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Can I go pro with a Squier Affinity P Bass?

Can I gig and tour with a Chinese Squier Affinity?

  • Don't ever let anyone tell you who to love! Rock it like you stole it!

    Votes: 134 81.2%

  • Dress her up, you can't be seen in public looking like a cheap date!

    Votes: 15 9.1%

  • Dump her and find somebody respectable if you ever want any respect yourself!

    Votes: 16 9.7%
  • Total voters
    165
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#141
TheCrimsonKing said:
Well that's debatable, there are people who use every one of those six strings, most are happy with four though (I play a run of the mill Jazz Bass), but have you ever played one? I played a seven string once and it was SUPER fun.
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Yeah, I have played a few 6 strings, I found the neck to be to narrow and very uncomfortable. Everything I have ever played could be played on a 4 string, though 5 strings make some of it easier to play. I have absolutely no need for a ERB. Its not really debatable, unless you are playing the metal scene, or some crazy lead bass lines in a fusion band or something, most players have no need for a 6 string bass. Like I said, they are unnecessary for the vast majority of gigs.
 
#142
500k pots always add a cheap feel to my sound. That would be the first thing I would mod on an Affinity. Once I start modding a bass, I usually modify the headstock logo to make it more personalized, so nobody would really be too sure what I was playing, anyway. The last few bands I was asked to join, I showed up with jalopy mutt basses. In my opinion, a tastefully modded Squier could command as much respect as a higher-end bass, as long as your sound is pro.
 
#143
bolophonic said:
500k pots always add a cheap feel to my sound. That would be the first thing I would mod on an Affinity. Once I start modding a bass, I usually modify the headstock logo to make it more personalized, so nobody would really be too sure what I was playing, anyway. The last few bands I was asked to join, I showed up with jalopy mutt basses. In my opinion, a tastefully modded Squier could command as much respect as a higher-end bass, as long as your sound is pro.
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I prefer 250k myself, but I think the pots they come with that have basically zero turning resistance feel very cheap. I have used 500k pots on some humbuckers to brighten them up a bit.
 
#145
A Squier Affinity is not anywhere pro level. It is a good inexpensive first bass to learn on. I bought one to part out and put after market parts on. Even with a new set of clothes it was still a Squier Affinity. The Vintage Modified Squier's you could probably get by with. My feeling is if you play out with a low end Squier Affinity, that is how you will be remembered. If you really plan on being a pro you will have to get some better gear and practice, practice, practice.
 
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#146
professionals generally play professional quality instruments. you mentioned being a cellist, imagine if David Finckel or Yo-Yo Ma went around playing on a student model cello- i'm sure they'd sound fine, and make great music with it for sure. but..... I'm sure you get my point- they both play on very fine instruments, as is expected of people on that level.

electric guitars/basses are a little different, and occasionally we see pros using student model instruments. if it works well enough for you, thats fine. the only thing that can really justify saying "no you can't do that" is if the instrument isn't reliable enough. do the electronics always work? does it behave in humidity/climate changes within reason?

especially with a good amp and flats, a cheap bass can sound a lot like a good bass sometimes. my only absolute "rule" about whats acceptable or not for a pro is reliability.
 
#148
I have read this whole thread and your answer is pretty much in your original post.
First off your wife has told you, you should get a new bass! Do it before she changes her mind and you may not get the opportunity again!! Secondly you said you might sell a guitar or two, you could and then pick up a used MIM Fender P. They can be had for $250-300 anytime anywhere (unless you live overseas). Then no one will question it, all they will see is a P bass with Fender on the headstock. Then you have your Fender and also have your Squier as backup. It's always a good idea to have a backup IMO.
 
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#149
Would you be able to go pro with a Squier Affinity? Kind of...

...your skills would most likely be at the "pro level" (granted you practiced enough), as you don't need a "pro level" instrument to develop "pro level" skills. Granted, it might be more comfortable to play and practice on a higher quality instrument, but I digress.

