Buying a cheap bass for professional and performing use

[Sam_Bass_Man]

After trying different sounds out on different basses, I found myself between a jazz bass, a p bass, or a stingray. I have decided that I think the stingray will suit me the greatest because of its sound and the cool tones you can get out of it.

But the problem is that Ernie Ball Music Man guitars are too expensive for me, so I figured I should settle for a Sterling instead. But I'm worried that because they come pretty cheap that it's just a piece of crap and I shouldn't use it for any performances or recording.

My father has always given me this chain of thought that when musicians, artists and performers should have the best gear possible.

Should I buy from a cheaper brand of guitars (like Squire, Epiphone or Sterling) or save up enough money to buy something in the more expensive?

 

[Maxdusty]

After trying different sounds out on different basses, I found myself between a jazz bass, a p bass, or a stingray. I have decided that I think the stingray will suit me the greatest because of its sound and the cool tones you can get out of it.

But the problem is that Ernie Ball Music Man guitars are too expensive for me, so I figured I should settle for a Sterling instead. But I'm worried that because they come pretty cheap that it's just a piece of crap and I shouldn't use it for any performances or recording.

My father has always given me this chain of thought that when musicians, artists and performers should have the best gear possible.

Should I buy from a cheaper brand of guitars (like Squire, Epiphone or Sterling) or save up enough money to buy something in the more expensive?

In your father's day (which I would imagine, is in my days too), that may have been true, but these days, "budget" instruments are much better in quality and are viable instruments. A Sterling Ray is pretty darn close to an Ernie Ball Musicman and is a great instrument in it's own right especially when you look at the cost.
That being said, one thing you can do is buy a USED Sterling Ray, in that way you do not lose money at all should you want to re-sell it at a later date and put it towards moving up to an Ernie Ball Music Man Ray. Also, there's an Ernie Ball Music Man SUB bass which is Made in the US (not to be confused with the Sterling SUB 4), this is a no frills true blue Musicman Stingray they no longer make, you might be able to find a used one which is usually priced at around the price of a Sterling.

 

[BadWithNames]

After trying different sounds out on different basses, I found myself between a jazz bass, a p bass, or a stingray. I have decided that I think the stingray will suit me the greatest because of its sound and the cool tones you can get out of it.

But the problem is that Ernie Ball Music Man guitars are too expensive for me, so I figured I should settle for a Sterling instead. But I'm worried that because they come pretty cheap that it's just a piece of crap and I shouldn't use it for any performances or recording.

My father has always given me this chain of thought that when musicians, artists and performers should have the best gear possible.

Should I buy from a cheaper brand of guitars (like Squire, Epiphone or Sterling) or save up enough money to buy something in the more expensive?

I, personally, prefer the more expensive options. Mostly for the prestige. I can't afford them, but I'd feel better about using them for performances.

However, I've heard a lot of good things about Sterling instruments. I played the Koa topped Ray 34, and it was phenomenal. Compared to the Stingray 30th Anniversary that I owned for like three days, the Ray 34 was lighter. It also felt different. Not exactly tougher or more resilient, but I wasn't as worried about touching it. Didn't feel like it was too valuable to play. Can't compare the sound, as the 30th Anniversary had some electrical problems, but the Ray 34 sounded great. Had pretty high action, too. Which I like.

I've never played any Epiphone or Squire instruments, but I've heard some things that make me suspect that only about 50-75% of their stuff is quality. I haven't heard that sort of stuff recently, so I can't say if that's still the case, but still.

I'd say pass on Squire or Epiphone stuff, personally. I know there are some artists who play those live, but I wouldn't. I think Sterling is a wonderful option. However, the model I tried was an $860 bass, which is a good chunk of the ~$2000 price tag for a Stingray.

 

[GretschWretch]

There are copy-ish Ray and Squier basses out there. But if you want to rock something like an Epiphone or Danelectro, pretty much your only options are Epiphone and Danelectro. In some cases, assessments of "quality" have to be performed within that context.

 

[Qlanq]

I've got high end and cheaper stuff.
I prefer using the cheaper stuff.
At moment my main player is a SUB Ray 4 with a Squier Jazz neck and EMG Geezer P pup.
Plays great and roars like a beast.

 

[garp]

Your father's wisdom is admirable. But 99.97% of your audience doesn't care about the name on your instrument's headstock. Play whatever instrument inspires you.

 

[Bander]

In your father's day (which I would imagine, is in my days too), that may have been true, but these days, "budget" instruments are much better in quality and are viable instruments.

