I would call myself an enthusiast. I buy for quality and rarity. I am not investing in gear but expect any major purchase to be sellable at at least what I pay. I have only two basses but they are special to me and somewhat valuable. I will eventually add another bass when I am in a position to do so or find something irresistible.
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What Motivates your Bass Collection?
- Thread starter dukeorock
- Start date
This is me exactly!!! I don't collect basses. I'd like to think of each bass like a spice. Salt, Pepper, Garlic powder etc. Sometimes the dish calls for a different spice and I'd like to have the right bass for each occasionNice collection! Any time you want to let that Spectrasonic go, let me know.
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Talkbass started me on the journey of the acquisition of high end and rare basses (with the peak in past 4 years)
Without this site, I wouldn't have been able to experience most of the basses that have passed through my hands.
I've been able to experience some of the greatest instruments that our planet has to offer which are played by some of the greatest bass players who have ever lived (and are still alive today).
Initially I was in a "try everything" phase, but now since I've got that out of my system, there are only specific brands (or era's of brands) that always peak my interest. There are still a few more I tend to check out, but of course they don't come up often.
I tend to keep anywhere from 4 to 10 basses of used basses in my collection at a time. I have bought new, but most of the time I go for used to help other members out on this site and not to get stung too badly compared to selling or trading a new bass.
When I get up into higher quantity of basses, I do tend to start selling and trading more.
I've been stuck in sell / trade mode for awhile now.
One other big factor is of course the value of the American dollar. The Canadian dollar is in the dumpster as of late where it used to be almost at par (which is still hard to believe that happened so quickly). So, all of sudden any instrument purchased in US dollars is now 30% to 50% more than what you were used to paying over the past 5 years. Since I don't make money playing music, I simply can't justify
It's a bit of "living the dream" too. It would be an amazing experience to be a full time pro musician, but the risk associated with it are what I can't seem to fathom. If the planets aligned / cards were in my favour, and I could get my playing up to snuff and end up with the right group of people to make it happen, I suppose I would, I would definitely have the right basses and amps to play any stage on the planet.
Without this site, I wouldn't have been able to experience most of the basses that have passed through my hands.
I've been able to experience some of the greatest instruments that our planet has to offer which are played by some of the greatest bass players who have ever lived (and are still alive today).
Initially I was in a "try everything" phase, but now since I've got that out of my system, there are only specific brands (or era's of brands) that always peak my interest. There are still a few more I tend to check out, but of course they don't come up often.
I tend to keep anywhere from 4 to 10 basses of used basses in my collection at a time. I have bought new, but most of the time I go for used to help other members out on this site and not to get stung too badly compared to selling or trading a new bass.
When I get up into higher quantity of basses, I do tend to start selling and trading more.
I've been stuck in sell / trade mode for awhile now.
One other big factor is of course the value of the American dollar. The Canadian dollar is in the dumpster as of late where it used to be almost at par (which is still hard to believe that happened so quickly). So, all of sudden any instrument purchased in US dollars is now 30% to 50% more than what you were used to paying over the past 5 years. Since I don't make money playing music, I simply can't justify
It's a bit of "living the dream" too. It would be an amazing experience to be a full time pro musician, but the risk associated with it are what I can't seem to fathom. If the planets aligned / cards were in my favour, and I could get my playing up to snuff and end up with the right group of people to make it happen, I suppose I would, I would definitely have the right basses and amps to play any stage on the planet.
Other than that Dean I love all those. The Dean is just obnoxious. Which is why it can't be next to the others. It's rude and inappropriate.
Big Hoss
Up note, down note, blue note, brown note...
- Sep 5, 2014
- 5,455
- 4,234
- Disclosures
- None
My priorities are simple... They are, not exactly in this order but they are...
#1. Each bass has to bring its own sound.
#2. Each bass has to bring its own feel.
#3. Each bass has to bring a look that I like.
#4. Each bass has to be within my budget.
My collection so far is...
#1. Ibanez SR480 4 string active P/J bass with that ultra skinny Soundgear neck and oiled mahogany body. Much brighter sound than my others. Definately unique. Nice slim neck, and light weight. Love playing it, but I don't trust it due to the active electronics. I am leery of batteries dying on my while I play...
#2. Squier by Fender, Affinity Series Jazz bass in Burgundy Mist, customized with a burgundy mist, Vintage Modified Pickups, and Classic Vibe 60s high mass bridge. I wanted a unique Jazz Bass, loved the feel of the Affinity neck over the others I tried, etc... It has that classic Jazz Bass growl to it, but it is a bit heavy on the shoulder. Must be a Jazz Bass thing...
