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A personal insight on Fender popularity...

stflbn

stflbn

May 10, 2007
9,273
72
Nashville
artdroid.com
#1
I just added these thoughts to another thread, but I thought it might be 'interesting' to get others thoughts on the philosophy.

These comments are regarding the general outlook on people suggesting Fenders if for no other reasons than because 'many people play them and I play them' or 'look at how many people play them, so they have to be the best option'.

(And yes, this is horribly twisted... read it slow and let it sink in, then read it again.)

Could... Possibly... it be that people use them because other people use them, so those people who use them use the fact that other people use them to suggest for others to use them, and on and on and on and on and on to the point we are today?
Meanwhile many people use the fact that so many people use them to warrant why they're the best option for others to use them, when in reality just maybe the most people use them simply because the most people use them? Hence many more people suggesting others use them just because they use them, which everyone knows makes a bass the best bass option simply because YOU use it regardless of why you use it. Even if you initially started using it just because someone else who used it told you that you should use it also.


Just my thoughts. The same thinking can be applied to music, other gear, cars, etc. Basically anything that started because there may have been little other viable option at the time, then a fan-base starts suggesting it for few reason others then because they use,have,listen,drive, etc.




.
 
#3
If that's the case, how did Fender get started being popular? I think they make great sounding basses, and the only way to really nail the sound on almost all early influential rock and pop records is with a Fender bass. Why do you think so many "boutique" luthiers make their living copying Fender designs? Your point on trying gear out for yourself is well taken, but you've taken it to the "Does everybody wear pants because everybody else wears pants?" extreme!
 
#5
ok you seriously need to smooth out your post, but i get your meaning. maybe there is that placebo effect where you play one, and thinking of all your bass heroes you go hey this is awesome when maybe its just ok. i dont know, personally i like the sound of my fender jazz a lot. to each his own.
 
#7
I think many people suggest them for two reasons...

1 - they're very basic, and easy for people to use

2 - they have the brand name recognition that is comforting to most players

That being said, I own 4 fenders (guitars and basses) and my other basses are all designed off of or as direct competitors to Fenders.
 
#8
People buy them for the same reasons a huge portion of population still eats toasts for breakfast while bagels and cereals are also available:
a) You know what you get everytime.
b) Everyone does it.
c) It's readily available.
d) You can use the bread for many purposes (see French toasts = boutique jazzes ???:ninja:).

Basically, people buy Fenders because they are a household name and they perform well. This is the same for cars. When Hyundai first entered the market, they were unreliable and cheaper than domestic cars: not a lot of people bought them. Now, they are as reliable, if not more, and still cheaper than some domestics, so more people buy them.
 
#9
Greyvagabond said:
If that's the case, how did Fender get started being popular? I think they make great sounding basses, and the only way to really nail the sound on almost all early influential rock and pop records is with a Fender bass. Why do you think so many "boutique" luthiers make their living copying Fender designs? Your point on trying gear out for yourself is well taken, but you've taken it to the "Does everybody wear pants because everybody else wears pants?" extreme!
Click to expand...

they got popular because they were the ONLY option.
 
#14
Just a comment, not trying to put myself in the line of fire... It seems like most of the people who would defend Fender to the death would do so because they have been playing them for so long (e.g. "I've been playing them for 40+ years and they've always worked fine for me). But realistically, 40+ years ago what else was there? I'm sure there were alternatives, but Fender was the big one that everyone wanted.

I have an SX P/J, and I love the simplicity of the design, and I love playing it, but I would NEVER own an instrument that said Fender on the headstock. I look at a P-bass the same way I look at an old Ford from the 1950's: "Wow look at that neat old thing, look how far we've come since then."

IMO, the only thing fender has changed in the past 30 years is the price. There are many cheaper better basses. However, to each their own.
 
#16
I am not a long term Fender guy, and I will say they just work great. I don't think they have all the bells and whistles some basses have, some which are great others which people abuse and honestly don't help things out.

I think the sound of a p bass sits right on top of a kick drum perfectly, and mixing wise that is a no brainer on how well things fit. and a passive jazz has a great bite to it that on one flavor is the predecessor to a lot of modern sounds, yet definitely needs no help in sounding great.

And finally, you have to ask yourself (not anyone specifically), whether you understand the difference between people who play them for the excellent tool they are, and the people who choose them not to look like a tool.
 
#19
ErebusBass said:
Just a comment, not trying to put myself in the line of fire... It seems like most of the people who would defend Fender to the death would do so because they have been playing them for so long (e.g. "I've been playing them for 40+ years and they've always worked fine for me). But realistically, 40+ years ago what else was there? I'm sure there were alternatives, but Fender was the big one that everyone wanted.

I have an SX P/J, and I love the simplicity of the design, and I love playing it, but I would NEVER own an instrument that said Fender on the headstock. I look at a P-bass the same way I look at an old Ford from the 1950's: "Wow look at that neat old thing, look how far we've come since then."

IMO, the only thing fender has changed in the past 30 years is the price. There are many cheaper better basses. However, to each their own.
Click to expand...

I've tried many new basses, and many take off's on the Fender designs and none of them feel or sound as good to me.
But as you said, to each their own.

P.S. FWIW, the violin, double bass, cello, etc remain unchanged for how long now?
 
#20
Jonyak said:
they got popular because they were the ONLY option.
Click to expand...


Correct, which starts the snowball rolling.


And just FYI... I've NO problem with people choosing or playing fenders. And I COMPLETELY understand and honor the value of a P or J bass to someone who makes their living off of their playing. However waaay to many times i've found people suggesting them either just because 'tons of people play them' or because 'it was my first bass, and I own one'. This is a "entire industry" thing more than a TalkBass community thing. TalkBass has it's own issues, benefits, and problems.

I've not said people shouldn't buy Fenders, or that people are stupid for owning them. The core of it is that "I" feel people should put more emphasis on playing what is right for them and getting the most out of that preferred item. Questioning positions on things does not make anything wrong, stupid or defamatory.

Just different people's outlooks.
 

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