 150 watt Peavey Black Widow, went through heaps of amps and basses. Now after over 25 years I play a Ken Smith 4BSRMW through a Markbass 15". Absolutely love it!!

 

[BassholeKI]

Wonderful tale, well written, wry humor and just a fun piece to read. Send it to the New Yorker.

Thanks! I guess those years of being an English major paid off!

And you're not the first person to compliment my on my writing or humor.

 

[therumour]

Fender Musicmaster 1972 Dakota Red
Gibson Grabber 2 Black
Rickenbacker 4003 Burgundyglo
Rickenbacker 4000 Mapleglo
Fender Telecaster Bass 1976
Fender (USA) Jazz Bass 1979 Natural/Maple
Musicman Stingray 1985 White Maple
Fender Jazz Bass Special 1986 (Fretless) White
(all above either sold or stolen)
... mid-life gap...
Ibanez SR300F
Ibanez SR375QM
ESP LTD Vintage 204
Musicman Stingray Classic 2012 Mint Green Maple
Fender American Vintage 1963 Precision
Warwick RockBass Corvette Double Buck
Fender MIM Geddy Lee Jazz Bass
Fender MIM Jazz Bass (Frankenstein- Mexican parts)

 

[Stan Haldane]

My first bass was back in 1963, it was a Framus. I was then lucky enough to join a well known band and Framus gave me a top of their range of basses. It was so easy to play and had flats. Useless for recording as I was playing finger style. Moved on to a Gibson EB bass, short scale and again, easy to play. I had a bad dc electric shock at a ballroom which blew the Gibson, moved on to Fender Precision with wires, different and difficult to play, but what a sound, even finger style. Stuck with it and used it on lots of recordings. DI was being used at that time in the 60's but on radio and TV shows the engineers always managed to get a good edge on the sound. Today I have a 44 year old Precision and a 23 year old Jazz. I have small hands but the old Precision is still my choice to use at a gig. It impresses the crowd all on its own!

 

[Mike Z]

I started on a Washburn AB 20 and played that for about a year before I found a used Rickenbacker Jetglo in mint condition. I love the Ric, it might be my favorite.

After playing those two basses for about four years, I traded a 12 string Rickenbacker guitar for a Reverend Rumblefish in bug eye metal! Sweet bass! I played those three for about 15 or 16 years before I got a Thunderbird.

Then I went crazy and traded a Marshall stack and some synthesizers for a G & L ASAT bass. I call it the Blue Beast.

Finally, I aquired a U.S. Geddy Jazz last year. The neck is super sweet and it sounds awesome. It's very easy to play which is cool. All I need now to finish my collection is a P bass. I'm having a rough time talking my wife into it but I'm working on her.

What is your personal progression through the wonderful world of bass guitars? What bass did you start with and which one are you playing now? What bass will be the next one you buy?
Thanks for sharing your journey.

70 Fender Musicmaster to 72 Fender Telecaster to 1980 Musicman Stingray to 1976 Fender P Bass.

 

[Eilif]

1990'ish-Started playing upright in school orchestra, something I would continue doing until the end of high school
1996- Started on a MIM P-bass which I still have though the only original parts are the neck, body and neck plate/screws.
1999-Moved to a Carvin Frettless 5 when I left High School and an upright behind.
2002-2005, A T-40 was acquired (still with me) and a Lakland 55-01. Both of these began to solidify my prefference for wider necks.
From 2005-13 I purchased and mostly sold on a wide range of basses. I tried Jazz basses, Matsumoku's, a few SX's various other vintage MIJ's and many others. That journey completely solidified my preference for P-bass nut width. During this time the "keepers" I acquire include a parts jazz (eventually ends up with a classic P-bass neck), a dual-darkstar frankenbass I build with the help of a TB'er and an Artcore semihollow that I upgrade with hipshots and Jack Casady pup and guts.
-2015 I stumble across a used Carlo (custom 4-94) in Carl Pedigo's shop. It's got the unusual combination of a P-bass nut and a 35" scale on a 4 string with a very slim profile neck and a reasonably light weight. Blows my mind with how well it fits me. After I buy it I quickly sell my 55-01 and Peavey T-45.
-2015-present. Gradually I begin to shift my stable towards instruments with necks similar to my Carlo and more moderate weight
-2017- I have a Wendler Electrocoustic made with similar specs to the Carlo. Love it!
-Late 2017 I have a neck made for my parts Jazz with similar specs. Love it!

