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Getting Cheap With Age?

#61
there's a definite benefit to spending more on a bass...

some of the higher end gear is really nice plays...the workmanship is definitely better and the instruments just flat-out play and sound BETTER

some folks, like me, can maximise the return on a cheaper instrument, because I can do decent setups and I can do minor fret work.

There's some great gear out there these days in lower priced instruments...electronics will always suffer a bit (but not much)...I doubt I'd sound much better on a Sadowsky than I do on my Squier DJAV...but I might ;)
 
#62
This is just a GREAT time to be able to buy really killer gear at a reasonable cost. Those of you that have been playing a long time, remember how few options us bassists actually had in the early 1980's? You would walk into a music store and if they had three basses to choose from you were lucky. There was no internet, no eBay...just drive and drive and drive from one store to another in the hopes of finding something playable (let alone great).

There no longer is any need to spend huge money to get gear that even 10 years ago would be considered top of the line.

Now, that said, I must admit that I no longer own a bass that costs UNDER $1,000 (okay my 1964 Jazz did at one point, but now...). However, this is not because I need to spend tons of money on my gear to get great sound and playability. I have just chosen that option. And, generally, if you choose well, this stuff holds its value really well.

The key thing is, and I think the Dr. has always gotten it right in all of the posts I have seen of his over time -- buy what you can afford, buy what you like and ENJOY it. We do this for fun right? Even if you're a professional (which I am not -- I get the occasional paying gig, but most are not), we all do this because we love to do it, so figure out a gear strategy that ENHANCES that fun, whatever that strategy may be.
 
#63
Yeah, I remember what that was like.
In fact, it's still like that here in my small town.

And yep, chose gear that makes your job easier,better, more fun.

A much more achievable goal, at a decent price point, these days.


Just Thumpin' said:
This is just a GREAT time to be able to buy really killer gear at a reasonable cost. Those of you that have been playing a long time, remember how few options us bassists actually had in the early 1980's? .......


figure out a gear strategy that ENHANCES that fun, whatever that strategy may be.
Click to expand...
 
#64
vinxbass said:
I'm starting to have a change of heart toward budget basses since I purchased my Squier FVM Fretless. It's actually a very decent bass, and I've since installed Bartolini's in it, so now it sounds like a much more expensive instrument.
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Bass Viking said:
Not sure if it was mentioned yet, but another factor is that inexpensive gear is pretty good these days compared to 30 years ago. Real gems can had for not much money if you run the racks.
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Just Thumpin' said:
This is just a GREAT time to be able to buy really killer gear at a reasonable cost. Those of you that have been playing a long time, remember how few options us bassists actually had in the early 1980's? You would walk into a music store and if they had three basses to choose from you were lucky. There was no internet, no eBay...just drive and drive and drive from one store to another in the hopes of finding something playable (let alone great).
Click to expand...

I remember the '60's & '70's, as well as the '80's and for a fact the lower priced stuff today is miles ahead of what was available back then. People here are probably sick of hearing me say it, but I picked up a used Squier Standard P 5 here on TB for $150 (:eek::eek:) that is a killer bass. I had no intention of keeping it until I played it ... ;)

I'm fortunate that I am able to buy kinda expensive custom stuff without sweating over the price, but I'm old and have been working for a loooonnnggg time, so my situation is a little different than most of the somewhat younger guys here. But even though money isn't really an issue, I'm still hesitant to spit out big coin ($2K - $3K +) anymore. Especially when I see a $150 bass ($150 :eek:) that is an *ss-kicker.

If I wasn't playing oddly configured basses I might never be owning anything custom built again, but for my needs I have to go the custom route to get what I want ....... :cool:
 
#65
Just Thumpin' said:
...The key thing is, and I think the Dr. has always gotten it right in all of the posts I have seen of his over time -- buy what you can afford, buy what you like and ENJOY it. We do this for fun right? Even if you're a professional (which I am not -- I get the occasional paying gig, but most are not), we all do this because we love to do it, so figure out a gear strategy that ENHANCES that fun, whatever that strategy may be.
Click to expand...

+100 and thanks for the kind words!:) You definitely said what I feel about gear purchases.:cool:
 
#66
my fender squier affinity jazz bass is the best thing i have ever played in the whole of my life :D

edit: if you don't believe me or think i don't know what am talking about. come here and play my ******* bass and feel it for your self. on second thoughts, no you cant feel the same way about anything as i do.

pps: sorry i think am sounding crazy, am just too hyper right now
 
#67
The tight tolerances, consistancy, and efficiency of today's manufacturing processes generally mean that we're seeing instruments of much higher quality for much lower prices than ever before. The higher end of the spectrum has improved, too, but not by the leaps and bounds that we're seeing in brands like SX, Squier, etc.
 
