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Why own SO many basses?

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by Plucky The Bassist, Dec 20, 2014.

How many basses do YOU own?

Poll closed Dec 27, 2014.

  1. Just 1!

    30 vote(s)
    7.8%

  2. 2-4

    169 vote(s)
    44.1%

  3. 5-8

    96 vote(s)
    25.1%

  4. 9+

    88 vote(s)
    23.0%
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  1. Dec 20, 2014 #1
    Plucky The Bassist

    Plucky The Bassist Istanbul...not Constantinople Supporting Member

    Jul 30, 2010
    Tejas
    This is definitely a YMMV topic, but I fall in the camp of owning significantly more than one bass. Sometimes friends/bandmates find it cool, but every so often I pull out a different bass or try something with a different one and I get the "eye roll" from someone. Same old song and dance, if it works for you go with it, but I just want to elaborate on why I choose to own as many basses as I do...which is 7.


    - I love the versatility it offers me. I don't have to freak out if I want to try flats on a bass, I've got several others that can get the job done that sound different. I'd call it more of a "safety blanket" for me, I know I've got something that can get the job done. Any of them can work, but it just makes me feel more confident when I know a P-bass will fit best and I've got one in hand.

    - I've got more backups than I know what to do with! My 5-string aside, I've got several basses in case one goes kaput. Strategically have basses that are passive or can run passive as well (in case batteries are short supply). If the gig isn't gelling well with the bass I have, I can try another one later until something works out.

    - Believe it or not, it actually reduces GAS for me. With the variety I have, I can get many of the common sounds needed or ones that I really like. I can generally get in the ballpark of tones I want within reason. That Wal Mach III is still eluding me, but maybe if I end up stupid rich I'll get one lol.

    - Getting in the "vibe" of certain music is easier for me when I have a bass that inspires me. Picking up the 50's P I have gets me stoked to play Motown, 60's, or even classic rock or blues music. My mindset changes with that bass in my hands, helps me focus on conveying that vibe to others as I play. My Matt Freeman P is just pure punk, I can't resist banging away at it with a solid pick and some grindy amp tone.

    - Inspiration might come as a surprise, but just as the basses get me in the vibe of certain genres, a different bass can take my mind other places when I write. Maybe it's the tone or feel, but my Ibanez 5'er takes me different places than my Matt Freeman P does.



    What draws you guys to owning more than one bass?
    - VT
     
    Farrin D, Munjibunga and JACink like this.
  2. Dec 20, 2014 #2
    zontar

    zontar

    Feb 19, 2014
    J-5
    Why own SO many basses?

    Why not?
     
    Mastermold, Thomas Kievit, Dug2 and 12 others like this.
  3. Dec 20, 2014 #3
    BazzTard

    BazzTard Inactive

    Sep 12, 2014
    Adelaide, South Australia
    have you SEEN how many basses are out there?

    I only have 4 of them
     
    Farrin D, organworthyplayer337, Mastermold and 27 others like this.
  4. Dec 20, 2014 #4
    PortlandBass77

    PortlandBass77

    Jul 11, 2013
    Portland, OR
    Gotta keep up with the drummer ;)
     
    organworthyplayer337, fdorn, danosix and 1 other person like this.
  5. Dec 20, 2014 #5
    Basshappi

    Basshappi

    Feb 12, 2007
    Tucson,AZ
    Because I can.
     
    organworthyplayer337, rickwebb, fjadams and 2 others like this.
  6. Dec 20, 2014 #6
    NealBass

    NealBass Supporting Member

    Jun 19, 2014
    Ontario
    mrw-when-the-same-student-keeps-asking-stupid-questions-45476.gif
     
    Hues, Ballin'bass, Wayfarer and 8 others like this.
  7. Dec 20, 2014 #7
    pedroims

    pedroims

    Dec 19, 2007
    Michigan
    The same reason I have different golf clubs, different fishing poles, damn I even have different beers in my fridge.
     