I think so too. A Sterling or other budget priced version would be just fine and low risk of getting a bad instrument.

 

[eccles77]

I usually gig with a £800 P bass. Last gig I used a £234 Sire. The Sire played great. Budget instruments, well set up and maintained are fine for gigging. I have owned a "real" MM Stingray and a Sterling Sub 4 and preferred the cheap one as the MM weighed about 13 lb.

Rock out with whatever bass suits you regardless of the price.

 

[wvbass]

Rock out with whatever bass suits you regardless of the price.

I have an Alembic, a Kubicki, a US Lakland, a MusicMan StringRay, a Czech Spector, and several other very nice basses that I have been fortunate enough to accumulate over the years.

I have no problem at all gigging my SUB Ray5 - It is completely unmodified and is a great bass.

 

[Paulabass]

End of the day, it's your call, but a Sterling bass isn't going to fall apart on you, you get A LOT for the money. I love my high end basses, but i have an Epi vintage Thunderbird i love, and it was about the price of a Sterling.

 

[chris_b]

My father has always given me this chain of thought that when musicians, artists and performers should have the best gear possible.

I totally agree with your Dad.

Always buy the best bass you can afford, the bass that makes you sound the best you can sound.

Also, as you are trying to follow your Dad's wise advice. . . . can he lend you the extra for the EBMM? And check out the classifieds for some great bargains.

 

[grrg63]

My main basses are a Squier P for the punk rock band I play in, and an SX J for the r&b/funk cover band I play in. They stay in tune and sound good. I dont think anyone has ever noticed the names on the headstock.

 

[Reedt2000]

After trying different sounds out on different basses, I found myself between a jazz bass, a p bass, or a stingray. I have decided that I think the stingray will suit me the greatest because of its sound and the cool tones you can get out of it.

But the problem is that Ernie Ball Music Man guitars are too expensive for me, so I figured I should settle for a Sterling instead. But I'm worried that because they come pretty cheap that it's just a piece of crap and I shouldn't use it for any performances or recording.

My father has always given me this chain of thought that when musicians, artists and performers should have the best gear possible.

Should I buy from a cheaper brand of guitars (like Squire, Epiphone or Sterling) or save up enough money to buy something in the more expensive?

I bought a G&L TRIBUTE L2500 used for $500 to have a good sounding and playing bass for outdoor gigs where poor weather is a possibility. I've been very happy with it (just played it outside last night cause there was a chance of drizzle). I'd describe the tone as somewhere in between jazz bass and Stingray with a lot of variation using the controls. Definitely work checking out.

 

[Microbass]

The Sterling basses are fantastic, it'd be a great buy. G&L Tribute is another worthy mention. While Squier and MIM Fenders (I could be wrong here!) have seriously upped their game in last 10 years, at least with Sterling & G&L these instruments pass through the same techs that set up your USA made compatriot instruments.

I usually gig with a £800 P bass. Last gig I used a £234 Sire. The Sire played great. Budget instruments, well set up and maintained are fine for gigging. I have owned a "real" MM Stingray and a Sterling Sub 4 and preferred the cheap one as the MM weighed about 13 lb.

Rock out with whatever bass suits you regardless of the price.

I only use 1 string in the Land of Haggis - am I more famous now plz?

 

[FingerDub]

You didn't say it directly, but it seems like from your post youre new or semi-new to bass. If so and you get good you will be glad that you got the best equipment you could.

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

If having the big F on the headstock doesn't matter to getting the gig then play what works best for you.
If it does matter, that is not within your control. You can only hope that when you can play your choice of instrument that your skill will shine through and dispel any preconceived notions about brand names.

 

[john_g]

My main basses are a Squier P for the punk rock band I play in, and an SX J for the r&b/funk cover band I play in. They stay in tune and sound good. I dont think anyone has ever noticed the names on the headstock.

Its more of an online phenomenon. Ive been playing for 32 years now and no one ever said anything to me about the brand of bass i was using except for once...another bass player i had just met asked about my G&L (tribute) because he never saw one in person. Oh and another guy asked bout my Steinbrenner...

Anywhoo, its fun to obsess over minute tonal differences between basses but in reality, once there are other musicians playing along, most of it gets covered up anyway.

 

[Spidey2112]

Budget instruments, well set up and maintained are fine for gigging. I

Bingo!

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

IMO your father's concept is not the case at this age. I see no problems playing a cheaper bass professionally. Sterlings are great.

 

[mpdd]

musicman had a usa sub series that can be found used for way less than a stingray, therefore i'd look at those if i were you