As I've often quoted (from a 2nd hand music store) "We don't talk about NEED around here
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Are high-end basses, amps and cabs really necessary?
- Thread starter SoulReflection
- Start date
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Nope. Neither are high-end cars, high-end watches, high-end fountain pens or McMansions. But if it makes you happy, and helps you feel "at home" then go for it!
With pro level Basses in $1500.00 to $3000.00 USD Range high end is different level depending on the desired bass in today's marketplace. Boutique or Custom well that's another thing all together but if you desire it buy it, play it, & enjoy the hell out of it.
As far as amps go I can't speak to modern gigging since I currently don't. But for home I sure do need one, do I need 1000 watts no but that still doesn't mean I won't buy the best amp and cab my money can buy.
There are no absolutes.
As far as amps go I can't speak to modern gigging since I currently don't. But for home I sure do need one, do I need 1000 watts no but that still doesn't mean I won't buy the best amp and cab my money can buy.
There are no absolutes.
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Are high-end basses, amps and cabs really necessary?
i'm not too picky about amps and cabs (i like what i like, mostly lightweight stuff), but,
regarding EBs:
i used to equate cost with quality re: EBs. but not anymore. too many experiences (with high-end, low-end, and in between) prove otherwise.
however, every bass player "needs" an instrument that floats-the-boat and invites playing/creativity. every player needs to play an ax that feels good to them. that doesn't require "high-end," of course, but folks who don't 'tinker' might want to rely on more costly solutions to end (or further) their 'quests'.
that cheapies are so abundant, and that many/most of them are quite good in this era, and that many/most of them can be made to be great = reduced my GAS (and pursuit of the 'best') to 0.000. i'm glad/lucky for the custom axes i've had in the past, but none of them performed better at that time than my "low-end" axes do now.
i voted "no" out of spite for all things "high-end!"!
but i did all that typing! 
TL;DR: never mind.
i'm not too picky about amps and cabs (i like what i like, mostly lightweight stuff), but,
regarding EBs:
i used to equate cost with quality re: EBs. but not anymore. too many experiences (with high-end, low-end, and in between) prove otherwise.
however, every bass player "needs" an instrument that floats-the-boat and invites playing/creativity. every player needs to play an ax that feels good to them. that doesn't require "high-end," of course, but folks who don't 'tinker' might want to rely on more costly solutions to end (or further) their 'quests'.
that cheapies are so abundant, and that many/most of them are quite good in this era, and that many/most of them can be made to be great = reduced my GAS (and pursuit of the 'best') to 0.000. i'm glad/lucky for the custom axes i've had in the past, but none of them performed better at that time than my "low-end" axes do now.
i voted "no" out of spite for all things "high-end!"!
but i did all that typing! TL;DR: never mind.
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I find decent gear does cooperate with me more, musically speaking.
You don't have to go all the way Anthony Jackson with a $30000 Fodera and Meyer PA speakers for your stage rig.
You don't have to go all the way Anthony Jackson with a $30000 Fodera and Meyer PA speakers for your stage rig.
skyline_01
Endorsing artist: Nordstrand Audio, Tsunami Cables
This is the direction I've been heading for a while now. I'm about 90% ampless with one of my bands and it makes things so much easier on load in/out, plus the clarity in the ears is pretty amazing even with so-so buds (I plan to upgrade them later). Game changer.
That being said, I still own higher-end cabs and amps (EA, EBS, Tecamp) and I don't plan to get rid of them anytime soon.
I can find all my technical/physical needs in $600-1200 categories and they last almost a lifetime. Anything above that is personal taste and I do own/love those aswell.
IEM's and good PA's don't create the legendary tones and sounds that inspired the playing that inspired us, the reader/player, to invest the time into this passion.
There will never be an audience of musicians following a band with great IEMS but quality guitars and amps played proficiently............
This is the direction I've been heading for a while now. I'm about 90% ampless with one of my bands and it makes things so much easier on load in/out, plus the clarity in the ears is pretty amazing even with so-so buds (I plan to upgrade them later). Game changer.
That being said, I still own higher-end cabs and amps (EA, EBS, Tecamp) and I don't plan to get rid of them anytime soon.
If you’re still playing some gigs through an amp/cab rig, it makes sense (having experienced the clarity of in ears) to try to get an am/cab rig that gets a little clearer if you can.
yes. they are.
also, sometimes they're not.
sometimes, someone thinks they are, but they are not.
sometimes, someone thinks they are not, but they are.
lots of people playing on inexpensive gear are limiting their potential in one way or another and don't know.
lots of people playing premium gear and think it makes a difference when anything will do.
also, sometimes they're not.
sometimes, someone thinks they are, but they are not.
sometimes, someone thinks they are not, but they are.
lots of people playing on inexpensive gear are limiting their potential in one way or another and don't know.
lots of people playing premium gear and think it makes a difference when anything will do.
You just vapor-locked my brain.
I have basses I payed $350, $700 AND $2,000 for. I love them all and they all get gig time. I guess the last is getting on the lower edge of high-end. I could do without it, but I don't have to, so I'm not.
My rig is quality Mesa stuff. It's more amp than I will ever really need with or without PA support. I sounds fantastic and I can count on it being reliable for a long time, so it's earned its home.
My rig is quality Mesa stuff. It's more amp than I will ever really need with or without PA support. I sounds fantastic and I can count on it being reliable for a long time, so it's earned its home.
100% correct
Tony James played Glastonbury this year, crowd numbered around 120,000 people.
His weapon of choice was a Gear 4 Music Chicago bass, retail price £129.
skyline_01
Endorsing artist: Nordstrand Audio, Tsunami Cables
Yep - if I can't commit 100% yet to IEM then I want to have the best open-air sound I can get.
Necessary no, but there's always something specific and nicer with high end stuff in my experience.
It plays better, sounds better.
It plays better, sounds better.
Are we done yet? Where’s the poll? Has anyone come up with an answer that isn’t YES or NO?
Anything you can’t buy at Sweetwater or Guitar Center?
Anything that costs more than a month’s paychecks?
Anything that less than 200 are made per year?
Anything you see used in live performance (in person, photo or video) that you‘ve never seen before?
