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Do Americans need more expensive basses?

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#161
I've just read this entire thread from beginning to end and as best I can tell we've officially come to the following conclusions in response to the original question:

1) If you're from the UK you're clothes are a mess.
2) Communism solves all social problems and Capitalism has killed millions.
3) Basses made in the US are over rated
4) No one has ever had a legitimate need to buy an expensive bass
5) Any bass that exceeds the cost of a basic functional bass (i.e. Squier Bronco bass) is expensive
6) Americans work hard and don't have time to play, drive, or have orgies
7) A vacation in New Mexico for a family of four costs $10,000
8) UK bands in the '60s that played Gibsons lusted after our expensive and rare Fenders made in America
9) Drinking wine out of crystal is better than drinking it out of plastic
10) Buying Chinese products supports slavery
11) Bill Wyman played cheap guitars that cost orders of magnitude more than a Squier bronco bass
12) You can buy a Fender Made in America by Mexicans or one made in Mexico by Mexicans - same goes for pizza

I'm really confused, what was the original question?
 
#165
GBassNorth said:
I've just read this entire thread from beginning to end and as best I can tell we've officially come to the following conclusions in response to the original question:

1) If you're from the UK you're clothes are a mess.
2) Communism solves all social problems and Capitalism has killed millions.
3) Basses made in the US are over rated
4) No one has ever had a legitimate need to buy an expensive bass
5) Any bass that exceeds the cost of a basic functional bass (i.e. Squier Bronco bass) is expensive
6) Americans work hard and don't have time to play, drive, or have orgies
7) A vacation in New Mexico for a family of four costs $10,000
8) UK bands in the '60s that played Gibsons lusted after our expensive and rare Fenders made in America
9) Drinking wine out of crystal is better than drinking it out of plastic
10) Buying Chinese products supports slavery
11) Bill Wyman played cheap guitars that cost orders of magnitude more than a Squier bronco bass
12) You can buy a Fender Made in America by Mexicans or one made in Mexico by Mexicans - same goes for pizza

I'm really confused, what was the original question?
Click to expand...

:D That was a hoot..
 
#167
We Americans are pretty much suckers for a shiny new toy, were raised in an age where we are made to believe that if we dont get the next best shiniest thing that we are surely missing out and might as well be dead. I personally am trying to teach my kids not to be swayed by hype. IMO musical instruments however should be more about what feels good in your price range, however I will admit if I had the money for an Alembic I would run out today and buy one. I dont think better gear makes you a better musician, thats in your heart and fingers, it does however make the path to your ability easier to get to. You can drive to work in a Yugo, or a Benz, both will get you there, but the Mercedes is definitely a smoother ride.
 
#168
AaronVonRock said:
True. Like you said, US quality hasn't gone down, it's just that many countries have caught up and even surpassed US production.

Getting back to OP's original point, I don't think Americans in particular need more expensive basses. Some people, regardless of nationality, are going to buy what they perceive as being the best which many times are the more expensive brands and models. The US is going to have more selection of boutique brands and expensive models than say Greece (according to another post) or Thailand (according to me).
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add to that the fact that many instruments (MIC, MIK) sell for less in the US then they do in their country of origin. For example an CLassic Vibe here 'streets' for $500USD - When I lived in Korea Tribute G&Ls, Conklin GTs, and Skylines (at that time these were still MIK) were 30%+ more expensive in Korea than in Canada or the US
 
#169
pudgychef said:
add to that the fact that many instruments (MIC, MIK) sell for less in the US then they do in their country of origin. For example an CLassic Vibe here 'streets' for $500USD - When I lived in Korea Tribute G&Ls, Conklin GTs, and Skylines (at that time these were still MIK) were 30%+ more expensive in Korea than in Canada or the US
Click to expand...

True. Basses I see in music shops in Bangkok that are made in China, Korea, Japan, Indonesia are $200-$400 more expensive than in the US.
It's actually cheaper for me to order a used one on eBay and pay the international shipping and domestic import tax than to buy in Thailand.
 
#172
Originally Posted by chris_b
The question of price is usually raised by people who think they are cool because they play cheaper instruments.

People who play more expensive basses almost never seem to question why those who buy cheaper gear do so.

It doesn't seem like it's a discussion that can go anywhere.
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davidhilton said:
True.
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hogwash - I see it equally from both sides around here. Those with high-end instruments love to lord them over those with more meagre gear (if you can't tell the difference you don't need it etc) just as much as guys killing it on affordable gear love to point out that if you can't get it done on a decent, affordable bass - you just can't get it done.

this thread = dead horse + beating motion....
 
#173
DigitalMan said:
Most importantly, the Great Wall can not be seen from space with the unaided eye.

Glad that's settled.
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Regardless - having actually walked a few miles on it and visited it at various locations - I can assure all it is indeed Great...and one of the most impressive man-made creations one will ever see in person (hint - it is even better than a double episode of Duck Dynasty x 10)
 
#174
pudgychef said:
Regardless - having actually walked a few miles on it and visited it at various locations - I can assure all it is indeed Great...and one of the most impressive man-made creations one will ever see in person (hint - it is even better than a double episode of Duck Dynasty x 10)
Click to expand...

I spent a lot of time in China in and around the Beijing area and walked many miles along multiple sections of the Great Wall on numerous occasions. All I can say is its breath taking in size and structure and a must see for anyone who has the chance. That said, as impressive as it is, it ultimately was completely ineffective at keeping out the hoarding armies who simply bribed gate keepers to pass through.

Now on topic - my made in China Fender Modern Player Tele Bass is a fantastic bass that rivals any MIA Fender I've owned at much less cost.

I'm as American as they come and like nearly everyone I know I put my money where the value is best - rarely the lowest cost, rarely the most expensive.
 
#178
pudgychef said:
hogwash - I see it equally from both sides around here. Those with high-end instruments love to lord them over those with more meagre gear
Click to expand...

I call BS. Care to site some examples?

I have never seen a thread where guys with high end gear "lord over" others with less expensive stuff.

Just crowing it from your roost doesn't make it so. This isn't CSNBC.
 
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