Does a High Quality Bass Improve Our Playing?

[Kustom_Thunder]

I tend to buy/play 2hat ever feels good in my hands I have a 3k mayones and a 300 parts p bass and a couple in between and love all of them. IMHO tone is in the hands I can make any bass sound like me in the mix with any amp. Play what you're in love with playing otherwise why are you doing it in the first place

 

[Bruiser Stone]

I have a 1978 P Bass. It’s hefty and overkill and I can’t put it down. I’m certain I could eventually find a newer, less expensive MIA that would make me just as happy (maybe even a MIM), but the neck is perfect for me, and with some flats and my fingers, or with rounds and a pick, it is exactly what I want to hear when I play a bass. Probably best I keep it and leave the GAS for other gear choices. I have it insured, take precautions, and don’t worry about it when it goes with me on trips. I’ve already put a few small blemishes on it, but as I don’t intend for us to part ways, I call those mojo.

It inspires me, and thus it’s an investment in myself.

I almost sold it feeling I wasn’t “good” enough yet to own something this nice. Some nice folks here on TB talked me out of it. If you see it for sale, it’s because I sorely need the money.

 

[buldog5151bass]

If it plays easier, you can play better. If it sounds better, you will sound better. So in general, yes, it will improve your playing. But plenty of people gigging Squiers every week, and others playing Fode4as in their basement.

 

[Nick Danger]

I don't look at the name on the headstock, if it plays and sounds good then it doesn't matter. I have some fairly expensive basses but find myself playing my $200 OLP MM2 more than the others because it feels so good.

 

[selowitch]

No.

But a great bass does make playing more pleasurable and comfortable (hopefully), which encourages us to practice, rehearse, and perform more.

 

[ZBirdV8]

 

[ZBirdV8]

 

[Gizmot]

I play better on higher quality instruments. It may be nothing more than attitude and I readily admit being a brand snob, but that’s the truth.

I believe I can hear and feel the difference between something adequate and something that’s nicer. I’ve also been fortunate enough to be able to afford better quality gear.

 

[Stranger Danger]

Hi,

I'm hoping to get feedback on sonic truths of bass materials and parts.

So, I've always struggled with gear and the perception of sonic quality as it equates to pricing/materials. I'm mainly a drummer. I strongly believe in using the highest of quality cymbals while drums can be of significant lessor quality and still sound amazing. Never have I heard the opposite though...

I play a Squier Matt Freeman P w/Steve Harris Seymour Duncans & upgraded pots. I started with a Squier Affinity Jazz pack. I also dabble on guitar... lucky enough to land a top-o-line Stratocaster. This has every bell and whistle Fender enthusiasts like to boast about. The fit & finish are exceptional. Its acoustic properties are gorgeous... and it feels amazing. This guitar has me asking...

With a bass... can anyone honestly hear a sonic difference between an Adler & Basswood body? At bass frequencies, does the body wood actually make a noticeable difference? I'm suggesting no.
I do think mahogany sounds different. I do think maple/rosewood sounds different than maple/maple.
What about bridges... one high mass versus another... if equally balanced and weighted... which tech is a difference maker?
Tuners, as long as they stay in tune right?
How about the nut. Does nut material create a noticeable sonic difference?

I think if vacuum tested and scientifically analyzed the numbers could say so... yet, I can't help but think... could we ever notice that in a live band setting? I mean with so many tone shaping tools outside of the instrument and being you can choose pickups from wherever. Without getting detailed on music genre and allow generalizing... would anyone notice a Fender custom shop versus a Squier sonic differences? Would anyone know any name brand versus an entry level by sound alone?

So, my fancy Fender... it so nice I'm careful every time I touch it. Kinda not fun... my Epiphone Les Paul is not as concerning but I'm mindful. Squier, although appreciated. I'm never careful and its available for anyone to handle. My question becomes does having a higher quality bass actually add to my playing or limit it? IDK.

What have you decided? If you play a $2k bass... how carefree with it are you? If you play an entry bass what bothers you most about it if anything?

If it matters I'm playing through a Mesa Boogie Prodigy Four: 88 into a Bergantino 4x10 & Mesa Boogie PH 2x10

Thanks!

I own a $2000 bass and I take care of it but not to the point of babying it. I play it every single day and take it out and play it. I got it because it’s the best instrument I ever played and I know for a fact that it’s definitely made a difference not only in how I sound but it’s made me a better player.

 

[Kukulkan61]

As far as does this wood sound different than that wood etc., I believe that it does when you play at home by yourself. As soon as a live drummer comes into the equation, I believe all of that minutia mostly goes out the window so play a bass you like the look and feel of. I have basses ranging from mohogany, alder, Ash and basswood and I believe that basswood is my favorite because it's light but doesn't feel weak and sounds great in a band mix.

