Do I Deserve a Boutique Bass?

[Buster Brown]

Well, the way I see it is that we can either buy something we really like while we're around to enjoy it, or we never get to know what it was like to own one. I choose the first option if I can swing it. If I'm okay never knowing what it was like to own one, then it wasn't really for me.
As far as being a good enough player to deserve one, there are always going to be both those who praise you and those who are critical of you, no matter what level you achiever. I say go for it.

Editing this because it sounded too grim.

No, I get it. At my age I feel EXACTLY the same way....or as the old man once said, "If you wait till you're old to enjoy something, you won't" Do it now while you're young. Thankfully I can say that I have traveled the world - seen and done things that the average Joe will never experience - so I've got that going for me....

 

[Marcury]

Do you have the money. Seems the answer is yes. Support a business you like and buy one.

 

[Bass Viking]

I love 'talk me out of buying...' threads.

You know darn well they're looking for validation.

 

[Bass Viking]

2. Does it do something your current bass doesn't? (have an extra pickup, preamp, 5th or more string(s)...)

This is an important point. Dingwalls are unique. Some times you gotta spend extra money to get what you want.

 

[Bartrinsic]

I restored the Hamer jazz in my avatar. If I expect attitudes on an outing, I grab one of my projects and make sage pronouncements out loud like 'only idiots spend more than $200 on a bass'. And 'if you can't rebuild it yourself you shouldn't play it'. I usually don't point out that this is how I learned to do all my own work on my Z3 and my Ibanez Prestige's, and that I do most of my practicing on insanely expensive instruments. I'm my own favorite artist these days--it's important that I'm listening to what sounds and feels best for the listener (me). If you're buying the bass to take it out and impress people, then maybe check your own attitude. Otherwise, just check your budget. There is nothing on Earth like a Dingwall and there never will be. If it it fits your playing style and your arms, then there likely will never be anything better.

 

[rtslinger]

Life is too damn short if you have the $ and you really want it get it.
I let too many deals slip through my fingers in the past, now at my age I rarely let them happen
as long as I'm still playing it justifies that smile on my face

 

[Jefenator]

After 12 years with it, I am still not "fully" worthy of my Afterburner I.
But the struggle has been rewarding!
We live in a free society. AFAIC if you can afford it and you have a desire to experience just how good build quality and low B response can really be, a Canadian Dingwall should quite decisively tick both of those boxes.
I've been watching a lot of Leno's Garage on YouTube lately. It's given me a new perspective on collection vs usage. (Even though he's probably never earned a nickel with his driving skills, I really appreciate what he's been doing with his collecting, restoration and not least of all the show.)
I have to wonder how many of the high end bass builders would be in business at all if one had to audition to prove worthiness before placing an order. (I do know they're not around on account of my cheap, used-buying self!)

 

[BurningSkies]

You know darn well they're looking for validation.

EXACTLY.

 

[LanEvo]

I've been playing for 30 years ... and I still suck. But I love it. I splurged on nicer basses than I "deserve" but who cares? As long as you can afford it, why not go for it? If it's not for you, then you can always sell it. No big deal.

 

[Groove Doctor]

I’ll never date a supermodel, but I can own a Boutique Bass.

 

[Bass Viking]

EXACTLY.

Often when people ask your opinion they want to hear their opinion coming out of your mouth.

 

[nonohmic]

You sure do!

I got my dream bass; but now I want to try a Ken Smith. Why? Cause I want to.

 

[dfreeland83]

So, I'd argue that nobody 'deserves' anything that we pine over / lust over / want. But, if we have the cash, and find something we like, we're absolutely allowed to spend money on it. My first guitar was a '72 Gibson. I couldn't play a note on it. I, in no way, deserved it, but it was the fruit of the fact that my dad was a professional guitarist. Now I'm a solid bassist, but I still only noodle around on guitar and I'll never really be at the point where I 'deserve' a guitar as nice as what I started on.

If you were sponsored by Dingwall, they gave you a $3000 bass, you were bragging about your sponsorship and you couldn't play steady eighth notes on an open E string, there may be a reason to say that you don't 'deserve' it.

Buy what you want, enjoy the heck out of it, and post some pics so we can drool over it. I don't browse the picture threads on TB because I want to see a bunch of folks playing the gear that fits their skill level. I want to browse the pics on TB because I love playing bass, learning about bass, drooling over basses I'll probably never own, and fellowshipping with a bunch of musicians with similar interests.

 

[Topkat13]

Since I don't know you personally I can't answer that question. Even if I did it still would not put me a position to know what you "deserve". My bass is considered boutique and I am an intermediate player. It's kind of like somebody that shoots bogey golf but has a really expensive set of clubs...no law against it. I still haven't totally learned that a hi $ bass doesn't me play better...but it's damn sho' fun! So if you want a boutique bass go buy one.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Hope it wasn't a Charcoal Graphite AB1 at The Music Loft. If so, moot point now.

 

[klejst]

No idea, do you or don't you? Your choice however sometimes getting a better bass does not make you a better player so don't think like that, rather buying a better bass may influence you wanting to be a better player because of it.

 

[Williethump]

I know what you're feeling, I often feel the same fumbling over my pristine MIJ P-bass. And nobody asks me to play. But I'm glad I bought it despite me being an elderly student hack. But, like me, you aspire to improve and striving to play good enough to 'deserve' a fine instrument is a worthy goal. If you don't need the money for rent , food or alimony then you need to buy the base. Although I play the good ax the least, just having it waiting for me is a joy. I may not 'deserve' it but you never know. Practice, practice, practice. Go get it or you'll regret it. Not now but soon, and for the rest of your life.

 

[Passinwind]

I’ll never date a supermodel, but I can own a Boutique Bass.

I don't deserve a Botox bass with crooked frets, but I deserved every supermodel I've ever dated.

Oh...wait.

 

[Bass Viking]

Buy what you want, enjoy the heck out of it, and post some pics so we can drool over it. I don't browse the picture threads on TB because I want to see a bunch of folks playing the gear that fits their skill level. I want to browse the pics on TB because I love playing bass, learning about bass, drooling over basses I'll probably never own, and fellowshipping with a bunch of musicians with similar interests.

I much prefer New Bass Day threads featuring something unique and different like a Dingwall to threads with the usual... well, you know.

 

[dfreeland83]

I much prefer New Bass Day threads featuring something unique and different like a Dingwall to threads with the usual... well, you know.

That cuts me to the bone. Pretty sure that every NBD since I joined TB has been 'Check out my new Fender' with the exception of the Craigslist Yamaha BB415 I nabbed, which is still the best 5-string I've ever owned.. and... burnt orange