Multiple basses and "My Sound"

[Pilgrim]

I've been reflecting on a simple concept that many people seem not to understand.  

They buy considerably different types of instruments, then try to turn them all into the same thing - to keep "their sound".

Personally, "my sound" is somewhat different based on the instrument I'm playing...and that's why I have different instruments.  If "my sound" was monolithic, I'd have no reason to own more than one bass.

I see no reason why any musician's "sound" can't have numerous variations based on their instruments, strings, amplification and technique (and other factors such as venue acoustics).

Am I missing some critical concept here??  

[Highlander]

Just turn up the volume, Al...  

[leftybass]

I've been reflecting on a simple concept that many people seem not to understand.  

They buy considerably different types of instruments, then try to turn them all into the same thing - to keep "their sound".

Personally, "my sound" is somewhat different based on the instrument I'm playing...and that's why I have different instruments.  If "my sound" was monolithic, I'd have no reason to own more than one bass.

I see no reason why any musician's "sound" can't have numerous variations based on their instruments, strings, amplification and technique (and other factors such as venue acoustics).

Am I missing some critical concept here??  

Umm...OK. I guess I didn't realize this was a problem that required a thread to address it. But, perhaps your mind will be put at ease by further responses.

[Highlander]

nope... we still need more volume....     

[leftybass]

I'm sure you're right!   

[Denis]

I have seven basses but since I'm still learning how to play them, I like to think my sound is uniformly atrocious to certain people at all times and all people at certain times. 

[Barklessdog]

I look at my basses as a box of chocolates or crayons and have them arranged accordingly. Each bass has its own role or voice in what I do.


Les Paul Standard-Bass & Chunky metal rhythm guitar
Blueshawk for clear Lead & trumpet/horn parts
RD for Any part
EB-0 for Twangy tele & monster woofy Brown Notes

That is why I never understood buying the same bass multiple times, with so many other favors to taste (Mark & George)-Yeah I know you really like them!

[Rhythm N. Bliss]

It's all for the groupies, innit? Give them multiples, I say!!!!!!!!

[hieronymous]

I'm with you Pilgrim. I was actually just thinking about this this morning. Although I would hope that there are parts of my playing that are distinctively "me," I also love playing different basses and find that what and how I play change depending on the circumstances. I use a lot of effects like distortion, filter/synth sounds, etc. in my own music too, which seems to change the character of my playing.

But then there are the stories of famous musicians playing other people's instruments and sounding exactly like themselves. I seem to remember reading Ted Nugent saying that Eddie Van Halen played Ted's guitar and rig and it sounded totally like Eddie. But maybe that's becoming more the issue of how much or how little does the construction, electronics, etc. really have to do with the sound, and that the player's hands may (or may not) be more important.

John's analogy of the box of crayons works great for me!

[Pilgrim]

I like to think my sound is uniformly atrocious to certain people at all times and all people at certain times.  

Uh, table for two, please!  

Actually, part of the reason I started this thread is that I get tired of people who obsess over 'my tone" without ever stopping to think that it changes depending on the instrument, the amps and the setting.

[leftybass]

I have "a" tone that I strive for,  what I would call "my" tone, usually involving a Fender Bass/flats/a pick/palm muting. It's a 70s Dee Murray tone. But, I also love the 60s short-scale hollowbody tone, so I own a Gibson EB-2, Epiphone Rivoli, and several other old(and new) hollowbodies. I also love Ric bass tone and thus own a few Ric basses. So, I guess I buy into the Crayola analogy!

[nofi]

 sounds like a nice argument to present to the wife. 'my' crayons are usually very dark.

[jmcgliss]

Yup, my basses are different colors that serve me well right out of the box or with a switch to flats as mood or set lists change. The first three sound best with tone rolled back (a bad habit that the Epi and 55-02CS counteract).

Starfire w/ Dark Stars (w/ pick)
Pedulla Buzz with Barts (singing mwah or upright)
Dark Star P-Bass (soul/psychedelic)
Epi TB silverburst (grind rock)
Lakland 55-02CS (3-band EQ makes it the most versatile for church duty)

[Highlander]

I do like your RD, John... reminds me of what mine used to look like (but still with the Moog...? presumably as early as mine)  

I really would like to get a semi, and a Jazz, someday... oh yeah, and an EB3L, a true T'bird, a Scroll, a Plexi... (fade to grey...)

I'm still working on the sound for the Peter Cook, but she screams for loudness, always had that edge to her sound, but she's good with blues, too...
With the RD being fretless she's much more rounded, a much more versatile instrument; there is a part of me that would like the Moog back, but I keep that part of me in the isolation ward - too much pain associated with that one...
The Hohner is really a "Jack" of all trades, and so versatile and easy to play, hence my daughter using her...

The Hiwatt and the Marshall cab makes up the rest...

[Pilgrim]

I like the crayon analogy.  I've concluded that my ears aren't as sharp as some, but I can hear the difference between these:

- Jack Casady semi-hollow bass with rounds (flats coming soon, I think)
- 1963 P with flats more than 30 years old
- Gretsch G2202 with rounds
- 2000 MIM Fender Jazz with factory rounds
- 1970's Univox 335-style hollowbody with flats
- P-special fretless with nylon tapewounds

I also have an Applause (Ovation body) acoustic-electric short scale that's great for practice.  I have a couple of others but most are in need of some repairs or work.

When you look it over, that's a pretty fair set of crayons if you don't need active pickups.