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Are higher priced basses really worth it?

#61
spade2you said:
When SX makes this, keep me posted. ;)

s2-1.jpg
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Isn't that the HXB fretless bubinga model?

hxb406natbfl5.jpg


You obviously wasted your money going the custom route. Brice makes the same thing for $400.

sheeesh...










;)
 
#64
FunkMetalBass said:
Isn't that the HXB fretless bubinga model?

hxb406natbfl5.jpg


You obviously wasted your money going the custom route. Brice makes the same thing for $400.

sheeesh...


;)
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Waitaminute! Those aren't the same basses. The top one has a bridge with fixed intonation! Oh wait, it also has one less knob! Umm, well it has inlaid dots on the fretboard... I'm not helping am I? :hiding:
 
#66
It is and it isn't. As the prices get higher.......the differences get smaller and smaller.

I've also owned some budget gems and some high priced duds, but generally you get what you pay for up to around $3000 IMHO.
 
#68
My Sterling was 100% worth it, after having played a MiM Fender Jazz. I still play the jazz, but I also love the MM's tone, and it is the ultimate slap/funk bass, so I'd say it is worth it to a point.

The only other "high end" bass I would probably ever buy is an American J or P, but that's about it really, I have no desires to go to a custom luthier or spend anything more than $1500 on a bass.

I'd prefer to get to know the nuances of my instrument, no matter what the cost, and knowing the playability and tones I get out of them as is, rather than worrying about specs.
 
#69
For the most part. But if you're not a studio musician, or a live player (IE a beginner or novice) I wouldn't suggest buying one. I'm not saying that if you can afford one to not buy one. But if you're not too serious or committed to it, and just want it because of the price tag, then maybe I would suggest a cheaper bass. And I wouldn't suggest anything over $250 for a beginner bass. I, personally, never paid over $300 for a bass. And I owned a Jackson (pre Fender) 5 string bass. You can always upgrade parts on a cheap bass. While the more expensive basses are more likely to be built to your specifications, if their built in a custom shop. I'm not saying I'm against expensive basses, I consider anything over $1000.00 to be high end. I would like to get a MM Bongo or Stingray, preferably a 5 string, someday. All I'm saying is that they're more of a luxury than a necessity.
 
#73
oldprussians said:
Do you need a good bass? err I mean Expensive Bass?
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You don't NEED a bass at all. That's not the same as asking if higher priced basses are worth it. To answer that one:

Some of them are worth even more than they cost. The rest are overpriced, charging you extra for some flash or a name that only bass players (and, in the real world, only 20% of bass players at that) would recognize. Which is which? I'm not telling.
 
#76
Yes. A careful purchase of a quality instrument can make a difference. You still have to do the work, but the work is easier and the results are better. Plus don't discount what the instrument gives back to you with look and feel.

The main things I pay/paid for are reliability and versatility--playability and extreme beauty came as part of the package. They are worth every penny of the investment.
 
#77
I've had cheap basses and I ended up with an expensive one. 30 years old, but still the most costly instrument I've ever owned. New? Over $11k. Worth it? If you've got the cash, why not? Mine didn't cost anywhere near that (30 years old, remember?), but it is by far the finest bass I've ever played, with a range of tonal qualities other basses I've played can't get even close to. Other bassists will come up and ask what it is, admire the tone. What is it? See below ...
 

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#78
I'd say the best bass out there is A) one that is comfortable to play, and B) one that helps you achieve the sound that you want.

For some, it may be a $10,000 Fodera or $25,000 Alembic. For me, it is a $350 Schecter.
 
#80
if they work for you, and you can pull it off.. then why not just use a cheaper bass?? if you have a bit off money too, there is always modding..

i know it isn't for me though.. i don't have alot of modding experience, can't solder, etc.. plus after 4 years of playing bass, and two basses at my side that are relatively cheap (yamy rbx170 and squier vm j) i've come to realise that both just lack the punch and tone i'm looking for, but never the less they ARE great basses. i do honestly think i'd like a certain expensive bass..but the only thing i'm not sure that would be worth it is the tonal options
 

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