are boutique basses really worth the $$$ ?

[instigata]

half the threads in here really do just end up opinion after opinion. and bashing of one persons tastes. at least 10 times a day someone has to say "if you can get the sound out of it and you like it, go for it"

and i'll reiterate this. its like a giant echo.

basically, if u can buy it, buy it. if you like it and feel its worth it, just do it.

obviously, you know that you won't be getting better as a player by buying a 3,000 dollar bass as a result of the bass itself. however, the drive to play and practice may increase if you have a more beautiful/better sounding/playing instrument to come home to.

also, a lot of times you just CAN'T get the sound your looking for from many basses. i have this problem with my ibanez. and thats the reason i'll be purchasing a dingwall. yes, im 17. yes, ive been playing only 5 years. but i have the money, and i plan to have bass as a hobby all my life.

and dingwall's ARE the sound in my head, currently.

so it'll be worth each and every penny.

 

[Planet Boulder]

I don't really know what qualifications it takes to be a moderator here on TB but I would guess some restraint and the ablity to see the other guys point view and the maturity to stay away from personal attacks would key to having that title. The moderator should enforce this tone in all forums. Take a look at your posts before you hit send and as a moderator, if you have not adhered to these standards, then don't hit the post button. If you feel that you must express this venom then perhaps moderator is not the right position for you. IMO

With all due respect, (and not that SMASH needs my defense) how, exactly, was he attacking anyone?

He made excellent points, some which may offend, I suppose, because they may differ radically from someone else's established point of view. Doesn't mean that he was "attacking" anyone.

Having read MANY posts by SMASH over the years, I can tell you that it is quite obvious that he "takes a look at his posts before he hits send" because his words are usually quite measured and well-reasoned.

Anyway, consider the topic itself - it is a contentious one to say the least. As such, you're likely going to see some posts which may (unintentionally) ruffle some feathers simply because of the nature of the opinions expressed.

Anyway, I hope I wasn't coming across too strong as that was not my intent. And I certainly don't think it was SMASH's intent, either.

(Apologies in advance, SMASH - I know you didn't need my defense. )

 

[Hambone]

Are boutique basses really worth it?...here's a good answer and reason to have one:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=231876

 

[bass-shy]

What a bunch of crybabies. If you like boutique basses, BUY THEM! If you don't like them, DON'T BUY THEM! Is any of this discussion actually helping anyone? I didn't think so. I have learned a lot from TB in the past, and some of it has contributed to a better understanding of our craft, hence making me a better player. However, all of the bickering and whining doesn't help anyone. Before anyone hits the "Submit Reply" button, they should ask themselves: Am I actually contributing anything? Now go play your bass and forget about the price tag already.

 

[Brad Johnson]

Yep, that helped.

 

[BurningSkies]

Are boutique basses really worth it?...here's a good answer and reason to have one:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=231876

Hambone, you're right.

My one 'boutique' bass is an example of this. I've mentioned a couple little things in passing about it, and each time the builder has taken the time to contact me and offer to change/alter the instrument. The issues were not design or build problems, but more issues of 'circumstance' or little personal preferences.

That's the 'hidden' advantage of having a high end instrument.

 

[smperry]

Truly, if you're reading venom into my posts I suggest it's all on you. There was and is no venom behind them whatsoever. I haven't the slightest bit of ill will against anyone who buys anything at any price for whatever reason. I truly couldn't care less and if I did I'd be a major hypocrite. I have, however, stated clearly what I do take issue with and I made refuting points which largely, if not wholly, have been altered or gone unaddressed by those who made them.

Simply, if someone isn't of the belief that all pricey/boutique/whatever basses are "better" in looks/sound/etc then my posts had nothing to do with them and we likely even agree on this topic.

So it goes, and I'll leave it at that.

Please feel free to reply here, or PM me, or report to moderators anything I have said that appears to be a violation of forum rules.

What if I find that fancy woods make zero difference to my playing and tone? What if I feel most of them look silly? What if I don't like active electronics or $1500 inlays? What if I find that lessons and practice make exponentially more difference in my playing and tone and ability to get paying gigs than a smaller neck gap (or whatever failings people kid themselves that all sub-$2000 basses have)?

I might then still like to have something costly, but I won't pretend I need it or go on with all manner of weak rationalizations (not saying your post is, but many are).

I'm not of the belief that more $ necessarily equals better. I have and have had expensive and cheap basses that did and did not work for me. So possibly we agree on this topic (I've never spent anywher near $2k on a piece of gear), but your posts strike me as judgmental...and that's not to say no one is the same way with non-boutique basses.

No venom? Even though most to you look "silly" (or "ridiculous" as you stated in another post)? Even though you imply that people with boutiques don't see the importance of practice and lessons? Even though you refer to a vague group of people that have weak rationalizations in buying a +$2000 bass? Or worry about their money management skills?

Maybe your aim is to be instructive (as your posts usually are), but they seem like oblique put-downs to me, and possibly others here. That's not a big deal IMO but maybe you can see how some are reacting.

Marshall

 

[bass-shy]

Well said SMASH. These are the reasons that he is a moderator.

 

[Ryan L.]

I have my own opinions on this, but I think it is rather pointless to even bother posting them here.

This argument can go on forever, as it seems that there is no right or wrong answer to this. But, it is not going to go on here any longer. Way too much slamming going on.

PM me if any of you have a problem with this.

Closed.