Open Letter to all members looking for the "Best" bass, etc.

**Blackbird** · #1 11-18-2005, 07:32 PM

It seems that every now and then, a member feels the need to ask which is the "best" bass out there for them, if not the best bass of all, as if such a thing existed.

Beginners, of course, can be forgiven for wanting to start on the "right" instrument, and unlike us folks who started playing last century,

, they have a lot more choices, which makes sorting through it all so much more confusing.

So, let's make one thing clear, if not for all, at least for once: There is no such thing as a "best" bass! Think about it, if there were just one bass that blew all the others out of the water, would there be so many brands to choose from?

In order for there to be a "best" bass, everyone, without exception, would have to be exactly the same in every way: we'd all have to be the same build and height, have the same hand size and play the same kind of music with the same level of skill through the same kind of amp in the same kind of band. It doesn't take a genius to realize that this is impossible.

The market is flooded with all sorts of instruments of different configurations, materials, specifications and price ranges: 4, 5, 6, 7 and more strings, all sorts of scales, Fretted/ fretless/fanned frets and non, active/ passive electronics, acoustic/ electric/ bolt on/ neck through bodies with or without multiple wood laminations because we're all so different!

Knowing all these things, how can a person expect there to be one best, and believe a group of strangers on the internet will be able to pick one instrument for them?

Like the saying goes, One person's Wishnevsky is another person's Alembic. What works for one player might not work for another, although I think no one will disagree that a good musician is capable of picking up any reasonably well made instrument and make it work, and that's all any bassist, regardless of skill or style should really care about.

This is just one cranky guy's opinion, but it seems to me that folks who are obsessed with finding a "best" bass are relying too much on the instrument to get their sound for them. (I'm excluding posts that compare specific models listed for specific purposes, but even those have an element of "which of these will get my sound for me"?)

So, can we get a rest on these "best" threads?

End of rant, flame me, PM me, do what you will.

Fellow mods, sorry for all the extra work. Please move this to Miscellaneous if you feel it's out of place.

abngourmet · #2 11-18-2005, 07:36 PM

Ditto. Besides, everyone knows that Alembics are the best!

Just kidding!

XIbanez4lifeX · #3 11-18-2005, 07:43 PM

I agree, it is like asking what is the best flavor of ice cream or what is the best color to get on a car.

However when one has saved up $200-$1200 it really does not hurt to ask for a few opinions about a decent brand to get, but asking what is the BEST should'nt be the aproach.

gottawalk · #4 11-18-2005, 07:49 PM

Thank You.

chrisp2u · #5 11-18-2005, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XIbanez4lifeX

However when one has saved up $200-$1200 it really does not hurt to ask for a few opinions about a decent brand to get, but asking what is the BEST should'nt be the aproach.

True... however most seem to have been pretty well covered by now, unless it happens to be something completely new or really obscure. Often using the search will satisfy most inquiries if one takes the time to do so.
---
c

RLT · #6 11-18-2005, 08:21 PM

Blondes brunnette or redheads?

It's personal choice what you play. Where you play. And what the music you hear in your head sounds like.

Spector_Ray · #7 11-18-2005, 08:39 PM

There's one thing you forgot to mention and that is put your hands on it, touch it, play it, feel it and listen to it. If it sounds good, feels good and plays good in your estimation, then it's the right bass for you.

gottawalk · #8 11-18-2005, 08:40 PM

I love the way that this thread is right before the one that is:
"Does FENDER still make the best basses or are they just holding on to the past?"

bassteban · #9 11-18-2005, 08:43 PM

Mine is best.

But you can't have it.

tkarter · #10 11-18-2005, 09:02 PM

Really a person feels every bass they buy is the best. That is until they buy the next one. It then becomes the best.

Everyone should know you may buy a cheap bass and be happy. Once you start buying basses you are never done buying so get a good job to buy all the basses you think may be the best.

Find the best one and then save your money. Buy your great grand children something special.

tk

BassManPatsFan · #11 11-18-2005, 09:02 PM

right on, blackbird

mike_v_s · #12 11-18-2005, 09:28 PM

Well, thanks. I just had to delete my thread: "What's THE BEST bass for a 30 year old married father living in a tent city with a hernia and a dog who will be gigging real regular like in a craptastic funk-a-delic/rhythm-n-rock slacker-jazz trio with a heavy Fieldy influence?". I guess I'll have to go play a few basses.

Mike

tkarter · #13 11-18-2005, 09:33 PM

The best basses aren't for sale. They are owned.

tk

IotaNet · #14 11-18-2005, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackbird

This is just one cranky guy's opinion

Fair enough ... you're entitled. There also happen to be 31,999 other people here on TB who may or may not share it.

Just like folks can use the "Search" feature, you can choose not to click on the topics that make you want to rant.

And that's MY opinion.

- IotaNet

P.S. You have over 8,000 posts. Are you saying that you've NEVER asked for advice on a bass?

Funky Doctor · #15 11-18-2005, 10:06 PM

In a way only someone from where I come from can say, cheers mate.

d8g3jdh · #16 11-18-2005, 10:11 PM

hmmm, good post but i hope it doesnt dissuade people from asking for suggestions.

sticky?

**Blackbird** · #17 11-18-2005, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IotaNet

Fair enough ... you're entitled. There also happen to be 31,999 other people here on TB who may or may not share it.

Just like folks can use the "Search" feature, you can choose not to click on the topics that make you want to rant.

And that's MY opinion.

Fair enough ... you're entitled. There also happen to be 31,999 other people here on TB who may or may not share it.

Just like folks can use the "Search" feature, you can choose not to answer the topics that make you want to scowl.

Quote:

Originally Posted by IotaNet

P.S. You have over 8,000 posts. Are you saying that you've NEVER asked for advice on a bass?

Do a search.

Edit: Seriously, Your P.S. question is proof you've missed the point completely.

I'd hate to see the thread derailed because of this. Please reread my original post.

syciprider · #18 11-18-2005, 10:41 PM

You're right, the search for the best bass is over. MM has dual pup Rays now.

Showdown · #19 11-19-2005, 06:35 AM

I can't even decide which is the best bass of the ones I own....

Pickebass · #20 11-19-2005, 07:21 AM

Finally, the truth is known!! There is no "best" bass for everybody!!

However, I do think one of the best features of the website is getting feedback from people about their equipment and sound qualities of instruments they may never be able to play. There are many people who have bought instruments across the world because of real world experiences from players who use this forum to vent and rave about their instruments

Healthy debate is always good and like everything else everyone has an opinion. Oddly enough these threads usually spark the most talk. Personally I think if you don't like a thread don't respond or even read it... go past it.