Are looks really THAT important to you?

[LiamR]

Every player knows what colour finish, scratchplate, neck wood, and other variables they like - the colour customisation really makes that one particular instrument shine for you.

But, does it really matter to you? Like REALLY matter?

I ask this because I was set on buying one specific colour of J bass, and in a local music shop i played a completely different one, just to try it - and fell in love with everything about the instrument. It was a sort of faded white instead of black, rosewood neck instead of maple.. But I still loved that thing.

So basically, would you buy an instrument that didn't tick all of the boxes cosmetically, if it meant you had a bloody good instrument anyways?

 

[billiam5billion]

If I bought a bass that felt/played/sounded great, but didn't like the looks, I'd mod the cosmetics out until it was close enough.

 

[TechJunky]

Looks matter, but are also semi flexible too. I've purchased basses that were what I wanted but not the color I wanted, and rarely has it been an issue. I wouldn't go for some completely outlandish color that I didn't like though, even if it had everything else I wanted, but if it were something I didn't hate but loved everything else otherwise, I'd get it.

 

[Doodaddy]

I have to enjoy seeing it. Looks are the first step for loving a bass for me.

 

[mongo2]

Hmmmmm, are looks really that important to me?

This is my #1:


Link Removed

What do you think I think?

 

[M.R. Ogle]

In some ways, yes.

As a "fan" of the bass guitar, I get into the looks of them, be it a vintage vibe or a high-end exotic design as an expression of the "art" of the instrument. Many are quite beautiful just as artistic pieces.

In playing them, comfort edges out most anything else. Sometimes, I'll "favor" one look over another to fit into whatever musical context I'm performing in.

In recording situations, I could care less about what color, fit or finish. Does not matter one iota.

 

[MikeBass]

I really can't stand sunburst basses.
I usually pass them right up. And I own a sunburst Jazz currently.

That being said, it wouldn't keep me from owning a bass if I didn't like the the way it looked.

 

[Jefenator]

So basically, would you buy an instrument that didn't tick all of the boxes cosmetically, if it meant you had a bloody good instrument anyways?

That pretty much describes everything I use.

There's nothing cosmetically wrong with any instrument that can't be fixed with a tort pickguard.

 

[ButtUglyJeff]

My jazz bass, that I purchased last year, was the result of me not being able to find a Sunset Orange color, that I've wanted for years. It's not that I dislike three tone burst, by any account. I was just sick of looking and sick of not having a jazz bass (the MIM bit it), and this one was a good price and felt better that any instrument I ever played.

Playability and tone/sound will always outweigh looks. I can't afford the luxury of "the" look...

 

[malthumb]

For me it's like this. If I like a particular type of bass AND I have a preference amongst the various finishes and configurations, then that's what I want and that's what I will get.

If it's a question of choosing between two DIFFERENT types of basses and A looks better but B is better quality or meets my needs better, I will choose B.

Finally, there are so many great sounding, great looking, reasonably priced basses available, I don't think I'll ever have to consider buying a bass that i think is ugly. Closest I came was when i bought a Bongo 5 HS. In photos the appearance is.....um.....questionable. But in person they are really good looking basses and have phenomenal tone and range.

Hope that answers your question.

 

[iri5hpunk21]

I'm not a fan of a lot of the body styles similar to a lot of Warwicks. I tend to like basses that have a fatter body that is more proportional to the neck...some just seem like the body is too thin.

I have a wine red Gibson Grabber, and it just doesn't get any better than that for me. I like Wal and Fender bass designs as well.

As far as color, unless it's something really outlandish like salmon, you can grow to love almost any color scheme..

 

[TMBTC]

I don't date ugly women..... I wont play an ugly bass !!!

 

[rabid_fish]

it's really easy (for me, at least)... if the bass doesn't look good to me i won't buy it... first the looks and the constrution, then i care about the sounding.

 

[johnk_10]

i would just try more of them in the color and type of neck that you want until you find the right one.

but if a bass really inspired me, i'm willing to overlook its color, unless its fire engine or hot rod red.

 

[THORRR]

I go for playability first -

But I'm turned on by a really beautiful instrument too.

I need both.

I sold a bass because my strap fell off the tail and the butt landed on concrete and took a chunk out of the Dakota Red finish. Sold it and bought another one within 2 weeks.

 

[LiamR]

I don't date ugly women..... I wont play an ugly bass !!!

What a line

 

[s_mcsleazy]

im not bothered

basses are like women. ok some of em are really good looking but the truth is if you like it enough to get past the looks then youll find somthing youll like

 

[line6man]

1. Tone.
2. Playability/quality.
3. Looks.

 

[Stick_Player]

This is my #1:

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What do you think I think?

Looks like a boat oar... - but then again, I play this:

 

[Lesfunk]

Looks are fourth behind Playability (which includes weight) , Sound, and reliability.
After that, good Looks are all gravy.