Why do you own the basses you own?

[Catbuster]

CV P Bass... Well, everyone should own a no-frills, reliable bass. I like it better than an MIM or an MIA because of the lightness.

MIM Jazz Bass... I like the narrow, fast neck and the rear pup for soloing and chording. I can't justify anything nicer.

Squier P Special... I couldn't justify buying an Aerodyne, Duff or Reggie Hamilton sig, or Am Deluxe P Bass.

 

[Andy Brown]

I own the basses I have now because through all the years of buying and trying different brands, models, preamps, pickups, body woods, etc, these are the ones that have stuck and are here now.

 

[johnk_10]

Here's the list of basses that i currently own:

'55 P Bass
'62 P Bass
'68 P bass
'70 P Bass
'72 P bass
'73 P bass
'91 AV RI P bass
'66 Jazz bass
'68 Jazz bass
'72 Jazz Bass
'73 Jazz Bass
'68 Tele Bass
'09 Fender Jaguar Bass
Blue Floral Tele Bass
'85 Alembic Distillate
'68 Gretch 6073
'68 Hofner Beatle Bass
'02 Hofner 500/2 (German)
'91 Rickenbacker 4001 V63
'09 Rickenbacker 4003
'68 Gibson EBO
'68 Gibson EB3
'69 Gibson EB1
'66 Gibson EB2-D
'68 Gibson EB-2
'07 MM Stingray
'10 Bach Thunderbird-non reverse (modified w/Lull p'ups)
'05 Mockingbird Bass
'10 Self Built Custom Jazzmaster Bass

i own them because each of them inspires me in a different way.

 

[MegaSwing]

My basses represent basic functionality to me. I have a MIM-P, a custom J-type, and a custom fretless P-type, all passive. They all play beautifully. They're all set up meticulously; whenever a setup goes out, it is rectified immediately. There is nothing spectacular looking about any of them. However, it is obvious to anyone who cares anything about basses that they are good instruments. I like that they are sleepers.

 

[ysand]

Basses and reasons i own em:

Squier VM P: passive, cheap, reliable, good-looking, comforable, vintage classic P tone.
Spector Zebop 5 DLX with active EMGs: active, reliable, amazing looks, comforable, modern tone and versatility, 5 string.
My (chinese made) 1st 5-string bass: now a piccolo, comfortable, good for experimenting and coming up with parts for guitars.

 

[Vic Winters]

I blame TalkBass mostly.

 

[DougD]

My #1 Roscoe SKB 3006, Bought it because I wanted a really good bass. I Keep it because it has THAT KILLER TONE live.
#2 Fender USA 62 RI, Bought it because I wanted a good Fender Jazz and I was born in 62. I keep It because it is one of the few Fenders i've had that actually WORKS without too much fuss. I re-shielded the cavities and added a Audere Pre. It WILL be buried with me
#3 Conkiln GT7, bought because I wanted a 7 string. Kept because its so easy to play and the neck feels like home in my hands. I installed a custom Hipshot bridge for wider string spacing and plan to upgrade the pre soon. I could be talked out of this one because I really haven't committed myself to the 7 string YET.
#4 Ibanez SR690. Bought because I wanted a 4 string Ibanez, Added a d-tuner and a Audere classic pre. It's for sale in the classifieds now, but I might keep it because it sounds and plays so good.
#5 Ibanez SR400 Bought in 97 when I started playing again. She's been through hell and back and keeps on ticking, I de-fretted it and It will be buried with me too( it's gonna need to be a big casket)
#6 MTD KZ5. Bought it because I wanted a light weight 5 string, not sure if It will stay or go, time will tell

 

[DougD]

I blame TalkBass mostly.

Um,,,ditto

 

[mikeswals]

My advice to you is to save the money and have a luthier make a custom bass, with the specs you want. This way your bass will have your own personal touch,

I'd say many of us gone down that road before...there really are no guarantees everyone will like the result. I certainly didn't. I'd rather be blown away by an instrument off the rack or handed to me, made of specs I didn't think of.

 

[Johnny Crab]

One or more of the following reasons:

1) Because they fit in the sound of the band I'm in
2) Because I like them a lot(sound, playability)
3) Because they can be played LIVE(case queens get sold here)
4) Because I had $$ when they showed up on eBay, Ishibashi, or other site

For the main bass used with the band, I've 4 of them(3 useful, one may end up as a parts bass because it has a hairline crack in a scarf joint). It(this model of Greco) is a tone chameleon.
Why so many of the same one?
They're 12~13 years old, they are not made anymore, and they are affordable.

 

[Rockmusician]

I think we own the basses that we do because of three reasons. We like the way they sound, we like they way the feel and they fit into our budget. Other than that, there really isn't any reason to buy an instrument.

 

[plankspanker13]

All the ones I own ultimately are here for the same reason. I played it and the bass said "Hi, honey, I'm home!!!" As different as they are, they all share that they have a certain resonance (not merely physical/acoustical) with me.