    Mastermold, fdorn, SherpaKahn and 7 others like this.
  8. Dec 20, 2014 #8
    Turock

    Turock

    Apr 30, 2000
    Melnibone
    I own so many because I like basses.
     
    organworthyplayer337, Smallmouth_Bass, G-MonRV5 and 5 others like this.
  9. Dec 20, 2014 #9
    Instagator

    Instagator

    Oct 21, 2007
    Northern Virginia
    Because my wife the enabler says.."honey,you don't have one in that color"

    Cheers.
     
    organworthyplayer337, Thomas Kievit, Ballin'bass and 18 others like this.
  10. Dec 20, 2014 #10
    hillerup

    hillerup There are basses, and there are Thunderbirds!

    Aug 26, 2009
    Copenhagen, Denmark
    Because the same bass is available in many cool colours! :)
     
    Haji likes this.
  11. Dec 20, 2014 #11
    Hank Scorpio

    Hank Scorpio

    Jul 1, 2013
    United Kingdom
    I currently have 4, including one parts bass that isn't particularly great quality, and one that my brother in law is having for Christmas. So 2 that I'd actually take out.

    Ultimately, 95% of the time I practice at home, rehearse with the band and gig, it's with one bass. The other is solely a backup, really.

    I have seen another one locally that I'm tempted by, though.. if I could justify it, I'd probably have 10 plus
     
  12. Dec 20, 2014 #12
    NealBass

    NealBass Supporting Member

    Jun 19, 2014
    Ontario
    addiction.jpg
    :laugh:
     
    Thomas Kievit, God's Favorite Bass, aaronsdunn and 12 others like this.
  13. Dec 20, 2014 #13
    FenderOli

    FenderOli

    Jun 6, 2014
    Hessen Germany
    friendlybass, Plucky The Bassist and Real Soon like this.
  14. Dec 20, 2014 #14
    AaronVonRock

    AaronVonRock

    Feb 22, 2013
    Bangkok
    I have two basses and that's enough for me. I have fairly narrow parameters of what I like when it comes to a bass: four strings, passive, no more than 3 knobs, 20 frets, P-shaped body, doesn't have to be Fender but they are preferred. I don't get GAS for a bass too often. Amps and Pedals on the other hand...
     
    VWbug, Fxpmusic and NealBass like this.
  15. Dec 20, 2014 #15
    brianrost

    brianrost Gold Supporting Member

    Apr 26, 2000
    Boston, Taxachusetts
    Mob mentality.

    Becoming good friends with a collector.

    The transition of musical instrument marketing from musician's tool to lifestyle accessory.

    The internet making it easier to locate instruments to buy.

    Freedom to spend money.

    I could survive with two: one P and one upright. I'd be very comfortable with four, two of each. Beyond that it's want rather than need, pure and simple.
     
    Plucky The Bassist likes this.
  16. Dec 20, 2014 #16
    JACink

    JACink

    Mar 9, 2011
    Spain
    I can relate to what you are saying about different basses and different inspirations. Sometimes, things just fit!

    I only have 6, but that number will increase pretty soon.

    I seriously reccommend you check out the BHPD thread, but be warned, you will never be the same :)
     
  17. Dec 20, 2014 #17
    jd56hawk

    jd56hawk

    Sep 12, 2011
    The Garden State
    One for every day of the week should be enough for most people.
     
    Ballin'bass, hillerup and mrb327 like this.
  18. Dec 20, 2014 #18
    NeonVomit

    NeonVomit

    Jan 29, 2013
    Cyprus
    Currently have 4. My Washburn is mediocre at best, and doesn't have much use - I couldn't go to a recording session with it, for sure. I suppose I could kick it out live or something maybe. One is my Peavey 6 which is a decent backup, but needs new pickups and a preamp. One is my punkified frankenbass thing which is covered in stickers - it's good for punk rock, basically. Again, not session stuff. My main bass is my Warwick 6 which I use for session work, my main band and recording.
     
  19. Dec 20, 2014 #19
    bassdude51

    bassdude51 "You never even called me by my name." Supporting Member

    Nov 1, 2008
    Central Ohio
    I'm too poor to collect cars so bass collecting is an affordable vice.
     
    organworthyplayer337, doomars, Johnny Crab and 7 others like this.
  20. Dec 20, 2014 #20
    Jack MN

    Jack MN Guest

    Nov 29, 2014
    Minnesota
    I only have one but that's because I'm a guitar player who only took up bass a few months ago. I definitely plan on getting one or two more in the future.
     
    chickenJames likes this.
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