Gaolee
Official leathers tester and crash dummy
Dammit! Somebody shoulda told me that before I got married! I could have skipped the looks and brains and gone for the gold. Shoot! Another opportunity missed...
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A genuine question for bassists...
- Thread starter jg919
- Start date
Dammit! Somebody shoulda told me that before I got married! I could have skipped the looks and brains and gone for the gold. Shoot! Another opportunity missed...
i'm 24 and have very little cash.
obviously that means i have to make extremely considered purchases when i buy new gear. one day i'll be buying the high-end stuff but i intend to keep it reasonable
3 basses + the 2 i have and a nice amp is where i'll draw the line. space is a luxury in the UK, too, so i can't have a bass room.
obviously that means i have to make extremely considered purchases when i buy new gear. one day i'll be buying the high-end stuff but i intend to keep it reasonable
3 basses + the 2 i have and a nice amp is where i'll draw the line. space is a luxury in the UK, too, so i can't have a bass room.
mancefine
Guest
- Jul 7, 2013
- 255
- 64
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Orange Amplifiers and Spector Basses
Really like your question. I see how much gear some people have and wonder how the heck they can afford it.
I'm 25 and have been playing seriously since 16. I have owned probably every model of head and cab ampeg makes, as well as a number of Warwick's, Spector's, and Fenders. I was in multiple bands where I basically worked a labor intensive job which paid maybe 10-12$ an hour so I could play shows and tour. I had nice gear but I was always chasing the gear dragon because I would spend a ton of money on a bass or head or cab when I had money, then have to sell it or downgrade when I didn't.Like you, I look at some of the pictures on TB where people post their 14 different 1970's Fenders that you could sell and buy a Cadillac, and I wonder "how the hell do you people afford all this stuff?!"
Push came to shove when I was 21 and I was left jobless, with no bass, as my rig quickly downgraded from SVT Classic and 810. Sold the svt classic for a GK and cash, then it was the 810 for a peavey 410 and cash. My nice Spector turned into a MIM P-bass and cash. Then that rig went to the pawn shop. It was a vicious cycle.
Finally, I finished college and got a decent job at 23. I then started working my way up and now I have a great career job with the state of Texas. Just got married, no kids, but I do kind of have a sense of urgency as I know once kids come my band life will slow down alot. Anyway, once I got a good job I started playing again and found I loved being in a band way more with a good job. Practicing all day every day is fun and all, but worrying about your livelyhood cancels out any fun you may have. To answer your question, once I started playing again I bough a decent Fender and craigslisted a rig. Then once the band I joined got really serious we started picking up endorsements and I got a nice Spector again, then a full Orange stack. I am extremely happy with my tone and know I won't be flopping my bass or rig ever again. I may add to it, but will not part with it. IMO, you are best off buying your main components for your primary rig (bass, head, cabs) new so that you will always be able to contact the manufacturer and get help should something happen. Anything beyond that (vintage gear obviously, pedals, secondary basses or amps or cabs) can be craigslisted or ebay'd. That's where I cut corners. There are a few bassists out there who are cool with one bass and one amp, but I think there are alot of folks that are always chasing the gear dragon. In other words, they want an SVT classic thats $1700 but they only have $1000. So instead of getting the classic, they get a 4 pro they find for a grand. The 4 pro, while new to them and an ampeg, sounds OK for a while but after a few months they don't like it and sell it for $800 if they are lucky and get a GK, when they should have just saved all the money until they could have bought the SVT classic. Same with basses and cabs. The moral of my long winded post? Save up and buy your dream bass, head and cab. Even if it takes 2 years. Don't settle just to have something NOW, because then you may never have enough to get that dream rig. There is a difference in spending money on one awesome rig and bass you really want and spending all your money all the time to have EVERY bass and rig you could ever dream of. That can teeter on being financially irresponsible, depending on your income.
I'm 25 and have been playing seriously since 16. I have owned probably every model of head and cab ampeg makes, as well as a number of Warwick's, Spector's, and Fenders. I was in multiple bands where I basically worked a labor intensive job which paid maybe 10-12$ an hour so I could play shows and tour. I had nice gear but I was always chasing the gear dragon because I would spend a ton of money on a bass or head or cab when I had money, then have to sell it or downgrade when I didn't.Like you, I look at some of the pictures on TB where people post their 14 different 1970's Fenders that you could sell and buy a Cadillac, and I wonder "how the hell do you people afford all this stuff?!"
Push came to shove when I was 21 and I was left jobless, with no bass, as my rig quickly downgraded from SVT Classic and 810. Sold the svt classic for a GK and cash, then it was the 810 for a peavey 410 and cash. My nice Spector turned into a MIM P-bass and cash. Then that rig went to the pawn shop. It was a vicious cycle.
