Bass Collection SB301 (made by SGC Nanyo) in pearl white. My first bass guitar. I was 13 years old. I told my dad I wanted a bass. My dad mentioned it to his boss one day, who happened to be a bass player. My dad's boss said "for real? Is your son serious? --- (I was) --- here let me give him this bass". He just straight gave it to me. Just like that. It wasn't even Christmas or my birthday. I am eternally grateful to that man for helping a young brother out.
Yes, bass love. Better to spend time and money on practice and learning. Always take two of everything to the job...especially important jobs. Always have a backup bass just in case.
I think you should test as much basses as possible to find out what kind of bass suits you best. So go to your local music store and PLAY different types, let's say a (Fender) P-bass, a (Fender) J-bass, a Musicman, an Ibanez, a... what-so-ever brand and decide afterwards. And play an active and a passive one because that's a REAL difference! After a long journey I found out that FOR ME it's a Fender Jazz. I own two others, a Fender P-bass and a Marcus Miller V7 - but it's the Fender Jazz I fell in love with :)
Hi Johnny!!! After playing bass for a couple years, I want to buy almost every bass I see. Being a former saxophonist, I can't get over the difference between the quality:price ratio for basses compared to saxes. A $200 bass can be gig worthy whereas a sax at that price is unfit for beginning band! Anyway, I will get as many basses as I can afford. Some women buy designer purses. I prefer instruments! Let me collect my basses in peace. Shaddah Kakah!!
As many basses as it takes to get all the musical funky tones in your soul out on every string and fret of every bass you allow your fingers caress. 😌 every bass has an unknown amount of spirits in it. Hopefully one will be enough
Inspiring words, as usual! I've been playing for about 25 years and I've only owned 6 basses. I only ever sold one of them, bought it back, de-fretted and sold it cheap to a guy that wanted a fretless but was hard up for money. My very first bass was a $50 used P-bass knockoff and I still play it every week at church...after fixing the neck, changing the pickups and getting tuners that stay in tune. Ha! My second bass was a $350 used Mexi-jazz cuz that's all I could afford at the time. I played it for years and I never knew how messed up the neck & bridge were until I was finally able to drop $850 on a clearanced out Ibanez BTB. Woooooo! I still remember the feeling first time I played that BTB. It felt like a winged angel from heaven just dropped a feather into my hands. If we pay our dues by learning on the cheap instruments, we will eventually be rewarded. I wouldn't go back and change a thing if I could.
its like chasing the lottery for some, they keep acquiring basses thinking it will make them a player, a piece of wood and strings in the right hands is all one needs
I totally agree..what you own means nothing..its about you and what you do with the bass or basses you have. I have a no name bass that I absolutely LOVE. Got a few more that I'd love to get. Own however many you want.
I already have my expensive and FS on basses and guitars. I’m at the point after 20 years where I just want a bigger and more diverse collection. I’ve been look into getting Glarry’s just because they’re cheap, I can mod em later, and I can get several of them for the cost of one bass lol Been looking for good deals on used instruments too. I play differently on different basses/guitars. Plus I think they’re beautiful pieces of art. I will collect some cheap ones just to have as decorations that I play from time to time. I love all basses. Cheap, expensive, stands scale, short scale, electric, acoustic, ubass lol I enjoy them. Granted, I’m autistic and it’s one of my “special interests” and passions. Even my wife is starting to get into bass after 10 years lmao she tried to learn a few times but gave up, but she’s been doing better now, and is about to buy her own bass. She’s so excited lmao she wants me to help her learn songs her dad loved when he was alive and lear songs her grandfather used to play because she recently found out he was also a bassist with his own band. She has old videos of him performing and asked if I could help figure out what he was playing and teach her. I also got her drum kit a while back because she loves drums and wants to play those too. Good times. I’m enjoying my 30’s a lot more than I imagined.
No coincidence that there is an Alembic because Stanley Clarke has had 2 basses straped on stage. You Said It All thank you. You are a wise and experienced man. Mabie I should sell all my 10 cheapy basses and have 1 good bass. Im goin to look out for somone who needs a bass thank you J.
