So I have to stick with the Ashbo. Which is unfortunate in Gear terms, but probably better in Bass terms, as I reck Ashbory stops me getting out of control with complex things I can't play properly and people can't hear properly.
I would hold up as shining examples of this idea:
The Presidents (two and three string instruments with excellent sonic clarity)
Tony Levin's 3-string bass (Was built for Funk Fingers, but I think it burned in his barn fire.)
I remember a drummer telling me that a teacher of his had him only bring/use three pieces to a lesson as a way to get him to do more with less. This cropped up again later, since when I was in a band situation with a spoken word artist and we got a drummer involved we didn't want to drown out the speaker. I got the drummer I was working with to reduce to a snare drum and a ride cymbal and brushes. To his credit, he has turned into a very versatile drummer and does percussion stuff (congas, etc.) besides set drumming.
In a more Spinal Tap way, sometimes you can get interesting bass ideas from reduction. I have a short scale Kay that my wife removed the frets from that I sometimes tune all the strings to E. (2 low, 2 high.) It makes the sound very meaty, but it forces me to play a little more simply.
I also find that upright bass forces me to be more clear in what I say musically - but it would be teh suckorz with RSI.
