They are very easy to appreciate as tools, art, technology, and workmanship. They scratch a lot of itches, and fortunately, most are not prohibitively expensive.
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Why own SO many basses?
- Thread starter KevInDaBassment
- Start date
Got 3, desperately trying to add to the number. I mean...there's open space in this apartment, and I have to put SOMETHING there, right? I'd go with cars, but you can't store cars in gig bags.
Nah but, I'm a producer, and one who's come to appreciate the subtle nuances of bass tone the more I play and fall in love with the instrument. Each of the 3 I own covers different sonic territory, and any others I get will be to either swap out (love my MIM fretless J but want to explore more fretlesses, for example) or serve different purposes. Currently I'm in possession of a Squier Affinity P that needs a setup and fresh strings, and don't own my own P-style, so this will come in handy with a little work.
And beyond that, the artistry of cool, weird basses draws me. Those are the expensive-ass ones, naturally, so that'll be one day down the road. Sumn to look forward to.
Nah but, I'm a producer, and one who's come to appreciate the subtle nuances of bass tone the more I play and fall in love with the instrument. Each of the 3 I own covers different sonic territory, and any others I get will be to either swap out (love my MIM fretless J but want to explore more fretlesses, for example) or serve different purposes. Currently I'm in possession of a Squier Affinity P that needs a setup and fresh strings, and don't own my own P-style, so this will come in handy with a little work.
And beyond that, the artistry of cool, weird basses draws me. Those are the expensive-ass ones, naturally, so that'll be one day down the road. Sumn to look forward to.
I have 4. I've sold 11 in the last year or so, in the process of finding what will work for me. Truth be told, all my needs could be met with the 2 Ibbys, but they all have individual personalities, sound, and playing. The variety challenges me to find the heart of each one, and bring it out in the music. That said, I must admit a fascination for Bass VI, Aerodyne, a fiver with alternate tuning...
My number is currently also 7 (PBass, L1505, 500/1, Dano 63, Dano 6 (hence my name), and El Capitain, Squire 50s P.
My drummer used to ask me why I had "so many" basses. I said, "you have a complete set of drums don't you? I have a set of basses."
Obvious really.
These responses rock, I figured I wasn't alone in this, but just wanted to hear some other people out on it.
LOL! yes, although the drummer is NEVER the one to do that with me for some reason! I figure if you have, play em, and love em it's all good.
What I am truly addicted to is getting killer bargains on gear and making it phenomenal by modding them. If it were in new condition and had all the same features/setup, I would pay $1,500 for my EMG-loaded Ibanez CTB5 and completely feel justified. Makes me smile the teeth out of my mouth when I realize I got it where it is for under $600.
LOL! yes, although the drummer is NEVER the one to do that with me for some reason! I figure if you have, play em, and love em it's all good.
What I am truly addicted to is getting killer bargains on gear and making it phenomenal by modding them. If it were in new condition and had all the same features/setup, I would pay $1,500 for my EMG-loaded Ibanez CTB5 and completely feel justified. Makes me smile the teeth out of my mouth when I realize I got it where it is for under $600.
After giving your question some serious thought and also being in your same situation with a bunch of basses in my stable, I'd like to share my conclusions with you.
First of all I am far from wealthy so my bass buying is largely from craigslist and here in southern California there are so many used basses from which to choose. So, my first reason to own more than one bass is availability and affordability. I find it refreshing to go to a music store and see all the nice shiny new basses on the wall while cringing at the price tags and knowing I can get something comparable for way less than a new one.
Secondly, it also a matter of aesthetics. A beautiful bass strikes me much the same as a beautiful woman. It's like a piece of functional art. When I find one that plays as beautifully as it looks I get a case of G.A.S. and begin clawing at my wallet.
Thirdly, variety is the spice of life so having a number of basses set up with different strings gives one the increased option of "chasing tone". Conversely this also presents the player with a lot of decision making as to which bass he's going to choose from the bevy of beauties in his possession. That's a "problem" I am happy to live with and I would venture to guess that most players share this feeling.
