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Does how a bass looks matter to you?

#61
I don't have to look at the bass while I'm playing it. I let other people worry about its appearance. And a thought in that vein...
Don't we all have enough other, more important things to worry about? Just let your bass' appearance go. You'll still have things on your mind.
 
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#65
Definitely! I just can't past the look of Warwicks and Spectors no matter how many times my buddy says I gotta have one. A Ric, a p-bass or a jazz.
Although my lower back has been telling me I should take a look at a stand-up and join a rockabilly outfit.
 
#66
I never try out instruments in total darkness, so looks matter most first, then a very close second is feel and basic resonance.
Amplified tones come next, and are the most mutable so play a slightly lesser initial factor.

If I don't like the look or feel, it doesn't even get plugged in.
I can't justify wasting time trying to like something I don't take to immediately.
 
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#68
Looks matter most when I am browsing bass. It is the first thing that makes me want to check out that bass. But then it all comes down to playability that makes me want to purchase a bass. Tone-wise, I somehow believe we can shape up tone using external pre-amp the amp's EQ. An also it is our finger that makes 'that' tone.

Also, minute details matter to me. Unseen things such as nice internal wiring, excellent fretwork, good neck, and how solid a bass feel.
 
#69
Hi Folks,
I'm new to this thread, but this subject is pretty big for me. For some folks like me, how it looks and sometimes which famous players the instrument was associated with can really color how you think about and play the instrument.

Naturally if there is something ergonomically wrong with the bass, such as a neck being too long, or a thumb rest in the wrong place is a deal killer for sure.

But I am definitely going to wind-up approaching a hollowbody Guild Starfire bass very differently than a J bass, a Stingray or a Rick, all of which I've played exclusively during my different musical "periods". Its both head, heart and hands. It's got to work on all levels. And their are more choices now than ever!

And, Maxdusty, I owned and played an original longhorn back in my early fusion shredder days, as back in 1969 it was the only full 2 octave bass available. It was great if you want to play bass like John McLaughlin. They have their uses. My problem is that I love so basses and guitars. Except the MM Bongo and Steinbergers LOL. I guess everyone has their no-go areas. I just could not make friends with Steinbergers.
 
#70
I recently bought the Ibanez BTB33. I never though I would though. I really loved many of its features - the slightly shorter scale, the high C string, the ramp and the overall BTB shape. I tried it briefly at a store out of curiosity and loved how easy it was to play. But what I did not like was the natural finish top. I still think the bass would look better with the top wings the same color as the back but the look grew on me and eventually I bought a used one. I adore that bass.

How a guitar or bass looks is very important to me. I ended up selling my old Ibanez RG after about 15 years of ownership because I hated how the guitar looked with a totally boring black solid finish. It was a really good sounding and playing guitar but I like the Carvin C66 I replaced it with better. A nice looking instrument inspires me to pick it up and play.
 
#77
I think looks matter, if for one reason or another, I'm not feeling the look of a bass, I probably won't pick up to play it. Maybe a loss for me, maybe not.

That being said, like another poster stated, it's hard to find a bass that is totally unappealing. Maybe some shop class mistakes but generally most basses have a certain level of appeal to most folks.

Of course this is coming from someone that finds my tangerine pearl Bongo just as awesome as my burst/tort jazz.
 
#78
The looks do matter. In many regards your bass reflects your level of professionalism; especially if your band(s) are working. I only own two basses and they float between modern rock and metal bar gigs as well as weddings, church, and corporate gigs.
Of course it's not just the cosmetics, like a fat Dead Kennedy's and Fugazi sticker on the scarred and chipped body. But also the body style. A wedding/corporate/church gig is no place for a BC Rich Warlock bass.
 
#80
Of course it matters. It's not the only, nor the most important, selling point though. But, yes, it matters. The aesthetics are subjective to the owner. One man's trash is an other man's treasure.
 

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