This^^...and being on TB too much for my own good. I was weaned on P-basses, and played them exclusively for years, before getting adventurous in the 90's. There was the 5-string phase, the experiments with fretless, and then my '98 Fender AmDlx J turned me into a J-bass afficionado. Also in '98, I made the mistake of picking up a Warwick for the first time, and it just felt so wonderful in my hands. I became exclusively a 'wick guy for a few years, horse-trading my way to the FNA Jazzman LTD 2002 that is my sole 'wick now. In 2005, I rekindled my love affair with the designs of Leo Fender, and 4 of the 5 basses that I currently have are from his mind. Here's the list:

Warwick FNA Jazzman LTD 2002 -only for high-profile special occasions, and studio work. This is my only instrument with active electronics.

G&L JB2 -I have a pair of USA-made specimens. The sunburst (with gun-oil gloss neck) goes nearly everywhere with me, and the honey-quilted-maple (with bird's-eye satin-finished neck -very fast) is used a bit more sparingly. Both have Hipshot Xtenders and rosewood fingerboards. I almost regret selling my Tribute model, but it was to acquire the sunburst. The JB2 is the ultimate evolution of the J-bass for me, and also ties in to my P-bass roots, with the body shape. 21 frets is also a nice thing, since high E can be useful in solos. This model is vastly underappreciated.

Squier Classic Vibe 50's P -purchased for a Green Day tribute act that paid well for the short duration of my time with them. I put in a Basslines Quarter Pounder, and keep it around for when a P bass is essential. This bass is the most likely of my collection to be sold.

Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar -It melted in my hand this last Black Friday, and the price was too good (with the GC discount, I was OTD for <$270). This bass is intended to supplant the CV 50's P as a "beater"; a bass to take to gigs in unsavory places. The neck is uber-fast, too.


This brings me to the GAS list, which is becoming comical:

G&L SB-2, because I have come to value the punch of a P/J configuration

Squier Deluxe Active Jazz V, because it is one of a very few 5ers that feels right in my hands, and the Squier quality and brand reputation have skyrocketed lately. Seriously, most 5ers don't feel right in my hands. There's been a Pedulla or EBMM here & there that have, but I get by with 4 so well, that the low price of the Squier becomes a factor, too.

I would also love to get a semi-hollow, preferably fretless, but both the G&L ASAT and Spectorcore lines have active circuits without quick-change battery capability, and that's a deal-breaker for me. I may end up building a custom Warmoth to scratch this itch.

 

[Funkfaker]

Early 90's Washburn Lyon P-bass copy - First bass. Upgraded after a year with SD quarter pounders and a badass II. Sold it a year later. It was a great bass to learn on and experiment with upgrades; finding likes and dislikes about instruments/sound.

97 EB MusicMan StingRay 4 - Bought it because I was into funk and slapping. My bass teacher at the time had one. I happened to order the particular color because of the D'addario Slowound String add. Couldn't get over the vintage black to red sunburst. Still used for an occasional recording.

96 Fender Precision - Bought it because I was heavy into Motown and Jamerson. Got a great deal on it so I couldn't pass it up. Upgraded it to SD quarter pounders (though I'm thinking of switching to Nordy's for the old school vibe). I use this bass almost exclusively.

Early 2000's EB MM StingRay 5 - Bought for R&B/Hip-hop record after I came into a little bread from the road. Amazing for recording, but I'll probably sell when I get the following:

Custom CallowHill J(unk) 5 {on order} - A basic jazz bass on steriods built my a master crafter. Looking forward to this one as my main bass for the near future.

 

[sbass traveller]

Owned a few other basses but these are what I currently own.

03 MIM Fender Jazz - got it to replace the JT P-bass copy that was stolen from my locker in high school. Sounded good to me at the time and I still love it.

Galveston with a clear perspex body - I don't know the model number, I don't know the year, but I saw it used for the right price and picked it up. I was thoroughly impressed with the sound, plus it looks really cool, but currently a wiring problem has kept 'er out of commission for a while. I should really get around to fixing that...

07 MM Stingray 5 - I've always liked the look/playability of the stingrays, and decided to pick up the 5 to compete with the 7 string guitars in the band I was jamming in at the time. My first bass to cost over $500 and it is worth every penny.

Cort SP-PJ - Picked it up here in China for jamming with people and to just mess around on. It was cheap enough that I don't care what happens to it (ie, beaten up, stolen, whatever), and I'll probably sell it before I return to my home country.

 

[Max Blasto]

Quit drinking.

Bought a Fender Squire to keep me from getting f***ed up all the time.

Bought a custom Carvin LB20 to celebrate 1 year sober.

Bought a Carvin BK40 Fretless kit to celebrate 3 years sober.

Four years coming up in 12 days.......gassin' for a 5 string P .

I think this is awesome!!! I'm not on your program but I'd love to see what milestone of happiness brings you, say, an 8 string! LOL!!!

good on ya.

 

[Max Blasto]

My current arsenal:

1989 Spector NS-2 Fretless: Always wanted a Spector and a fretless, so when this came up, I grabbed it.

1987 Spector NS-2: After having the fretless, I borrowed my friend's fretted NS-2 to record with. The band fell in love with it so I had to get it.

Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Bass: Loved the look of Geddy's '72 Jazz, so when Fender put this out, I had to get one, not because it was a signature, but because it had a maple board and black blocks. Plus I hate new US Fenders.