Finally, I finished college and got a decent job at 23. I then started working my way up and now I have a great career job with the state of Texas. Just got married, no kids, but I do kind of have a sense of urgency as I know once kids come my band life will slow down alot. Anyway, once I got a good job I started playing again and found I loved being in a band way more with a good job. Practicing all day every day is fun and all, but worrying about your livelyhood cancels out any fun you may have. To answer your question, once I started playing again I bough a decent Fender and craigslisted a rig. Then once the band I joined got really serious we started picking up endorsements and I got a nice Spector again, then a full Orange stack. I am extremely happy with my tone and know I won't be flopping my bass or rig ever again. I may add to it, but will not part with it. IMO, you are best off buying your main components for your primary rig (bass, head, cabs) new so that you will always be able to contact the manufacturer and get help should something happen. Anything beyond that (vintage gear obviously, pedals, secondary basses or amps or cabs) can be craigslisted or ebay'd. That's where I cut corners. There are a few bassists out there who are cool with one bass and one amp, but I think there are alot of folks that are always chasing the gear dragon. In other words, they want an SVT classic thats $1700 but they only have $1000. So instead of getting the classic, they get a 4 pro they find for a grand. The 4 pro, while new to them and an ampeg, sounds OK for a while but after a few months they don't like it and sell it for $800 if they are lucky and get a GK, when they should have just saved all the money until they could have bought the SVT classic. Same with basses and cabs. The moral of my long winded post? Save up and buy your dream bass, head and cab. Even if it takes 2 years. Don't settle just to have something NOW, because then you may never have enough to get that dream rig. There is a difference in spending money on one awesome rig and bass you really want and spending all your money all the time to have EVERY bass and rig you could ever dream of. That can teeter on being financially irresponsible, depending on your income.
Late 40's here. I own four basses...three that I use and one that is retired. I love gear but have other financial obligations. I would love to own higher end basses but I have to draw the line. What I have is great to me and does what it is supposed to. Funny thing...when I was a drummer I never had much GAS. I could play on a kit and be happy for years. Switched to bass and it all changed. Everything I see I am curious about and many things I see, I want. As others have said, play what you can afford and enjoy it.
Old guy with no money. Used to have a good job, good money, bought cool stuff. Still have most of it. Don't imagine being able to afford the like again, so I'm keeping it at least until the dump runs out of stew rats.
You have great equipment, enjoy this time of your life and to heck with what anyone else may or may not have! 
Family obligations take priority, but just keep everything in balance and you'll be fine!
Myself, I'm in my early 40s, great job and income (particularly in this economy), but my priorities for the most part are putting my three kids through college with minimum student loans, therefore my hobby money is limited and has been limited for some time.
And yeah, my hobby money is split among several interests, mostly music related, a "little" on my six string acoustics (yes I play guitar, mostly noodling and the occasional local "Old Time" jam
) and of course my playing bass in local bands, the most recent being my Blues/Rock band.
Primarily I play a $225 Precision standard through a $300 Ampeg combo. That simple rig has carried me VERY well through two bands, several recordings and demo cds, some great live shows, lots (AND I MEAN LOTS) of great times with great musicians -even some somewhat famous ones
- and does so with a great tone that I can be very proud of, and does so with minimal fuss.
I also have a few other basses and amps and amp heads and misc stuff laying around also.
My oldest son graduated college last year, and is now gainfully employed and has taken over his own car insurance and contributes a little toward groceries and such, and that has REALLY helped the household bottom line, so it helps me see some light at the end of the tunnel (FINALLY!)
Two more kids to get through college, but yeah I've already started making my "bucket" list of "stuff" I want to finally get for myself as i approach empty-nested-ness.
Musically speaking it includes either a pre-cbs or brand new Fender Custom Shop Precision, a NICE all tube amp of some sort for special occasions.
Anyway, do the best you can with what you got, and ENJOY this time.
Family obligations take priority, but just keep everything in balance and you'll be fine!
Myself, I'm in my early 40s, great job and income (particularly in this economy), but my priorities for the most part are putting my three kids through college with minimum student loans, therefore my hobby money is limited and has been limited for some time.
And yeah, my hobby money is split among several interests, mostly music related, a "little" on my six string acoustics (yes I play guitar, mostly noodling and the occasional local "Old Time" jam
) and of course my playing bass in local bands, the most recent being my Blues/Rock band.Primarily I play a $225 Precision standard through a $300 Ampeg combo. That simple rig has carried me VERY well through two bands, several recordings and demo cds, some great live shows, lots (AND I MEAN LOTS) of great times with great musicians -even some somewhat famous ones
- and does so with a great tone that I can be very proud of, and does so with minimal fuss.I also have a few other basses and amps and amp heads and misc stuff laying around also.
My oldest son graduated college last year, and is now gainfully employed and has taken over his own car insurance and contributes a little toward groceries and such, and that has REALLY helped the household bottom line, so it helps me see some light at the end of the tunnel (FINALLY!)
Two more kids to get through college, but yeah I've already started making my "bucket" list of "stuff" I want to finally get for myself as i approach empty-nested-ness.
Musically speaking it includes either a pre-cbs or brand new Fender Custom Shop Precision, a NICE all tube amp of some sort for special occasions.
