Are high-end basses, amps and cabs really necessary?

[jeffb28451]

To me???

Well, I like them, but bet my Wife and 99/100 people other folks other than other bassists would ever tell the difference out front.

 

[B String]

Well... just list the instrument you love the feel and sound of, and see if you can elaborate on these. These entries could turn into verses. The depiction of touring with these instruments could evolve into a refrain. (And the album? You could consider dedicating instrumental tracks to each of these instruments, playing the "title instrument" in the way that you love to play just that one. Could result in tracks that really grab the listeners.)

PS: I may use this idea myself. As I have never been even a semi-professional musician, I may resort to my fantasy.

Sidebar: one of my stronger musical memories of some 35 years ago happens to involve a bass. In a band with certain sources of older Dutch repertoire I used to play the 6-string banjo for rhythm. However, I thought that playing the bass (a vacancy) might be more useful. One evening, we found ourselves performing on the seashore with a thunderstorm approaching. And I played one of by basses, likely through a cheap (but portable) guitar amp. At that location (Den Helder), there were no dunes, only a dyke. The power cord of my amp ran (with extensions) from the "beach" across the dyke, a little road and a backgarden to some private power outlet. We stopped playing when the rain had arrived.

The bass I "love" is my 1960 P bass. It taught me how to play the electric bass. All my other basses are mainly for work, although the Nordstrand "Cat" bass is just a bunch of fun to play, as well as being a killer sounding instrument. I think in my last post I forgot to list my 64 Jazz bass, and ad that my main (workhorse) is a 2004 Fender Am Dlx Jazz 5 with Nordstrand pickups and pre. Carey also reshaped the neck a bit. A wonderful "workhorse".

 

[lokikallas]

“Hi end” is a loaded term , luxury market might be appropriate. A working man’s gear doesn’t have to be a luxury item.

 

[micguy]

Keep in mind that the listening audience is not getting anywhere near the sound quality you are; and I’d bet they think it sounds pretty good. I’d also bet most of them don’t know the difference between the big guitar and the little one, so trained ears aside, who is hearing all those subtle tonal difference besides you, and is it important enough to be concerned about? If you enjoy it, that’s all that really matters so if that's the case then keep on keeping on.

Well, the whole band is hearing me (and themselves) on in ears. If the band sounds better, then everyone on stage is a little more excited to be there, and you know what that does? It means the band plays better, and the singers sing better. And that... the audience definitely notices.

It may not translate 1 to 1, but better is better.

 

[Polfuste]

Absolutely yes! I love my very expensive US Laklands and vintage Fenders. They sound, play and look great; it’s inspiring to play them!

This is one of the key: Inspiring. There is certainly some psychological part effect here, but a real effect. The contact and feeling with the instrument is very important. I feel better and play better on my "high end" bass than on my wife's Squier jazz, which is a good bass too.

 

[Slevage]

Amps-yes.
High end instruments-not necessary, but I’m happy to own one along with my Squier.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

I’m in the camp that for a gigging musician a high-quality amp or PA setup is more important that a high-end guitar or bass. However, a quality instrument can make all the difference in player enjoyment, especially when starting out.

Personally, I can enjoy playing any instrument so long as it can take a setup, provide some good tones, and the neck plays well. I’ve achieved this from Squiers all the way up to Modulus basses costing several thousand.

 

[Bass Ape]

Yes and no because high end is totally subjective on your own means. 30 years ago I spent everything on gear I could afford, which was not much. That was high end to me, even though most of my stuff could be considered crap, it did not stop me from rocking and enjoying playing.

 

[fhm555]

Well, the whole band is hearing me (and themselves) on in ears. If the band sounds better, then everyone on stage is a little more excited to be there, and you know what that does? It means the band plays better, and the singers sing better. And that... the audience definitely notices.

It may not translate 1 to 1, but better is better.

So absent IEMs your band just phones it in? In that case I can see the need rather than the want.

 

[Kaa]

Here's how I look at it......I have a modest rig - Squire Jazz, Schecter Omen, Rumble 500 and a few pedals. For me, a great set-up, really loving the new Squire. I went to a Steely Dan Tribute show not too long ago...well known band, incredible musicians. The bassist had a Fodera 5 string Monarch, and a Bergantino Forte head with a matching 2-12" cab. It was truly one of the best bass sounds I've heard - so full, rich, creamy and pulsating. Just beautiful. It just made me appreciate the sound, and high level equipment that was on display. I'm sure there are a few of you out there that have a Fodera/Bergie set-up...to that, I say congrats!

How the hell did this get past the mods?

