[phangeaux]

If I had only one choice it would be an upright acoustic bass. Otherwise I have an early Japanese made Fender Squire P-Bass which I am very happy with. As I recall they began making those in 1987 The early Japanese Squire P-Basses (mine is from 88-89) are rated about equal to the American made P-Basses from what I have read. I can't afford a vintage or new Fender or other expensive brand.

My objective is songwriting/composing rather than performing so anything that plays reasonably well and I like is good enough.

I would like to be a good bass player but I haven't taken the time to work on it yet. I spend too much time on the computer for the past few years, music related, but that will change soon and I'll spend most of my time working on music.

I had a couple of decent basses in the past- first being a brand new metallic blue Gibson EBO (single pick-up) circa 1966-67 which had an SG body style. My last bass before the Squire PB was a 1969 (first year) Gibson Less Paul Studio Bass which I gave away about 5 years ago, thinking that I wasn't going to play guitar anymore. (doh, where was my brain) I wish I still had it because those are for recording and can emulate alot of different bass guitars. It needed some electronic work and I hadn't got around to fixing it and playing it. It found a good home in Memphis though

I was originally going to post in the 'other instruments' section where bass was being put down and under rated and I was going to emphasize how essential and important it is, especially when played well.

To expand horizons and increase appreciation for bass, I would suggest listening to a good jazz radio station once in awhile and pick up on the bass players. Most are playing acoustic upright bases and these guys can set down some beautiful grooves with some far out work on the fretless fingerboard. I think you'll get a much greater appreciation for the bass after hearing some of these guys play. That is usually what I like most about Jazz, listening to the bass players.

That reminds me, I think I would love to have a fretless bass guitar.