Do singlecut basses look pretentious?

[DwaynieAD]

I hate the looks don't matter crowd here on Tb. You're in show business, looks are the first and sometimes only thing you're going to be judged on. You always have to keep that in mind. Play what you like, but please dont post a thread dedicated to how bands suck because they judge you on this or that. Lord knows we get enough of them. Most single cuts I find to be ugly tho some I do like the looks of. Also I know not everyone will share my opinions. I wouldn't bat an eye seeing a single cut at a metal gig and I could see certain ones being used for country gigs.

 

[two fingers]

The basses themselves don't. The PEOPLE who PLAY single cuts often look pretentious.

 

[JPaulGeddy]

They don't look pretentious when Anthony Jackson plays them.

I love Anthony Jackson, but...

they kinda do.

 

[Watchootognbout]

The basses themselves don't. The PEOPLE who PLAY single cuts often look pretentious.

And how is that?What "look"is that?
What are they doing that's pretentious?
Examples?

 

[AztecViking]

My own theory is that if you play a bass that looks fat you'll eventually ( subconsciously ) become fat to fit the looks of the bass. I swear that I've seen it happen!

 

[nostatic]

watch out, he's using a PICK on this one

 

[Astrapto]

Kinda like the Wishbass in your avatar?

I wondered if anyone noticed that!

 

[rogerbmiller]

All joking aside, I do think modern single-cut basses tend to send out a jazz-fusion kind of vibe.

I bet a lot of folks in "traditional" bands would respond negatively...but that's all about image. If a guitarist showed up at a bluegrass gig with a pink Ibanez 7-string shred guitar he'd probably hear some grumbling from bandmates.

^^^
This!

There are different horses for different courses. If you have a country western gig, you show up with a P bass.

If you have a free form jazz exploration gig in front of a large festival crowd, you show up with a Fodera style single cut bass.

 

[two fingers]

And how is that?What "look"is that?
What are they doing that's pretentious?
Examples?

Just being a goofball. Relax.

 

[Fat Freddy]

At the risk of partially repeating an oft quoted line.....Beauty is in the eye etc.....Generally speaking, they're not to my taste but pretentious? Nah...

EDIT: They do remind me of whales though .....

 

[Fat Freddy]

My own theory is that if you play a bass that looks fat you'll subconsciously become fat to fit the looks of the bass. I swear that I've seen it happen!

I became fat due to an excess of BBQ, alcohol and a general lack of exercise....Bugger all to do with the bass that I play

 

[Watchootognbout]

watch out, he's using a PICK on this one

Boy that Anthony Jackson!
He oughta quit pretending to be so good.
He better put down that single cut and pick up a non pretentious P-Bass and play some eighth notes over 4/4 Rock.
The same with that Tom Kennedy.
And that Lincoln Goines guy!Hoo boy!

 

[Lowness]

Let's talk about discussion posts that make regret opening TB at night.....

 

[JesseVMT]

They aren't for me but so what?

 

[jp58]

They look heavy.

 

[allenhumble]

I think they look classy......not to change the subject but what's the best strap for Blink 182 covers?

 

[Korladis]

I don't think it looks "pretentious." I just don't like the way the ones with the enormous uncut upper horn look.

 

[obimark]

What purpose does the humpback upper horn serve? Does it balance the bass better?

 

[Johns Bass]

Can't stand them!!

View attachment 917456

Pretentious being seen & heard playing one? Probably not.
Casually tossing one across a chair in your studio like you just don't care? Maybe so...

From that angle - kinda looks like Flipper...or possibly like a shark with a frickin' laser beam on it's head

 

[tattooSAM]

I do not care for how they look, but I'm not the one looking at it when I am playing it. If I was always looking at my bass, I would never play anything except an SG style bass.