But do I DESERVE a "nice" bass?

[OogieWaWa]

If you can afford it, buy it. But just make sure you play the darned thing, don't just look at it.

 

[fretless4string]

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.

My personal opinion is that money spent on an instrument is never wasted. It is like spending money on a bike. If ones looks at the personal benefit, they are very good investments. In the former case, neurological (read This is your mind on Music) in the later case personal fitness. Perhaps you should buy one of each!

 

[JimmyM]

So let me give a big shoutout to the hobbyist bassists and those who buy very expensive basses but aren't the best players out there. It's because of you that the entire musical instrument industry exists. It's because of you that luthiers who sell very expensive instruments and gear can stay in business. It's also why I can find occasional smokin' deals on expensive used basses

That said, everyone should always live within their means.

 

[DrMole]

Live within our means?
Jimmy, the economy would come to a halt...
Oh wait...

I haven' t spent more than ~ $900 on a bass yet.
Give me a few months and hopefully i can contribute

 

[nilorius]

So let me give a big shoutout to the hobbyist bassists and those who buy very expensive basses but aren't the best players out there. It's because of you that the entire musical instrument industry exists. It's because of you that luthiers who sell very expensive instruments and gear can stay in business. It's also why I can find occasional smokin' deals on expensive used basses

That said, everyone should always live within their means.

But why not make world perfect and unique, where everybody, not matter how good it is, have their dream bass ?

 

[rashrader]

It is your money.... Buy whatever you want. Screw the TB Police.

 

[bherman]

Go for it - you are being responsible and saving rather than succumbing to credit. As long as no one in your life is being forced to go without basic needs (food, shelter, medicine, etc) its fine.

 

[nonohmic]

If you can afford it, buy it. But just make sure you play the darned thing, don't just look at it.

Hear hear.

 

[packhowitzer]

Deserve? No, you don't deserve a nice bass. Sorry.

I hope you get one though.

 

[bmusic]

You guys are making me feel all spendy. My teen daughter is just picking up the instrument and wants a hot pink bass. Should I spring for a Stingray?

 

[Bass4ThePublic]

Of course you deserve it. You don’t have to be a pro to own a pro instrument!

 

[BurtMacklinFBI]

Buy the damn bass. If anyone throws you shade for it, revel in their aggravation. Their tears taste like candy.

 

[Polk Salad]

Play what makes you happy.

 

[IamGroot]

How will buying a new bass improve you as a musician?

I would look into buying a 5 or 6 string.

 

[crankypants]

But do I DESERVE a "nice" bass?

Yes. Yes you do.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

i think buying a nice instrument makes you better because it is more fun to play and you will play it more

 

[Dincrest]

Like everyone says, buy an instrument that inspires you to play. An instrument you want to play every day and don't want to put down while you're playing it. An instrument where... when you're at your day job, the only thing you think about is going home and playing said instrument.

That means different things for different people. For one person, that "forever bass" is a $5000 handcrafted boutique bass, and for another it's a used upper-end factory bass they got at a neophyte price on the TB classifieds.

But at the end of the day, an instrument that inspires you to play more often is one you will play more often and thus make you a better bassist. So even if you don't think you're "worthy" of a nice instrument, by playing it often you will become worthy.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

My first guitar was a Martin D18. I bought it a year and a half ago and I am waaay better at guitar now.

 

[basted]

If you can afford it then buy it. As my brother in law says - you are a long time looking at the lid!

 

[Stranger Danger]

Like Clint told Gene: "Deserve's got nothin to do with it."

 

[Nebadon2000]

So let me give a big shoutout to the hobbyist bassists and those who buy very expensive basses but aren't the best players out there. It's because of you that the entire musical instrument industry exists. It's because of you that luthiers who sell very expensive instruments and gear can stay in business. It's also why I can find occasional smokin' deals on expensive used basses

That said, everyone should always live within their means.

A tad harsh in the delivery but absolutely true.

I had a Friend that owned a Music Store and Upper Middle Class to Upper Class [ Lawyers, Doctors, CEO's etc] hobbyist kept him in the Black. Some of them can play though but time it takes to start a Band and gigging in Bars doesn't fit their lifestyle. If he depended on local Gigging Musicians and most aspiring players well.... Red would be his new colour. Those 'Upper Class' customers also eventually buy their kids a EBMM Stingray as a starter Bass for example.