Black is about all I use anymore because I look really good with a black bass 
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
I don't like black basses...
- Thread starter Vinnie Boombatz
- Start date
Black layered pickguards take a black bass into another realm.
Black, especially 'piano black', wood or transparent color to show the grain curls my toes for me. Depends on the bass and if it has binding. A black Gretsch 5442 or 5440 with binding and chrome is the cats #$% to me.
But a bass of black satin or black matte with all black hardware not so much....They look like the manufacturer lost interest and didn't finish them...but that is just me. Although I do like black chrome hardware....
Of my 36 basses I currently have a Gretsch 5442 in Black, a Dean Hardtail in Black, a Les Paul Standard in Black, an Epiphone El Capitan ABG in Black and a Dean Exotic Ultra Quilt Ash ABG in Transparent Black. All are also Gloss.
The remaining 31 are not black. So I guess I have a 16% tolerance ?
But a bass of black satin or black matte with all black hardware not so much....They look like the manufacturer lost interest and didn't finish them...but that is just me. Although I do like black chrome hardware....
Of my 36 basses I currently have a Gretsch 5442 in Black, a Dean Hardtail in Black, a Les Paul Standard in Black, an Epiphone El Capitan ABG in Black and a Dean Exotic Ultra Quilt Ash ABG in Transparent Black. All are also Gloss.
The remaining 31 are not black. So I guess I have a 16% tolerance ?
Last edited:
I don’t care for them either yet I’ve had two. Black’s not even a color, right? I don’t dare say “I’d never own a black car.”
My current non-colored bass.
My current non-colored bass.
This is not intended as a bash of your axes.
But concerning the not a fan of black basses topic, I'd go for the black jazz bass if it had the maple neck from the bass below it. That would be the black Jazz I'd want with that tortie tort-tort-tort! There is a method to my madness concerning black basses I guess. Has to do with the entire presentation involving chrome, gloss and other embellishments. Like a classy black tie affair rather than a Dickies black work outfit. Kind of like a 'Sharp Dressed Bass' thing.
Bought a White P bass. Saw the jazz at a decent weight and bought that. Never thought I would get black but it seems really pretty to me now. saw a pickguard at Greasy Groove..... Going to get the Bound By Faith. They have really beautiful guards. One thing about Black Basses Pickguards really resonate on it.
black black black black black black basses.
love 'em! wish i had more of them (i have two --- of six).
OP: those instruments look great! enjoy. congrats!
love 'em! wish i had more of them (i have two --- of six).
OP: those instruments look great! enjoy. congrats!
I am sort of the same way with red depending on the shade and finish and the bass body style. A deep red archtop hollow/semi-hollow would be my thing, but not so much with an ABG or solid slab o'wood bass.
Last edited:
On a side note, one thing that drives me nuts (yes, a short drive as I have been told by quite a few) is the use of 'sunburst' for all types of 'bursts' especially 'tobacco burst'. When/why did this happen? Is it now just a generic term for any type of 'burst' finish?
I've only had one that I recall, but I don't discriminate bassed on color! Isn't that illegal these days? 
Not a fan of black basses either EXCEPT:
Black Jazz, Tort PG
Black Jazz, Gold PG
Black Jazz, Black PG, Black Block Inlays
Black Jazz, Tort PG
Black Jazz, Gold PG
Black Jazz, Black PG, Black Block Inlays
I'm not crazy about black, but I'm crazy about these two.
Nice basses. Should do a lot of gigs.
Maybe just the lighting; but, the P looks dark blue.
Oh, heck, here are a couple of mine. Black basses rock.
I’ve got two basses with a black finish. One gloss, one matte.
It’s my least favorite color. Displays fingerprints and related “DNA” too easily. So most black painted guitars and basses look grubby to me. The matte finish does help somewhat with that however.
Feel the same way about stainless steel appliances and sinks. Those always looks like they need a good cleaning.
But that’s me. YMMV.
It’s my least favorite color. Displays fingerprints and related “DNA” too easily. So most black painted guitars and basses look grubby to me. The matte finish does help somewhat with that however.
Feel the same way about stainless steel appliances and sinks. Those always looks like they need a good cleaning.
But that’s me. YMMV.
Last edited:
I miscounted. Forgot about the acoustic. Now I gotta buy one more as to not have an unholy number. I gotta go talk to my wife....
Is that because perhaps you have a thing for yellow basses? I heard they'll play whatever you want. Very submissive.
