No not at all. Enjoy what you have. One day you may feel like you want something more expensive if not then be happy and make some music.
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Just keep playing with what feels "right". At two years or so of playing, you are still finding your sound. Technique defines a huge chunk of your sound (I don't want to say 90% otherwise it will start a separate thread by disagreeing TB'ers). Try different basses out as you get a chance and let the right bass come to you. Some more expensive basses have better hardware, electronics, woods, construction, but the differences become exponentially smaller.
My favorite all time favorite bass was a beat-up Gibson that was bought dirt cheap at a local store when I first started playing. It was like I found my soul mate - tons of mojo. Of course 20 years later I sold the thing to some guy on the west coast after I got fed up with the quirks, dead spots, and electronics. I miss that bass and would love to play it again for a day, but undoubtedly I am sure that I would get annoyed with the same issues as before (same as your fave old girlfriend).
My favorite all time favorite bass was a beat-up Gibson that was bought dirt cheap at a local store when I first started playing. It was like I found my soul mate - tons of mojo. Of course 20 years later I sold the thing to some guy on the west coast after I got fed up with the quirks, dead spots, and electronics. I miss that bass and would love to play it again for a day, but undoubtedly I am sure that I would get annoyed with the same issues as before (same as your fave old girlfriend).
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No, True. When I bought my Alembic 6 string fretless (first 6 string and first fretless ... talk about jumping into the deep end of the pool!) it was WAY too much bass for me. It took about a year until i felt like I was playing that bass rather than that bass playing me.
No, True. When I bought my Alembic 6 string fretless (first 6 string and first fretless ... talk about jumping into the deep end of the pool!) it was WAY too much bass for me. It took about a year until i felt like I was playing that bass rather than that bass playing me.
Uhmmm. Define "expensive" and "necessary."
You can find a new bass that sounds amazing for around $200. My local luthier suggests that high quality components can be had for around $800. Anything more and you are paying for paint, name, fad etc.
Is it necessary for you? Doesn't sound like it. Could it be necessary to someone else. Very likely.
I mean, technically none of this is necessary.
Excellent topic. This hasn't been argued in at least a week. 
You don't want, or can't afford an expensive bass? Don't buy one; problem solved! Quit passing judgment on those that DO want/need one.
You don't want, or can't afford an expensive bass? Don't buy one; problem solved! Quit passing judgment on those that DO want/need one.
Advertising tries to tell you what crap to buy.
Radio tries to tell you what music you should like.
TV tries to tell you what women should look like.
Talkbass suggests you buy all kinda shpendy basses, amps, cabs, effects and accessories.
Buy what you like and what works for you and your budget.
Ignore the Noise.
Radio tries to tell you what music you should like.
TV tries to tell you what women should look like.
Talkbass suggests you buy all kinda shpendy basses, amps, cabs, effects and accessories.
Buy what you like and what works for you and your budget.
Ignore the Noise.
In the world of owning basses, we're all missing out on something. Really, it's a rabbit hole that goes forever. Don't sweat the name on the headstock or the dollar sign attached to the name. A bass is either good, or bad. What makes a good bass differs by person. If it feels good and sounds good, it's a good bass.
Do you need to get tones that you can't get out of your current rig for live shows? My guess is that if you have live sound problems, the proper first step is to "fix" everything else in the chain. Do you need a different tone for a studio session? Most studios have a P kicking around and if they don't, odds are you can rent a bass for cheaper than buying one.
When it comes to basses, you don't need any specific one, unless you do. God help ye when that happens.
Do you need to get tones that you can't get out of your current rig for live shows? My guess is that if you have live sound problems, the proper first step is to "fix" everything else in the chain. Do you need a different tone for a studio session? Most studios have a P kicking around and if they don't, odds are you can rent a bass for cheaper than buying one.
When it comes to basses, you don't need any specific one, unless you do. God help ye when that happens.
And the people who buy them.
To the OP - every bass I ever bought was a response to what I felt was lacking in previous basses I owned. If you don't find anything lacking in what you have now - you're good. If you think something is missing - enjoy the quest.
Excellent topic. This hasn't been argued in at least a week.
You don't want, or can't afford an expensive bass? Don't buy one; problem solved! Quit passing judgment on those that DO want/need one.
Did you read the same thread I just did?
If so, could you point to where the argument is (I see everyone making a point, but not arguing)?
At the same time, could you point me to where those who buy them are being judged?
To the OP, you need a different bass when the one you have doesn't do what you want it to (note, it doesn't do it, not that you can't do it). Please note also that I said different, price is irrelevant.
(Oh, and your bass is not bad at all, it just may not suit everyone).
Gaolee
Official leathers tester and crash dummy
Not uppity. It's fun to drive a Ferrari. Or so I'm told. I also think it's fun to flog an old VW just as hard as you can. The most expensive and the cheapest all have their place.
And, of course, you need one more of each.
That and also because he said it was the only bass he could find that didn't look wrong given that he had to play it backwards as a lefty. And yes it was not expensive.
Of course an expensive bass is necessary. 
Seriously, though...play whatever feels and sounds good to you. However, if you plan on being a studio musician, be aware that you pretty much can't go wrong with a standard, passive Precision Bass and a standard, passive Jazz Bass. These are the sounds upon which the entire recording industry has been based since 1957, when the Precision reached its current form. Even the Music Man StingRay isn't going to be regarded as desirable to the same extent for session work, since it is considered to have a even more distinctive sound.
Engineers all over the world know what to expect out of a Precision or Jazz.
To purchase an equivalent to either of my two current basses today would cost over $2000 USD. I think most people would regard that as "expensive", though there are much more expensive instruments out there.
Seriously, though...play whatever feels and sounds good to you. However, if you plan on being a studio musician, be aware that you pretty much can't go wrong with a standard, passive Precision Bass and a standard, passive Jazz Bass. These are the sounds upon which the entire recording industry has been based since 1957, when the Precision reached its current form. Even the Music Man StingRay isn't going to be regarded as desirable to the same extent for session work, since it is considered to have a even more distinctive sound.
Engineers all over the world know what to expect out of a Precision or Jazz.
To purchase an equivalent to either of my two current basses today would cost over $2000 USD. I think most people would regard that as "expensive", though there are much more expensive instruments out there.
No.
I saw horrible player with 5000 bucks stuff.
And awesome players with a Squier Affinity and a cheap amp.
Cant buy talent.
I saw horrible player with 5000 bucks stuff.
And awesome players with a Squier Affinity and a cheap amp.
Cant buy talent.
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