 

[Kaa]

Just as a side note, even low-budget basses are pretty good nowadays. I have 2 that I'd not hesitate to bring to a bar gig. Both are about $200 including new flats. Eh, one may be more like $225.

 

[SoulReflection]

Just as a side note, even low-budget basses are pretty good nowadays. I have 2 that I'd not hesitate to bring to a bar gig. Both are about $200 including new flats. Eh, one may be more like $225.

My Squier Jag SS is a good example.

 

[micguy]

So absent IEMs your band just phones it in? In that case I can see the need rather than the want.

Seriously? That's your response? No, we don't "phone it in", because we do our best to be positive about whatever situation we end up in.

 

[fhm555]

Seriously? That's your response? No, we don't "phone it in", because we do our best to be positive about whatever situation we end up in.

Sorry, you said with IEMs your band is more likely to play better and your singer to sing better.
If I misunderstood, my apologies.

 

[micguy]

Sorry, you said with IEMs your band is more likely to play better and your singer to sing better.
If I misunderstood, my apologies.

I said that hearing things better does make you (the royal you - everyone on stage) play a little better - it does. I didn't imply that not having the best circumstances meant that we give up on trying to do the best we can - nobody I play with takes that approach.

When there are distractions - the guitarist is too loud, you can't hear yourself or the singer well, no matter how good you are, some of your energy is spent dealing with distractions. You can still play very good music, but it isn't absolutely the very best you can do. When the distractions are removed, you can get in your flow state, and the music can be transcendent - assuming you did your homework and are prepared.

I don't know if you've ever had that kind of experience, but part of getting there is figuring out all the little details (prep habits, gear, instrument setup, etc) that get distractions out of your way. IEM's are a part of that formula for me.

 

[DWBass]

Keep in mind that the listening audience is not getting anywhere near the sound quality you are; and I’d bet they think it sounds pretty good. I’d also bet most of them don’t know the difference between the big guitar and the little one, so trained ears aside, who is hearing all those subtle tonal difference besides you, and is it important enough to be concerned about? If you enjoy it, that’s all that really matters so if that's the case then keep on keeping on.

This. Only other musicians care what gear you're using. The average music listener could give a rats patooie what you're playing or how much it costs. My current Lakland and an Ibanez I bought in the mid 90s are the only pieces of gear that cost me more than $500. Bought some stuff (Markbass LMIII, GK MB200, Eden 2x12 cab) here or locally. Found my Spector Legend Classic in a pawn shop for $240. Put together a rack rig for a total of $250. Bought my 2 GK Neo 112's when they less than $400 each new. Paid $200 new for a Peavey 112 cab. Paid $200 for an Ampeg 1x10 cab. It's all been 100% reliable and sounds good. Not a single complaint from any band I've been in. Nothing but compliments.

 

[fhm555]

I said that hearing things better does make you (the royal you - everyone on stage) play a little better - it does. I didn't imply that not having the best circumstances meant that we give up on trying to do the best we can - nobody I play with takes that approach.

When there are distractions - the guitarist is too loud, you can't hear yourself or the singer well, no matter how good you are, some of your energy is spent dealing with distractions. You can still play very good music, but it isn't absolutely the very best you can do. When the distractions are removed, you can get in your flow state, and the music can be transcendent - assuming you did your homework and are prepared.

I don't know if you've ever had that kind of experience, but part of getting there is figuring out all the little details (prep habits, gear, instrument setup, etc) that get distractions out of your way. IEM's are a part of that formula for me.

Yes, I've looked down only to see I'm levitating a few inches off the stage. It is definitely worth all the near misses.
I get the whole thing about the quality of sound and how it improves motivation, and how crappy sound also makes me work harder to try to work around the limitations imposed. In a perfect world, I would love a perfect PA, but I don't own a PA so I don't have any room to complain, I just work with whatever is provided. The alternative is to spend a big wad of cash to buy myself four times the work I'm already doing to be there.

 

[GIBrat51]

Yes, absolutely. People with large disposable incomes must be encouraged to spend as much of that disposable income as possible - at every opportunity. That kind of spending - thoughtless and unnecessary, or not - is good for the economy. Besides; if they buy stuff like that, then I won't feel compelled to do it...

 

[pepj]

For me, yep. I've tried enough to know what works for me.
If someone gets by with what they use, it's on them entirely.

 

[Aussie Player]

If you want to penny pinch, I have found that some cheap basses play well and sound fine through a quality amp with design matched speaker cabinet, but I have also seen cheap amps suck the life out of expensive basses.
IEM's and PA's do not generate sound, they receive it.