#3. SX Ursa 1 RN 3TS. Nice, light, really nice feeling neck although I had no way of knowing until it came in, perfectly P bass in every way except that headstock design. Great low cost bass that has become my #1 because it is so much fun to play, and so easy to dial in the sound I want...
#4. SX Ursa 2 MN 3TS 5 string. I wanted to try out a 5 string, and Rondo was offering these. It was either this, or a Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass V Special. The Jag had that active bass boost that I am not super fond of so I went for the SX. It offers that low B string that is fun to noodle around on.
Pending updates to my collection are simple. SX Ursa 3 RN 3TS. Yes I like 3 tone sunbursts, this is a PJ, if I could find one in Alder all the better. Pretty sure they make them. I am pretty happy with my SXes, and see no reason to go higher up the scale to get a basic Fender ish bass, and since my budget doesn't allow for MIA Fender...
#1. Each bass has to bring its own sound.
#2. Each bass has to bring its own feel.
#3. Each bass has to bring a look that I like.
#4. Each bass has to be within my budget.
My collection so far is...
#1. Ibanez SR480 4 string active P/J bass with that ultra skinny Soundgear neck and oiled mahogany body. Much brighter sound than my others. Definately unique. Nice slim neck, and light weight. Love playing it, but I don't trust it due to the active electronics. I am leery of batteries dying on my while I play...
#2. Squier by Fender, Affinity Series Jazz bass in Burgundy Mist, customized with a burgundy mist, Vintage Modified Pickups, and Classic Vibe 60s high mass bridge. I wanted a unique Jazz Bass, loved the feel of the Affinity neck over the others I tried, etc... It has that classic Jazz Bass growl to it, but it is a bit heavy on the shoulder. Must be a Jazz Bass thing...
#3. SX Ursa 1 RN 3TS. Nice, light, really nice feeling neck although I had no way of knowing until it came in, perfectly P bass in every way except that headstock design. Great low cost bass that has become my #1 because it is so much fun to play, and so easy to dial in the sound I want...
#4. SX Ursa 2 MN 3TS 5 string. I wanted to try out a 5 string, and Rondo was offering these. It was either this, or a Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass V Special. The Jag had that active bass boost that I am not super fond of so I went for the SX. It offers that low B string that is fun to noodle around on.
Pending updates to my collection are simple. SX Ursa 3 RN 3TS. Yes I like 3 tone sunbursts, this is a PJ, if I could find one in Alder all the better. Pretty sure they make them. I am pretty happy with my SXes, and see no reason to go higher up the scale to get a basic Fender ish bass, and since my budget doesn't allow for MIA Fender...
that's why it's only half in the picture. its the problem child.
I didn't really intend to collect basses, but I started buying a bass every year or so when I saw something that spoke to me. Now I have a few basses that I use and enjoy. I "need" a P bass with rounds, a P bass with flats, a J bass, an active 5 string J, a MM, and then there are the surprise basses that you run into that are stellar. After 10-15 years, a have a nice stable of basses that are all used. Nothing stays at home and collects dust.
There's a lot of talk about gigability and different sounds. Although this is a motivator for me, the most important factor is How replaceable is it? Simply speaking, the harder the instrument is to replace, the more likely it is to stay. Everything I have fits sonically in to one of the thing's I do, can be used in the studio, or is unique in some way, it's tough to just sell something.
In reality, I could get by with just one bass. But, it's also a hobby and still way cheaper than a boat. ;-)
I do not consider myself a collector. I do own a few, but not a collector. Every bass and guitar for that matter, is something of me. In each one. They are all players. None are museum pieces nor are they closet queens. Each tells a story of who I am as a player. From my Aria A-200 to my Hondo H1181 to my Modulus Quantum 5 or my Daion B-40 Washburn prototype. Every one of them are for me. Not a collection, but more of keepsakes or points of personal achievement for me surviving and continuing.
Very simply: my collection is dictated by whatever pieces of parted-out basses that I come across. A cool bridge, an unusual pick guard, a good neck for a decent price and then the right body comes along and I'm on my way to a new addition!
I need an awesome sounding 4 string, an awesome sounding 5 string and a fretless. That's what motivates me. Always looking for more awesome.
However, I tend to keep my selection small. Only have four basses now. I plan on possibly picking up another 5 string or two. If this happens, I'll probably pare down the herd again. Thinking about switching to fivers exclusively...
