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High end copies

#2
jworrellbass said:
I've always wondered why would you spend the money on a high end bass that looks like a jazz bass or any other off the wall of a guitar store. If you spend the cash why not get something that looks unique? I know this will open a can of worms, can we please stick to the topic.
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Man, this thread shows up about once a month, and it's trollish every time.

Just because something looks like a Jazz bass doesn't mean that it's feels, plays or sounds like a jazz bass. Many people want a look that will blend in with the traditionalist aesthetic but want something that plays, feels or sounds different.
 
#3
Actually it's fairly simple:

1) I like the ascetics of a Fender Jazz, but am dissatisfied with the features and workmanship of most of the originals.

2) I like the "refinements" that Roger Sadowsky has added to the original most excellent design.

3) I like the ergonomics of a 34" scale Jazz based design, especially with the reduced weight and body size Sadowsky and some other makers offer.

4) I have tried and owned several boutique original designs including Fodera, MTD, Kubicki, Alembic, Warwick, Ken Smith, Tobias and Pedulla and have found that in the context of the material I play the "vintage updated" sound of a 34" bolt on works better than these fine designs.

The reason most of these designs were developed in the first place is because studio producers insisted on a J or P bass and some still do. So a pro was able to walk in with a bass that looked like a J or P but produced better more consistent results.
 
#4
I used to say the same thing for years about Sadowsky basses....high end Jazz copies...why? BUT...after actually playing one, I went to NY and shook Roger Sadowsky's hand and said I'm sorry for ever saying that!!

Now I own two Sadowsky's!
 
#7
Have you played any high end Jazz "copies"?

If so, then you have a valid point. If not, you should.

I played an Fbass, and a Sadowsky yesterday, both with two Jazz pickups and a close to Jazz body design. They made my Geddy feel like a toy.
 
#8
jworrellbass said:
I've always wondered why would you spend the money on a high end bass that looks like a jazz bass or any other off the wall of a guitar store. If you spend the cash why not get something that looks unique? I know this will open a can of worms, can we please stick to the topic.
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Because most "unique" looking basses usually look ridiculous on stage.
 
#9
The less boutique it looks, the less expensive it looks, the less chance there is of someone wanting to steal it.

I am trilled that the vast majority of people look at my Sadowsky and think it's a cheap knock off of a Fender.
 
#12
ClassicJazz said:
I used to say the same thing for years about Sadowsky basses....high end Jazz copies...why? BUT...after actually playing one, I went to NY and shook Roger Sadowsky's hand and said I'm sorry for ever saying that!!

Now I own two Sadowsky's!
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+1

Same story here.

jworrellbass said:
That's a insult to anybody who builds, or owns high end basses.
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I don't think so. I know it felt weird for me playing overly boutique basses in three-piece rock bands
 
#13
jworrellbass said:
I've always wondered why would you spend the money on a high end bass that looks like a jazz bass or any other off the wall of a guitar store. If you spend the cash why not get something that looks unique? I know this will open a can of worms, can we please stick to the topic.
Click to expand...

probably because that's what they want to buy. you know, their money, and all that.
 
#15
The main reason I asked the question in the first place was; As a deck contractor in Colorado (main job) every once in a while I get a customer who wants to know If I can build a deck that looks like someone elses. I always say no, I can build you a deck that looks like one of mine. As someone who is trying to have ago at building high end basses I take the same approach. Maybe I'm wrong, but I will always stick to my own way of doing things. I wasn't knocking copy basses, or knocking anyone who own them, I was just wondering. I got my answers. Thanks.

Nice collection John Turner.
 
#16
They want it to look like something else because the something else has image appeal. Fender has marketing appeal, but there are certain things that most boutique players find lacking. Boutique may offer certain things, but seldom recognition or association with certain sounds.

While Fender has a custom shop, their prices are a bit out of my league and when I was once about to order a custom shop guitar, I felt that the $ for the options I wanted was more of a punative charge.
 
#17
BurningSkies said:
Man, this thread shows up about once a month, and it's trollish every time.
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It is a bit different this time, since the question comes from a builder. Which surprises me quite a bit.
If you know the right way to build instruments (obviously, OP can), you can't but appreciate and admire the way a Sadowsky (Lull, Lakland, insert name here ________) is built and realize how different it is from your average Fender knock-off..
 
#18
Jazz Ad said:
It is a bit different this time, since the question comes from a builder. Which surprises me quite a bit.
If you know the right way to build instruments (obviously, OP can), you can't but appreciate and admire the way a Sadowsky (Lull, Lakland, insert name here ________) is built and realize how different it is from your average Fender knock-off..
Click to expand...

I never said I didn't appreciate it. I was just looking to get a few answers from players that own high end copies. I would never, ever knock anyone's work. As a builder I know what it takes to make a great instrument.
 

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