The Spice of Life

[DKWilkins]

Another thread got me to checking, and I've owned 69 basses over the years. I know that compared to some of you guys I'm just a piker I try not to get too emotionally attached to any of them because I'm such a 'ho I know there is a good chance something else will catch my eye and I'll have to sell something to finance the "new" one.

I've got 5 basses here now... I like basses; I like to try out different one's and see what they'll do. I've had 5 different EB/MM's and am currently down to one- a blue pearl '96 Sterling. I actually have it listed for sale, but I've committed the great seller's sin and have been playing it... don't know if I can off it now or not

Anyway... the "Sterling sound" is great. You guys know that. I've held onto this particular Sterling longer than most due to it's weight, it's flamey birdseye neck, and it's great playability.

 

[silverburst]

Well, you asked.


1. 1997 Black SR4 H 2-band. This is an older Stingray, and shows some wear. It plays great, and has replaced the Geddy bass as the one I would grab on the way out the door for a trip or whatever. The Geddy is gone, by the way.

2. 2003 Rolls Burgundy Bongo 4HP. I was looking for a 4H, but the Beav made me a killer deal on this one. The color doesn’t do much for me, but it is a great playing bass. 18 volts kick ass.

3. 2004 Black Bongo 4HH. A nice bass and a good value, but I like the sound of a single H better. I am not married to it. Maybe that isn’t the best analogy for me..

4. The 30th collection. Ten of the finest basses ever made.

5. 2007 SR5 20th Anniversary. A really sweet bass. But I could see selling it, as I am at heart a 4-string guy.

6. 2007 Blue Dawn Sterling H. A smoking deal from my local GC because someone cancelled their order. I will not be keeping it. I have had 4 Sterlings, and have not been able to get comfortable with them. This one is no exception.

7. 2007 Dargie SR4 2-band. This is a keeper for life, despite the fact that I am a gear ho. Everybody went through too damned much trouble to make sure I got this bass. Thanks again BP, Scott, Pete, Jack, Aziah and anyone else I have forgotten.


Those are the highlights, and I would like to think that I have finally moved into a happy place where my collection is a bit more stable. I would like to get a blank plank 30th if I can find a good enough deal on one, but I am not looking for anything else right now.

Why I buy and sell basses is a little difficult to describe. I guess, at my core, I am drawn to getting a good deal, and obtaining instruments that have inherent value. EBMM basses fit the bill. New MusicMan basses are a bargain at the normal street price, and are a steal when barely used. The quality of these basses in second to none, and I am amazed they do not sell for more, especially when you consider what you get for your money when you buy from another manufacturer.

And then there are the 30ths. I’m pretty sure that Jack expected to see Trans Crimson horns sticking out of my head when I showed up at his last party.

I bought my first 30th from a local GC, and put it away without playing it much, and went back to my old Fender ways. Then I took it out to mess around with it one day and it really clicked with me. The tone and feel of this bass are perfect for me. I want to always own a 30th, so I set out to get a spare or two. Things got a little out of hand, but that is cool – I do not have other hobbies, and my other expenses are low. It looks like I am set for life now. One of the reasons I ended up with so many is that these basses are a fantastic value. I have seen over a dozen new ones at dealers in my travels over the past few months, and they are willing to deal. You guys need to snap these up before they get worn out by the general public that wanders into Guitar Center looking for something to pound on.

I am pretty much Fender-free now. I have the really old stuff, and my first P-Bass, but none of it gets played any more. Maybe they will be the college tuition for my son. I am not in love with them anymore, if I ever was.

The only other basses I play anymore are my Aria SB’s, which are still fun for me, and are a great deal when I buy them up overseas to resell here.

That’s it. Maybe no mysteries have been solved, but it was nice to organize my thoughts a little.

Happy motoring!

 

[bassmancb]

I own 6 basses and each one has it's own feel. Last Nov. I ordered a SR4 30th just because I liked the way it looked. Never playing an active bass before I figured I would play it a while and put it up as a collecter bass. Man that bass sold me on MM basses!! When the 30th SR5 came out I thought it would be nice to have a 5 string to match the 4 string. Never playing a 5 string I didn't think I would like it. Another killer bass!! To date these are the only MM basses I own but I see more in the future.

 

[Kirby]

Not enough time to go into each bass, but suffice to say each has its own characteristic that I love. Just like every person's voice is different so is every bass's. I really enjoy the subtle differences in each and the anniversary basses are just cool in their own right, never mind their killer sound!

Like BP said, they all make me smile and that is enough for me.

 

[muggsy]

Hmmm. Strangeglow has a blank plank 30th SR for sale, and Silverburst is looking for one to corner the market on 30ths. You guys need to talk.

 

[Kristopher]

Great thread! As far as the original question, "why do you have so many basses", it's just me trying to find out what I really like by taking home and trying out everything that looks interesting (and affordable). I've found some real keepers, and I've also found that certain new basses can make old basses I thought I liked sound less desirable. Such is life!

