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Boutique Basses are Better: Get Over It!

#262
This has been a fun thread. Some people got mad, but most folks have argued their positions well. One thing I have learned from TB is to not get too caught up in what others have to say about my gear. I have liked things that people I really respect do not care for at all. At the end of the day, it was my money, and some one else's opinion did not make any difference.

More importantly, the distance between a good bass and a really great bass is steadily shrinking. Right now I am playing a $230 bass that is literally a few coats of conductive paint and maybe new pickups away from being perfect ($200.) If I win the Lotto and buy a boutique tonight, I will probably be playing bass with a neck that feels no better than my cheapo. The tone would be better, but not fundamentally different. The main thing would be that it would be much better constructed, and probably more durable.

I'm happy to say that I think I have reached a point that I feel at peace with whatever I use. I do not feel ashamed to play a cheap bass, and I have no apologies for rocking a premium priced bass.

Making music is far more joyful than worrying about gear will ever be!:cool:
 
#265
engage757 said:
agreed! what kind of bass do you play man?
Click to expand...

I'm using a Squire Affinity J5 until I pick up two other basses that I am buying. The Affinity came very set up and has a great neck with the same spacing as a Fender Standard Jazz V or Fender Jazz Deluxe V. The neck has an incredibly smooth satin finish, and the fret work is great. The pickups are a bit weak, and the top end could be better, and it needs more shielding, but those are things that can be easily.
 
#266
Dr. Cheese said:
I'm using a Squire Affinity J5 until I pick up two other basses that I am buying. The Affinity came very set up and has a great neck with the same spacing as a Fender Standard Jazz V or Fender Jazz Deluxe V. The neck has an incredibly smooth satin finish, and the fret work is great. The pickups are a bit weak, and the top end could be better, and it needs more shielding, but those are things that can be easily.
Click to expand...

How is it size wise, compared to the Squier Deluxe V?

The neck, that is...
 
#268
Dr. Cheese said:
It has a neck with proportions like an American Standard with 18mm spacing at the nut. Seriously, if I weren't already committed to getting something else, I would keep it.:)
Click to expand...

Ah, I've not played an American Standard either...

But I'm gassing for one, for a mod project, and a skinnier neck than my Squier Deluxe would be a great advantage.

18mm spacing is nice too, a little tighter than full spacing, but still plenty of room.:cool:
 
#273
KJung said:
You are using a VERY limited definition of boutique. Remember, all that boutique means in the technical sense is a relatively small batch producer that typically has the 'founder' directly involved in the manufacturing... resulting in, by definition (i.e., lack of economy of scale in production, purchasing and distribution), high prices/cost.

<SNIP> Boutique has NOTHING to do with a specific tone, but rather small batch, quality made instruments with more detail and emphasis put on construction, assembly, quality of components, set-up, etc.
<SNIP>
Click to expand...

+1 I wish the definition of "Boutique" had been stipulated and agreed upon from the very beginning of this thread to avoid conflicts over definitions and semantics.

To me, the term "Boutique" is a loaded word, unclear, often judgemental, and fraught with subjective associations with the potential to fuel unnecessarily passionate and pointed arguments. One of the reasons I am loathe to use the word "Boutique" to describe someone's work is because the word is often used with a disdain that suggests goods that are unreasonably overpriced; merch for the gullible or overpaid, whether it's overpriced costume jewelry on a high school kid, or a diamond encrusted Roll Royce bought by a Saudi Sheik, it's not so much the definition as the taint, smear, and implication.

I don't call my furniture "boutique," despite the high quality materials, attention to detail, craftsmanship, finishing, and cost: I call it woodworking made to order. Don't get me wrong; I appreciate your efforts to provide context and definition. But, the language you've used to differentiate "Boutique" from factory-made instruments is used to describe other artisan-made goods, such as pottery, glass blowing, jewelry, scuplture, turned vessels, photography, and freelance design work. To call such items "Boutique" rings untrue and can have a borderline defamatory flavor - at least to my ears.
 

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