Godlyke Deity 8 String: Always loved 8 string basses, and when I saw this one, I knew I had to have it.

1988 Spector NS-2 with Kahler Tremolo: At the time I was doing 2 projects in different tunings, and wanted to get another fretted Spector to keep in standard tuning. This one became available, so I bought it.

Modified '70's Crestline P-Bass copy: Wanted a P-Bass to modify as well as something that I wouldn't mind playing in bad weather or by a pool. Got this cheap and started to "fix" it. Only the body and the neck are original.

Spector NS-2JA-R: Always wanted a Spector with Jazz pick ups, so when I saw that there were still some left, I picked one up when I had the chance.

There's a lot of love in my collection.

Please tell me what you think of your Godlyke 8 string.

It's on my list of "hmmmmmmm"...

thx

 

[NortyFiner]

For all the basses I've owned before...

1984 Fender P: My first bass, bought in 1989 because I fell in love with it the instant I played it. I sold it in the early 2000's to pay bills, and have regretted it ever since.

Gibson Explorer: Foolishly bought in 1989 because I was young and into metal, and it was a huge red and black monster that looked incredibly cool. Quickly discovered that its size and shape were awkward, it weighed a freakin' ton, and I don't get along with Gibson's painted necks. With those points, and the financial problems of young adulthood, I sold it back to the store pretty quick.

Squier MB-4: Bought in the early 2000's as a cheap, light, versatile beater bass to carry around the world while I was in the Navy. It served its purpose, and in 2008, I cleaned it up, gave it fresh strings and a setup, and sold it for a smile to a kid who wanted to learn bass.

2007 Fender Aerodyne Jazz: Bought off eBay in 2008 to become "My Bass". My idealistic vision and customizing ideas turned into a love-hate relationship, and it is up on eBay for sale as I type this.

Ibanez SR505: Bought last year as my first venture into the world of more than four strings. Great instrument for jazz and other lighter styles, but I am in an old school metal/punk phase right now, and its tone doesn't fit. I may end up selling it or trading it for a different fiver.

Squier Vintage Modified P: Black on butterscotch, maple fretboard, absolutely classic. Bought it today because I have missed my first P bass for far too long, and it suits the old school, three chord basic musical phase that I am in right now. And if I ever decide that I want to replace the pickup or whatever, it's a Squier, so it won't require all the resale soul searching that Fenders generate.

 

[plangentmusic]

They each have a vibe.

Then it's up to you to decide what vibe you want to tap into.

 

[UnfortunateTony]

1.) 70s/80s Made In Korea Squier II (strung with D'Addario flats)- I keep it because it's my first bass. It looks horrible, feels okay, sounds awful, and I love it to death. Planning on modding the ever loving crap out of it soon. (Mudbucker in the neck, another P in the bridge, swapping the original p'up for a Dimarzio, gonna have stacked vol/tone for each p'up)

2.) Epiphone Thunderbird (strung with dead Ernie Ball rounds)- My first bass that was bought brand new. The sound is muddy at best no matter what I do, the neck dives straight to the floor, but once again, still love it. Doesn't get as much playing time as it should but I don't plan on selling it. I keep it tuned DGCF (A whole step down) for creative purposes and keep the action so low that it buzzes 90% of the time. It's currently strung with year old rounds to give it sort of a thumpy tone.

3.)1980s Jackson Concert (strung with Rotosound nickel rounds)- My first true love. Got it for 150 bucks from a friend who needed to pay rent. Got a lot of memories in this baby. Played my first gig on it, strung it with my first set of Rotosounds, learned Rush's YYZ on it, good times. It's very unique, probably been modded as I've never seen one like it. I use it for a lot of general purposes stuff.

4.)Dean EAB (I think?) (strung with factory rounds)- A fretless acoustic bass. I bought it because I was curious about both fretless basses and acoustic basses. I kinda hoped that I would get an upright-ish sound. WRONG. This bass is extremely low quality and I would definitely not reccomend it. I only keep it around for creative purposes. As soon as I can afford another fretless or another acoustic it's outta here.

5.) Fender Jaguar (strung with Rotosound Billy Sheehan rounds)- I LOVE this bass. Never have I felt such a comfortable neck and body. It seems like the possible tones are endless! My only gripe is that it won't stay in tune. But that's why I'm saving for some Hipshot Ult. Lites. Which will also help with the very moderate amount of neckdive (there's so little that it's hardly noticeable). It's also got a high mass bridge on it. I use this bass for EVERYTHING. It's goin' nowhere.


At this point I only really want two basses: A Rickenbacker 4003 and some kind of Bass VI. I mean, there's a million basses I want but those two are the only ones that I really have my mind set on.

 

[connected2aj]

Please tell me what you think of your Godlyke 8 string.

It's on my list of "hmmmmmmm"...

thx

Max Blasto, I love it. It's a solid, well built bass that feels great and sounds huge. The stock electronics are very versatile too. You can dial in a ton of useful tones thanks to the mid range notch filter. Godlyke's are very underrated. They have flown under the radar and it's a shame because they are great basses.