Im Just No Gettin The Boutique Thing

[Mr_O'B]

I agree with you but for the Stenback ... heard it in the hands of Paul Turner who’s a sort of endorser of this brand I think but it seemed to me another iteration of the jazz bass concept ... I may have to document myself better however in this regard ...

It’s always debatable whether or not a bass of any brand is worth the money.

Gianni, my two Fenders aren’t going anywhere, but I would like to take that Stenback off of Paul Turner’s hands.

 

[InternetAlias]

Corporations aren't people (Even if the Supreme Court thinks they are). I tend to choose people over corporations. Personal choice.

You completely missed two huge points of my post..
1) Supporting luthiers supports corporations because they utilize them, mostly for everything
2) Supporting corporations isn't bad, because it allows them to create high quality, cheap instruments for the average player

And more importantly, a luthier can serve select few people. Corporations can serve thousands, millions.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

I’ve realized the only boutiques I’ll ever own are the ones I build myself, I own every flaw, every failure, and all the successful bits too. That for me is pure satisfaction, and the drawn-out process inherent to amateur luthiery allows me to spread otherwise unaffordable parts and lumber costs out over time. If you want to see some boutique basses, head over to Luthier’s Corner right here on TB, some unbelievable work happening.

 

[Booty Shaman]

You completely missed two huge points of my post..
1) Supporting luthiers supports corporations because they utilize them, mostly for everything
2) Supporting corporations isn't bad, because it allows them to create high quality, cheap instruments for the average player

And more importantly, a luthier can serve select few people. Corporations can serve thousands, millions.

I was just being contrarywise. I get what you are saying. And I agree with you - the corporate makers are the ones that make the entry level instruments. But being a craftsperson myself, I wanted to support a fellow craftsperson when I was at a point where I was ready to purchase a higher end instrument. And I am very with the choice I made. Thank you Rob Allen.

 

[Kevin Lynch]

I agree with you but for the Stenback ... heard it in the hands of Paul Turner who’s a sort of endorser of this brand I think but it seemed to me another iteration of the jazz bass concept ... I may have to document myself better however in this regard ...

So I’d have to both agree one one level and disagree on another with your statement that Stenback basses were, “.....another iteration of the jazz bass concept....” . I agree that Tom Stenback makes a Jazz style bass, but that’s not the only style of bass that he makes. I play Fender Jazz Basses and I’d have to say that the Jazz basses that he makes are like none other on the planet, IMHO.
I’d encourage you to check out his Instagram page where he showcases all of the basses that he produces.
This is a great video where Paul Turner talks about the two Stenback basses that he had at the time (he has three now), in great detail.

 

[Brad Johnson]

For my not very Italian but rather Teutonic mindset ... yes it is ...

You feel that you'd need to be wealthy to buy a ten year old Camry?

 

[Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati]

So I’d have to both agree one one level and disagree on another with your statement that Stenback basses were, “.....another iteration of the jazz bass concept....” . I agree that Tom Stenback makes a Jazz style bass, but that’s not the only style of bass that he makes. I play Fender Jazz Basses and I’d have to say that the Jazz basses that he makes are like none other on the planet, IMHO.
I’d encourage you to check out his Instagram page where he showcases all of the basses that he produces.
This is a great video where Paul Turner talks about the two Stenback basses that he had at the time (he has three now), in great detail.

If I have to deviate from Fender to buy another jazz bass (aside from the fact that Stenback is not only limited to this kind of bass as you rightly say), without spending the extra money required for a Sadowsky, I’d rather opt for a Marusczyk or a used Sandberg ... I have to say, however, that I didn’t explore the Stenback brand too much though ...

 

[Bubba PhD]

so why would I want to by something I can frame on the wall thats not going to be any improvement where it counts?

