I'm not into expensive basses at all.

[Tom Gallo]

I'm not into expensive basses, either. But I have to admit that sometimes I see higher end boutique basses being played that just knock me out. The other day, I saw a YT video where someone (name I can't remember) was playing a powder blue custom Ken Smith. I could never justify buying one, but it sure was sweet.

 

[Sue Egypt]

Lighten up, Francis. No it wasn't.

I think I'm a better judge of how a statement sounds to me than you are.
And who is Francis?

 

[wvbass]

Before I clicked on this thread, I knew by the title that the OP played Squier basses.

I play cheap basses and expensive basses. There is a difference, but it faces inward - it really only affects the player. This weekend I used my $4k-ish bass. The guy in the band before me used a $200 bass. Honestly, I was more concerned about his dead strings and grossly out-of-tune E string than I was his bass. I've played those cheap Yamaha's; they are a little rough around the edges, but they are just fine.

 

[Jeremiah_S]

I know you say you aren't judging anyone, but the OP comes across that way. I can be happy for you and the super expensive bass crowd, I'm doing my own thang.

 

[Passinwind]

...isn't almost everything a contentious topic around here? Let's just go have a cheeseburger...

I'm not into expensive cheese...

...oh, wait.

 

[Rebel Rocker]

If you like it, Play it. Doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. But I do like Fender American Standard
P and J basses. With Mesa amps and cabs.... Play what you like.

 

[TonyP-]

I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride it where I like

So forget all your duties, oh yeah
Fat bottomed girls, they'll be riding today
So look out for those beauties, oh yeah

 

[Geri O]

...a bit surprised at how many members claim to have all these exotic basses... if you do, good on you, doesn't bother me... but my guess is that most of us do just fine with "lesser" basses...

That may be true, but they/we don’t talk about our expensive basses until someone comes along saying that it’s unnecessary to spend over X amount on basses. Thankfully, I haven’t seen that in this particular cheap bass thread.

 

[Cutter8]

"new girls on the block"... Well that was condescending.

 

[Chrisk-K]

This is 100% honest: I have zero interest in "upgrading" or replacing them with basses that cost 10 times as much or even more.

If your income increased by 10 times, you’d post the opposite.

 

[5StringBlues]

I'm not into expensive cheese...

...oh, wait.

Yo baby, I got a little Swiss number, turn ya right out!

 

[Sue Egypt]

View attachment 3577952

If you can't make a legitimate argument use a meme. Sad.

 

[klejst]

Play what you like and want...in theory $5000 worth of gear still sounds only as good as the person playing it.

 

[Hundred proof]

I dunno $300.00 didn’t seem to “expensive” for a USA Peavey ... I’m really into the old Peaveys

 

[phillipkregg]

Man, I wish I wasn't

 

[5StringBlues]

If you can't make a legitimate argument use a meme. Sad.

 

[J-Mags]

Who I actually envy is the people who play one or two good instruments for their entire life.

I have a friend who's a pro, approaching 50 years old. I've only seen him use two guitars, and one bass. A 60s SG and a 70s P-Bass, both given to him by a family member who was quitting music, and a Telecaster he bought about 20 years ago.

Meanwhile, I've been through about 50 instruments in the same time period, while playing nowhere near the variety of different kinds of music he has.

 

[skaine]

I completely understand the OP now.

Bought Fender American Pro P bass this week. Even after all debate here, expectations and GAS i couldnt get used to it. It is the most expensive and quality bass i have ever had, wonderful neck, amazing craftmanship, still i couldnt feel connected with that bass. Tried rounds, flats, different pickups, it didnt worked.

Going to sell the Pro and get back my old MIM Standard P if possible. Wish me luck

 

[bigboy_78]

I was well in the “who needs expensive gear” camp until a few weeks ago when I picked up a used 90s MIJ Fender P (not an “expensive” instrument by any stretch). It is better than my Squire/SX P basses. Feels nicer, sounds better, is better.

I gigged my Squier every weekend for 3 years. I’ve also played a heap of gigs with my $50 SX. The overall quality of the Fender is superior. I assume I’d notice a similar difference if I played a Fodera or Sadowsky.

My Hyundai gets me where I need to go, but I am sure I would prefer to be cruising in a Range Rover if I could afford it.

 

[B-Mac]

While many here are really into high end basses from the big players, exclusive boutique instruments or rare vintage gear, I'm absolutely totally fine with my Squiers.

This is 100% honest: I have zero interest in "upgrading" or replacing them with basses that cost 10 times as much or even more.
They sound like they are supposed to do, they are rock solid, they look really cool, they feel good, I enjoy playing them a lot and I'm not afraid of lugging them around on tour or keeping them in my practice room. What more could I ask for?

I'm not even in the "more cheap is more good" camp: I've got a very expensive custom built cabinet for example. But when it comes to cabs, it really makes a difference what you pay for imo. Same with amps or synths. When it comes to basses, not so much. I'm having a great time with my Squiers and I don't see any reason at all to buy more expensive basses. Anyone else?

For the record: I've got a chinese CV Jazz Bass, a fretless Jazz built from VM parts and a VM bass VI. I replaced the pots in all of them and they all are strung with La Bella flats.

To those who are totally into expensive basses: it's all good, I don't mean to offend you. If it's your thing, who am I to judge?

My basses range in new price from $64 to $2,700.

Mind you the $2,700 bass I purchased used for significantly less and not even a year old.

There are more basses out there for significantly more that aren’t custom or boutique.

Are they worth it? Only you can decide that for yourself. You can’t decide that for someone else. Used, for me, is the way to go to.