Lastly, I think it's spiritual to a degree. A bass by itself is just wood and wires. The player is the conduit through which the bass becomes a living extension of the musician. I think that's the real beauty of musical instruments in that they have the potential of becoming so special in the hands of their keepers.
The bottom line is that "the more basses you own, the more chicks will be attracted to you" (OK, OK.... I am just kidding about that but one can dream!!)
Why? Why not?
I have more basses than I'll ever need.
I have more sets of golf clubs than I'll ever need.
I have more brain cells than I'll ever need.
Oh well, two out of three isn't bad.
I have more basses than I'll ever need.
I have more sets of golf clubs than I'll ever need.
I have more brain cells than I'll ever need.
Oh well, two out of three isn't bad.
I missed the "Just 1!" and hope that no animals were harmed as a result of my horrific oversight.
lol
lol
After giving your question some serious thought and also being in your same situation with a bunch of basses in my stable, I'd like to share my conclusions with you.
First of all I am far from wealthy so my bass buying is largely from craigslist and here in southern California there are so many used basses from which to choose. So, my first reason to own more than one bass is availability and affordability. I find it refreshing to go to a music store and see all the nice shiny new basses on the wall while cringing at the price tags and knowing I can get something comparable for way less than a new one.
Secondly, it also a matter of aesthetics. A beautiful bass strikes me much the same as a beautiful woman. It's like a piece of functional art. When I find one that plays as beautifully as it looks I get a case of G.A.S. and begin clawing at my wallet.
Thirdly, variety is the spice of life so having a number of basses set up with different strings gives one the increased option of "chasing tone". Conversely this also presents the player with a lot of decision making as to which bass he's going to choose from the bevy of beauties in his possession. That's a "problem" I am happy to live with and I would venture to guess that most players share this feeling.
Lastly, I think it's spiritual to a degree. A bass by itself is just wood and wires. The player is the conduit through which the bass becomes a living extension of the musician. I think that's the real beauty of musical instruments in that they have the potential of becoming so special in the hands of their keepers.
The bottom line is that "the more basses you own, the more chicks will be attracted to you" (OK, OK.... I am just kidding about that but one can dream!!)
Right on, very well put my friend.
The deal-hunting is definitely one of the more satisfying aspects, especially if you enjoy modding the basses yourself.
that's the syndrome that scares me
if parts were available here widely i would modify a single bass for a thousand times!
I've found myself at a crossroads. I have a bass that is more instrument than I'll probably ever be able to utilize. It's just an American Standard Jazz, but I swear it plays better than anything else I've ever owned. I used to be a hoarder. I owned quite a few for sure. Lately my guitarist actually owns more basses than I do. He doesn't sell anything. I voted 1 although there is a second one. I'm in the process of letting it go though so it just sits in its case. GAS and impulsiveness keeps me buying. If I buy more it'll be an American Honeyburst with a J neck, but I wouldn't count on it anytime. It's just that sobering thought that I keep in the forefront of my mind when I'm browsing on here. "Other people made it work with instruments that were thrashed beyond all recognition. They MADE them work. Theirs no reason I need something else when I'm not satisfied with my skill on the J". It doesn't always work, but it helps.
Gotta keep up with the drummer
I have to keep up with myself...
Because I like them and can afford them. And because my wife likes hearing me play them so she either buys them for me or encourages me to buy them.
Dan
Dan
Only 5 here.
Man, do I ever understand the concept of being inspired by a particular sound.
Each one brings something different to the table.
The more I have, the more I realize there are other sounds I can't get.
Enough yet?
Not if I can help it!
Man, do I ever understand the concept of being inspired by a particular sound.
Each one brings something different to the table.
The more I have, the more I realize there are other sounds I can't get.
Enough yet?
Not if I can help it!