I do have a few hanging on the wall, one near impossible to keep tuned, another recovered/damaged by theft. Collecting reinforces memories and brings me some degree of happiness. I have also put a bass in an incinerator just to get closure and peace. I have way more amps and speakers than I could possible use, 'cause it's fun. There are a lot of reasons to own an object other than utility.

Ultimately Ive learned that its methodical consistent practice and musical growth that wins above all else. All the rest (instrument, rig etc) are just tools to facilitate your musical expresion

You too do things that are NOT just about the craft and utility. Your post is a great example; you could have been learning a song; instead you were enjoying other aspects of Bass. It's our nature; human foibles. Relax, enjoy it, and buy it if you can. It helps make sure the luthier craft will live on.

 

[Fuzzbass]

I'm definitely in the "more gear than talent" camp. I own some boutiques, but could do everything I need to do on the right $500 import. Hell, I've seen some monster bassists using base-level instruments.

Also, I've played (and owned!) some boutiques that I definitely did not get along with. So, it's not like all boutiques can be lumped together.

Because I'm modest about my skills, almost all of my boutiques look very much like Fenders. I just feel more comfortable in blue jeans, if y'know what I'm sayin'.

 

[bogwart]

If you can't buy it, build it!

 

[R Briere]

One thing I Truly and Sincerely Enjoy about these posts is that they're MUCH more TAME and Respectful than they used to be. If I may be so bold and still be respectful......Here's the process. In ONE factory named here MASSIVE amounts of wood are pushed into a computer-operated machine (nothing wrong with that) and a few hours later 650 instruments EACH DAY pop out the other side, ready to be Boxed, shipped and sold. The machine never stops. It could just as easily be making Donuts or Kitchen tables. It doesn't care cuz it doesn't need to Care. I'm not knocking the Machine.....and, as a matter of fact, it's quite a sight watching it as it spins the wood, twists it, spins it, paints it, checks for any flaws and cranks that baby out. The instrument/bass then sits in a warehouse for a short time, it gets loaded on a truck and off it goes.....to another warehouse. Ya still with me?

This is MY "Computer-Operated-Machine". I call him Michael. I drive to the "Factory" which is located in the same tree where the Keebler Elves live. I pick out the wood based on the information that I feed Michael as to what I'd like the bass to feel and sound like. If we disagree, HE wins. I make several trips back to the Treefort over the next 12 months and see my Bass being Hand Crafted. If I may say this without offending anyone.....as the bass nears completion, I sometimes get a Bass Boner! Not always....but Sometimes!!! The finishing touches are put on the Bass and out the door we go.....It's kinda' like taking your best girl to the Prom.

Now....Having said that and despite the fact that Michael has been crafting my basses since the early 80's, a friend you'd know well handed me a Korean Danelectro Longhorn Bass and laughed at me as I played it. I put it down, called my favorite Indie dealer, asked that my guy there hand-pick a good one and I had it 3 days later. I LOVE the Dano......a $429 bass.....made out of recycled Wheaties boxes, Rustoleum and Mystery Tape.

What's my BIGGEST problem with buying basses? I know the Owners of MANY of the Companies. Some of them should be physically restrained in padded offices and spoon fed. Others are GREAT people. Does that affect my decisions in what I buy. It does. Would I ever TELL YOU who those people are? Nope. Cuz we're all entitled to our Dreams.....and I mean that Sincerely.

Special Note!! The Burgundy Mist Jazz Bass had arrived the Very Day this pic was taken. Someone in the Custom shop had screwed up and not put the Covers on. The Covers were put on first thing the next Morning.....and remain where they belong to this day.

 

[Rob Calderon]

I like it all. You can easily upgrade/mod a less expensive bass and get a great sound and options that you want. There's also the emotion of playing that dream bass. Sure, you can drive a Prius and get great mileage. However, if you could drive the Aston Martin, you'd probably give it a spin.