As many as your heart desires and can afford. I still show up with 3 basses for a gig. One to play, one back-up and one with a different tuning. And definitely don't show up to a gig with a $2000 bass. They have a knack of growing legs at the end of the night if you're not paying attention. Buy good, solid cheapies to play out with. I've seen entire guitar rigs, guitars, basses and vocal rack just disappear. You're not immune. And Shadakaka!
Johnny, Man I love your outlook.. I'm a Drummer attempting to learn and play bass.. When I listen to you, it just gets me charged up and makes me want to really work at my craft.. Your upbeat and outward attitude shows why and how you became who you are, and yes, kids are important and need a mentor such as you to keep them of the streets.. I wish a lot of musicians had your personality... Take care, really enjoyed your vid.. Carolina Charles
Just in my opinion, for the working bass player. 3 basses are needed: P/J bass 5 string bass Upright bass this is just my opinion. Thanks, great video!
I think that it is between two and five for me. I have 4 string fretless jazz-ish Stagg bass, 5 string active jazz-ish Sire V7 and 5 string with 2 humbuckers Yamaha trbx505. I would like to add 5 string fretless with high C string and 4 string pj short scale.
If you’re a WORKING bassist; you should have at least 3-5 basses. You should have a Jazz, Precision, Stingray, or a Fretless in your collection. 4 or 5? Depends on the type of gigs you play. Some guys are happy with 1 or 2. Some with 10-12. But know how to play em ALL. (Me personally I want 15 basses.😉)
Bravo Johnny! So true. I think we are all gear hounds, for me my connection comes with the fender jazz. I do like and own many others. When youth or beginners ask me I say go with a fender jazz for its playability and all round versatility and tone sculpting.
I perfer small scale instruments, now. Less fatigue. No stretching,especially nowadays! Plus comfort. How basses should someone own? Freted Fretless Acustic Hollow body Upright
As a metaphor, one could argue the Old West adage that you should fear the old man who’s owned one gun his entire life more than the old man with an arsenal. There’s something to be said about mastering the axe you own over the course of a lifetime. That said, I can never claim to be immune to bass envy!
Great demo!! You have really touched on a really interesting subject. The number of basses that a person should own. I agree with you own as many as you can afford. And I also agree with you on the subject of the 'bass doesn't make the player',the player makes the bass!! I love basses,but I don't have the room or the money or desire to own a great number of basses. I currently have three. 1.A Carvin LB75 Custom, an Ibanez BTB845,and 3 an Ibanez SR4000E (4 sting)and I love all of them and I don't think I want any more.
some people (i heard this off david ellefson) say instruments have songs in them, you dont want to get tied into one instrument because you could pick up something different and find yourself writing something youd never have come up with on your regular instrument.
If you are talented like Johnny you can own them all because he does justice to the instrument. I suck but I own 3 guitars and wish I had my Les paul back but thems the breaks so to speak. With your talent you have some fine instruments . Geddy walked into a pawn shop and bought a fender jazz bass for 200.oo and he calls it his number one ,so much, that he wont travel with it because he cant find one that compares to it.
I think you should own three basses- A P bass, Jazz bass, and a Stingray I play P basses with a Jazz pickup in the bridge position so I can cover all tones. I get P, Jazz bridge, and blended sounds similar to a full on Jazz and Stingray.
HEY JOHNNY !! LOVE YOUR BASS INFO, WAS WONDERING WHATS YOUR OPINION ON SIRE BASS, FROM MARCUS MILLER COLLECTION, WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR OPINION ON THOSE BASS, THEY ARE EXTREMELY POPULAR NOW
The answer to this question is: "N+1-p" Where N is the number of basses you currently own and p is the bass(es) you haven't played for more than a year.
Dude, the people that are concerned about all the basses you own (which I assume is why you made this vid) are just JEALOUS! (I can say it... you have to be political... You're a nice guy). But the fact is, they hate the player! (pun intended). Keep on doing your thing man.
