Talent vs expensive gear?

[JoshuaTSP]

I'm probably guilty of this , but....

What's with all of the n00bs with expensive basses?
I was browsing youtube, and it's just full of people with expensive basses, fancy rigs, and all that.....but can barely play two notes back to back.

What's the mindset?

(serious question, not a troll or flame thread)

[unclejane]

Originally Posted by JoshuaTSP

I'm probably guilty of this , but....

What's with all of the n00bs with expensive basses?
I was browsing youtube, and it's just full of people with expensive basses, fancy rigs, and all that.....but can barely play two notes back to back.

What's the mindset?

(serious question, not a troll or flame thread)

Oh no.... not this thread again......

LS

[Darkstrike]

Its a afford versus want deal, talent don't come into it.

Basically, if I want nice gear, and can afford it, why not?

I can honestly say my talent level ain't as high as my gear, but I don't care, as I love to play, and can afford the stuff, so I get what feels, looks and sounds good to me.

[stflbn]

Kind of like people driving a high end Lexus and living in a $2000 mobile home?

Priorities vs Expendable Income vs Logic

[Dr. Cheese]

Originally Posted by stflbn

Kind of like people driving a high end Lexus and living in a $2000 mobile home?

Priorities vs Expendable Income vs Logic

Why do we feel the need to make assumptions about people we don't know?

[Chansey]

I think someone put it best previously:

"You don't need to be a pro driver to drive expensive cars"

Pretty much the same deal when it comes to expensive basses and playing skill. There isn't much relation really. Plenty of expectations from other bassists when they see a fancy bass in your hands though.

Furthermore, a bass which inspires you with its playing and sonic qualities will encourage practice, which is never a bad thing. How much your budget is for such "inspiration", is another matter altogether...

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by JoshuaTSP

I'm probably guilty of this , but....

What's with all of the n00bs with expensive basses?
I was browsing youtube, and it's just full of people with expensive basses, fancy rigs, and all that.....but can barely play two notes back to back.

What's the mindset?

(serious question, not a troll or flame thread)

Why browse YouTube? TB has its own "Mediocre Bassists Club". Participants view membership as a badge of honor.

Me? I'm 51 and can afford it. If it makes anyone feel better, I started out with a Lafayette (remember them?) jazz copy. And like the other cavemen, I used to beat on it with rocks to make music....

....and I was thankful for those rocks!

Riis

[irishryno]

I have been playing for 4 years, and have moved my way up to a Geddy. My fist bass was a Squier kit, but I discovered it didn't have the tone I wanted. I then bought a Peavey Millinium AC BXP 4 string and got closer to the sound I wanted but discovered I didn't want an active bass. I looked at finding a passive with features I was learning I wanted. I looked at basses in the 1k - 2k range. I knew I didn't have the skill to justify that, but my desire to learn is high. I wanted a bass that I could grow into. I fell in love with the Geddy and bought it, saving that money and having a bass I could be proud of as well as would keep me motivated. So for me, it was about tone and expectation. Time has passed now and instead of buying a higher priced bass, I keep upgrading my Geddy. I would love to have a Sadowsky, Lakland, Roscoe, or other high end bass. But at my skill level I can't justify purchasing one of them. Besides we play once a month so I don't have need right now of that. As for all the other n00bs, I would have to assume that its an image thing, or maybe they have endless resourses, or even that they are fans of the gear. Either way, it's no ones concern but theirs as to how they spend their money.

[fullrangebass]

It's ok with me that those people take the time to post their axes along with their talent (at whatever level both their axe and talent may be). Plus they can afford it. (I just don't spend much time looking at that)

If I offer an analogy, how many drivers should be driving "inferior" cars (based on their driving skills and potential? How many people should be banned from posting cause they cannot express their thoughts in a meaningful way using great communication skills and an extended vocabulary? So, there is no reason for one to judge if they play some very expensive piece of equipment while they cannot really hold the groove. It's probably a good reason to start practicing instead of criticizing. There will always be players that be better than me. So there is always room to improve.

Plus a better bass has fewer limitations thus allowing for more (music) ground to be covered.

My .02

[bass12]

I've known some excellent players who just don't care that much about their tone. I've also known some guys who might not be the best players, but pay considerable attention to their sound. A lot of what I love about bass is the sound, and I'd rather hear a good sounding bass being played by a not-so-good-bassist than a crap sounding bass in the hands of someone who may be more technically proficient. Also, some people really enjoy the aesthetic aspects of an exotic top, flame maple fingerboard, etc. while others seemingly couldn't care less. Besides, I don't subscribe to the notion that beginners should play sub-standard basses. If you can afford it, buy something that's well-made and sounds good and you'll enjoy yourself a lot more. People used to ask me how I could "justify" spending so much on an expensive instrument (and this was not a criticism of my playing level) and I'd just ask them how much money they'd spent on alcohol that year (I don't drink much). That would pretty much end the discussion right there. For many people, it's simply a matter of priorities.

[Greevus]

It's constant GAS by reading this website.

[frogpond1]

I'll agree with a previous poster, if it makes you pick it up and play/practice then more power to ya. I also think that if your serious about learning it makes sense to buy a better rig that you can grow into. If you spend 300 for an intro package and then grow into a 1000 rig you've just spent 1300 for it. If you spend the initial 1k and keep at it then that's all you've spent barring string purchases of course.

On the other hand the intro level stuff has its place. Its good to gauge whether someone wants to really play or try it out and find its not what they really want to do. Read also parents trying to get their kids to play or the kids thinking they want to play.

[RTL]

I wouldn't consider myself talented enough to even touch the basses I own (and many of the ones I have owned), but, as mentioned above, talent is not a requirement to own something nice. If that were the case, there would be more out of work luthiers than there are musical instrument companies, and Ferrari would be bankrupt.

Furthermore, if everyone could realistically afford a really nice high-end handmade instrument, why wouldn't they get one?

Boutique basses are like ribbed condoms. They don't make you any better, but they sure make the experience more enjoyable.

[Darkstrike]

A great guitarist once told me, that even when learning you should have a good amp, to better hear your mistakes, so you can work on them, and a comfy axe, so you'll play more.

[irishryno]

never thought I would be pleased reading a condom analogy, but there ya go.
I like it and will use it later.

[lowdown3]

I am happy with my Fender MIM Jazz Deluxe....its active and I play it with my Fender 400PRO 2x10....I have had a $2400.00 bass and 2-3 $1500.00 bass guitars......Same with the rigs..If you have the money BUY it but its not going to make you play better....The sound comes from the soul to your fingers......The Soul makes the music the bass guitar just lets others here what you are thinking.......I play the blues with this rig all over town and some as well as the jazz band I play in....Thats my 13 year old sons Jackson King-V.....(Not a blues player)....




This is my American Fender Jazz bass and I do not play it at all....The MIM bass has a better feel as well as a better sound to it.....Just shows in MY opinion more expensive the bass does not always sound better or feel better.

[FL Knifemaker]

I'm just fine with being a better bass collector than player

[purfektstranger]

I think if you can afford it and it makes you happy then power to you. That said, there are probably a small number of players who think that by purchasing great gear, their talent will also increase. Of course that only comes through practice and natural ability. If it makes you happy and doesn't hurt anyone...do it and don't give a $hit what others think........

[voodoobassist]

Boutique basses are like ribbed condoms. They don't make you any better, but they sure make the experience more enjoyable.[/quote]

I just may have to sig this one!!!

[kenlacam]

Originally Posted by stflbn

Kind of like people driving a high end Lexus and living in a $2000 mobile home?

Priorities vs Expendable Income vs Logic

LOL so true!!!!!!!!!!!