But do I DESERVE a "nice" bass?

[eddododo]

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.

You saved for a long time- you absolutely deserve it. I don’t think it’s reasonable to look at that money as a dumb expensive purchase, when you save little by little for such a long time I think almost any purchase is reasonable... if it were a custom Fodera mayyyybe there should be some further analysis, but you earned a nice P bass, no doubt about it

 

[Matthijs]

I’m curious about your grandfather and his Yamaha.

 

[punchdrunk]

Deserve? Probably not... but do you have the right? Absoeffinlutely you do. Treat yo’self.

 

[nonohmic]

I once got stuck behind a Porsche going over the Red Mountain Pass, in my 98 Ford Ranger.

Think about it.

 

[Koshchei]

"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.

 

[Sam Dingle]

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.

You saved for something shiney that you wanted, now go get it. Who cares. You can do things because you want them. It may even inspire you to be a better player. Order it and post about it ASAP!

 

[Doctor Intrepid]

If it's money you've earned honestly you deserve to do what ever you want with it.

 

[JRA]

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.

cool beans! be sure to post some explicit pictures! good luck!

 

[nilorius]

Everybody deseves a nice bass.

 

[Hurricane Jimmie]

So Anyway, you're part of a group with untold 'Bass Reserves'. Most of us own instruments that are underutilized in one way or another. I'd suggest that you buy the Bass because the heart wants what the heart wants.

 

[Eric Swaim]

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.

Think about it this way, what type of car do you drive? If it's a nice newer car, do you deserve that? If your not a Prefessional race car driver do you deserve (corvette, camero, mustang, BMW, etc.) that car?

Buy what you can afford bass wise and enjoy playing it or them.

 

[BobKos]

Have to say I'm a hobby player. I have many GREAT basses. I will never play up to their potential or limits. BUT - they all make me sound like I'm a better player than I really am. They all have brought me great joy in the experience of owning and playing them. They all have their own special qualities that set them apart from each other. It's a treat to be blessed with these instruments. If I see another one that I like, I'll buy it too. I don't necessarily deserve them, but I'm certainly not prohibited from buying and enjoying them. It's part of the fabric of our lives. There are people who spend more than my bass expenditures on boat fuel, bar tabs, ammunition, etc and they are not wrong either. It's what you enjoy in life.

 

[jbhaugh]

Only you can answer this question. But, my advice would be to examine your attitude about spending money. Are you the kind of person that feels buyer's remorse or guilt after you make a large discretionary purchase? If so, you might buy the new P-Bass and then agonize about whether it was a waste of money, eventually selling it or selling other gear to justify the ownership of the "nicer" instrument. If you think you're going to experience angst about the purchase after you pull the trigger, I would reconsider. Save yourself the trouble.

 

[lordradish]

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.

I had a Wal bass long before I felt my playing was worthy of it. And I certainly grew into it.

 

[dmt]

Don’t be a selfish jerk - think of the economy, man.

Now go buy that bass!

 

[SteveC]

Short answer...Yes.
Longer answer, I used to think I didn't deserve or need to tie up money in nice basses. I play out, but am not a "pro" in the way I think you mean. I made $5K last year, and $3K of that was paying at church. As long as it doesn't keep you from paying bills, providing for your family, etc., who cares.
Do I deserve an Audi A6. Yes. It was used. I could never have a new one.

 

[godofthunder59]

This is exactly why I finally gave in and got two US Fender Basses. I haven't played in bands for years. Health reasons. I'm in my 50's. I said to myself... Something could happen to me anyday now, so, I'm gonna get a US P-Bass and enjoy it in my living room, playing along to music and practicing. It's great. A dream come true. I can scratch that off the Bucket List!

Good for you enjoy them!

 

[Jscriv]

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.

1111198473820202973% yes. You deserve whatever you want. Wanna spend 7k on a boutique bass just because you want one? Save up and do it. Wanna drop a few grand on an outstanding amp rig just because? Do it. It may make you practice more. It may not. But definitely get what you want. I'm not very good. I am in a band. But I've got a few amps, and I'll be buying a few more. Got plenty of basses over the 1k price tag used. Just do it and make yourself happy!

 

[DWBass]

To me, it depends on how much you're looking to spend. I'm not buying a Fodera if I'm just sitting home and not gigging regularly. I'm more inclined to buy an affordable or cheap bass and upgrade it. But.....I might buy something like a US Lakland or a Sadowsky (at a discount of course) in the $2k range.

 

[hrodbert696]

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.

A bass is a thing and your money is your money. You don't need to "deserve" a nice bass. I don't even know what that is supposed to mean. If you want the thing and you have the money to afford it, then buy it.