That being said, I believe you'd have problems finding a band/manager/record label etc. that didn't judge you negatively for owning a "beginner" instrument like an Affinity. If I was you I'd buy a MIM Precision or something...just to fill the "Fender on the headstock" quota. ;)
 
#150
Lots of things count at auditions. I'm sure I'm not the only player here to have been to auditions where I've been video recorded to be evaluated later. I'm also certain that in those situations, if I could not correctly spell the brand names of my gear when asked in email or IM, that I'd even have been invited to audition. ;) If I couldn't be bothered to pay that little bit of attention to detail (and general grammar), how could I be expected to learn and nail any elaborate arrangements quickly?
 
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#151
okcrum said:
Lots of things count at auditions. I'm sure I'm not the only player here to have been to auditions where you are video recorded to be evaluated later. I'm also certain that in those situations, if I could not correctly spell the brand names of my gear when asked in email or IM, that I'd even have been invited to audition. ;)
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I haven't even thought about auditioning with video, but I'm generally more of a leader/founder type. Also, I'm generally more called upon as a cellist. I suppose after practicing enough that I'd feel confident to audition as a bassist, I would have more than 2 basses anyway (a Ric, Hof, and P).

That said, I got the feeling that I'm being knocked a bit for the spelling of Squier... It's not Squire, is it? I'm pretty sure I got that one correct...
 
#153
As you increase the number of gigs you'll want a backup, anyway. So, you can keep your Squier for that when your "pro bass" finds you. You can still switch between them during gigs.

Just last week I was noodling at home with each of my several basses, especially enjoying my old workhorse '87 Squier jazz (with EMG's added in '93), but really noticed how much more solid my '01 MIA P felt during its turn in my hands. It's kind of like moving from a Chevy to a Buick.

I did take the Squier to a Friday night gig, with a backup, as I was over a half-hour from home.
 
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#156
I bet only the elite among TBers can pinpoint in a recording an Affinity P from a MIM, a MIJ, a MIA or any other non Fender Corp. P bass out there. Playing and sounding well is sweat, talent and confidence. Any of the new basses available at music stores, with proper setup could give you professional results.

Naturally, a higher end bass will give you a different feel that may motivate you to practice even more. All up to you, as always.
 
#157
Jhclark said:
I haven't even thought about auditioning with video, but I'm generally more of a leader/founder type. Also, I'm generally more called upon as a cellist. I suppose after practicing enough that I'd feel confident to audition as a bassist, I would have more than 2 basses anyway (a Ric, Hof, and P).

That said, I got the feeling that I'm being knocked a bit for the spelling of Squier... It's not Squire, is it? I'm pretty sure I got that one correct...
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No, not knocking you, it was just a general comment about loosey goosey crappy communication and grammar in general. If I type too quickly, I've got a 30% chance of spelling anything wrongly or with the wrong form. "Autocorrect" pushes that even higher. I've learned to reread anything I send via email or IM several times before hitting send. Anytime I don't, I risk getting burned.

I was making a point about all the little things that can actually cost you a gig. I should simply have posted a link to the new Weird Al video Link Removed. :D
 
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#160
Doublesixes said:
I bet only the elite among TBers can pinpoint in a recording an Affinity P from a MIM, a MIJ, a MIA or any other non Fender Corp. P bass out there. Playing and sounding well is sweat, talent and confidence. Any of the new basses available at music stores, with proper setup could give you professional results.

Naturally, a higher end bass will give you a different feel that may motivate you to practice even more. All up to you, as always.
Click to expand...

Agreed. With the production tools available, it can be hard to tell the bass line's a bass at all in some cases. That's not what most folks are cautioning Jhclark about. He's a pretty high level player already on cello. The further you go in the business, the more the little stuff counts unless you're a known quantity already. Clearly Jhclark understands this, because he was savvy enough to ask the question in the first place.
 
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