So now it's 2018. I'm downsizing to just the basses that fit me like a glove and stand a chance of getting on stage. My uke bass, Artcore and frankenbass (minus the darkstars) are about to go up on the block and hopefully that will be enough to fund a lightweight 35" P-style bass that will house my 2 darkstar pickups.

Current lineup of electric has gone from a high of around 12 to 8 and this year will probably go from 8 to 6. The only remaining instruments not fitting my "perfect" specs will be the T-40 (which I love, sounds great recording and is my only vintage instrument) and my '95 MIM P which is lightweight, comfortable, sounds good and has immense sentimental value as my first bass.
View attachment 2865420
Left to Right
-Wendler Electrocoustic 35" Fretless
-Carlo (Custom 4-94 style by Carl Pedigo) 35"
-Franken Jazz with LDB 35" neck and maple pickguard.
-1979 T'40
-MIM P-bass. Everything but the body and neck is modded.
-Darkstarred Frankenbass with T-40 neck
-Ibanez Artcore with Jack Cassady pup and guts.
-Hadean 24" Uke bass.

I do also have an Upright and a parts Fenderbird. However I don't count the Fenderbird because it's a truly crap instrument I only built for a bit of fun and as a signature canvas for one of my favorite bands. Now that all 4 member's of Travis have signed, it's not so much an instrument as a very cool wall hanging and as such is hanging on a wall.

 

[javi_bassist]

I still own every bass
-Squier Precision Affinity series. Really nice bass for the price.
-Fender Blacktop Jazz Bass. Awesome bass. Really impressive. Great tone. A little bit heavy
-Fender Modern Player Dimension bass. It was a gift from my parents. So far, the most comfortable bass I ever played. The neck is just amazing.
-Fender Jazz Bass Classic 60s. The best best I ever owned. Comfortable, awesome tone and very sexy haha. My favourite
-Epiphone (what? No more Fenders?) Jack Casady. Incredible tone. I still have to get used to it because of the thickier neck. Very different from what I'm used to playing.

 

[TrevorG]

Aria pro II when I was seventeen. Then scraped the money together for an Ibanez Musician fretless. Had an Overwater Explorer built for me after I graduated. Went on a world tour and picked up a Stanley Clarke signature Alembic in Tokyo. Got stolen in London. Insurance replaced it with a Warwick Streamer (and SWR Redhead). Discovered Spector and bought a NS5XL. There's a Washburn AB-35 in there somewhere and a cheap electric stand up which I still have along with the Overwater.

 

[mannysilvers]

First bass I ever "had" was some Squire P from one of those starter packs that come with a crappy little amp that my Dad bought for himself (even though I have literally zero recollection of him every playing bass). By the time I started messing around with it the neck was warped beyond belief but I didn't know any better.

Next, on sheer luck a family friend who knew I played piano asked if I played bass. Answered "sort of" and was offered a free one their friend was looking to give away. Was an all black Jackson Kelly PJ style bass. WAY too metal for me and with slightly shotty electronics, but it was free and definitely an upgrade over the Squire. That bass is kind of just chilling at EHX these days...

First bass that I really considered "mine" was my HH Stingray. Always loved the Stingray's look. The day I went to pick it out I was reminded of that, plus loved the neck and the 5 pickup options. I really "grew up" as a player on that bass. Don't play it too much these days but will never get rid of it.

For the next bunch of years I was a real EBMM fanboy. Right around the time the Game Changer was announced I got the chance to try to regular Reflex in a store and fell in love with it. I think I was one of the first non-sponsored people (and frankly, probably one of the only people in general) to actually order a Game Changer bass. That bass still has probably my favorite neck on any bass I've ever played, and the electronic options are great, if a little overwhelming at times. That's my main "home player" at the moment.

About two and a half years ago I impulse bought a Ric 4003. Was starting to crave something a little different and have always been a huge Geddy fan (specifically with the Ric). Took a lot of getting used to and sent me in a real new direction with my band. Started playing with a pick for the first time ever, started using a lot more distortion. I absolutely love the tone (and look) of that bass, it's my main player with my band.

