Favorite....That's a hard one Rusty. I'd have to say a the moment it's still my SC Signature maybe because it's my first one and i can work it intuitively now and don't have to think much about getting to and from specific sounds. I think it will eventually be the series II once I can understand it.
The good all rounder and one I've used the most live is the Bocate Europa 5 because the combination of standard electronics in it, and the warm wood mixture in it makes it the easiest to blend into any band because unlike the two all maple basses, the high frequencies don't punch you in the face before the note mellows out. Plus most of my gigs now require that extra string.
I think I'm a 4 stringer at heart so my preference would always be to use one if the material on a gig doesn't require me to go below E. I really don't like carrying more than one bass to gigs unless it's a theatre or some other similar venue where there is good security.
As for which to play.
Reggae - Bocate 5 Europa
Anything requiring a lot of funky slapping or double thumbing... Bocate 5 Europa
Anything requiring a Fender Marcus Miller type tone... Bocate 5
Rock ( as i'm just discovering, Purple or black bass)
Anything from the 70's jazz/funk etc, jeff lorber, victor Bailey, stanley clarke, return to forever stuff etc and early 80's - SC Deluxe.
If there are TV camera's or other professional filming at the gig or if it's a premier venue it will be Series II hahah.
Sometimes I throw all that to the wind and pick the one I've been playing most prior to the gig or one that hasn't been played in a while
How do you decide which to take on your gigs?
All subject to change of course. .. :-)
Jazzyvee