But do I DESERVE a "nice" bass?

[GravyGoodness]

I've been saving my spare monies for the last 2 years or so with the explicit purpose of buying a nice American Originals 50's Precision. I have a extensively upgraded Squier VM PBass that is a dream to play as well as an Older Yamaha that belonged to my Grandfather.

Here's the thing though: I am a solid Intermediate player. I don't play full time with a band, I play mostly with songs at home that I enjoy sometimes with a Guitarist I've been playing with for 15 years.

I see other players here discussing intricate details of what works for them and what does not, people that play with bands or are a hell of a lot better than I am and it does not make me feel inferior - but like what I have is "good enough" for me and my purposes. Might seem a silly question, but I'm just curious as to your thoughts, especially from the pros out there.

 

[96tbird]

Not a pro. Yes, you earned the bass so claim it. You set a goal and now it only requires a final step to complete.

Besides, it’s a Precision and it will never disappoint you. Pure bass all the time.

 

[el jeffe bass]

It’s a hobby, intended to enrich your life. If you find joy in having a certain bass and you can afford it, you have passed every test that you have to. Buy what makes you happy.

 

[DrMole]

Always get the best-feeling, playing and sounding instruments you can afford.

I know many guys with $10-20k invested in firearms who couldn't hit a moving target, maybe even a still one at 100 yards and it is, as "they" say:
All good.

Get the bass you have wanted and saved for. Expensive things are not reserved for the professionals in any field.

 

[Nebula24]

I'm just a bedroom player but have an eb0 and jetsons Jr. Couple hundred bucks isn't much compared to what some people put into other hobbies or just buying random stuff. I felt more weird buying a $500 entry level mtn bike that cost more than my basses.

 

[Thegrandwazoo]

I'm not a pro, but I've been playing for 20+ years as a hobbyist and have made a reasonable amount of money playing live and recording at various points in my life. I consider myself to be a relatively accomplished hobbyist bass player. I think that if you want it, and can afford it without putting yourself or your family out, you should absolutely buy any nice thing you want. I don't really need the 'nice' music equipment (or tools, or motorcycles, or guns, or old cars/trucks, or kitchen equipment, or camping gear, or bikes, or kayaks, or clothes, or boots, or...) I own, but I wanted it and saved to buy it and it brings me pleasure, so I have it and I'm glad I do.

Having nice gear isn't necessary for the vast majority of us, but I can promise that having nice gear will make you feel like playing more and therefore make you a better player, plus all the enjoyment and pride you'll feel just looking at, cleaning, working on, and handling said gear and the peace of mind in the knowledge that your gear will almost certainly not hold you back or let you down is (to me) well worth the cost of admission. I also really do believe that nicer stuff makes you a better player simply by virtue of being easier to play/use and sounding better, but many will claim otherwise.

 

[FunkHead]

I would go for a slightly older '57 or '58 AVRI. I think they were overall cooler and nicer than the new AO basses.
JMO

 

[Killed_by_Death]

Don't buy a pricey instrument just because you think that is required. It's not, I have $200 USD invested in this & it's a very gig-worth instrument:

GSR100EX in the sun

• Killed_by_Death
• Jun 26, 2019
• 2
• ibanez

 

[Ghastly]

You developed the desire. If you can afford it, do it. Plain and simple.

 

[dabbler]

I'm not a pro, but I've been playing for 20+ years as a hobbyist and have made a reasonable amount of money playing live and recording at various points in my life. I consider myself to be a relatively accomplished hobbyist bass player. ...

Ummm, consider yourself whatever you want but you turned in your amateur card a while ago. In my book you are a pro, pros get paid to play.

 

[Bent77]

Play it, make sure you still feel that way. But no reason not too have a nice bass

 

[petrthumb]

Who cares?! You want it, saved for it, buy the damn thing! Worst case scenario, you want to play it all the time and get better at playing in the mean time. So long as you truly saved and won't put yourself or your family on the streets in a cardboard box. Even if you find out that it isn't for you, so long as you shopped around for a decent deal, you won't lose money on reselling it. Best of luck in your quest and we want pics when you find the one!

 

[BassNugget]

Go for it. It is so much better to pick up a quality instrument that you WANT to play. Practicing on a professional instrument is a joy. It's also nice to know that the instrument has something "in reserve." I have in no way even remotely used everything that my Stingray can give or remotely approached the limits of the instrument... only my limits. There is still a lot to discover about the instrument and many many more years of joy. Plus, the instrument will appreciate in value. If you can afford it, go for it.

 

[mattj1stc]

It's really more a financial question than one that's based on ability. If it's your money and you can afford to spend it, then you can get whatever bass you want. When you go to buy a Ferrari, they don't make you prove you're a good driver, they just want to know you can pay for the car. Musical instruments are no different.

 

[Thegrandwazoo]

Ummm, consider yourself whatever you want but you turned in your amateur card a while ago. In my book you are a pro, pros get paid to play.

I haven't made a copper cent to play in probably 6 years, does that change anything? Haha! Once all your music buddies start growing up and having kids and moving away and such, if you also work 40+ hours a week it's hard to form bands or get gigs. And to be clear, I've never earned even half of my living with music, it's just something I love to do.

 

[gln1955]

There are no tests you have to pass to buy any bass you want. You are a bass player. Play what makes you happy.

 

[CallMeAl]

1) Basses are cheap. My parents paid $1500 for an intermediate level trumpet, only for me to abuse the poor thing. Music is pretty cheap. It’s not like you’re buying a boat! If you worked and saved, then it’s yours.

2) you’ve set an intention to buy this instrument. If you don’t get it, You’ll probably go to your grave wondering if you should have gotten it.

3) if you buy used, you can most likely flip it for the price you paid; if you don’t like it. (But you’ll probably like it.)

4)

 

[Killed_by_Death]

I bought what I thought was my dream bass, after struggling to love it for a year, I sold it:

Rickenbacker 4004 Laredo

• Killed_by_Death
• Mar 13, 2018
• rickenbacker

 

[Plectrum72]

Everyone deserves a nice bass. Get it.

 

[TheGreatSealof]

Yes! Everyone deserves a "nice bass". Pay no attention to reviews by nay sayers. Find the one you want. Try it out on varied amps. Voila! You have the nice bass you have always wanted.