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Why Not Just One Bass?
- Thread starter Dr. Cheese
- Start date
I'm down to 3. Nothing flash, but I like each on for a different count. One is great for slap. The other is a general bass, and the 3rd is one I got just recently, atk200 which is just a spare practice bass. I had a j and a p, but got sick of the clunkyness of them. The were too heavy.
I have 2 basses. The first one I bought over 20 years ago. The second, I just had a bit of money and I fancied it, it was a bit lighter and looked pretty. But the reality is they sound pretty similar (a Jazz and a Jag, both Squiers).
So I have a backup.
I've never been in a situation where I needed a "better" one. In fact I like what I have very much. It's not so expensive I worry about dinging them (though I do look after them pretty well). So no stress.
On a more philosophical / moral level I personally think that runaway consumerism manifest in those with many many basses is not good. We need to think about how much we consume for the good of the planet. It all takes energy and resources, and for what? Once a person has a 5er a 4banger a fretless and one with flats on (assuming that rare person actually uses them) why go any further?
Not having a go at those who said they had 20 basses or whatever, just my own feeling on it.
So I have a backup.
I've never been in a situation where I needed a "better" one. In fact I like what I have very much. It's not so expensive I worry about dinging them (though I do look after them pretty well). So no stress.
On a more philosophical / moral level I personally think that runaway consumerism manifest in those with many many basses is not good. We need to think about how much we consume for the good of the planet. It all takes energy and resources, and for what? Once a person has a 5er a 4banger a fretless and one with flats on (assuming that rare person actually uses them) why go any further?
Not having a go at those who said they had 20 basses or whatever, just my own feeling on it.
I'm starting to adopt this way of thinking. I have three- 1) Squier P with rounds 2) Squier P Special 5er Jazz PUs 3) Fender BG-31 Acoustic.
The Squier Affinity P is my #1 due to sentimental value, feel, look, and sound. The Fender is perfect for playing in my apartment and on a nice day outside. I know I could live without the P Special, but I do occasionally enjoy the low B.
I wouldn't be surprised if the P Special is gone within a year.
The Squier Affinity P is my #1 due to sentimental value, feel, look, and sound. The Fender is perfect for playing in my apartment and on a nice day outside. I know I could live without the P Special, but I do occasionally enjoy the low B.
I wouldn't be surprised if the P Special is gone within a year.
I spent the 70's and 80's with only one good Fender bass that I bought new in 76 and sometimes I had a cheap crappy backup. Started doing a little better financially, and over the years I bought and sold and built myself a nice little collection with that same Fender (although the only things original on it are the body and neckplate), a couple of semi-expensive basses, and a handful of cheapos. And there is no doubt in my mind that I could sell all of them except that old Fender and work as much as I always did and never hear a complaint out of anyone.
But that ain't happenin'! Thinking I might sell a couple, that's about it. I enjoy the variety, and it keeps me entertained. But I admit I envy the folks who can stick to only one, especially those who have the first good bass they ever owned as their only bass. Might be a good idea to keep two around if one of them needs work, but once you get past two, you're just whacking yourself off...hey, I'm doing it, too
But that ain't happenin'! Thinking I might sell a couple, that's about it. I enjoy the variety, and it keeps me entertained. But I admit I envy the folks who can stick to only one, especially those who have the first good bass they ever owned as their only bass. Might be a good idea to keep two around if one of them needs work, but once you get past two, you're just whacking yourself off...hey, I'm doing it, too
Guess I'm not much of a gear hound either since the most I ever owned at one time was three and only one got played at gigs. For a few years I had a Jazz 4 and a Modulus 5 but sold both when I stopped playing paid gigs some years ago. Couldn't justify over $3000 worth of bass sittting around doing nothing when there were other needs.
I started to reaquire lately starting with the Jazz style I usually played and some time in the not too distand future I'll pickup a P style to string with flats for "that" kind of sound when I want it. I don't know that I'll ever buy a 5 again. If I need one to record I know guys who'd be happy to loan me one so for me it's back to my roots.
One J Bass and one P Bass and i think that will take me through anything I need to do these days. Besides, need to have some money and room leftover for my guitars.
