Where's the tipping point in bass prices?

[Munjibunga]

A lot of people, including me, think there's a price point at which the "bang-for-the-buck" drops off dramatically. For instance, you may believe that once you pay more than, say, $1,000 for a bass, you're not going to get noticeably better playability, tone, style, etc.

Another way of looking at it is that you don't get five times as much bass from a $10,000 Fodera over a $2,000 Fender. Let's try to avoid the classic "worth it" arguments here, and stick to mostly playability and sound. Looks, fit and finish are OK, too, but less than tone and playability. Let's talk about new rather than used.

For me, the number's going to be around $1,000.

[ggvicviper]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

A lot of people, including me, think there's a price point at which the "bang-for-the-buck" drops off dramatically. For instance, you may believe that once you pay more than, say, $1,000 for a bass, you're not going to get noticeably better playability, tone, style, etc.

Another way of looking at it is that you don't get five times as much bass from a $10,000 Fodera over a $2,000 Fender. Let's try to avoid the classic "worth it" arguments here, and stick to mostly playability and sound. Looks, fit and finish are OK, too, but less than tone and playability. Let's talk about new rather than used.

For me, the number's going to be around $1,000.

The peak torque of bass value eh? Since you said new, I'll say you're probably pretty accurate at $1000 Munji.

[noetical1]

For me it seems to go in increments of $600 for electric instruments.
So, a good workingman's bass would be $600 - $1200 ...

[onosson]

I think the "tipping point" would be somewhere between $800 to $1500...

[Jim Nazium]

I think it might be a little higher than that, but not much. Maybe around $1500 for a new bass. Peavey Cirrus, MTD KZ series, Fender American, Lakland Skyline, that sort of thing.

[blindrabbit]

Call me contrary, but some of my experience suggests a different view. I have a tough time distinguishing much difference between anything in the $300-$1000 price range or so. However, between $1000-$3000, it seems like there can be huge improvements.

Now, I don't know if I'd say the $3000 bass is 10 times better than the $300 one, but typically to me it is definitely better, and I would also say the same thing about the $3000 bass versus the $1000 bass. However, I can't always say that about the $1000 one versus the $300, and sometimes its the exact opposite.

As for over $3000(ish), that's out of my league, so I won't comment on that range.

[muzikman7]

$1500 for me also.

[hdracer]

I would say $2500 for a new bass.

[James_E]

IMHO somewhere above $1300 and just shy of $1500 I think, so let's call it $1400. You get into Stingrays/Sterlings at that point, Lakland 44-02s and also good Ibby Prestiges. You're at the Fender American Deluxe and AVRI prices around there too.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/4-str...catId=site1BAJ

[nostatic]

What ever I paid for my last instrument

[BIGEJ2]

For me its between $1,200 and $1,400. There are a ton of brands available in this range and playability / tone is pretty consistent across the board.

[spade2you]

SX basses are $11 and play like and sound like Fedoras.

[klaus486]

For me it's $2500. After that you reach the point of diminishing returns....

[jlepre]

$1500 for new, and $900 used. I haven't ever played a bass worth more than $2800.

[K-Frog]

$1000-$1500 lots of great options in that range that don't need any upgrading and rival most instruments costing considerably more.

I could argue for a little lower range (for my tastes) since i play a Lakland 55-01 and don't see the need to upgrade it from stock, though many do, which just puts you back into the afore mentioned range anyway.

[wshines1892]

I've never payed more than $300 for a bass. Would I spend more if I had the extra money? Maybe. I tend to shop used though, and I save my money until I find a good deal. I picked up a G&L Tribute L2000 this past week for $250 at a local pawn shop for instance. It is freaking sweet, and I've wanted one for a few years now.

Up until now I've owned a Squier Precision that was my main player, a Squier Jazz Bass, and an SX Jazz Bass. I also had a brief affair with a Warwick Rockbass and a MIM Precision, that I actually regret selling in hind sight.

Call me a cheap skate, but I'm also 20 and in college, so I feel like I'm entitled to it. The G&L is the nicest axe I've owned in my opinion, and it's everything I could ever want. I know, there's American G&L and even more boutique options and preamps, but I figure ignorance is bliss. I still like my Squiers, I'm not afraid to take them to even the shadiest of gigs, plus they can be wielded as weapons should the time come.

[K-Frog]

Originally Posted by spade2you

SX basses are $11 and play like and sound like Fedoras.

LOL!! some would seemingly sure try to convince you of that.

[ggvicviper]

Originally Posted by K-Frog

LOL!! some would seemingly sure try to convince you of that.

I can convince you they sound at least as good as hats, and I've never even touched one.

[nickbass79]

Oh boy! Another bass price thread.


End result=arguing and realizing again that its subjective.

[K-Frog]

Originally Posted by ggvicviper

I can convince you they sound at least as good as hats, and I've never even touched one.

hats?

I'm not knocking them, I've owned a couple and have 2 Squiers (low-buck)in the stable now, but they tend to be over-hyped.