Yes, you deserve a nice bass. Everyone deserves a nice bass and the people who sell crappy basses need to not do that.
John
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But do I DESERVE a "nice" bass?
- Thread starter GravyGoodness
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Yes, you deserve a nice bass. Everyone deserves a nice bass and the people who sell crappy basses need to not do that.
John
It isn't a Ferrari .... If you want it, can afford it, and plan to play it ... then you deserve it.
If skill is linked to the quality of the instrument you are allowed to buy, then several top-end companies have long been bankrupt.
Buy a good quality bass that makes you happy. Some people buy an expensive watch, a car, go on vacation. We buy basses. No one is judging them (you don't deserve that vacation because you're not good enough at relaxing? 
), so I don't think about that stuff. I have a couple of excellent instruments that never leave my house (because I only record stuff at home in my one man band, and for other home recording people). They make me happy, and I don't care what other people think. 
), so I don't think about that stuff. I have a couple of excellent instruments that never leave my house (because I only record stuff at home in my one man band, and for other home recording people). They make me happy, and I don't care what other people think. 
There is no moral imperative stating that the quality or price of one's gear should be proportional to one's talent/ability. This is because having nice gear in no way, shape or form prevents anyone else from having nice gear. Should only pretty people be permitted buy nice clothes? Should only professional woodworkers be allowed to buy good tools? Should only those who drive fast be allowed to buy high performance vehicles? The whole idea is ridiculous and based on envy. Buy what you can afford that you want/ feel you'll enjoy. It's as simple as that. Just understand it will not make you a better player.
if you have to ask if you deserve something you can afford..........you don't deserve it
no one deserves ANYTHING in life
happy Friday!
no one deserves ANYTHING in life
happy Friday!
Is there a thread where you discuss your experience with your 4004? I’ve always thought I’d like one of these too and am wondering why you didn’t bond...I bought what I thought was my dream bass, after struggling to love it for a year, I sold it:
Basses are just like golf clubs, anyone can attempt to play them, but you there's no rule of how good you must be to own them. Own what makes you feel right, if you are happy, that's all that matters. That's why there's a ton of people on here that will tell you not to go down that "rabbit hole" of upgrading or trying every brand other the son.....sometimes it gets pointless. I personally like trying basses, but that's me. The one who's going to like the bass (or basses) you own most.....is you!
Get what you like....you saved your money for this purchase. It's really a "no brainier" to me.
I'm sure this has been said already but. Deserving, desiring, acquiring and connecting to the bass you want are all different things. If you have been tweaking your Squire for a few years you may find it is a perfect fit for you. Maybe not a piece to be proud of but it suits your needs. If you buy an expensive bass you may love looking at it but be afraid to tweak it out the way you need. I have bought countless expensive basses that I thought would be amazing but after the honeymoon phase was over I never touched them. On the other hand, if you hang the damned thing on the wall and it brings a smile to your face then maybe that is enough.
If you CAN afford it ... do it!
I own a Zon which I am “ not worthy of”
And still glad I have it .
Life’s short !
You deserve whatever your heart desires and whatever your wallet can produce.
Instruments aren't given out to individuals with the most talent, they are traded for money. Instruments are a commodity and Fender certainly wants to sell you instruments. Only you can decide whether you want to buy a new instrument.
Deserve is relative. If you feel you deserve a better bass, then get one - you're answerable to yourself, and if you feel you've hit the limits of the bass you have, or it isn't inspiring you, then you might be better served shopping for another. Psychology is a tricky thing.
"Deserve" is a word that is carelessly tossed around nowadays. McDonalds tell us that we "deserve" a break today and they have no idea what I have or have not done all day. People feel they "deserve" an $1100 cellphone that they put on credit, and they "deserve" a trip to the Bahamas that also goes on the credit card, or a $30K wedding they cannot afford but "deserve." ("Hero" is another word, but that is a different thread.)
From what you posted, you have saved the money. You can afford it and you are paying cash for it. Go for it.
From what you posted, you have saved the money. You can afford it and you are paying cash for it. Go for it.
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I didn’t take up bass playing until I was 59 years old. I’m 65 now and currently own 6 basses but have owned 25-30. I enjoy “rescuing” basses from pawn shops, yard sales, FB Marketplace, Craigslist among other sources. By using this approach, I have been able to acquire a couple of basses that’ll end up being passed down to my children. Ones a Warwick Bleached Blonde Thumb and the other is an EBMM Special 5H. My other basses are a Reverend Decision 4, a blinged out MIM Jazz 4, a MIM Mustang I’ve taken modification liberties with, and a UAS Peavey T-20 (surprisingly great) that I’ve made better than new. I’m not a bad bassist and am able to keep up pretty nicely with the folks I play with. Nearly every bass I’ve ever owned was more capable of being played than I’ll ever be of playing them! I suspect many of us can make the same or similar claims. Bottom line, buy what you want that you can find a way to afford and have fun!
I am a hobbyist and I have 17 basses. In your case, it is interesting that you have saved up money for over 2 years. It's not like you would buy a bass on impulse. If it is not causing you any financial harm, what is the down side of treating yourself with something nice?
Keep in mind that a nicer instrument will reproduce your inputs better and you won't be fighting it. It will make you a better player and for that you will be rewarded with being able to be more musical on it.
In 1981 I had an Alembic Series I with a few Series II options built for me. When I got it, it seemed like I was sloppy and didn't really know how to play bass after all, but it compelled me to work on my technique and made me a player that could land some pretty good gigs. It forced me to up my game, and I have zero regrets about any of it.
John
In 1981 I had an Alembic Series I with a few Series II options built for me. When I got it, it seemed like I was sloppy and didn't really know how to play bass after all, but it compelled me to work on my technique and made me a player that could land some pretty good gigs. It forced me to up my game, and I have zero regrets about any of it.
John
I say go for it. If you play regularly and this is a hobby that brings you joy, you deserve to splurge a little on it once in a while. Plus, it sounds like you've learned to enjoy the value in a higher end instrument since you've been playing a Squier for a while (not a knock on Squiers, just saying American Fenders are higher quality).