I started to reaquire lately starting with the Jazz style I usually played and some time in the not too distand future I'll pickup a P style to string with flats for "that" kind of sound when I want it. I don't know that I'll ever buy a 5 again. If I need one to record I know guys who'd be happy to loan me one so for me it's back to my roots.
One J Bass and one P Bass and i think that will take me through anything I need to do these days. Besides, need to have some money and room leftover for my guitars.
If I don't bring my 6 string, I miss out on all the prog gigs. If I only bring my 6 string, I miss out on all the other gigs!
When I was gigging my heaviest from the mid-80s to the late-90s I often only had one bass.
I'm good with two. I'm not gigging right now (though I hope to again someday) but I like having two, just to have one as a backup. Even while not playing out, I like having an extra in case one has to go to the shop or something.
I'm good with two. I'm not gigging right now (though I hope to again someday) but I like having two, just to have one as a backup. Even while not playing out, I like having an extra in case one has to go to the shop or something.
I can understand that. And I see the need for pros or hardcore hobbyists who want a fretless in their arsenal or a 5, 6, 8 or however-many strings.
But with EQ, settings, playing style, modelers, effects pedals, etc., etc., you can do a WHOLE LOT to alter the sound of a bass. I personally don't believe the line that you "need" a dozen basses or guitars to cover every bit of sonic terrirtory or every possible sound you might want to make.
I play on maybe a monthly basis at church and I have just one bass. When I bought my current one I sold my first one. I may have the need one day for different basses for different purposes but right now just one active MM/J 5er with rounds gives me more versatility than I need.
I have 4 (5 including the doghouse) and that is complete overkill for my needs. All Fenders and all set up completely different. I have no desire to own any more or any less.
I, too, am jealous of he that can wield only one....
I, too, am jealous of he that can wield only one....
I currently have two basses at home. Once I decided I preferred short scale basses, I got rid of the long scale ones I had. I bought a used Epiphome Viola because I absolutely knew that Fender/Squier was never going to come out with something in between the Bronco and Mustang.
I was pretty happy to be wrong about that. I love my SS Jag and being a hobbiest, see no reason to have another electric bass.
My other bass is an Ibanez ABG. It's nice for when I don't want to turn on an amp, look for my headphones or whatever.
When the two basses I have for sale at a local music store sell, I think I might put the money into something like lessons. I've heard that they can make a difference and I think I found a good teacher.
While I am a person who likes to accumulate "stuff", more basses don't interest me at the moment. I certainly understand why a working bassist would have several. If I was in a band(s) as many of you are, I would at least think about having another one identical to my Jag, just in case. Those basses are inexpensive enough to make it worthwhile.
As to anyone else, it's your life, your money, your situation. Do as you see fit. Have as many or as few as you want. You certainly are not accountable to any of us. It really is not any of our business if you get yourself into financial trouble from buying too many basses, although I hope you don't. Enjoy what you have and be thankful that you have it.
I was pretty happy to be wrong about that. I love my SS Jag and being a hobbiest, see no reason to have another electric bass.
My other bass is an Ibanez ABG. It's nice for when I don't want to turn on an amp, look for my headphones or whatever.
When the two basses I have for sale at a local music store sell, I think I might put the money into something like lessons. I've heard that they can make a difference and I think I found a good teacher.
While I am a person who likes to accumulate "stuff", more basses don't interest me at the moment. I certainly understand why a working bassist would have several. If I was in a band(s) as many of you are, I would at least think about having another one identical to my Jag, just in case. Those basses are inexpensive enough to make it worthwhile.
As to anyone else, it's your life, your money, your situation. Do as you see fit. Have as many or as few as you want. You certainly are not accountable to any of us. It really is not any of our business if you get yourself into financial trouble from buying too many basses, although I hope you don't. Enjoy what you have and be thankful that you have it.
For years all I had was one bass and one old Yorkville combo amp. I was satisfied with that until I found T.B. and started reading about different basses and different gear. The more I read and the more I saw for sale(on T.B.) the more I had to have
. So now I have up graded to a YBA 200-2 Traynor and I have 3 basses... a Peavey Fury that I bought from here,,, a Squier VM Jazz that I bought after reading many,many good reviews here and finally I bought a bass that I lusted for,,for many years,at least 35,,a American Fender Precision. My problem is that I can't stay away from this Forum. I am constantly reading reviews,opinions, and for sale items. God Help me.