 

[Kevin Lynch]

If I have to deviate from Fender to buy another jazz bass (aside from the fact that Stenback is not only limited to this kind of bass as you rightly say), without spending the extra money required for a Sadowsky, I’d rather opt for a Marusczyk or a used Sandberg ... I have to say, however, that I didn’t explore the Stenback brand too much though ...

I wouldn’t buy a Sadowsky if it were the only bass left to buy!
Again, to each his own because I’d rather have the Stenback. I’m not saying that Sandberg and Marusczyk Jazz basses aren’t worthy. They certainly are. However, if I had the money, I would purchase one of Tom Stenback’s basses like the black one that Paul Turner has. It’s not a Jazz bass.
Fender makes the best Jazz basses On. The. Planet.

 

[Power Dreamer]

One thing that bothers me is when a group has gone the extra distance to come up with costumes and a theatrical stage set, setting the scene for their vision of an otherworldly ultra-far-future avant-garde space prog... and they are playing Fenders. Fail. If you are in a blues band then a six string Spalt Magma bass might be out of place. But if you're playing bass for Bjork then please leave the Fender at home and get a custom instrument that compliments the vision of the band.

 

[Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati]

I wouldn’t buy a Sadowsky if it were the only bass left to buy!
Again, to each his own because I’d rather have the Stenback. I’m not saying that Sandberg and Marusczyk Jazz basses aren’t worthy. They certainly are. However, if I had the money, I would purchase one of Tom Stenback’s basses like the black one that Paul Turner has. It’s not a Jazz bass.
Fender makes the best Jazz basses On. The. Planet.

In effect the black one with the twin hum-buckers ... wow!

 

[70s Custom Mod]

The way I see it, people will buy these types of basses, because it pleases them in some way. If you are a more affluent person, you can afford to indulge yourself more than the average guy. It's very controversial, because it's often hard to pin down reality as it's subjective and differs from person to person. The guy who spends beaucoup bucks is heavily invested in believing there is a big difference. Sometimes pride plays a role. Kind of like the guy who buys a Leica digital camera and believes in it's inherent superiority because of price and marketing. It make him feel good. Nothing wrong with feeling good about a purchase decision though. It seems the controversy in part comes from class differences where the average Joe often cannot afford these indulgences and refuses buying into the rich guys "reality", sometimes characterizing it as "Kool-aid" in nature. There's probably a bit of truth in both sides however.

 

[crabfunk]

It seems the theme here is if works for you, then that's the bass you'd want. I love my inexpensive basses as much as my most expensive, and I use them all. On the boutique end of things, though, I do sometimes regret not buying a beautiful Sadowsky at Bass Northwest in Seattle several years ago. Sounded great and played like it was custom-made for my hands.

 

[Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati]

One thing that bothers me is when a group has gone the extra distance to come up with costumes and a theatrical stage set, setting the scene for their vision of an otherworldly ultra-far-future avant-garde space prog... and they are playing Fenders. Fail. If you are in a blues band then a boutique axe might be out of place. But if you're playing bass for Bjork then please leave the Fender at home and get a custom instrument that compliments the vision of the band.

???? NS... IMO

 

[Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati]

The way I see it, people will buy these types of basses, because it pleases them in some way. If you are a more affluent person, you can afford to indulge yourself more than the average guy. It's very controversial, because it's often hard to pin down reality as it's subjective and differs from person to person. The guy who spends beaucoup bucks is heavily invested in believing there is a big difference. Sometimes pride plays a role. Kind of like the guy who buys a Leica digital camera and believes in it's inherent superiority because of price and marketing. It make him feel good. Nothing wrong with feeling good about a purchase decision though. It seems the controversy in part comes from class differences where the average Joe often cannot afford these indulgences and refuses buying into the rich guys "reality", sometimes characterizing it as "Kool-aid" in nature. There's probably a bit of truth in both sides however.

There’s some truth in what you stated IMO ...

 

[Power Dreamer]

???? NS... IMO

NS? NonSense, Nice Shot, No S#it, Not Salient, Ned Stienberger... not sure.