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Why own several identical basses?

#21
Although my two Fender P bassses (original '68, and CIJ 57RI) share a lot of similarities in terms of body shape, number of strings, scale length, and generic sound, the smaller differences add up to make each one a unique playing experience. In a full band setting, most people couldn't tell the difference between the two. Under the microscope of recording, however, the '68 has a mid-range punch that is more pronounced than the 57RI. With the exception of my two P's, the rest of my basses are fairly different from one another.
 
#24
I have a main gigger, a backup for that that is used in another project entirely as well, and one that is setup & stable to my liking at a full step downtuning, so I'm not wreaking havoc on my main player's neck....similar basses, different styles, even genres of music being played on each.

Sure, in my case they're not the exact same bass, but if they were the rationale would still apply...and is sound reasonning.
 
#25
Good question.
I really just like one bass, Thunderbird. But have several variations/vintages from Gibson, Greco, Orville, and Lull - no two sound alike :)
 
#27
IngerAlb said:
I owned identical basses - for just 1 purpose: backups. When I'm on stage I don't have the time to change a string or take a break to see what's going on if something happens during the show. So having a backup is a must ( I also keep it plugged in to be able to switch them quickly when needed). Why having an identical bass as a backup? Because on one hand I won't need to adapt on the fly to a different neck profile, strings, strap height, and so on, and on the other hand (and most important) because I prefer not to force the guy on the mixer to start experimenting in mid show in order to fit the tone of a different bass into the sound of the band. We need to sound exactly the same from start to finish, so the backup instruments need to have the same tone & ergonomics as the main ones.
Click to expand...

You took the words right out of my mouth.

Exactly why I have three Alder/roswood P basses, all dialed in to sound as similar as possible.

No, they don't sound exactly the same , but the differences are very, very subtle. For all practical purposes, they sound basicly the same.

I love the sound of a good P bass, and I do not need, nor do I want another sound on stage. Plus, throwing the sound man a curveball mid show should I need to change basses isn't my style. ;)


Why three of the same? One primary show bass. One backup, and one more to be backup to the backup, should either of the first two need to be in the shop.

Those are the only basses I need. I really wouldn't care if I got rid of my other basses.
 
#29
It's all about having a replacement for the primary if something goes wrong live, or rehearsal, or even studio work. I love having different ones, but having a true replacement helps muscle memory, tone, and feel. If you've ever broken a bass during a gig and grabbed another bass player's guitar, you would get it. Having the same tone, spacing, and feel means a lot. It WILL happen if you gig enough. It's like Murphy's Law at gigs...ie if you play a P or J bass, then for sure the next player is gonna be a Warwick or a Hondo, just something extremely different. Or if you play a 4 string, he's gonna have a 5, etc. Once I broke my P bass and the next dude gave me a Steinberger box shaped thing that had a taped strap that was at my knees. I'm a short dude and that was hell to play. Plus it sounded waaaay different and I spent the rest of the gig trying to adapt.
 
#30
Flats.. Wounds.

OR

If you understand that people do not like you fiddling with buttons and knobs.. it does make sense to have a backup exactly the same as the primary.

I've had paying gigs where the producers would not allow us to look down. I can feel where a G is.. I can't feel where the active mid sweep knob is (when it moves)
 
#33
Well...I got a lot of logical answers (and a couple funny ones too). Thanks!

I haven't been into bass for a long time so I was just curious. I own two basses, an acoustic and my G&L (which is the only one I really use). I like to try different stuff so if I could afford another one I would probably go for a completely different setup.

But even before buying another bass, I would invest in a good amp (but that another story).
 
#34
Not everyone has the same needs. I need three P basses. To someone not in my shoes, that may seem absurd. From my perspective, it's a necessity.

... and this thread's a good excuse to post this pic. :)

IMG_0546-1-1.jpg
 
#38
Ever get a great pair of shoes and then as they start to wear out wish you had bought a second pair?
My main Bass is one of the first USA Spectors made during the SSD era. Its really getting beat to hell by now and needs a few repairs. It still sounds wonderful though...
I certainly want another exactly like it. I dont think thats silly 8)
 
#39
It took 13 years, but I finally discovered what works best as far as brands. I have several different instruments of the same model, primarily with different pickup configs and, very soon, one that is fretless.

Following up on the fretless, I've found that it's beneficial to have the same model of bass in both fretted and fretless because the former can help you learn to play the latter better because of its identical design.
 
#40
When I only had 2 basses, I bought the same exact model as a backup...
I was not into playing several basses like I am now I really hated playing a different bass. For me at that time, it only made sense to buy an exact duplicate so everything was exactly the same if I had to switch basses. Back then I actually used to break strings!
 

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