Should I Buy a New Bass?

DasClyde · #1 07-04-2011, 08:15 PM

Hmm, Talkbass! Should I buy a new bass?

I've been playing a Schecter Stiletto Custom 4 string for almost 6 or 7 years now and I haven't had anything else. I recently graduated college and got my first job and now I have this thing called money (can be traded for basses!). I stepped away from using a 100 watt practice amp as my main and got a real rig. Now it's possible that I can get a new bass because payday and my birthday are coming up. That means I'll have money and an excuse to spend it on myself. I suspect I should probably grab myself a nice axe before I have to use my money on real life things. The only catch is that my Schecter is just fine. I just had it set up and it plays better than ever. Its not as if I'm chuggin away at an old wal-mart bass. I'm not even an actively gigging musician (trying to get my band to be more active). The only reason I'm considering this is that I WANT a new bass. I can see two possible route right now: buy a new bass or buy myself some effects. I've been toying with a BP200 multi-effects box and I know what I want.

So TB, what do you think?

msb · #2 07-04-2011, 08:19 PM

Get one of those Squiers everyone is raving about .

Nobody · #3 07-04-2011, 08:23 PM

effects

redhed · #4 07-04-2011, 08:24 PM

YES!!! One should always buy a new bass.

ChasBass · #5 07-04-2011, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redhed

YES!!! One should always buy a new bass.

+1

Or a used Bass!

DasClyde · #6 07-04-2011, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChasBass

+1

Or a used Bass!

Of course by new bass I meant a used bass form the TB classifieds or the local independent shop...The savings on buying used are intense and most TBers have quality instruments for great price. I've been stalking the classifieds several times daily.

Tomkiss · #7 07-04-2011, 08:30 PM

I recommend Fbass but i'm kind of biased since i own two and have a third on the way...lol

Dr. Cheese · #8 07-04-2011, 08:40 PM

You are in great shape because you actually like the bass you have already!

You know you do not need another bass, but getting something else while it is easy to do so makes sense.

Take your time and think about what you want, save up, and buy it. Avoid financing, credit, and above all, trading in the bass you have. Way too many bassists get rid of basses they like, and they never get that exact connection again.

Have fun looking!

leonche64 · #9 07-04-2011, 08:45 PM

I vote for effects. It will bring out your creativity and keep you interested. A new bass is fine, but you already have a bass, so that will be a lateral move at best. Get effects and explore the sonicsphere.

darkstorm · #10 07-04-2011, 08:48 PM

Id get an nice effects unit like the one you mentioned. If you get a new bass, it should be at least as nice as your schecter. Either same level or above. The squires are diff below it imo.

boristhespider9 · #11 07-04-2011, 09:04 PM

Of course you should get a new bass. The answer is almost always yes to that question. And, get what you really want. Whoever is suggesting a Squier is nuts. If you want to get something worthwhile, spend some of your newfound money on an American-made instrument that you can envision playing for the long-term. I'm partial to Music Man USA Sterlings (not "Sterling by Music Man" budget instruments), Music Man Stingray Slo Specials, Fender American Standard Jazz basses and Lakland USA instruments (Joe Osborn 44-60). The Laklands are super-expensive, but the Music Man axes are awesome, affordable, and US made.

And the Schecter may play fine, but does it satisfy you psychologically? Do you want a bass that is comfrotable to play, sounds awesome and has some cache (sorry, but Schecters don't have much cache in my eyes)? If so, get something awesome and US made.

nogoodwithnames · #12 07-04-2011, 09:17 PM

Yes, you should buy a new bass! I've never played a single gig and I have 5 of them. Haha. That want of something new seems to be a sickness for me.

And I just so happen to have a brand new stiletto extreme 5 for sale in the classifieds right now.

kander · #13 07-04-2011, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DasClyde

Hmm, Talkbass! Should I buy a new bass?

I've been playing a Schecter Stiletto Custom 4 string for almost 6 or 7 years now and I haven't had anything else. I recently graduated college and got my first job and now I have this thing called money (can be traded for basses!). I stepped away from using a 100 watt practice amp as my main and got a real rig. Now it's possible that I can get a new bass because payday and my birthday are coming up. That means I'll have money and an excuse to spend it on myself. I suspect I should probably grab myself a nice axe before I have to use my money on real life things. The only catch is that my Schecter is just fine. I just had it set up and it plays better than ever. Its not as if I'm chuggin away at an old wal-mart bass. I'm not even an actively gigging musician (trying to get my band to be more active). The only reason I'm considering this is that I WANT a new bass. I can see two possible route right now: buy a new bass or buy myself some effects. I've been toying with a BP200 multi-effects box and I know what I want.

So TB, what do you think?

Do yourself a favor and stay away from this site for awhile and then ask yourself if you need a new bass. I know from experience that after reading many posts/comments here that I find myself wanting another bass even though I would have no use for one.

Dr. Cheese · #14 07-04-2011, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boristhespider9

Of course you should get a new bass. The answer is almost always yes to that question. And, get what you really want. Whoever is suggesting a Squier is nuts. If you want to get something worthwhile, spend some of your newfound money on an American-made instrument that you can envision playing for the long-term. I'm partial to Music Man USA Sterlings (not "Sterling by Music Man" budget instruments), Music Man Stingray Slo Specials, Fender American Standard Jazz basses and Lakland USA instruments (Joe Osborn 44-60). The Laklands are super-expensive, but the Music Man axes are awesome, affordable, and US made.

And the Schecter may play fine, but does it satisfy you psychologically? Do you want a bass that is comfrotable to play, sounds awesome and has some cache (sorry, but Schecters don't have much cache in my eyes)? If so, get something awesome and US made.

The man said he liked his Schecter, why suggest it may not be fulfilling? Any bass you can name doesn't do it for somebody. I guarrantee you that as much as you like your Music Mans, many swear they are one trick ponies, and won't touch them.

I do agree, however, that he should buy a really nice bass that will be worth keeping long term.

KrisWarrington · #15 07-04-2011, 10:21 PM

You already answered your own question:

"The only reason I'm considering this is that I WANT a new bass."

sigmafloyd · #16 07-04-2011, 10:39 PM

I say yes! Just buy one. Looking back on that first job out of college, I have no idea where that money went. If i had bought a new bass I would remember. I lived with my parents for a year and was making a decent salary. I would say buy yourself something nice, doesn't matter if you *need* it or not. Congrats on the graduation

Wayne1167 · #17 07-04-2011, 10:56 PM

Im saving up for an Ernie Ball Musicman.

TombassCaton · #18 07-05-2011, 03:58 AM

buy a schecter 5 string?

carlos840 · #19 07-05-2011, 04:02 AM

The answer to this question is ALWAYS YES!!!

Longhair · #20 07-05-2011, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kander

Do yourself a favor and stay away from this site for awhile and then ask yourself if you need a new bass. I know from experience that after reading many posts/comments here that I find myself wanting another bass even though I would have no use for one.

Words to live by