My Balls:

1. Trans Red Stingray - I was around 22 and had been playing bass around three years, and my best friend at the time asked me what bass I would get if I could have any bass I wanted. Next thing I knew, I got this bass as a gift. 7 years, one neck and two bodies later (all EBMM factory replacements, don't ask), this bass is still hanging around, solid and reliable, although now I think I'm more of a Sterling kind of guy.

2. Honeburst Sterling - I placed an order for a Sterling HS, and halfway into the waiting period I got anxious and decided I needed something to help me pass the time until my special order came in. I called Guitar Center and they searched all of their locations until they found a Sterling HH for me. They shipped it to me but sadly it wasn't fully functional so I returned it to the nearest GC. When I did, I saw this Sterling used, got blown away by how it played, and used my store credit to pick it up. This is the most amazing sounding and playing bass, it's really the first bass I've ever fallen in love with.

3. Copperhead Bronze Stingray 5 - Just picked it up at a clearance sale this last weekend. It's mint looking and plays great, but I'm thinking I might be best served with a maple board SR5 instead of a rosewood one. Maybe I can make a trade at some point (maybe at the forum get-together).

4. Pacific Blue Burst Sterling HS - Should be coming in a week or so, I've got my fingers crossed. This will have a maple board, as opposed to my rosewood Honeyburst Sterling.

 

[MacD]

Did you pick up that Lefty DD Stingray @ Drum City? I saw it the day it sold and it broke my heart. 6-7 days earlier and it would have been mine

Sure did. Cool little funny story how that came to be. All because of this forum.

http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-basses/25253-dumb-international-question-im-new.html

Can't say you didn't have you chance though. It was there for a while.

 

[1Echo]

Hmmm. Strangeglow has a blank plank 30th SR for sale, and Silverburst is looking for one to corner the market on 30ths. You guys need to talk.

As I recall, his fretless 30th is lined. Still, I suspect this thread will lead to a couple trades.

I'm just getting started in the bass world but I have a feeling I'll end up with 5 or 6 for the tonal variety plus a solid backup to my main axe.

Current EBMM basses:

Bongo5 HS - My first quality bass and still my go to instrument. Not going anywhere anytime soon, that's for sure.

30th SR4 - Saw it and had to have it. Sounds and plays unbelievable but I've come to the realization I'm a 5-string guy (wish I'd held out for the 20th SR5 instead). As great as it is I would trade it for something that suits me better.

My non-EBMM basses are on their way out the door. On the must-have list are a Bongo5 Hp, a fretless Bongo5 in Hp or HSp (not sure yet), and of course a 2008 LE Bongo6 HS.

 

[phatduckk]

maybe ill have one more tomorrow. if the stars align it may just happen

 

[Strangeglow]

As I recall, his fretless 30th is lined.

nope, as unblemished as a baby's bottom.

 

[1Echo]

nope, as unblemished as a baby's bottom.

Sorry for the misrepresentation. I realized my mistake when looking through the for sale thread this morning.

Silverburst, there's a blank plank 30th calling your name!

 

[Big Poppa]

I'm down to two EBMM basses right now. There's a blank plank 30th SR that's up for sale. I never really bonded with it and my main fretless basses are both 6's right now.

Metal green flake SR4. It's a keeper. Dead flats on it. When I need to play loud rock and roll, it just goes boom.

what happened to the Ray Duke gratitude silhouette bass?

THere is a ray duke rule at the knucklehead party....there will be a minimum post requirement to win an instrument.

 

[leftymike]

THere is a ray duke rule at the knucklehead party....there will be a minimum post requirement to win an instrument.

Well, I guess I'd better start slacking more at work and posting more here.

 

[bovinehost]

what happened to the Ray Duke gratitude silhouette bass?

THere is a ray duke rule at the knucklehead party....there will be a minimum post requirement to win an instrument.

Professor Strangeglow retains ownership of the Dargie Silhouette from the Dallas shindig. We had it over here a couple of weeks ago for the fiesta.

 

[Oldtoe]

Ain't there a video of some sixteen-year old playing that thing at your house, Jack?

 

[bovinehost]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUdTkRyhI0c"]YouTube - BassFest 07[/ame]

About a minute and a half in, there's Master Tyler on the Silo, yup.

(Which was tuned down about a quarter, leading to some confusion on my part as to which key we might be in.)

 

[Fred E.]

I don't know how many I have--I believe I am somewhere in the range of 160 to 170 basses & guitars--I am afraid to count. Over 2/3 of them are basses. I think I have 8 EBMM basses one of which is a Silo Bass 6. I've come to accept that nothing is a true keeper--although as I get older & prices of some stuff keeps climbing, I am getting increasingly more reluctant to part with anything. I am currently selling some lower end stuff & stuff I am not likely to be playing in the future in order to fund some future purchases--on of which being a 30th anniv. SR.

