Nope, there's lots of starving pros. You got paid, you's a Pro. A retired Pro, but a pro nonetheless. There's amateur and pro, and once you cross that line, it's done, you can't uncross it.
Sorry.
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But do I DESERVE a "nice" bass?
- Thread starter GravyGoodness
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Nope, there's lots of starving pros. You got paid, you's a Pro. A retired Pro, but a pro nonetheless. There's amateur and pro, and once you cross that line, it's done, you can't uncross it.
Sorry.
Music is too important to be left to professionals. Who says you have to be a pro to make music with a nice instrument?
If you can afford it, get it. If you can find one used you'll be able to sell it for little to no loss should you decide to dedicate your spare time to bowling or something like that.
But do I DESERVE a "nice" bass?
Of course you do. And it's really none of anyone else's business. And believe me, in the overall scheme of things, there are TONS of 'professional instruments' owned by folks who aren't professionals, as if it makes any difference at all. Fender will not ask you to sign a form signifying whether you gig 7 nights a week and are a Berklee graduate or can't even pick your nose. They will be more than happy to take your money either way.
Of course you do. And it's really none of anyone else's business. And believe me, in the overall scheme of things, there are TONS of 'professional instruments' owned by folks who aren't professionals, as if it makes any difference at all. Fender will not ask you to sign a form signifying whether you gig 7 nights a week and are a Berklee graduate or can't even pick your nose. They will be more than happy to take your money either way.
I'm guessing that I am in the minority here...
On one hand, it doesn't matter how much or how well you play. Music is presumably a hobby and/or passion. If you really think you'll enjoy the instrument, and you saved up for it, then your skill level or playing out doesn't matter.
On the other hand, 9 times out of 10, experiences matter a lot more than physical objects. Maybe you'll get lucky and be happy for a long time with your new bass, but most people get accustomed to new tools over time. (This is known as the "hedonic treadmill.")
I'd also say that the difference between basses is incredibly small these days. There is very little you can do with an expensive bass that you can't do with what you've got, or a more modestly priced one.
Also, let's face it: These are not normal times. You may need that money for something much more vital than an instrument. While your finances are absolutely none of my business, if it really took you 2 years to pull the funds together, then maybe this isn't the right time.
People who are not professional drivers buy cars just for fun. People who do nothing but fish on a small lake buy boats that are many thousands of dollars. Kids and adults spend thousands of dollars on tricked-out PCs because "gaming rig."
You can buy an expensive bass.
But, only if you post pictures here on TB when you get it. Otherwise, no, you can't.
You can buy an expensive bass.
But, only if you post pictures here on TB when you get it. Otherwise, no, you can't.
Do you think you could have talked yourself out of it? Did you need to try it to find out? Hindsight is 20/20?I bought what I thought was my dream bass, after struggling to love it for a year, I sold it:
I'm a professional musician (low brass) and conductor, and I'm fairly decent on bass guitar. I'm self-taught since 2011. I've decided to practice hard this summer before buying a custom build I've been planning for the past 1.5 months. I have an excellent BTB 675M which I've upgraded (preamp, tuners, and hardware), but I ultimately want something which bares my own imprint, that I designed for my liking. I work hard each day, and I save. Whether or not I deserve it, I've certainly worked for the ability to buy it, and I would put it to good use. That's all the justification I need. However, I'm leveraging this as an incentive to get better over the summer.
Good luck with your purchase!
Good luck with your purchase!
i'm not sure what you do and don't deserve. but if you saved money, you still can pay your bills like a responsible adult, and you want that bass, get the damn bass! who cares how good you are, or aren't. but as KBD said earlier, don't just spend money to get something that costs more, get what you like and what you want. that may cost a lot, or a little, or anywhere in between.
just my opinion. it's your money, your mindset counts for more than your possessions.
just my opinion. it's your money, your mindset counts for more than your possessions.
I took my G&L ASAT up there (state dealer) to try side-by-side with a 4004 & what impressed me was that the 4004 was as bright as the G&L with the Treble-Boost switch on.
The clarity was great, so I started thinking I want that sound ALL the time!
Turns out the RIC neck is not for me, and the thing was heavy.
I started a thread about it when I was thinking of switching to a cheap Yamaha. (thin neck & lightweight)
GAS - I've officially lost my mind - downgrading (almost) everything
Some thought I was manic-depressive, but that is the circle of life for me.
Years later I found a bass that sounded like I wanted a RIC to sound, AND it's comfortable to play AND lightweight:
You can find similar for only about $700 USD (pre-owned).