#68
Great post Doc! I think as we get older, common sense and a healthy dose of reality comes into play for most folks. I spent my fair share of hard earned money in my youth in search of that elusive something better or just plain fancy. Today I'm happy with my humble Fender basses that I've set up to my liking with no major mods, and my amp gear serves me just fine too. No doubt I drool over the high end, exotic, botique stuff out there like most of us here at TB do, but when I spend my money anymore I ask myself if I really need the new bass or whatever it is, as well as being a real stickler for the bang for the buck factor of what I'm buying. Egads! I guess I really have matured over the years!
 
#69
you can buy a squier($250) or a vintage fender bass($5k),and work with them to get a decent sound,they're both still gonna be a jazz bass,with the same sound,more or less. i've had a bunch of different basses over the years,and usually never spent more than about 500-600 bux,until recently,and have been spending more lately than ever. i thought i would probably never spend more than about $1500,but recently had to pop for a rick v63 (over 2 thou). i have wanted a 60's rick bass since,well,the 60's,and finally realized this was my best bet to get something somewhat close. but every time i purchase something,i usually am selling something else off to justify it. i am mostly a hobbyist these days,so i just like to have a few basses around. having said that,i absolutely love my danelectro hodad bass ($185) and my thrown together faux jazz bass ($250) as great-sounding instruments in their own right,and will probably hang onto them. the more expensive ones tend to come and go.....;)
 
#70
Dr. Cheese said:
When I first started working, I thought nothing of spending pretty big bucks on gear, and I owned the highend basses to prove it. I then went through a lean period where I couldn't spend what I wanted on gear and learned alot more about budget basses like Peaveys, TBC, and other makes. Now, things are looking up again, but I find myself getting cold feet about spending past a certain point for a bass. The bottom line is that I have no doubt about the quality of highend basses, but I keep coming back to the fact that playing is a great hobby for me. None of my gigs is paying, and I just cannot justify spending beyond a certain amount for a hobby.

Please don't get me wrong, I have nothing but love for all bassists, whether you rock on SX or a Ritter. I am not envious nor do I feel deprived. I just feel that my limit somewhere under $1,500 and frankly half that sounds even better!:D

I just thought I would share.:)
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I'ma leaning more with age than cheap. As you mature as a human and player you kinda start defining limits, your own mostly, your deep likes and dislikes and I guess... really what you can, and are prepared to live with.

A friend I knew had CD, with brilliant shot of her up close and the title was "Sometimes I'm happy" that's kinda how felt when I was younger, now I know what happy is:)
 
#71
I think that basic Fender style basses really work well for me which also makes it easy for me to stay away from higher end basses. In fact, if I were to get another bass, I'm pretty sure that it would be either a Sterling V, a Precision V although another Jazz like a Fender Jazz Deluxe V or passive DJ5 would be cool also.:cool:


The only problem is that if I own a Fender Jazz V, a 55-02, and get Fender Precision V or Sterling V, I will have spent just as much money as a NYC Sadowsky anyway!:hiding:
 
#76
My situation is much like the OP; I have been playing for 30+ years and have only spent more than $1000.00 on a bass one time. Now a have several basses but they are all inexpesive, great sounding basses that play and look terrific. It is hard for me to personally justify spending big bucks on a bass when I am happy with the relatively inexpensive ones I already have.
 
#79
I have had my rough times as well and I know what you're going through. I myself am much more careful with spending now that I am older. So don't worry you are not alone. You may soon see that you have more monsy in your pocket.
 
#80
Thanks for so much common sense!

I feel and think very much alike to what has been said, although there's something special about anyone's experience. I started at 17, now 31. A hobby player, although I do play with a pro big band now and then. My gigs don't pay and I should admit I am for high end gear mostly for pleasure. You could compare it with passionate working on a classic car in your garage for months.

I've had a number of 'below $450' basses, some new some pre-owned, a new Ibanez SR905 for $1000, sold later for a like price. Last summer I spent most of my insurance for a car crash on my first 'above mid' bass. I'd just left my ex, so that gesture was much of a freedom yell. That was a mint cond. japanese Shoreline 4-94 , I got it at $1000 from a japanese bassist. Was also offered a mint Fender Elite II for the same $1000 but didn't buy it. Since then I sold the SL4-94 for $1300 and bought a good Shoreline 55-94 for $1350. And my last aquisition is finally a US 55-94 ($1500) that is to arrive in a few days... All good hunts, aren't they?

I do find that I am quitting GASsing for 'the buck not the bass'. And no need for new instruments really. I've had 4 new basses but found they only last new for a while and you could have gotten more for that much.

I have a mortgage, a squeezing loan for my Toyota, a kid that is separated from me that I support. I think the mentioned basses will be my most expensive ones, and am quite comfortable with the idea of buying a Skyline, a Carvin, a Fender, any below $1000...
 

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