Nailed that one! $10,000 bass don't make the player better. Just more broke. Lol. Vise versa, $100 bass don't make a seasoned pro less a player. All on the player. Lol
Hey Johnny new sub here and i love your videos.I had a question, i am 45 self taught basses been play for about 20 years.I took a break for awhile and started playing for a cover band about 4 years ago.About a year ago i notice that my fingers started to hurt,on my left hand it where i hit the notes it mostly my first and second finger and on my right hand where i pluck the strings using my fingers again my first two fingers(i only use those two fingers) where now i am using a pick a little more often now.My band plays a lot,3 to 4 gigs a month and our shows are sometimes 3 to 5 hours long with breaks depending on venue..My question is,is it bad fingering techniques that lead my fingers to hurt or can it juts be arthritis?
QBN37 solo sorry to hear u r hurting...i would try a closer set up on my bass to relieve some of the tension..also rest your hands as much as you can..soaking them in Epson salt and warm water and alcohol after and sometime b4 a gig should relax the muscles
Preach! "The Bass doesn't make the Player; the Player makes the Bass"! Buy yourself a cheap-ass bass. Learn to play it. Then upgrade to one that feels (and sounds) good to you.
I by myself own ONE at the moment and Later two... First i needed a allrounder so i did build me ONE 5string for the beginning. Later i will Build me a better 5string a 4 to and a fretless 5 and i will give my "old" one to the school i was in. ANTWORTEN
johnny lee, that'$ zactly why i handed over my 58 precision to my BOSSman aka SUN. he could make it sing much better than me!!! gave my one baby to the utter... NOTHIN like dah lQQk, "feel" and/er FULL SOUND aka THUMP of an early fender P..."G"!!! ;)
Why would anyone feel the need to ask you or anyone else how many basses should they own? It's not so much about the bass making one a better player, it's more about each individual deciding that question for him or herself, based upon the combination of need, desires, and resources. I would also argue that playability is a major factor that should always be determined, before buying your first or your fifteenth bass. That determination can only be made by the player. If you are a cyclist would you ask someone how many bikes you should own? I doubt it. If you are a horn player would you seek someone else's opinion on how many trumpets, trombones, or saxes you should have? Hardly. Here's my point...If you actually think this seven minutes of babble is of any value to anyone as a bass player, beginning or otherwise, that begs a more serious question. The answer to which, I don't believe can be found on UA-cam! That said, I am more interested in your sharing meaningful information on playing the electric bass, its gear and equipment setups, and how those of us who take our music seriously can improve in technical skills and performance abilities. So far, I have seen very little of that content in any of your posts.
Bass Collection SB301 (made by SGC Nanyo) in pearl white. My first bass guitar.
I was 13 years old. I told my dad I wanted a bass. My dad mentioned it to his boss one day, who happened to be a bass player. My dad's boss said "for real? Is your son serious? --- (I was) --- here let me give him this bass".
He just straight gave it to me. Just like that. It wasn't even Christmas or my birthday.
I am eternally grateful to that man for helping a young brother out.
Yes, bass love. Better to spend time and money on practice and learning. Always take two of everything to the job...especially important jobs. Always have a backup bass just in case.
YOU should only own one.i'm on my way over to pick up your other ones as a favor so you don't have to deal with the burden of them
I own 26 basses and each one serve's a purpose !!
I think you should test as much basses as possible to find out what kind of bass suits you best. So go to your local music store and PLAY different types, let's say a (Fender) P-bass, a (Fender) J-bass, a Musicman, an Ibanez, a... what-so-ever brand and decide afterwards. And play an active and a passive one because that's a REAL difference! After a long journey I found out that FOR ME it's a Fender Jazz. I own two others, a Fender P-bass and a Marcus Miller V7 - but it's the Fender Jazz I fell in love with :)
Larry Graham, Stanley Clarke, Jaco, Marcus Miller: they may have physically owned many basses, but each of them was only intimate with one.
lol no. That's only perception of the status quo. They definitely were intimate with multiple
Hi Johnny!!! After playing bass for a couple years, I want to buy almost every bass I see. Being a former saxophonist, I can't get over the difference between the quality:price ratio for basses compared to saxes. A $200 bass can be gig worthy whereas a sax at that price is unfit for beginning band! Anyway, I will get as many basses as I can afford. Some women buy designer purses. I prefer instruments! Let me collect my basses in peace. Shaddah Kakah!!
