Hmmm, thought about this one a bit.
When at home, I imagine a certain sound for a given number. The ideal sound can vary between numbers, depending on style. However, on the day I like my sound to work in context to my situation. i.e.
- Two guitars. Add bottom end so the bass can be 'felt' more, as some guitarists tend to turn up their amps lower frequencies, which of course, can interfere with the bass' mids.
-Three peice. More mids, but not excessively so.
- More dance n' disco. Bottom end, but with some highs.
Perhaps the biggest influence is the sound of the instruments I'm playing with and the acoustics of the room.
Having said all that, if a new bass has materialised in my hands, my sound miraculously changes to reveal the best aspects of that bass.
Is this why I seem to keep on collecting basses ? If you have found your sound, do you stop buying other stuff ?
T