Your Retirement Dream Bass?

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

I bought more than one bass. For me ,it was getting a collection of basses that I wanted and needed. My dream bass has always been a StingRay , so I bought 6 and they are all different in pickups, preamps, scale length, frets, no frets, passive , finishes, number of strings and string type. I also have a Sandberg 5 that is both active and passive , and very versatile . I also got the amplification that I always wanted. Now Im set. You might find it better to spend the money more than one bass or piece of gear to get your goals accomplished.

The point is to buy what YOU really want. I could have bought some vintage Fenders or more upscale boutiques but that's not what I really wanted .

 

[calypsocoral302]

My tastes keep changing rapidly, so heaven only knows what's going to fascinate me when I'm actually of retirement age (though I don't envision myself ever truly "retiring"), but this is what I'm into at the moment:

4-string: The Enfield "Lionheart" bass made in Kent, UK. Features the Sims "Super-Quad" pickup system, which allows you to select 3 combinations of coils in each pickup. Also features a Glockenklang 2-band preamp.

Available in "Classic" (top-routed) and "Air" (back-routed) configurations

My custom touches would be a 3-piece body with a Figured Maple top and Koa back with a layer of Wenge sandwiched in between, and a revision of the pickup switching to 6-way. I haven't decided yet on the finish.

 

[Gervais Cote]

My tastes keep changing rapidly, so heaven only knows what's going to fascinate me when I'm actually of retirement age (though I don't envision myself ever truly "retiring"), but this is what I'm into at the moment:

4-string: The Enfield "Lionheart" bass made in Kent, UK. Features the Sims "Super-Quad" pickup system, which allows you to select 3 combinations of coils in each pickup. Also features a Glockenklang 2-band preamp.

Available in "Classic" (top-routed) and "Air" (back-routed) configurations

My custom touches would be a 3-piece body with a Figured Maple top and Koa back with a layer of Wenge sandwiched in between, and a revision of the pickup switching to 6-way. I haven't decided yet on the finish.

Those Super-Quad pickups are amazing, a TRUE revolution in the bass guitar world IMO, they have a bright future according to me. Very clever design and functionality.

 

[India_Sierra]

View attachment 5465682 This should cover just about everything.

That is a good call! I was thinking an Alembic SC or a SC shape with full Series II electronics jammed in!

 

[Doctor Roberts]

I would travel to London, attend a football match, go to the Bass Gallery and get any bass they have for whatever money is left

 

[calypsocoral302]

Those Super-Quad pickups are amazing, a TRUE revolution in the bass guitar world IMO, they have a bright future according to me. Very clever design and functionality.

Agreed! I think it's a great idea implemented in a slick fashion. I also like the fact that the pickup format and the shape of the Lionheart model bass echo that of Wal, giving them a quintessentially-English character!

The electronics modification I envision is the addition of a 2-way "mode" switch toggling between "standard" and "alternate" modes, for each pickup.

"Standard" mode would be the default settings of the pickup:
- Red LED: split-coil humbucking (P-bass)
- Green LED: rear coils ('70's J-bass)
- Blue LED: front coils in parallel with rear coils (MM)

"Alternate" mode would change the settings of the pickup to the following:
- Magenta LED: reverse split-coil humbucking (think '80's Jackson & Ibanez)
- Yellow LED: front coils (early-'50's P-bass)
- Aqua LED: forward-split humbucker in parallel with reverse-split humbucker (the result will probably be no different from the standard "blue" mode, but I needed a 3rd alternate setting!)

Will the modification unlock worlds of tonal differences? Probably not.

Would it be cool to know those options are available if you want to try them? Sure!

 

[Obese Chess]

I‘d say go for it

Far, far outside of my price range at this point unfortunately, but I understand your opinion

 

[jazzyvee]

That is a good call! I was thinking an Alembic SC or a SC shape with full Series II electronics jammed in!

That is a superb choice,but order it early so it's ready when the time comes.

 

[bajistapromedio]

A chambered Ken Lawrence 5 would be the thing for me. Some day!

 

[jazzyvee]

I'm not retired yet but bought my dream bass a few years ago and it will get a lot more playing time when retirement time comes.

 

[D to the C]

I would do as someone mentioned in an earlier post, let it find you. You’ll know it when you see it or play it. Through trial and error I found mine, custom Fodera Monarch 5 string, 34” scale 8.5lbs and 17.5mm string spacing. These basses were made for my hands. I had three and sold one a Yin Yang standard that I’m going to buy back at some point. When you find it you’ll know!View attachment 5464920

As a follow up, I bought the Yin Yang back a couple of months ago!

 

[Jazzdogg]

I’m retiring after 42 years in 30 days.
To mark the occasion, I’m looking at finding my “dream” bass. I will be pretty much debt free and have a substantial amount to spend. Other than a museum piece, I can pretty much get what I want for the first time ever.
I play mostly country/swamp rock/blues rock and also play at church on Sundays.
In recent years, my tastes have run to the P or P/J sound and light weight and playability are huge factors.
What would you get for, say, under $8k?

BFG

When I retired several years ago, I had similar dreams and never contemplated the necessarily minimalist lifestyle I enjoy now as a full-time RVer.

I stored my basses and bass gear in a locked room in the barn, and allow myself one bass and a small amp per trip.

If I had a larger RV I would find a way to include at least two electric basses (fretted and fretless) and one of my double basses or my Azola electric upright, and Mesa Subway amp and cab(s).

Be careful what you wish for, and enjoy your retirement!