As many basses as it takes to get all the musical funky tones in your soul out on every string and fret of every bass you allow your fingers caress. 😌 every bass has an unknown amount of spirits in it. Hopefully one will be enough
Inspiring words, as usual! I've been playing for about 25 years and I've only owned 6 basses. I only ever sold one of them, bought it back, de-fretted and sold it cheap to a guy that wanted a fretless but was hard up for money.
My very first bass was a $50 used P-bass knockoff and I still play it every week at church...after fixing the neck, changing the pickups and getting tuners that stay in tune. Ha! My second bass was a $350 used Mexi-jazz cuz that's all I could afford at the time. I played it for years and I never knew how messed up the neck & bridge were until I was finally able to drop $850 on a clearanced out Ibanez BTB. Woooooo! I still remember the feeling first time I played that BTB. It felt like a winged angel from heaven just dropped a feather into my hands. If we pay our dues by learning on the cheap instruments, we will eventually be rewarded. I wouldn't go back and change a thing if I could.
its like chasing the lottery for some, they keep acquiring basses thinking it will make them a player, a piece of wood and strings in the right hands is all one needs
I totally agree..what you own means nothing..its about you and what you do with the bass or basses you have. I have a no name bass that I absolutely LOVE. Got a few more that I'd love to get. Own however many you want.
I already have my expensive and FS on basses and guitars. I’m at the point after 20 years where I just want a bigger and more diverse collection.
I’ve been look into getting Glarry’s just because they’re cheap, I can mod em later, and I can get several of them for the cost of one bass lol Been looking for good deals on used instruments too.
I play differently on different basses/guitars. Plus I think they’re beautiful pieces of art. I will collect some cheap ones just to have as decorations that I play from time to time.
I love all basses. Cheap, expensive, stands scale, short scale, electric, acoustic, ubass lol I enjoy them. Granted, I’m autistic and it’s one of my “special interests” and passions.
Even my wife is starting to get into bass after 10 years lmao she tried to learn a few times but gave up, but she’s been doing better now, and is about to buy her own bass. She’s so excited lmao she wants me to help her learn songs her dad loved when he was alive and lear songs her grandfather used to play because she recently found out he was also a bassist with his own band. She has old videos of him performing and asked if I could help figure out what he was playing and teach her.
I also got her drum kit a while back because she loves drums and wants to play those too. Good times. I’m enjoying my 30’s a lot more than I imagined.
Man you are full of life! I like your videos for their positive meaning and message. And you are a very nice player as well.
I owns one Fender Jazz bass that's it , that's all I need even tho I want them all
No coincidence that there is an Alembic because Stanley Clarke has had 2 basses straped on stage. You Said It All thank you. You are a wise and experienced man. Mabie I should sell all my 10 cheapy basses and have 1 good bass. Im goin to look out for somone who needs a bass thank you J.
As many as your heart desires and can afford. I still show up with 3 basses for a gig. One to play, one back-up and one with a different tuning.
And definitely don't show up to a gig with a $2000 bass. They have a knack of growing legs at the end of the night if you're not paying attention. Buy good, solid cheapies to play out with. I've seen entire guitar rigs, guitars, basses and vocal rack just disappear. You're not immune.
And Shadakaka!
Johnny, Man I love your outlook.. I'm a Drummer attempting to learn and play bass.. When I listen to you, it just gets me charged up and makes me want to really work at my craft.. Your upbeat and outward attitude shows why and how you became who you are, and yes, kids are important and need a mentor such as you to keep them of the streets.. I wish a lot of musicians had your personality... Take care, really enjoyed your vid.. Carolina Charles
W. Charles Wingate ...Charles that's for watching and your comments
100% Correct!! Love these videos!
Truth and great message overall
Just in my opinion, for the working bass player. 3 basses are needed:
P/J bass
5 string bass
Upright bass
this is just my opinion. Thanks, great video!
