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I agree with what you're saying. when it comes to buying bass guitars, it doesn't matter how much it costs...it's the sound quality that matters most. I currently own bass guitars that costs under $500 and they all sound pretty cool. recently I've purchase an Ibanez sr305. I've played this bass before and I think it sounds totally awesome. Ibanez makes totally awesome bass guitars.
I have a Cort Artisan C4 Limited edition (2004) as my main bass. I love it.
I do not own more expensive basses than that, but I have tried my fair share of basses in shops, and rarely find anything better. I recently found a vintage Warwick in the used rack, priced at what I would suspect would cost around $1000 in the US (price in Norway 10000 NOK). The shop owner declared that this was a bass from the "golden age" of Warwicks. I tried it, and my conclusion was that it was too similar to my Cort for me to buy it. I guess my used Cort would go around $200-$300 in the US, and it is a great bass.
I have now ordered a cheap backup, a slightly used Peavey Millennium BXP. I hope the neck is straight. If it is, that bass will be modified till it suits my needs for a passive backup bass.
I do not own more expensive basses than that, but I have tried my fair share of basses in shops, and rarely find anything better. I recently found a vintage Warwick in the used rack, priced at what I would suspect would cost around $1000 in the US (price in Norway 10000 NOK). The shop owner declared that this was a bass from the "golden age" of Warwicks. I tried it, and my conclusion was that it was too similar to my Cort for me to buy it. I guess my used Cort would go around $200-$300 in the US, and it is a great bass.
I have now ordered a cheap backup, a slightly used Peavey Millennium BXP. I hope the neck is straight. If it is, that bass will be modified till it suits my needs for a passive backup bass.
Up until a few months ago, my main player was a 2011 MIA 60th Anniversary P.
I still have it and will never sell it (never is such a harsh word
) but for my current band, I'm finding that my totally cheap SX jazz is my go to. The band prefers the tone of the J to the P, and honestly so do I.
Is this a sign that the 60th may someday go the way of other basses that I've traded off or sold? I doubt it, but I could get at least 3 used MIMs for what I could sell it for... Hmm... Or like 12 SX's.
I still have it and will never sell it (never is such a harsh word
) but for my current band, I'm finding that my totally cheap SX jazz is my go to. The band prefers the tone of the J to the P, and honestly so do I. Is this a sign that the 60th may someday go the way of other basses that I've traded off or sold? I doubt it, but I could get at least 3 used MIMs for what I could sell it for... Hmm... Or like 12 SX's.
Up until a few months ago, my main player was a 2011 MIA 60th Anniversary P.
I still have it and will never sell it (never is such a harsh word
Is this a sign that the 60th may someday go the way of other basses that I've traded off or sold? I doubt it, but I could get at least 3 used MIMs for what I could sell it for... Hmm... Or like 12 SX's.
Just imagine the fun you could have with 12 SX's..
There's a difference between "of equal quality" and "more than good enough" - just sayin'...
- georgestrings
I have a large collection of basses that range from $100-$900, and the one that spends the most time in my hands is a 90s-era Ibanez SR405. I think I paid around $200 for it.
No offense but thoughs that prefer the el cheapie basses have never touched a Fodera. There is a world of difference! Just my educated and humble opinion! I enjoy modding out basses just as much as the next fellow TBers but you will most likely never find a cheapo el bajo that can touch a high end bass in terms of playability.
Up until a few months ago, my main player was a 2011 MIA 60th Anniversary P.
I still have it and will never sell it (never is such a harsh word
Is this a sign that the 60th may someday go the way of other basses that I've traded off or sold? I doubt it, but I could get at least 3 used MIMs for what I could sell it for... Hmm... Or like 12 SX's.
Same goes for me, I started on P style basses in the 80's played Ricks for a few years than many others since. The $89 SX Jazz is the bass that always stays for no other reason than it just works for me. I've thought about modding it but the stock pickups & bridge are just fine as is. I had 2 of the ash model SXJazz basses that I modded with Fralins, Audere preamp, Badass bridges and I was never as happy as I am with this cheap stock instrument.
I've got a short scale "Gem" bass I got for $20 back in 1980. I love the tone but the tuners suck and the intonation isn't all that great. I could drop some cash into it and make it reliable but its easier to leave it as my "loan to friends or take camping" bass. My better basses go to gigs and rehearsals.
I think you you feel a "cheap bass" is just that? You do know there are plenty of good basses out there that are equal to if not better than basses costing much more but cost much less?
The secret is knowing what they are and finding/getting them.
I dont think it is that simple. Of course a high end Fodera is much better than say an older USA made Peavy Fury. But if I am comparing the Fury to say a MIA Fender...maybe not.
For what you pay for a Fodera it better do everything you need and want.
Allot of Tbers myself included have no desire or need for a bass like a Fodera and would never think of going there. We buy what we need and have found there are ways to get a decent quality, playing and sounding bass while saving money..that is the facts.
Besides in the gigs I do nobody cares or notices what bass I play. A Fodera, Fender or a Squire so why care? Trust me in most cases nobody cares about the bass if it all sounds good.
Not at all - I know from experience that if you have an eye for it, it's not that hard to find a very giggable bass for under $150... but, I take issue when you try to present the same bass as "of equal quality", because it just isn't true...
- georgestrings
I wouldn't say cheaper is better, but higher prices doesn't necessarily mean better gear. With that said, the only basses that I'd consider cheap that I like a lot that comes to mind is the squier vintage modified jazz bass and the danelectro longhorn. But there's plenty of cheap guitars I love.
An e is an e. In my books. I buy mostly 300 to 500 max. But I am a bedroom/jam bassist. I see no need in spending big bucks on basses. Now if I was a problem player touring etc... That would be different. But my main audience are my two shih tzus and they are fine with me playing a Squier or a mim p bass
Btw can I join to pls?
Btw can I join to pls?
