Can I go pro with a Squier Affinity P Bass?

[Jhclark]

Makes sense not to delay playing on account of gear, that's just an excuse. I'm not looking for an excuse to postpone anything, I guess I'm more looking for some approval from this community that I'm safe to go for it. If lots of people said to save up and trade in and show up with a MIM or Hofner or better, I would do it based on real people's experiences.

Since that's not the case, I'm gonna run with it for now.

That said, it's not that I particularly enjoy playing the bass I have, and a new bass will be my next purchase when I have some funds.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

Some TBers will tell you that cannot get a "pro sound" from a Squier, I call those TBers wrong. That being said, it is usually takes a pro to make a Squier sound good.

 

[mellowinman]

I don't see a problem with it. I play out with a Squier Affinity V, and I'm happy to do so.

 

[tangentmusic]

It's not the bass that's professional -
It's the person who plays it.

 

[srxplayer]

Not to confuse things but It shouldn't matter what you play. But it does matter to professionals you play with. The term professional sometimes is used loosely. You can play in a band that gigs regularly and you are paid in cash ( not tips or free drinks) and I guess that a kind of pro gig. Not saying you or the bass will sound bad. But a card carrying union gig audition for the orchestra pit at the Pantages Theater in L.A. or a session call in Nashville. I wouldn't show up with a Squire. At that level you have to look like a pro as well as play like a pro. Just my $ .02

 

[Justice4trance]

Show off your skills with your squier for now.

When there's a chance, grab that better quality bass. There's no denying a better gear can give you more enjoyment - sometimes nicer tones, nicer feel due to more set up possibilities

 

[Art Araya]

If you play well and have a good sound NO ONE is going to care

 

[lfmn16]

I would say that if you are playing in bands it wouldn't be a concern. If you are trying to get studio work (and you don't already have a reputation) then it could make a difference in how you are perceived. Just my opinion, but I wouldn't risk losing studio work because someone I want to work with can't look past the headstock.

 

[Swampman Cory]

Ignoring the important/primary responses that have already been covered, I will skip to this...

If you are afraid of people noticing a cheap instrument, you can throw them off the scent for a while by swapping out the pickguard:

Swapping out the pickguard and adding covers can sometimes do wonders for an image. Getting rid of the white pickguard, although a classic look, will make your bass no longer look like it just came out of the box. You can get a budget-friendly one from dragonfireguitars.com

 

[fretter]

No, under no circumstances! You will be embarrassing the entire guild of bass players plus the global bassist community. For decades on, people will be talking about the guy who walked into an audition with a ...gulp, Squire instead of a Fender (picture lads snickering as they quaff their pints of barrel aged craft brew).

Okay seriously, if you are an experienced musician, I'm assuming that you have compared the sound between the Squire and more expensive basses and not found a noticeable difference? Especially, if you're using advanced digital sound processing, the input source might not make a significant difference. I've read reviews by people who claim that the SX Ursa 1 bass ($100+) feels and sounds like an American P-bass. Again, I think the deciding factor should be the sound compared to more expensive instruments. Personally, my approach always was to have equipment that was somewhat affordable (not top of the line) but with that certain amount of brand credibility (Fender, Peavey, Marshall). If you walked into the audition with a Squire and absolutely shredded, I think anybody would be impressed even more. They might ask though, whether you own any other basses.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Smart getting a better amp first. When you have the time, play some other basses. Only you can tell what works best for you.

People now can pay thousands for a custom shop Eric Clapton Strat - that was an off-the-wall model.

 

[gregmon79]

I have an Affinity P/J myself. Love that bass. I have no shame that I play and use it. I have however modded the heck out of it though. It still says Squier on the headstock and that is OK with me. I dig that bass and always will. I voted ROCK IT! And with pride.

 

[mattyb5000]

Play what you sound good playing on and what you're comfortable with. If you do make music as your full-time job, I suspect it's only a matter of time before you'll upgrade to a different bass. Kind of like, if I became a full-time freelance writer I'd make do for a while with my crappy 7 year old laptop until I had enough saved up for a faster machine to use as my daily tool for working.

 

[Thrust Meatnozl]

If you're touring or doing pro gigs you should have a back up bass anyway, no?

 

[Fat Steve]

Here's a festival gig I played last month. That's a 2000 Squier Affinity P Bass that I refinished. There were 1000+ people there when we opened the show in the early afternoon. It can be done.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Cellos and electric basses are not the same. Some of the most commonly used basses (Fender bolt-on basses) were, for years, the equivalent of a plywood cello - not made by craftsmen, but built to last.

 

[Jhclark]

Not to confuse things but It shouldn't matter what you play. But it does matter to professionals you play with.

I need to think "how would I feel if a keyboardist showed up with a Casio instead of a Rhodes, or really, if the guitarist has a bullet strat?"

Honestly, I would not be thrilled. Of course it wouldn't prevent music from being made, but it would be made clear that we have a priority for them to upgrade ASAP. There's my answer right there.

No, under no circumstances! You will be embarrassing the entire guild of bass players plus the global bassist community.

My worries exactly

Okay seriously, if you are an experienced musician, I'm assuming that you have compared the sound between the Squire and more expensive basses and not found a noticeable difference? Especially, if you're using advanced digital sound processing...

You're right! sound difference is not huge the way I play, more feel and look, fit and finish. And no digital anything for me, gonna be straight up whenever possible.

Personally, my approach always was to have equipment that was somewhat affordable (not top of the line) but with that certain amount of brand credibility (Fender, Peavey, Marshall).

Credibility is an important factor in anything in life.

 

[rimmry]

Of course you can!

 

[drunkenDAYlewis]

Not the bass that makes the bassist.... If people laugh at your choice of bass it just makes it that much better when you start playing and their jaw hits the ground...

Some great bassist are rocking their own custom squires so that should be enough.....

If your still on the fence go to a music store and try a bunch, you can get some decent stuff for under $600 this day in age. You can even stick with Squire if you want, some of the Classic Vibe is incredible and verry affordable.

 

[Kaa]

Rock that thing. Make some dough, buy another bass. Then rock that one, make some dough, buy another bass. Repeat as necessary.