Anyway, do the best you can with what you got, and ENJOY this time.
I work 50-60 hours weekly (nights) at a job I hate. It's just my wife and I, no kids. I don't drink, smoke, gamble or use drugs. ALL of my disposable income is spent on musical gear. When my tax refund arrives in the spring, I hit ebay and look for the items I've lusted after throughout the previous year. Due to the otherwise boring, yet fiscally responsible lifestyle, there's enough in the kitty to afford lots of toys. Last year was a 2004 Fireglo 4003, two days ago I bought a '78 fretless 4001 which hasn't arrived yet. The best part is, if you drink, smoke, gamble of do drugs, you can't sell the results later to get different items, I can.
Interesting. I have acquired gear over the decades that I am now selling. Most of the purchases were a variation of the Tone Jones. Just wanted to try something new. Most of it sat in the closet until I am now selling it.
The joke was that people would mention that I had pro level gear.
I would reply most pro musicians couldn't afford this kind of gear.
It was a hobby and the gear was fun.
But there's more to life than material goods. If your gear works it becomes a situation of "If it's not broke why fix it."
The joke was that people would mention that I had pro level gear.
I would reply most pro musicians couldn't afford this kind of gear.
It was a hobby and the gear was fun.
But there's more to life than material goods. If your gear works it becomes a situation of "If it's not broke why fix it."
Back when I was playing EVERY week 2-5 times a week, I had 4 basses, 3 heads, and 4 cabs... All quality stuff. Ampeg, Mesa, Ernie Ball, Yorkville (yes It was one of the best heads I ever owned) Fender, Schroeder...
But I started out small. I had a crap job but was single. I bought USED stuff, much of it here. I began trading, upgrading, refining. I found what suited me best and began to focus on that.
These days I only play at church. I hadn't really played in almost 2 years until back in January, so a lot of it had been sold off when my wife wasn't working.
When I started playing again at church, I realized the gear I had left wasn't really working for me... so the last month has been a frenzy of buy and sell.
In the process I got my dream bass, bought NEW which I never had a new bass before, and a NEW cab as well. The cab situation was more of me not being able to find what I wanted used... but I don't regret it.
OLD gear sold was:
Music Man Bongo 4H
Mesa 410 Powerhouse Cab
Mesa M6 Carbine Head w/tuner and furman in case
Ibanez Acoustic/electric
NEW gear gotten in return (with 200 left over)
Ernie Ball Premiere Dealer Network exclusive Emerald Green Sparkle Stingray 4HH
Breedlove Atlas Acoustic Electric (w/ hardshell case)
Custom green velvet lined Stingray case (sold my new oem one)
Ampeg SVT 212AV
Mesa Walkabout
All the gear I just acquired was BRAND NEW with the exception of the head, which was used, and was traded for here on talkbass for my old M6. The Stingray I got at the Perfect Bass, which got me the Breedlove for FREE.
The Ampeg Cab was bought at Sam ash, where I traded my Mesa cab for the same price as I had listed for sale here on talkbass.
Anyway, I'm a broke guy who just got lucky, did a lot of trading, and waited for good deals. The above is just an example of what you can do if you take advantage of used gear, crazy deals (like a free bass from a major dealer) and are smart with stuff.
Sorry for the rambling...
But I started out small. I had a crap job but was single. I bought USED stuff, much of it here. I began trading, upgrading, refining. I found what suited me best and began to focus on that.
These days I only play at church. I hadn't really played in almost 2 years until back in January, so a lot of it had been sold off when my wife wasn't working.
When I started playing again at church, I realized the gear I had left wasn't really working for me... so the last month has been a frenzy of buy and sell.
In the process I got my dream bass, bought NEW which I never had a new bass before, and a NEW cab as well. The cab situation was more of me not being able to find what I wanted used... but I don't regret it.
OLD gear sold was:
Music Man Bongo 4H
Mesa 410 Powerhouse Cab
Mesa M6 Carbine Head w/tuner and furman in case
Ibanez Acoustic/electric
NEW gear gotten in return (with 200 left over)
Ernie Ball Premiere Dealer Network exclusive Emerald Green Sparkle Stingray 4HH
Breedlove Atlas Acoustic Electric (w/ hardshell case)
Custom green velvet lined Stingray case (sold my new oem one)
Ampeg SVT 212AV
Mesa Walkabout
All the gear I just acquired was BRAND NEW with the exception of the head, which was used, and was traded for here on talkbass for my old M6. The Stingray I got at the Perfect Bass, which got me the Breedlove for FREE.
The Ampeg Cab was bought at Sam ash, where I traded my Mesa cab for the same price as I had listed for sale here on talkbass.
Anyway, I'm a broke guy who just got lucky, did a lot of trading, and waited for good deals. The above is just an example of what you can do if you take advantage of used gear, crazy deals (like a free bass from a major dealer) and are smart with stuff.
Sorry for the rambling...
