"Basses are only tools"

[Durham52]

Just like art, whether something is a tool or not depends on how you define it.

Meriam-Webster dictionary ref. tool: a) a device or implement especially one held in the hand, used to carry out a particular function.
b) something (such as an instrument or apparatus) used in performing an operation or necessary in the practice of a vocation or profession.

Regardless of what dictionaries might say, whether a musical instrument is a tool or not, will never be something everyone will agree on. As for art, well no one's ever come up with a universally accepted definition of what art is or isn't. So good luck with that.

 

[bluesblaster]

whether its a simple orchestral triangle (ding) or an ornate stringed instrument they both perform a musical function

 

[NoiseNinja]

Basses are definitely tools, however that doesn't mean that they can't also be works of art, though most aren't, from stock at least, and the fact that they are tools for creating music doesn't mean that you can't bond with in a way so that they become more than just merely tools to you personally either.

I've bonded more with this little bugger than any other instrument I've owned before, and even gave it a name, which I otherwise usually don't, "Dud Bottomfeeder" :

And here in an artful rendition :

 

[MonetBass]

At the end of the day, yes, they're only tools. But for me, I prefer them to look good as well.

 

[AudioTaper]

At the end of the day, yes, they're only tools. But for me, I prefer them to look good as well.

Says the guy who literally has "Water Lillies" by Monet printed on the bass in the avatar.

 

[MonetBass]

Says the guy who literally has "Water Lillies" by Monet printed on the bass in the avatar.

Hahaha! Yes, but that's a Photoshop I did. The actual bass has a quilted maple top.

 

[AudioTaper]

Hahaha! Yes, but that's a Photoshop I did. The actual bass has a quilted maple top.

Both sound great!

 

[amper]

Read that around here a few times.

Do you believe it?

It’s a poor craftsman what blames his tools.

 

[amper]

Basses are both tools and works of art.

I’d rather have a Snap-On wrench over a Craftsman in my hands anyday.

Same goes for instruments.

I’ve never yet seen a Snap-On wrench do a job my Craftsman wrenches can’t do.

 

[amper]

I have a hard time calling mass-produced, production line consumer products "art".

The Museum of Modern Art would like to have a word with you.

 

[Polfuste]

Bass are not tools. Tools are for work. When i play music, i'm not working. I just let ma soul speak for me.

 

[amper]

My instruments are tools for making art, and they are also more than “just” tools, they are works of art in and of themselves, precious objects made of unique pieces of wood. You might feel differently about your instruments or your tools, and that’s no skin off my back.

 

[Gaolee]

Thank goodness for multiple votes. They are just tools, but anybody who thinks they are just tools is a tool. Making me a tool. So, carrots, because I have a bunch of 'em and wouldn't give up any of them.

 

[Turnaround]

The Museum of Modern Art would like to have a word with you.

They can always reach me by PM.

 

[MD]

 

[James Meacham]

A: I would add, "some are art" (that produces art).

 

[pklima]

They are both fashion accessories and tools.

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

Basses are:

Tools for players
Art for luthiers
Collectors' Items for collectors.

 

[candiehappy]

Read that around here a few times.

Do you believe it?

Depends on the Bass now does it not?

 

[Zbudah]

Yes, they are tools. But I own lots of tools I really like.

The part where it gets strange (to me) is worrying about doing mods. Lots of threads around here express concern over modding a bass. "This bass is perfect except for XYZ. But I'm worried about doing the mod because of ABC."

SILLY! If you love most aspects of your bass, but adding a pickup or changing the color would make it perfect, quit whining and go for it. It's an inanimate object.

My "take with me to the grave" bass is important to me. It literally sent me down the path of becoming a bass player, which made me a pro bass player for two decades. It my wife at a show and we now have two amazing kids. It's an 84-87 MIJ E series P bass.

I like to color. I like the chunky neck. I like most everything about it. But the tone was "meh". So I swapped the wiring and pots for a new Emerson harness and slapped an G Geezer in there. Now? Perfect. I couldn't tell you where the original electronics are and, frankly, don't care. I may have thrown them away. They aren't holy relics. They're electronic components and outdated ones at that.

They're just tools. Sure, I want everyone to like their tools. But they're just tools. I derive emotion from the music itself and the people I play with. Hand me whatever bass and I'll make it work. I love my main player. But if it broke in two tomorrow I would simply get another and keep on thumping.

This is one of the best descriptions I've ever read!
I am a very function oriented person. I dont buy projects to make something that 'might be' or 'could be'...that goes with musical equipment, cars, motorcycles, tools. I buy something that I like, that works and that I want. I dont by a bass thinking I can change a bunch of stuff and make it sound or feel the way I want. I buy a bass because I like how it looks, sounds and feels.
The same with amps...I dont want to tweak my setup to try and get the sound I'm looking for...I buy it because it has the sound, features and functions that I want, like or need. I've bought more amps, cabinets and electronics over the years to fill a bus...done with that.
Motorcycles...I buy them because they are comfortable, I can get on it and ride...long distances...
Not to say I don't appreciate people who tinker, change, modify, build...sometimes I wish I had more of that genetic makeup. But all the time, effort and $$$ I could spend modifying, I could be playing...or riding.
There is a saying: ride what you love, love what you ride. Same thing with a bass...play what you love, love what you play.