I've owned just four basses over a thirty year period. My first was a Kimbara Jazz Bass Copy, bought new sometime in 1977. A beautiful looking Jap copy with natural blonde finish and a great tone, but as I recall, very heavy. I had it defretted at some point, and eventually sold it some time in the mid to late eighties. I was then bassless for many years (my main instrument is piano), until about three years ago when I took a Peavey Milestone III from a Cash Converters for £50 including gigbag.
I'd forgotten how much fun playing bass was, and was soon re-converted to the cause. After a year or so, I decided I'd treat myself to a 'proper' bass, and started visiting music shops. It was only after trying a few that I realised how light the Peavey is by comparison - memories of lugging the Kimbara in its solid case came flooding back, and I resolved that any new bass would be no heavier than the Peavey's 8 lbs. Which is how I ended up buying a Fender Aerodyne Jazz, bass #3.
I kept the Peavey, as it was convenient to have two basses, one at home and one left at a friend's house where I played regularly. After another year or so of switching from one to the other on a regular basis, and using both for recording projects, I came to the conclusion that there really wasn't much to choose between them in feel or sound, and I realised that I actually slightly preferred the neck on the Peavey, which was also quieter for recording use. I sold the Aerodyne for about £20 less than I'd paid for it, and bought another Peavey Milestone III off ebay for...£50 including gigbag. So I now have 2 identical basses (except for the colour) for a total of £100. I have no plans or desire to buy another (well, maybe an EUB one day, when I've retired and have the time to learn it).
Loving them Peaveys!
E