The thing that I've found with basses over 2k (for me that's my Bongo HS 5 and Yamaha Nathan East) is that they provide so much clarity that you can really hear your mistakes. This made clean up any slop in my playing and I believe makes me sound better live.

This is why Iv'e been able to play in bands for the last 35 years all my basses have been under 1000 dollars, can't here my mistakes...

 

[Zoobiedood]

Well, I think that anything that makes you want to pick up that particular bass will make you play better. If you feel more secure (and confident) in your playing, it is worth the investment, to me.

 

[scuzzy]

Yup

 

[Resonance129]

In my limited experience with high quality basses, it always comes down to playability. They all do pretty much the same thing, but the higher quality instruments just feel better, fret easier, and tend to hold a setup better than most of the lower quality instruments. It's certainly a case-to-case kind of thing, but generally speaking, the higher quality instruments play more fluidly, taking some of the effort involved off of your mind and allowing you to really get into your music and groove.
Just my 2 cents.

 

[rohi]

I'd rather invest 2k in one good bass rather than 10 okay $200 basses. Buy once, cry once.

 

[DJ Bebop]

Does a High Quality Bass Improve Our Playing?
Nope, playing improves our playing.
If you have a bass that plays in tune
and the neck and setup is comfortable for you, the next step is to play.

 

[Groove Doctor]

A very high quality bass will expose the weaknesses in your technique. Put the time & effort into being a first-class player and only then will you sound better.

 

[Acoop]

It should, unless you really suck and are happy with that. ... When you decide to be the best you can be means you're committed. ... That means you buy the 'best' quality gear you can 'afford' until the day comes for you to upgrade to better gear. ... It's like owning a car, or renting an apartment or getting a job. It all comes in baby steps. ... In most cases better gear makes you a better player, which should be obvious because sh*tty gear is hard to play on. ... In the end we are who we strive to be. ... 1) It's your life, 2) it's only money and 3) one day you'll be dead.

 

[Blaze Barlow]

Hi,

I'm hoping to get feedback on sonic truths of bass materials and parts.

So, I've always struggled with gear and the perception of sonic quality as it equates to pricing/materials. I'm mainly a drummer. I strongly believe in using the highest of quality cymbals while drums can be of significant lessor quality and still sound amazing. Never have I heard the opposite though...

I play a Squier Matt Freeman P w/Steve Harris Seymour Duncans & upgraded pots. I started with a Squier Affinity Jazz pack. I also dabble on guitar... lucky enough to land a top-o-line Stratocaster. This has every bell and whistle Fender enthusiasts like to boast about. The fit & finish are exceptional. Its acoustic properties are gorgeous... and it feels amazing. This guitar has me asking...

With a bass... can anyone honestly hear a sonic difference between an Adler & Basswood body? At bass frequencies, does the body wood actually make a noticeable difference? I'm suggesting no.
I do think mahogany sounds different. I do think maple/rosewood sounds different than maple/maple.
What about bridges... one high mass versus another... if equally balanced and weighted... which tech is a difference maker?
Tuners, as long as they stay in tune right?
How about the nut. Does nut material create a noticeable sonic difference?

I think if vacuum tested and scientifically analyzed the numbers could say so... yet, I can't help but think... could we ever notice that in a live band setting? I mean with so many tone shaping tools outside of the instrument and being you can choose pickups from wherever. Without getting detailed on music genre and allow generalizing... would anyone notice a Fender custom shop versus a Squier sonic differences? Would anyone know any name brand versus an entry level by sound alone?

So, my fancy Fender... it so nice I'm careful every time I touch it. Kinda not fun... my Epiphone Les Paul is not as concerning but I'm mindful. Squier, although appreciated. I'm never careful and its available for anyone to handle. My question becomes does having a higher quality bass actually add to my playing or limit it? IDK.

What have you decided? If you play a $2k bass... how carefree with it are you? If you play an entry bass what bothers you most about it if anything?

If it matters I'm playing through a Mesa Boogie Prodigy Four: 88 into a Bergantino 4x10 & Mesa Boogie PH 2x10

Thanks!

well..here is my two cents worth..I know 2 famous musicians that set out to prove that the instrument doesnt make a difference..these two musicians..who have a variety of expensive instruments at their disposal..regularly play " el cheapo" guitars at live shows..these guys can make those el cheapos sing..different instruments do sound different..but a talented player can make any instrument fit and sound good within a song..everyone has a different mindset as to what they believe..such is the diversity of the human race..so..each persons ability is reflected by the personal effort put in..if you think small and act small..then small you are..anyone can move up the ladder..for many..life just gets in the way..or at least that what they blame it on..you are either a shining star..or not..maybe this will be something for everyone to think about..

 

[nostatic]

But plenty of people gigging Squiers every week, and others playing Fode4as in their basement.

And the reverse as well...

 

[DJ Bebop]