Dare I point out that basses don't know whether they have paid dues or not?
Now really, folks. This thread demonstrates how holy some of us hold these true relics. Understandable. Think about that word, "relic." Do you know what a reliquary is?
For those about to look it up, a reliquary is a case for a relic. In this instance, a "relic" is a bone or other physical object genuinely associated with a Saint or other important religious figure. It is venerated. The word relic refers to holy material that is often worshipped. Relics have been part of Western culture since pre-Christian times. I won't debate the veracity of claims made for and about them.
So knowing that, I wonder: Why are people so afraid someone would pose as an experienced bass player with an ancient Fender (relic) bass that is not really old? Ah ha, because such a "poser" is borrowing the holy authority of a relic with out permission. Forbidden faux mojo! How does one get permission? Pay Dues.
Who counts/collects the dues? Sorry, but IMHO, playing and playing only determines dues, not dings, worn nitro, or wear on necks. You HEAR the dues that were paid, you don't SEE them. Anyone can buy a "true relic," if they have the wealth to do so. No one can buy "paid dues."
Let's not be fools or fooled. Play the bass you love, reliced or new or neither. If you act as if the person who loves something slightly different from you is a liar or a fool, I think it harms you. It's just a bass, often in the hands of a kid who wants to learn.
Most or many of us would love to own relics. I myself not only AM a relic (LOL), I also have a couple. I have played one of them since 1973. So it may surprise you that I had it restored to almost new condition. Why? Because it had been mistreated by previous owners, and somewhat beat to crap by yours truely.
My point is that old or young, noob or grumpy geezer, we need to respect each others tastes, even when we think that there is something sacred being tampered with. What is sacred is the music.
It is the nature of time to render constant change and eventual destruction to all material things. Rejoice that we have our basses, that we enjoy them, and hold sacred the music which they can make in our hands, not the paint job.
+1 Beautifully said Jim!
No, I didn't.
