What's your most versatile bass? (Include Pics!)

[fretter]

My Frankenfretless responds well to legato and staccato playing. I let the amp handle the rest.

 

[DavetheDude]

I love the Bartolini pickups! I miss them, used to have an Ibanez SR500 (4-string, neck way too slim)...

 

[GeneralElectric]

I play P-basses all the time, so instead of arguing about how they're versatile because I play a bunch of different types of music with them, I'll post a picture of my Cort GB4. This is a stock photo as my Cort is on semi-permanent loan to a friend of mine. It came standard with hipshot hardware, seymour duncan pickups, neutrik locking jack, and a terrible preamp. Swapped the preamp out for a Nordstrand.

The SD pickups kill, and the body and neck are super comfortable. These are not very common stateside but are worth every penny.

 

[Todd Haviland]

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Rybski. Does it all from Jazz to funk to ska to reggae

 

[seedokebass]

Two pictured, but the Lakland is my most versatile. (I just like this pic!)

Thinking about something active with a MM, maybe a 44-02. Or if I find a killer deal on a Stingray/Sterling!

 

[Doner Designs]

I have since sold this one, but it was pretty versatile. Four pickups, 4.5 band preamp (4 bands with Audere Pro-Z mode switching) and a Tonestyler for icing on the cake. Perfect for the control freak.

 

[EVerderame]

i think this guy here:
5 strings
knobs:
pan-vol-treb-mid-low
switches
split humbucker neck
split humbucker bridge

 

[JMacBass65]

I don't need a versatile bass as I am not a versatile player.

 

[mr_flood]

I believe that this post should forever and always be linked to any post asking 'Which bass should I buy?'

Why? Because this post shows that the answer is completely dependent upon the player.

Oh, and here's my 'play anything' bass: SR5000

 

[Growlmonkee]

This

 

[Farrin D]

I believe that this post should forever and always be linked to any post asking 'Which bass should I buy?'

Why? Because this post shows that the answer is completely dependent upon the player.

Oh, and here's my 'play anything' bass: SR5000

I agree! I definitely like the variety I've seen so far.

 

[McFarlin]

Yancey #1030
Semi-hollow mahogany body, amboyna burl top
Walnut/wenge neck (& rosewood)
Yancey dual coils with single coil switch (equal output level when switched)

The pickups sound fantastic--so much that I run passive about 90% of the time, unless I'm running mostly bridge pickup (usually engage the preamp to slightly boost bass and midrange).

I think this pickup configuration and build would be fantastic for fretless (future build...maybe someday).
Right now I can get a surprisingly convincing upright tone (within normal limits for an electric) with DR flats. It does sound great with those flats, but it really sings with a set of Sunbeams.
I have never played anything quite like it. And it's the most comfortable body design I have encountered.

 

[Seiki]

View attachment 928723

Kubicki Ex-Factor. 18V pre. 2 active & 3 passive settings. Medium scale but with a extended 36 scale fourth string.
Once the clasp is opened your in D but with all your notes transposed two frets. Makes many tunes (but certainly not all) easier to play by condensing the notes on the board. Very balanced. Doesn't move. Great for slap and most everything else. Very versatile for me.

This cracks me up to see but I'm genuinely interested. I never thought I'd actually see an electric bass that borrowed from the idea of low extension that you'd find on a cello or double bass.

 

[Sweet Willie]

Doin' it and doin' it and doin' it well for over ten years and a variety of styles of music -- my NJ5 (3-band pre + passive tone, single/humcan switching, active/passive):

Thanks, @Carey!

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

I've always been a P guy, but this has become my #1. Just put some DR Pure Blues on here .45-.105 and I can do almost anything with it. I will admit it doesn't do a P with flats, but that #2 does quite well.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

 

[muggsy]

My Big Al 4 SSS with full rosewood neck. Active/passive switch, total of 16 different pickup combinations plus 4-band EQ.

 

[Afc70]

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My Rickenbacker 4001 (it's actually blue, just dark in that picture).

Nice Ric! I love my Bossa Ob-5 as well... The tonal variations are great, & the neck profile, light weight & feel of Bossa's are great!

 

[Afc70]

My Bossa OBJ-5 Has 4 distinct and useful tones.

I think of them like this
-Traditional P-Bass sound
-Jazz bass tone a la Marcus Miller
-Modern fusion warm bass tone a la Jimmy Haslip
-Modern fusion jazz tone a la Matt Garrison, Tony Grey etc

Not that I can play like any of those guys...But I do have fun messing around with the different sounds.
View attachment 928812

Very nice Bossa! I love my Bossa Ob-5 as well- great tones & wonderful balance, feel & perfect neck profile.

 

[bassliner50]

I don't have a pic of mine on this device but I've been recording a lot of variety stuff from R&B, funk, fusion, straight ahead jazz and this does them all well. I have a Sad, Fodera, 68 J, 76 P, etc. plus DBs and this is all I need.

Lovin that unique bass. Sounds like DB. Thank you ***so much*** for not making a slap festival out of the demo.