$1000+ for Indonesian basses?

[bigdaddybass12]

(Part bass humor). I was looking at a Lakland skyline that is close to $1k. I remember reading where a couple of TB guys calling indo made basses “musical firewood”! So, spend $1k for indo bass or USA Fender? I can’t say I am a big Fender fan, sold every one I have owned, but spend $ for a USA bass? (Just a reminder, bass humor!!!)

 

[BGroovy]

Check out the new Dingwall SP1 - $2,500 and Made in Indonesia.

Country of manufacture doesn't dictate quality.

 

[bigdaddybass12]

Country of manufacture doesn't dictate quality.

Yes you are right! I have a $299 indo bass that holds its own! That is why I put the “ “BASS HUMOR” alert in the post!

 

[BGroovy]

Pretty soon we'll be talking about how $2k import basses are cheap! Inflation heading our way on imports.

 

[Gervais Cote]

(Part bass humor). I was looking at a Lakland skyline that is close to $1k. I remember reading where a couple of TB guys calling indo made basses “musical firewood”! So, spend $1k for indo bass or USA Fender? I can’t say I am a big Fender fan, sold every one I have owned, but spend $ for a USA bass? (Just a reminder, bass humor!!!)

Fender USA for me then !

Oh, wait, is it "plecked in Chicago" Indo bass ?!

 

[Ric Vice]

I think we’ve just about run out of third world countries to exploit. Although, recently there were some Brazilian basses at NAMM. Personally ,I think the used market is a wonderful place to buy a bass. Practically every bass I own or have owned I bought used. Just my take however,

 

[bigdaddybass12]

I think we’ve just about run out of third world countries to exploit. Although, recently there were some Brazilian basses at NAMM. Personally ,I think the used market is a wonderful place to buy a bass. Practically every bass I own or have owned I bought used. Just my take however,

Yes on used. I think the last new bass was a $299 ray4 in 2019! I like used, the neck has had some time to calm down or flip out. I buy used only from GC. I have taken 3 back! The Lakland I am looking at is an individual has for sale.

 

[Carl Hillman]

I think we’ve just about run out of third world countries to exploit. Although, recently there were some Brazilian basses at NAMM. Personally ,I think the used market is a wonderful place to buy a bass. Practically every bass I own or have owned I bought used. Just my take however,

Neither Indonesia nor Brazil can be considered Third World countries these days.

Brazil has the 10th highest GDP in the world, and Indonesia's economic growth rate is double that of the United States.

 

[beaglesandbass]

I believe the Ibanez Premium Soundgear basses are made in Indonesia. I’d put my SR2605 against any American made bass with confidence.

 

[tremor100]

I got my Skyline PJ a few years ago after loving my Lakland from decades ago... I didn't realize they changed the factory, the old one was made in korea, and the newer one in Indonesia. The wood on my fingerboard is amazing rosewood that almost looks like ebony but the fretjob was laughably bad for a bass of the price it was and the paint wasn't very well done with a few air bubble or the color coat wasn't adequetly sanded... so yea i would say the build quality im not super thrilled with, it sounds pretty great but that prob has more to do with just the pickups and hardware being good lol.

 

[shirojiro]

It is shocking how nice Indonesian made instruments are these days.

My Sterling Ray 34 is not just nice for the money, but it's a really nice instrument.

The really crazy thing is how nice this old SX Fretless Jazz bass is. They sold new for about $100. I can't get over how easliy it plays and how great the tone is.

 

[definenredefine]

Personally ,I think the used market is a wonderful place to buy a bass. Practically every bass I own or have owned I bought used. Just my take however,

This. I don't think I've bought a new bass since my first bass in like 1996.

 

[Cadillac_Mike]

USA Fender for 1k?? That's a fun throwback to 2014 lol!

 

[bass-shy]

The last new bass I bought was an Indonesian ESP LTD Surveyor '87 in white. I went to the shop fully expecting to leave with a Fender American Performer that day. Played both side by side and the Surveyor was the winner by a landslide. Cost significantly less than the Fender, too.

Retail on those LTDs is about $1k now but I think that is still a good deal for an excellent bass in a very competitive market segment.

 

[bordinco90]

I've been gigging lately with a $200 Indonesian Ibanez GSR100EX. My bandmates love the tone of the single humbucker. It's an inexpensive bass, not cheap. The fretwork was great out of the box and the bass plays great. I have owned and played Warmoths, MIA Fenders, and Premium Ibanez's in my band as well and my bandmates love the tone of the GSR. Amazing instrument for not alot of $$$.

 

[BGroovy]

The new Tobias Growlers are made in Indonesia and I’m hearing great things about them. Sounds like they still carry the super unique quad coil electronics.

 

[Hawk620]

I can justify paying $1000 for a quality instrument built in Indonesia much easier than I can justify $7000 for a Fodera built in NYC. I'm not putting down Fodera as much as I'm limiting the price I'd pay for excellence. I won't play or sound 7x better on that Fodera than I will on those I own and play now.

 

[ViperTim]

To be fair the “Made in USA” is only a stamp of quality inside the US.
For the rest of the world it’s a stamp of inferior quality.

I’d rather spend $1k on a well built Indonesian bass or guitar than $3k for a Gibson with lesser quality than a Chibson.

Isn’t it like MIJ?
Japan was considered poopie quality in the 70s-80s when they were built.
But today MIJ guitars are sought after because they are really well built. Not all of them but many.
My MIJ Washburn is a really high quality piece of equipment.

 

[Hawk256]

I live in Indonesia. There are some very talented builders here and the ones that do work at a factory are highly respected and good at their jobs. All of my top basses are Indonesian. Imagine your wood choices in Indonesia alone.

 

[Makten]

It seems that most Indonesian instruments are of far better quality than any Fender from the 70:ies, that sell for thousands of dollars just because they are old.