I think that it is between two and five for me. I have 4 string fretless jazz-ish Stagg bass, 5 string active jazz-ish Sire V7 and 5 string with 2 humbuckers Yamaha trbx505. I would like to add 5 string fretless with high C string and 4 string pj short scale.
If you’re a WORKING bassist; you should have at least 3-5 basses. You should have a Jazz, Precision, Stingray, or a Fretless in your collection. 4 or 5? Depends on the type of gigs you play. Some guys are happy with 1 or 2. Some with 10-12. But know how to play em ALL. (Me personally I want 15 basses.😉)
Just get what you want! I'm workin' number 10 and STILL.....a beginner.
I admit, my MTD 630-24 feels GREAT!
Bravo Johnny! So true. I think we are all gear hounds, for me my connection comes with the fender jazz. I do like and own many others. When youth or beginners ask me I say go with a fender jazz for its playability and all round versatility and tone sculpting.
Always great advice from someone who knows his stuff.
bass are special and the more bass you own the more special you feel
How many basses should I own?
Me: Yes
Preach it brother love it
..
Johnny, you are a beautiful brother.
I perfer small scale instruments, now. Less fatigue. No stretching,especially nowadays!
Plus comfort.
How basses should someone own?
Freted
Fretless
Acustic
Hollow body
Upright
I've had 7 or 8 basses , I have 3 now but only one is my true love... all Kawai's
reddyfreddy ..sweet
I own 7 AND workin' on number 8 AND 9!
As a metaphor, one could argue the Old West adage that you should fear the old man who’s owned one gun his entire life more than the old man with an arsenal. There’s something to be said about mastering the axe you own over the course of a lifetime. That said, I can never claim to be immune to bass envy!
Great demo!! You have really touched on a really interesting subject. The number of basses that a person should own. I agree with you own as many as you can afford. And I also agree with you on the subject of the 'bass doesn't make the player',the player makes the bass!!
I love basses,but I don't have the room or the money or desire to own a great number of basses. I currently have three. 1.A Carvin LB75 Custom, an Ibanez BTB845,and 3 an Ibanez SR4000E (4 sting)and I love all of them and I don't think I want any more.
Johnny youre hilarious dude. Talk about being yourself. Nice work. I love your vids and I'm a guitarist.
some people (i heard this off david ellefson) say instruments have songs in them, you dont want to get tied into one instrument because you could pick up something different and find yourself writing something youd never have come up with on your regular instrument.
If you are talented like Johnny you can own them all because he does justice to the instrument. I suck but I own 3 guitars and wish I had my Les paul back but thems the breaks so to speak. With your talent you have some fine instruments . Geddy walked into a pawn shop and bought a fender jazz bass for 200.oo and he calls it his number one ,so much, that he wont travel with it because he cant find one that compares to it.
One less than after you send me your favorite. That many! Bam!!
I dont care how many basses you have .just take a fretless active 1 and play!!!! You are just great☺👍☑
Be the best you can be, you can only play one.
The best think about bass the tone comes from the fingers so 10 fingers 10 bass
How many? Just One ... more ;^)
Actually I have 9 but soon to be 6 ...
Will power !!!
KozmykJ .....u can do it...WILL POWER...LOL
I honestly love the basses I have, fender pj, custom hofner
As many as momma will allow!!! I'm at 10, But looking!!
I think you should own three basses- A P bass, Jazz bass, and a Stingray
I play P basses with a Jazz pickup in the bridge position so I can cover all tones. I get P, Jazz bridge, and blended sounds similar to a full on Jazz and Stingray.
Preach Bro !!!!
I have a 4 string, wich tunning is EADG and I have a 5 string in ADGCF, I play metal, but I love playing jazz and funk :))
It's all in hands of the players I suppose. The kids these days should look into Mr. Buddy Guy. Your doing a great service Mr. Long
HEY JOHNNY !! LOVE YOUR BASS INFO, WAS WONDERING WHATS YOUR OPINION ON SIRE BASS, FROM MARCUS MILLER COLLECTION, WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR OPINION ON THOSE BASS, THEY ARE EXTREMELY POPULAR NOW
The answer to this question is: "N+1-p" Where N is the number of basses you currently own and p is the bass(es) you haven't played for more than a year.
