If one of my kids learns to play bass well enough to do a fake book gig, they get my Series I.  Otherwise I have a few students or former students who would be candidates.

fmm:  wanna adopt me?  I can do a fake book gig.  And I can clean up after myself as well.

I think I'm not gonna worry too much about where my bass goes when I'm gone.  It will attach itself to someone appropriate, whether it be a virtuoso or someone needing the inspiration that bass provides.
 
There is a movie my little brother recommended to me some time ago called The Red Violin which chronicles the life of a gifted violin through the centuries.  I would like to think that 811952 would live a similarly magical/tragic/inspirational/absurd life as it gifts its muse to many unexpected lucky souls.
 
Olie - I hope you have more years ahead of you than you have behind you, and that you enjoy your custom for a long, long time..
 
John
 
(Message edited by 811952 on December 13, 2007)

The Red Violin is an interesting and enjoyable movie.  Some really nice music throughout.

I must say, this is quite a cool thread.  Here, we are talking about how we can touch others with our instruments themselves.  I would like to think that we all touch others with the music we make.  
At some point we will be gone. However, an instrument, expertly crafted, well cared for, and lovingly passed to another heart and pair of hands, will live on to touch yet another generation.
Rich

Yes, it's a fascinating idea that the instruments we play now will most likely outlive us and go on to (hopefully) inspire generations of players in the future. Quite a warming thought I feel. I wonder if I'll miss my basses when I'm gone?

After I die, I want my Alembic shot through a fist-shaped double-thumbed cannon over the beautiful lanscape of Owl Farm in Woody Creek, CO.

I've considered willing all my instruments to Alembic as I'm sure they'd find them all good homes...  But, what would they do with my Fenders???
 

Rami,
 
Your Fenders would be in high demand in the rockstar world!  Those could be the ones you hold auditions for..  ?  Or you could do a Sothby's auction and have the proceeds sent to the mothership for the Alembics for Music Majors program...  
 
John

I've told my boy that if he gets serious about playing, he inherits my collection.  If not, mom gets to sell it.  I imagine I will probably leave some special guitars to some special people.  However, I don't plan on this being relevant for a LONG time.
 
Will:
 
I was fortunate enough to attend a bar-b-que at Owl Farm last June where I got to jam with Jimmy Ibbotson of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Tommy Chong.  Hunter's widow, Anita, has retained everything unchanged.  I felt honored peeing in Hunter's toilet!  The place really has a very special vibe to it.  I get to do it all over again next June!  
 
Bill, tgo

As fine as they all are, let the children play.
They have always found it odd that I should have
so many. Pehaps the chance to just play them at
will like I grown used to,the instruments will
stay in the family, a hand-me down if you will.
It just might be the start of a new family custom
at our house. And if I don't get the chance, have
a happy and safe holiday.   NLP

Bill,
 
Your Owl Farm anecdote was great.  As an HST affecianado, consider me very envious of your time over there!

Will:
 
I am speaking at the annual NORML Legal Seminar in Apsen next June.  (NORML = National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws).  This is a 2 day seminar open to both attorneys and civilians (those that attend are usually anti cannabis prohibition activists).  About 100-150 people total.  On the afternoon of the second day, Anita invites us all out to the farm for a big bar-b-que and party.  If you (or anyone else on this site) are interested in attending, email me and I'll get you some more info.
 
Bill, tgo

I think my SJ would have to go to my buddy Jim.  He gave up fretted basses years ago, and only has fretless basses in his house.  I'd welcome the opportunity to give him a fretted bass that is worthy of the species.
 
Rick

So far the only bass that goes to anyone definitively is the Dragon Spoiler to my friend Joe. He was the one who set op the purchase for me and has been my friend since 1982. If he goes first he wants me to have all his electronics. Boards,Vdrums, amps etc. Whoever does handle my stuff when I go will have a bit of work to do.20 basses, 10 guitars, protools, macs, amp stacks, pa gear, etc. So much for Zen! I do think that I will be buried with one Alembic. But the fact that some other folk will get my stuff bothers me on so many levels. I can imagine some young skull full of mush ripping out the guts and putting in basslines! All because some guy in My Chemical Romance says they are the bomb.