When it comes to players that I am planning on keeping strictly because I go to them when I want to have something hang around my neck for several sets, then there are several EBMM & G&L basses that I reach for: an early 90s teal stain SR and my fretless HH Bongo are my "go to" EBMM basses. I'm not much of a 5 string guy, but my SR5 is my favorite of my 5s.

I'm afraid that I have become more of a hoarder than a whore, but I've got what I've got & I like what I've got, too.

 

[RitchieDarling]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm..........................and to think, just a few short years ago, I didn't own any EBMM instruments.

In the beginning:

Sterling H fretless, natural, tort - I told my friend and local shop owner, Bob, that if he got the EBMM franchise, that I would buy one from him. This was the one. It currently resides with Eggman.

Desert Gold Bongo 4 H - I got this one thinking I would like the new design and the color was great! But, I never could get close to it. Sold it to fellow forumite Motojunkie.

LE Envy Green Stingray 4 - I didn't particularly want this bass. But, I bought it anyway. Never played it. Sold it to someone called The Cappy. I've never seen him on the forum since.

And then came EXCALIBER:

LE Buttercream Sterling H rosewood - The bass of the gods! Beautiful in every way. Never seen a show or gig. Only for bedroom noodling. My favorite so far!

LE 30th Anniversary Stingray - I've really gotta stop doing this. Bought this beautiful bass and loved it. But for some reason I ALWAYS seem to get rid of Stingrays. Trade to a fellow forumite, who shall remain nameless, for a Dargie Sterling HH.

DD Sterling HH, DD Sterling HS - Ordered these on day 1 of the window. Recently traded the HS to Eggman for a DD Bongo HS. I love these almost as much as my.......

Lava Pearl Sterling H maple neck - Bought this one from Pete DuBaldo at a great value! Bass was set up by Pete to be a serious player. And indeed, it has replaced my Steinberger as my workhorse after some 13 years. This is my favorite player bass!

Black/Maple/Black Sterling H - Bought this one from a fellow forumite. Never played it. Sold it to Jasper.

DD Bongo HH - Bought this from Bass Central. Beaver made me a great deal on it. And this time, I had no trouble getting close to it as a bass.

DD Sterling HH - Acquired in a trade. I love the FULL ON, ALL 4 COILS setting.

DD SR5 H - The POLAR DARGIE! Bought this one from Lord Bovine. It took a creative shipping route. And it continues to do so. It is currently on it's way to the frozen North of Stavanger, Norway.

Stingray SUB 4 fretless - Bought it from a fellow forumite. Never played it. Also sent to Norway.

LE Blue Dawn Sterling HP maple neck - I arrived at the EBMM booth at NAMM and was greeted by BP! After asking how my teeth were doing he says "Come look at this!", and directed us to the Blue Dawn. It was love at first sight! I immediately placed my order with Dan. Second in beauty only to my Buttercream Sterling.

LE 30th Anniversary Stingray - Currently not in my posession. I am making installment payments to a fellow forumite for this. I just has to get another. They are gorgeous!

DD Bongo Hs - The result of my trade with Eggman for the DD Sterling HS. I haven't even plugged it in yet!

Medallion Gold Sterling HH maple, mhs - I don't have one of these. But this will be my next order. Unless I am blown away by the 2008 LE.

LE 2008 Sterling - See previous statement.

When I was a younger man, I would look at the pro basses and wish I could afford one. And now, I can. After years of playing Rickys, I happened upon a shop that sold EBMM. Now all Rickys are gone. And the only NON-SLO instruments I own are things that EBMM just doesn't make. Like an 8-string, and an electric upright, and a Steiny.......

 

[johnfrazier]

Spice

Why do you keep them instead of being a whore like I used to be?

Let's talk.

Jack[/QUOTE]

Great thread. Here are my "lifers":

'66 American Iconic Bass: I'm the second owner and it's been a staple in my life since 1981.

'77 Sting Ray: It was so beat up when I saw it in April I had to buy it and restore it to its former glory. I found it on CL.

'77 Sting Ray: Well, I had more money than sense in May. I found it on CL.

'88 Sting Ray 5: This is my remorse bass. I traded B006310 for it in 1992-- to Dan Lakin! I don't play it much and may unload it to pick up an Anniversary model. Maybe not.

'95 Sting Ray fretless: My brother was warbling on about how much he was enjoying his fretless that in March I went out and found this on CL.

'96 Sting Ray Anniversary: I saw it on Ebay in July and did the BIN with no hesitation.

'06 Sting Ray Anniversay: After reading BP's declaration about the 30th I found one in May on CL and picked it up. Wow...currently my daily player.

'06 Sting Ray Anniversay: This really was an impulse buy at GC when I stopped by for strings in June.

I keep them all because I can, I guess.

 

[Strangeglow]

what happened to the Ray Duke gratitude silhouette bass?

Yep, Sorry. I forgot that one. Since I put the A-A set on it I almost thing of it mrore as a baritone guitar than a bass. That's probably why my mind was blocking it.

That's a keeper for sure. And as Jack pointed out, we forced Tyler to play it at bass fest. Getting that one will go down as my personal best trade ever.