What makes a bass great?

[lespaulbass]

For me -- will the instrument stay in tune for a set?
That really helps. I use a pedal tuner - always re-tune during any breaks.
However, I don't really like to expend lots of my energy on tuning between or during
a song. AND, does it play well? Is it really solid? I don't like for the neck to POP and i
really prefer an instrument that does not need truss rod twists. AND, AND does it SOUND
good? NOT too heavy -- I don't require a LITE bass - but I do like my vertebrae being intact.
COST -- always a consideration. AND, the final note -- is this an instrument that I love?

 

[SteveC]

A great bass has the sound in your head, feels great (plays itself) and maybe looks nice, too.

As you know, I've been through many dozens of basses over the years. At the time I found differences (be it very small in some cases) in all of them. These days, like you, I think I sound like me on whatever I play...more so then when I was younger. I think age/experience brings some sanity and common sense. I enjoyed and learned while swapping basses every other week, but I am pretty happy with what I have (Roscoe Century 5) and don't really look much any more. I like not worrying about what's next or what's wrong. I get "the itch" sometimes, and I look, and I sometimes think something new/different would be nice, but then I pay my Roscoe and wonder why I'd want to use anything else.

So I'm debating DI's now for something to do. IEM buds is another. Stuff like that. Enjoy the bass you love. If you want to keep the others, do it. If you want to clean house, you probably won't really miss them anyway.

 

[Bone]

The "For Sale" add.

 

[FrozenCloud]

I have three basses and the best one for looks, sound and playability is the cheapest, a Cort ultra ash 4 string. Mind you the “sound” is a lot to do with the cobalt flats I have on it atm. The Fender jazz comes second and the third is a Gibson sg which has various design issues shall we say.