Let's count the ways.
Freted
Fretless
4 string
5 string
6 string
Hollow body
Piccolo
Acustic
8 bass in total. 8 bass. Anymore?
The true answer is infinite
N+1
my answer is 2... a P bass and a J bass... done, but currently I own 3😁
Notification squad. Keep it up man!
I got an upright, 4 string and 6 string. gets the trick done
Johnny Lee, how many basses do have? Alembic, Geddy Lee, RIC.....
you can play one bass on one time.. shara kaka >.
Wisdom! Love this channel.
I own 6! A 7th on the way!
Dude, the people that are concerned about all the basses you own (which I assume is why you made this vid) are just JEALOUS! (I can say it... you have to be political... You're a nice guy). But the fact is, they hate the player! (pun intended). Keep on doing your thing man.
I don't have enough fingers and toes
Nailed that one! $10,000 bass don't make the player better. Just more broke. Lol. Vise versa, $100 bass don't make a seasoned pro less a player. All on the player. Lol
Hey Johnny new sub here and i love your videos.I had a question, i am 45 self taught basses been play for about 20 years.I took a break for awhile and started playing for a cover band about 4 years ago.About a year ago i notice that my fingers started to hurt,on my left hand it where i hit the notes it mostly my first and second finger and on my right hand where i pluck the strings using my fingers again my first two fingers(i only use those two fingers) where now i am using a pick a little more often now.My band plays a lot,3 to 4 gigs a month and our shows are sometimes 3 to 5 hours long with breaks depending on venue..My question is,is it bad fingering techniques that lead my fingers to hurt or can it juts be arthritis?
QBN37 solo sorry to hear u r hurting...i would try a closer set up on my bass to relieve some of the tension..also rest your hands as much as you can..soaking them in Epson salt and warm water and alcohol after and sometime b4 a gig should relax the muscles
Thanks for the reply,and well start doing that..Thank you and SHADA KAKA to you sir..
Preach! "The Bass doesn't make the Player; the Player makes the Bass"! Buy yourself a cheap-ass bass. Learn to play it. Then upgrade to one that feels (and sounds) good to you.
I by myself own ONE at the moment and Later two... First i needed a allrounder so i did build me ONE 5string for the beginning. Later i will Build me a better 5string a 4 to and a fretless 5 and i will give my "old" one to the school i was in.
ANTWORTEN
This guy's 51-50 signed, "put him in a jacket" crazy, but damn if he aint wise
johnny lee, that'$ zactly why i handed over my 58 precision to my BOSSman aka SUN. he could make it sing much better than me!!! gave my one baby to the utter... NOTHIN like dah lQQk, "feel" and/er FULL SOUND aka THUMP of an early fender P..."G"!!! ;)
on and on and on and on
Should I own a beret like that?
Only if you can afford it.
So Johnny, you didn't answer the question: how many basses do YOU have?
Why would anyone feel the need to ask you or anyone else how many basses should they own? It's not so much about the bass making one a better player, it's more about each individual deciding that question for him or herself, based upon the combination of need, desires, and resources. I would also argue that playability is a major factor that should always be determined, before buying your first or your fifteenth bass. That determination can only be made by the player. If you are a cyclist would you ask someone how many bikes you should own? I doubt it. If you are a horn player would you seek someone else's opinion on how many trumpets, trombones, or saxes you should have? Hardly. Here's my point...If you actually think this seven minutes of babble is of any value to anyone as a bass player, beginning or otherwise, that begs a more serious question. The answer to which, I don't believe can be found on UA-cam! That said, I am more interested in your sharing meaningful information on playing the electric bass, its gear and equipment setups, and how those of us who take our music seriously can improve in technical skills and performance abilities. So far, I have seen very little of that content in any of your posts.
As many as my wife allows ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, but to her they all look the same