I’ve been a professional for Many years. I’ve never regretted equipment I’ve bought. Even if I didn’t keep it. Make an informed decision, and try it in a store if at all possible. If it’s what you’ve been wanting, buy it. Then treat it gently, in case you find it’s not as good as you thought it would be. If you don’t have to sell the ones you already have to afford it, that is even better.
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Well, damn. I guess I'm a... Pro, then?Nope, there's lots of starving pros. You got paid, you's a Pro. A retired Pro, but a pro nonetheless. There's amateur and pro, and once you cross that line, it's done, you can't uncross it.
I've seen thousands of high performance sports cars but I don't think I've seen one with a professional racing driver in it. It's not about how well you play, it's about how passionate you are about playing. What does a new bass mean to you? For me it meant a new lease of life to my playing, new energy, new ideas, new inspiration. I've been a pro and expect to be a pro again but if I wasn't it wouldn't stop me buying something I loved.
Those particular Rics are the only ones I've ever been able to remotely stomach, but even they left me wanting somewhat. Based on your instruments of choice, you must have somewhat similar taste in bass build type. It's a shame, because they're super-cool.I bought what I thought was my dream bass, after struggling to love it for a year, I sold it:
drumvsbass
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People collect things that have no purpose other than to sit there and be loved. You can do one better, your bass will sit there and be loved AND you get to make music with it.
I work a day job and play bass professionally...for money which is a very significant part of my income. I’ve got some nice equipment but I also routinely play basses that I could pay for with a gig or two’s pay. I could easily justify spending $5K for a bass but I can work just fine on a $500 bass.
Life is short, but stuff you want as long as you can pay your bills, etc.
I work a day job and play bass professionally...for money which is a very significant part of my income. I’ve got some nice equipment but I also routinely play basses that I could pay for with a gig or two’s pay. I could easily justify spending $5K for a bass but I can work just fine on a $500 bass.
Life is short, but stuff you want as long as you can pay your bills, etc.
I will never, ever, make as much money playing music to justify what I've spent on gear.
So what? Get what you want. Life is short, and the older you get, the more obvious that becomes.
So what? Get what you want. Life is short, and the older you get, the more obvious that becomes.
I'm guessing that I am in the minority here...
On one hand, it doesn't matter how much or how well you play. Music is presumably a hobby and/or passion. If you really think you'll enjoy the instrument, and you saved up for it, then your skill level or playing out doesn't matter.
On the other hand, 9 times out of 10, experiences matter a lot more than physical objects. Maybe you'll get lucky and be happy for a long time with your new bass, but most people get accustomed to new tools over time. (This is known as the "hedonic treadmill.")
I'd also say that the difference between basses is incredibly small these days. There is very little you can do with an expensive bass that you can't do with what you've got, or a more modestly priced one.
Also, let's face it: These are not normal times. You may need that money for something much more vital than an instrument. While your finances are absolutely none of my business, if it really took you 2 years to pull the funds together, then maybe this isn't the right time.
Some great points in here. I had endorsed the new bass for OP, simply because he had a plan to get one for 2 years, and I don’t know if that intention is so easy to shake. But you’re right, the endorphin rush of the new toy can wear off and one may once again be on the hunt... GAS is a funny thing, but this post didn’t strike me as the typical TB GAS post.
Personally, I think I’ve capped out at the MIM level. Especially learning to do my own fret work, repairs, adjustment, etc. would a US bass be nice? Oh sure. Would it make me a better player? Doubtful.
So very true on the state of things ATM. I bought a pack of strings today, but I certainly wouldn’t buy a bass until Things stabilize a bit.
Nice work with the Mr Fox reference. But Foxy is a deluded, stunted in adolescence. OP seems to have a good head on his shoulders
I’ve had the same happen to me. Wowed by a bass in store, only to spend more time with it discovering it just didn’t feel right. I’ve come to the conclusion feel>sound- sound can be tweaked in a myriad of ways, but the feel of a bass is the “it” factor.I took my G&L ASAT up there (state dealer) to try side-by-side with a 4004 & what impressed me was that the 4004 was as bright as the G&L with the Treble-Boost switch on.
The clarity was great, so I started thinking I want that sound ALL the time!
Turns out the RIC neck is not for me, and the thing was heavy.
I started a thread about it when I was thinking of switching to a cheap Yamaha. (thin neck & lightweight)
GAS - I've officially lost my mind - downgrading (almost) everything
Some thought I was manic-depressive, but that is the circle of life for me.
Years later I found a bass that sounded like I wanted a RIC to sound, AND it's comfortable to play AND lightweight:
You can find similar for only about $700 USD (pre-owned).
That's a personal judgement that strangers on an internet forum are not going to be able to answer for you.
Have you taken a vow of poverty?