A few months ago I grabbed an American Fender P for cheap on Craigslist. Needed to be fixed up a bit but nothing major. Kept it for two or three months and liked it but wasn't really ever playing it, so sold it for more than I paid.

Just very recently picked up an Epiphone Jack Casady signature. Have really liked the sound of a hollow body for awhile and the Jack Casady seemed like the perfect one for me (full scale, large nut-width) at a pretty reasonable price. Doubt that will overtake the Ric as my main player with the band but could definitely see me using it on some recordings.

 

[bholder]

I learned on my brother's '54 Precision. First bass of my own was an Epi EA-260 (since sold and later replaced), then a Fender Musicmaster (still have). Maybe 5 years later a Gibson Ripper (sold and later replaced). Then nothing for about 15 years. Then a Peavey T-40, soon thereafter a Carvin LB-40 fretless (still have both). Then came too many to even count, mostly thanks to eBay.

 

[TH63]

Started out with one like this, only mine had 3 strings/no pegheads just the shafts and pickups nailed to the body. Cost £1
View attachment 2976649
Next came the dreadful Kay eb100
View attachment 2976650
No photos of the next, super heavy Japanese P-bass. Wonderful bass,the local shop only dealt in pianos,organs,brass etc then one day a strat,tele,jazz and p bass copies appeared. All bore the shop name and all were the same grey wood finish.Big regret selling that bass
The 80's were a bad time with me and cameras. A Wal JG, couple of Washburns,Aria Pros. A spell being homeless saw me play anything I could borrow. Late 80's found me back on track with a SGC Nanyo.
View attachment 2976655
Another few Washburns but the they and the SGC were only substitutes for the Tune Bass Maniac I could never afford in the early 80's.Another 100 basses passed through my hands. Peavey played a large part. Sold a few but they now number 51. You'll appreciate that's too many to list
View attachment 2976666
Low cost but decent quality Harley Bentons were good for figuring out what types of bass didn't suit me.
View attachment 2976675
More than 3 decades passed when I finally found the Tune Bass Maniac,followed a couple of year later by another long lusted after Vigier.
View attachment 2976686 View attachment 2976687
Has it been fun ? You bet it has

A. Sgc nanyo and a tune!!! You rock dude!!!

 

[kesslari]

Interesting challenge. Sadly, no pics of most of them.
Until post 2007, each bass replaced the prior bass. One in, one out. All I could afford.
1981 - Ibanez Roadster
1982 - G&L 1000
1983 - built my own bass with luthier John Hawk. Foolishly sold it in 1986 (though I sold it to buy a Tobias, so that was OK).
1987 - Tobias Bassic 5 string, quilted maple. Wish I still had that one too.
1988 - exception to the one in one out rule - Spector NS-2 fretless.
1996 - Sold my Tobias (had already sold the Spector) to have cash on hand when my son was born. Wife insisted that I keep a bass, so bought a cheap Yamaha BB5G

Didn't play bass for more than 10 years.
2007 - Michael Kelly ABG
2007 - Ibanez GWB-1
2008 - Zon Sonus Special Fretless 5
2008 - Ibanez ATK Blue Moon
2011 - Zon Custom Elite Fretless 5

 

[Dirthill]

1st-Hondo Warlock copy (dropped it and snapped the head off) 86-87
2nd-Ibanez (I don't remember which model-cheaper) 87-89
3rd-ESP Horizon custom paint job from ESP of a naked lady on front (fell on hard times and pawned it. I still look for it. Last I heard it's in Canada) 89-93
93-94 bassless
4th-Washburn XB-400 94-present
5th-Washburn El Capitain (acoustic-rested it against table it slid off and snapped another head off) 98-98
6th-1998 Fender American Standard Jazz (love it!) 12-present
7th-Fender Victor Bailey Acoustic (love it!) 13 or 14-present
8th-2002 Warwick Thumb B/O (wanted one forever) 18-present

I want my ESP Horizon back, another Jazz (preferably Adam Clayton sig the green one), US Fender Jaguar, Sting Ray, and a fretless. I could go on but that the top of the list!