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beater's

#21
I understand the concept of "beater" but I've never bought into it in cars, basses or any other tool or device I own. I expect my stuff to perform to the limit of its specs at all times - and that can't be depended upon unless I take care of them.

To me, "beater" conveys the sense that something isn't cared for for, is treated roughly and generally regarded as disposable. That's probably not the intention of the OP, but it's how I relate to the term.

So - every bass I own is transported carefully in a gig bag or more commonly in a hard-shell case; none are left in cars during either warm or cold weather; and all are handled with the intent of preventing damage of any kind. I also don't buy used basses that show evidence of rough treatment or mis-use.

Again, my interpretation of 'beater" may be in excess of the OP's intent.

To each their own. I just figure if I paid for it, I want to keep it in TOP operating and cosmetic condition - that's the only way I feel equipment is dependable. This may come from my background in working with electronic equipment, where a single switch or control that doesn't work can result in losing a day's work.
 
#23
I love all my basses and play all my basses, but I refuse to take my vintage Japanese basses (a Beatle bass clone and rare Aria Pro II) out to gigs.

The problem is, I tend to go crazy, and I have broken things. While it might be great for the audience, I would be heartbroken if either one of those basses broke.

The problem lays in that I wouldn't be able to replace them.


That being said, I have 2 basses that I play at home and play out, and I act crazy on stage and all. I love them, but I know that they're replaceable... :smug:
 
#24
addylewis said:
I've heard of instruments getting trashed, forgotten, stolen...I'd rather use a cheapie on a potentially rough gig.
Click to expand...

I've not only HEARD of instruments getting trashed, forgotten, stolen etc, Hey, I've BEEN THERE when it happened! Luckily so far (knock on wood) it hasn't happened to me. Which is why I bought my fretted and fretless SX 5 strings. I can understand the idea of always using the right tool, but the difference between a trashed $100 bass and a $2000 bass makes me start to think.

But then I discovered that the SX basses really weren't "beaters" at all, They were in fact excellent basses (after a couple of mods) that were quite inexpensive. So you play the dive bar and you love your bass but you don't have to get paranoid every time the band takes a break or you go to the John. I can see the problem if your bar bass is some beat up clone that hardly plays, but when you've got your SX that you almost like better than your real Fender, it's a whole 'nother story.

The problem now is that with the headstock changes and things, I can't go to Rondo anymore and get another one just like what I've got. It's hell when your "beater bass" becomes "irreplaceable"! :)
 
#25
I HAVE got one which will do the job, plays ok and sounds nice for what it is so I'll probably just use that one - sure I'll be pretty annoyed if anything happens but it wouldn't be a major loss to me.

I've got no money and I'm gassing pretty badly for a Jamerson 62 RI precision (for a "good" bass), AND a cheap squier jazz I can do a custom paint-job on (simply for the fun of it) - goddamn it, I know this threads about beaters - but thats what the custom painted jazz would be...

AARGH, DAMN IT - EBAY I HATE YOU!!!
 
#26
I've got two Ministar Basstars (1 4-string fretted, 1 5-string fretless) for my practice / beater basses. I can leave them in the car, drag them into work when I'm pretty sure I'll have enough down time to get some practice in, and the HAVE gotten a bit beaten up in the process (headstocks accidentally slammed into cement stairs, or into ceiling fans, against door jambs) - but still sound decent and in one piece. Their tone is a bit thin to my ears, but if I had too, could use them at a gig. I've also got a used MIM Fender P, strung with flats, that I bought to be used if I ever get to gig in less than ideal conditions - not so great bars, outside gigs in rain / snow conditions, etc. And I like it enough to use in other conditions or if I was asked to play / bring a P to a particular gig.
 
#28
Its funny.. my main axe is nothing to write home about really, though I like it -- its a newer Fender Jazz V Deluxe (MIM) that I bought used for around $700. Its a nice bass, and it fits me well, and it was my only bass for a long time. For my last birthday my wife bought me a Yamaha BB415, which is something I've been wanting to get for awhile due to the passive PJ setup, but for some reason I've just never touched it... I always take the Fender, and I think it is like debassr said -- I've gotten to know the one bass, I like how it looks and how it plays.. so to just pick up this other bass would feel weird and probably sound weird. I should though, for all I know it'll knock my socks off.
 
#29
When I first moved to New York, I was weary of carrying my Rick around the city. So I bought a Fender Mexi Jazz. I'd always wanted a Jazz bass, and the Mexi's at that time felt better than the MIA's or MIJ's, and they were inexpensive. I figured if someone wanted to mug me for the bass, I could beat the hello out of em with it, and if I broke it, well, it would'nt be too expensive to fix. Funny, now that Jazz has been with me longer than the Rick was at the time I bought the Jazz. Guess I need to get a backup for the backup....
 
#30
I use my Rick for absolutely everything as, well... it's my only bass so I have no choice, haha!

Having said that, I worked hard to be able to buy it so I'm going to get my moneys worth even if that means it gets beat to sh**!
 
#33
Yes I have a Squier Classic Vibe 60's Precision which I take to jam sessions which I'll let other people play, who may or may not be players. Sometimes I want to jump on the drums. The Squier is still well cared for and is a good player, not exactly a beater but I get the concept.
 
#38
Pilgrim said:
To me, "beater" conveys the sense that something isn't cared for for, is treated roughly and generally regarded as disposable. That's probably not the intention of the OP, but it's how I relate to the term.
Click to expand...

That was my intent when I bought my "Beater". We had a gig at a local MC's club house for their annual biker rodeo. I hadn't played anything but my Ric for probably 15 years, and the idea of dust, wind (I've seen guitars blown over in stands before), and a few hundred drunk (and what ever else) bikers made me a bit nervous about taking my beloved Rickenbacker.

Soooo.... Off to Ebay I go to find parts to built a beater bass. I found the entire Hoppus Precision for the same price as what most necks were selling for, so I figured I buy it, play it for the biker party, and flip it for about the same as I had into it.

It showed up in horrible condition! So, a complete set up was in order (I think this started the "Fun" phase with this thing). I got the thing playable, and played the biker party with it. The tone was incredible! So...... I'd take it along to gigs here and there, as a back up.

I'd play it once in a while.... then a little more.... and a little more....

Finally, it was getting more play time than my Ric. I really do love the thing, but for $350.00, I wouldn't be too despondent if it were lost stolen or destroyed. I might get one just like it, or I might replace it with any old P bass. If it get's another chip in the finish, ah well.

It's a good feeling! :bassist:
 

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