He's My Son, but........

[Barely Oakley]

At 10 yrs. old my son wanted to play bass so I bought him a nice short scale Vox Hawk IV for $150 on Ebay. The neck was super narrow like a guitar. It buzzed a bit even after setup but it was still nice. I sold it on Ebay for $600 and bought him a Jay Turser Beatle Bass. He really liked it but it, 'wasn't very traditional' looking so he started playing my $100 Rogue Bass (on sale for $79). It plays and sounds extremely nice for the price. He recently started playing my vintage pre-CBS Fender Precision and of course is hooked. Tonite is the first night I let him take it out of the house because his teen band is practicing for tomorrow nite's Battle of the Bands ($2000 is the winning take). I'm more worried than if my teenage daughter (which I don't really have) was going on a date with Mr. Tat/pierce on a Harley Hog (not that there's anything wrong..... Tomorrow I will be scanning GC, MF, and Music123 because even though he's my son, I don't want him taking it out of my sight until I'm dead. Is that selfish and materialistic. If you say it is I will disagree. :P

[Tommygunn]

Squier Classic Vibe

[Shovelbone]

Originally Posted by Tommygunn

Squier Classic Vibe

DITTO!!!!

[waynobass]

Originally Posted by Barely Oakley

He recently started playing my vintage pre-CBS Fender Precision and of course is hooked. Tonite is the first night I let him take it out of the house because his teen band is practicing for tomorrow nite's Battle of the Bands...

BIG mistake! You're too nice. He should be playing a cheap bass out.

[faulknersj]

I would fell exactly the same way man!!

[OPBASSMAN1994]

God. You must trust your kid a LOT. 0.0

I'm a teenager, and I wouldn't trust myself with a pre-CBS Jazz!!!!!

I wish my dad would trust me like that...

[Bredian]

You are correct. He won't appreciate it unless he earns it. There are many affordable good basses out there. I love browsing the used rack.

Of course, when I as a teen, I forked out $275 to replace my Capa Continental with a near perfect Stratocaster (before there were others). That was '73 and in '74 I traded for a Gibson ES335 'cause the guy (a pro band guitarist) wanted a more rock and roll axe. Either would be worth $2K+ today.

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Pick up another P-Bass; MIM, Road Worn, MIA, Squire, whatever. I wouldn't let the pre-CBS out unless it was with you.

[TheMutt]

I'd get him something similar to your bass and keep yours nice. I've had too many times where I've lent out stuff that came back in terrible condition. Scratches, chips, dings, rust. It's why I try not to lend to people who I know don't take care of their things. Not that your son wouldn't take care of things, but accidents do happen.

I wouldn't say it's materialistic, just treat it like your son was getting a car for the first time. He's a new driver. Do you give him the sweet classic car you've been restoring, buy him a brand new car, or get him something that's used and is reliable enough to get him around until he can afford a better car of his own? Personally, I shake my head at parents who buy their kids brand new luxury vehicles. I don't care how well-off they are, it's a better idea to get your kids something that they can learn on and that can get beat up and won't be a gigantic loss if its totaled.

[Konigstiger22]

I was raised to return stuff in better condition than when I got it. I would definitely let my son use my gear no matter what it was. I would also make sure he is respecting it and treating it well. If he does those things then I say let him rock it! I also agree with getting him something that is his style and that he can call his own and put his own mojo on.

[Holmann]

Count your blessings. There are 28 basses and 7 guitars in my house. My son is only interested in the drums.

[BillyIVbass]

1. You are a cool dad.
2. I'd get him something a little less important.

Accidents happen, you'll get mad, he'll get sad, it'd be weird.

[Downunderwonder]

^this is spot on

[skidrawk]

Originally Posted by Holmann

Count your blessings. There are 28 basses and 7 guitars in my house. My son is only interested in the drums.

My son is 10 and starting to keep a groove on drums. Was nice to play a song with him recently. Father, son rythm sections FTW.

[dogofgod]

Its a bass, play it.

If its your son and he loses the bass, well you will have a great learning experience for the two of you to share.

[ButtUglyJeff]

Used Road Worn...

I'm a dad and I get it, but I don't share my basses out of the house. So I ended up getting him his own American Standard P, and now he's not overly tempted...

[Caca de Kick]

Why not get him a used MIA 62RI. best bang for the buck, and they hold great value.

[Stilettoprefer]

Squier classic vibe!!!!! So great for the money!!!!! Also, the VM line is very good. My only problem with the CV's is the neck finish, it's polyurethane and THICK. Gets sticky with sweat.

[funkinbottom]

Originally Posted by dogofgod

Its a bass, play it.

+1..... It sounds like you and your son have a great relationship. Though nervous, you obviously trust him enough to take the bass.

You probably have that trust because you've instilled good values in your son. Your son with these values will more than likely show you much respect/responsibilty in that trust, and do everything in his power to treat that bass as the fine vintage instrument it is. I know accidents can happen. But they can happen as easily to you as your son.

I think it's absolutly a beautiful thing you do.

[TC2112]

Did it come home ok?

edit* and there is no way a pre-cbs P would leave my house without me with it, so you are an awesomely cool dad for even considering it.