I like this thread as it kinda helps to explain where I come from as a musician.
I started playing bass and did so for many years. We had a piano in the house, albeit a rather out of tune one but I loved the sound of it, mixing chords and melody seemed really cool. I've always had some sort of guitar about too, but for about 6 years i swapped out my bass gear and ended up playing lead guitar for a local (successful i guess) metal band.
So, to answer the OP: the epiphany I had when i realised i had to be a bass player was also that I still wanted to be all those other musicians condensed in to one also. The only instrument I would need would be my Shuker (either of em actually) - they are both designed for bass playing, but also ease if access to chords and melody. The choice of pickuos being perfect for clarity, harmonic richness and tone. The action spot of for speed but great percussive elements too. It took a long while to figure out what the balance of components should be, but i know that my bass will always be my chosen instrument!
yeah, where IS that 'wub' emoticon ha!