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Are gibson basses really that trendy?

#2
I'm not sure about the trendiness of Gibson basses. If anything, I thought Fender basses were trendy since they pop up just about anywhere throughout time. Plus, the only Gibson bass that I've seen used out of most of their models are the Thunderbird and SG bass, but compared to what most bassists use these days, it would be safe to assume more than 60% of all bassists don't even own/play a Gibson bass. Epiphone Thunderbirds, on the other hand, pop up every now and then.
 
#3
true that pbnj Bassist ...i own a 90's les paul bass black(simlar as one being sold on bass's for sale section) with bartolini pick ups and preamp feels good,sounds good and gets a good punch and growl!
 
#9
JeffBTZ said:
Maybe I misread this. Isn't something that pops up anywhere throughout time kind of the opposite of a trend?
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I guess, but that would most likely fall into the perception of an individual's. For those that know of Fender's or Gibson's [rich] history, it's a timeless classic. For those that don't, it's a "trend". I'm sure most are familiar with those certain individuals that, every now and then, say something closely related to:

"Man, what's with all these Fenders? It's like everyone plays them now!"

Then again, remember that trends, especially in clothing, fall in and out every now and then. This doesn't mean instruments are safe from this either. Have an idol sporting a pre-existing model from 40 years ago, and sales will jump for that brand and model, resulting in a trend.
 
#10
PBnJBassist said:
I'm not sure about the trendiness of Gibson basses. If anything, I thought Fender basses were trendy since they pop up just about anywhere throughout time. Plus, the only Gibson bass that I've seen used out of most of their models are the Thunderbird and SG bass, but compared to what most bassists use these days, it would be safe to assume more than 60% of all bassists don't even own/play a Gibson bass. Epiphone Thunderbirds, on the other hand, pop up every now and then.
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+1

"Trend" alludes that something is commonplace.
 
#12
PBnJBassist said:
I guess, but that would most likely fall into the perception of an individual's. For those that know of Fender's or Gibson's [rich] history, it's a timeless classic. For those that don't, it's a "trend". I'm sure most are familiar with those certain individuals that, every now and then, say something closely related to:

"Man, what's with all these Fenders? It's like everyone plays them now!"

Then again, remember that trends, especially in clothing, fall in and out every now and then. This doesn't mean instruments are safe from this either. Have an idol sporting a pre-existing model from 40 years ago, and sales will jump for that brand and model, resulting in a trend.
Click to expand...


I think in the bass world Fender & Gibson are considered differently than in the guitar world. You're right. Fender basses are iconic and very popular. However, most Gibson offerings were no where near as successful as what Fender produced. It seems that owning a Gibson bass (one that did not sell well due to different reasons) is cool now because it's different from the status quo Fender. That's what I think makes them trendy.
 
#13
madbassplaya said:
I think in the bass world Fender & Gibson are considered differently than in the guitar world. You're right. Fender basses are iconic and very popular. However, most Gibson offerings were no where near as successful as what Fender produced. It seems that owning a Gibson bass (one that did not sell well due to different reasons) is cool now because it's different from the status quo Fender. That's what I think makes them trendy.
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Well, unfortunately, Fender just popped out during my previous comments since it was the first one I could think of. Granted, going against the grain if it was strictly Fender vs Gibson, I could see Gibson being "trendy" in that aspect of "not doing what everyone else is" thing. Let's just call a spade a spade and say Gibson basses are cool (in general). Trending? Maybe not. Then again, I'm not sure what's the "hottest" instrument right now is. One of the many downsides of finding what you love and ignoring everything else :crying:
 
#14
PBnJBassist said:
Well, unfortunately, Fender just popped out during my previous comments since it was the first one I could think of. Granted, going against the grain if it was strictly Fender vs Gibson, I could see Gibson being "trendy" in that aspect of "not doing what everyone else is" thing. Let's just call a spade a spade and say Gibson basses are cool (in general). Trending? Maybe not. Then again, I'm not sure what's the "hottest" instrument right now is. One of the many downsides of finding what you love and ignoring everything else :crying:
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I get what you're saying.

In my area, Fender P bass is the standard. Gibsons and Ric's are trendy and "different"
 
#20
I've been waiting for a Victory Custom to pop up for the right price lately.....:o
Plus, I've got mega GAS for a Ripper in anything but natural. :love:

So trendy means, a whole bunch of people in a couple specific genres are snapping up Gibson basses (or just RDs and grabbers?) and playing them at the amatuer to semi-pro level?
I can't really think of any bass players in decent bands that play Gibson basses.....minus that guy from the Young Widows, Gene Simmons (not sure if he does anymore), and the guy from the Band in the Last Waltz.........but I think the last two don't count. Gene may have contributed a lot of the Gibson bass love today. :)

Are all genres self regulating when it comes to image (look, stage presence, instruments, etc....)?
As in, a certain style starts to appear from an amalgamation of similar influences, within a scene?
 

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