. So now I have up graded to a YBA 200-2 Traynor and I have 3 basses... a Peavey Fury that I bought from here,,, a Squier VM Jazz that I bought after reading many,many good reviews here and finally I bought a bass that I lusted for,,for many years,at least 35,,a American Fender Precision. My problem is that I can't stay away from this Forum. I am constantly reading reviews,opinions, and for sale items. God Help me.
I hear you Dr. Cheese. I woke up this year feeling the same. Started on a Fender P and upgrade to the Jazz. And, along the way I must have tried everything in between and back to what works for me.
I can plays bass, any bass, but the more time I spend with my P and J the better my muscle memory, comfort level, learning how to fine tune them just right. IMO the best players, at least the ones of note, guitarist or bassist are known mostly have a main brand/type instrument. I need two a simple P and J = happiness to me.
I can plays bass, any bass, but the more time I spend with my P and J the better my muscle memory, comfort level, learning how to fine tune them just right. IMO the best players, at least the ones of note, guitarist or bassist are known mostly have a main brand/type instrument. I need two a simple P and J = happiness to me.
I've got 4 basses right now, but I might thin the herd to just 2. Then maybe go back to 3.
Basically, I'm considering of overhauling my setup from one 5-string and three 4's to a one 4-string and two 5's -setup. I wish I could go with just one bass and without a backup, but I just can't. Gotta have my back covered.
Basically, I'm considering of overhauling my setup from one 5-string and three 4's to a one 4-string and two 5's -setup. I wish I could go with just one bass and without a backup, but I just can't. Gotta have my back covered.
Well said, Doc. I've got four basses right now but I really only need one.
I've gone through so many basses over the years that were unnecessary, just because of G.A.S. or for fun. But is it really fun to buy a bass and then get rid of it a few months later at a loss, repeatedly?
I've gone through so many basses over the years that were unnecessary, just because of G.A.S. or for fun. But is it really fun to buy a bass and then get rid of it a few months later at a loss, repeatedly?
For many years I had only one bass, a Yamaha BBN5II lefty. I still have it, it was my 3rd bass after 2 years of playing. When I got it I sold everything else, didn't need them anymore. Then I studied with that bass for almost 6 years ( private lessons and I when to college on classical DB and jazz BG ) after that I was in a better financial state so I bought 3 basses. At that moment it made a lot of sense to have them. Now, 5 years later, I try to sell them all and going back at one bass and my DB.
I just think that having one bass open the door to know your bass inside out and concentrate more on the music and how to get the sound you want. It also open the doors of finding your personal sound.
But I understand that it may not be the greatess thing to do when you work in a studio where having a unique sound isn't what they want.
I just think that having one bass open the door to know your bass inside out and concentrate more on the music and how to get the sound you want. It also open the doors of finding your personal sound.
But I understand that it may not be the greatess thing to do when you work in a studio where having a unique sound isn't what they want.
+100, going through basses and selling them at a loss is no fun at all. Sticking to one, or having a backup works for me. Once again, I am not telling others what to do.
Engine207
Losing faith in humanity...one call at a time.
This.
I have six. My Ric, which was my only bass for 25 years; a J; a P; a fretless; a 5er; and a Peavey T-40...cause it was my first bass. Okay...seven if I count my work (practice) bass, which stays at the firehouse. Do I need them? No...but I like them and play them all.
I don't buy them if they're not a screaming deal and, like A-Step, if I find one silly cheap, I know I can flip if I decide to. I'll go ahead and snare it, then...when I make a few bucks on it, that money goes into my "bass money" fund. I use those shekels when I find some gear I really want (I'm buying recording gear now), so I don't take food of my family's supper table.
Really? Sure sounds like you think of people who don't share your minimalist values as immoral, planet-killing, consumerists...who are "not good". When one works hard for their money, one shouldn't be tagged a careless glutton by an anonymous person for enjoying it.
