Better is a hard thing to quantify beyond a certain point. Once you have an instrument which stays in tune, has accurate intonation, no dead spots etc., you start looking at things which are much more subjective.
It's also worth noting that cheap doesn't have to mean low quality.
I don't know if I'd say poor, but many basses are simply much more expensive to buy over here than in the US. For instance, a new Musicman Stingray costs about $1,500 in the US, over here they cost about £1,500 (~$2,500).
As far as talent, a talented musician will sound like a talented musician regardless of the instrument they use.
) but I think that the differences in instruments based on price are things that are not readily seen. What will that instrument be like in 10 years? Like in the auto industry quality is improving all around.. My wife had a 1st generation Kia Sephia ... the newest Optimas are infinitely better in terms of build and features. It is the same way with instruments .. but regardless to how Kia motors.. or Ibanez basses have improved you will never get a new K900 for an Optima price. Nor will you get a Grooveline for a GSR price.. and there are distinct and very real differences between the two.. so someone buying the Grooveline would be spending the 10x extra money on the differences because they feel they are worth it .. Americans don't "need" more expensive basses.. we buy them because we can. Anyone else would.
