Does how a bass looks matter to you?

[edencab]

As long as it's not a beat up POS I'm very indifferent to how it looks.

I am definitely partial to some colors/woods but I'll buy almost anything.

some people pay $$ for beat up POS's and often to have them beat up on purpose.......I wouldn't though

 

[edencab]

I guess since I swapped out the plain white P/G for this one, yeah I care how it looks

 

[twinjet]

Of course looks matter.

Did you hear the joke about the toilet seat? The Norwegians invented it and the Swedes put a hole in it!

But to answer the OP, of course it matters. I need a pretty bass so other people think I'm a better musician than them!

 

[drumsnbass]

some people pay $$ for beat up POS's and often to have them beat up on purpose.......I wouldn't though

I'll never understand it myself...

 

[DLemos]

Looks matter. It is all part of the presentation.

 

[Aahzz]

Tone first, playability second, looks third - so yeah, they matter to a point. Some things, like a Bongo, I'd never be seen playing, because I can find great tone and playability in lots of basses that don't look horrendous.

 

[packhowitzer]

I have five senses, and while I don't often put my mouth on my bass (so taste is pretty much of the table) - i would prefer that it be appealing to the other four.

 

[bassguygt]

I wouldn't settle on any aspect of a bass. It has to play great and look great (at least in my eyes) for me to consider buying it. As far as tone, I can always change out the electronics to make them to my liking.

 

[40Hz]

To me it's all about how it sounds and plays - first, last, and always.

But that said, there's just so much good stuff out there today that finding a nice looking instrument that also sounds and plays the way I want it to is never a problem.

So if I can get sound and feel and looks, why should I settle for two out of three when I can have it all for the same amount of money and effort?

 

[PeaveyPlayer]

Of course looks matter.

 

[RBrownBass]

I think most people do, there is a reason that basses are often made in different colours.

Yep. And different woods.

 

[comatosedragon]

Yup. Almost as important as ergonomics.

 

[jamro217]

yep, looks are important. Probably more than a brand name. One of the more ugly basses start with the letter "R". I would take my VM Squier over the "R" bass any day. Sound is a very close second.

I don't care much for Rogue basses, either. They're ugly.

 

[Lee Kirkham]

I think that is what most of us desire...a great sounding instrument that also looks the part! Count me in!

 

[jamro217]

I think the bass is a very personal instrument that connects with the player on many levels. The sound, action, feel, weight, weight distribution, intuitiveness of controls, finish, etc. all contribute to the overall experience. The bass that pleases you most will allow and inspire you to play up to your true potential. A bass that you're not comfortable with for any reason will inhibit your ability to perform. So the answer to the question is: Yes, appearance matters. Since moods change from time to time, you may find yourself reaching for an ugly duckling bass. That's fine, too, because in that moment you are attracted to it, which means that it is the bass that pleases you most in that particular segment of time.

 

[Neon Blues]

Definitely. At the end of the day, if you have a really good amp, they are all going to sound good. I pay for how it feels and how it looks.

 

[Plectrum72]

1. Price: if I can't afford it, it doesn't matter
2. Playability: if it's uncomfortable it won't get played much
3. Looks: if it's ugly it wont get picked up much
4. Tone: as long as the signal is clear everything else about it can be adjusted with eq, effects, or as a last resort, swapping electronics

 

[drumsnbass]

I think the bass is a very personal instrument that connects with the player on many levels. The sound, action, feel, weight, weight distribution, intuitiveness of controls, finish, etc. all contribute to the overall experience. The bass that pleases you most will allow and inspire you to play up to your true potential. A bass that you're not comfortable with for any reason will inhibit your ability to perform. So the answer to the question is: Yes, appearance matters. Since moods change from time to time, you may find yourself reaching for an ugly duckling bass. That's fine, too, because in that moment you are attracted to it, which means that it is the bass that pleases you most in that particular segment of time.

Probably the best response here!

Other than those into "relics", I doubt anyone seeks out ugly basses. That said, when you have a great player with great tone, is it that important if the color/wood/paint is great as well? Not to me.

After spending time on my Ex Factors for a few weeks, plus a little with a new2me used early Spector Korea, I pulled out the Pedulla MVP5. It doesn't have the top end electronics, and it doesn't have the stunning wood finish (just a LPB paint job), but it plays so incredibly well, and so much better than any other bass I have owned, including the Kubicki's, that despite my recent thoughts of parting with it, I simply cannot. I think I would be hard pressed to replace it with something that feels and plays that well at that price point.

Now maybe, because I go thru a lot of basses just to try them, I will one day find something better. But it won't be because of the fancy wood top, or the tint, or whatever, that much I know...

 

[Tanner5382]

Of course it matters.

 

[Maxdusty]

It's very hard for me to say a bass is ugly. There are unique shapes, unusual designs..some look aesthetically better to me, all a matter of preference. The only ugly basses to me are the ones that don't play well , shoddy and sound like crap.
Well....those and the Danelectro Longhorns. lol