• 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'm not into expensive basses at all.

#201
Rambazamba said:
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?
Click to expand...
I get where you’re coming from. I have a couple fender imports and they are great for the money. Mine are a Mexican jazz 5 and a made in China acoustic I picked up used for basically squier like prices. I also have a production Dingwall which I paid around $1800 for new that I love. The most expensive basses I’ve owned were high end Warwicks. I really don’t get people paying like $10,000 for a bass though. Imo its a waste of money and it also encourages people to make copies of them. I don’t mean like copies as in jazz bass or p bass copies but like look at all the Chinese Fodera clones around now. Foderas are faked so much now that when I see one it’s like seeing a woman wearing a huge diamond that I automatically assume is a fake. It could possibly be real but now I don’t care. For several years now my thing about bass prices is I refuse to spend over $2k unless the bass is a truly custom made bass built for me. Even then I wouldn't go way beyond $2k. There are so many good options for less than that these days.
 
#202
The Fender Precision is the best value on the market for me...if you need a reliable work horse of a bass you can't go wrong with a P...dont expect magic...give yourself time to grow into a relationship with her...she will not let you down
 
#203
The best cheap bass I ever played, then owned, was when the first run of Mex-made 60's Classic Jazz shipped (in 2002?). When it arrived at the dealership I was working at I didn't care anymore than making sure it was ready for the sales floor. But the darned thing felt wonderful, balanced perfectly and sounded amazing. Shoot!!

So I went and bought it and in my zeal installed a set of SD Antiquity 2s. It was just over the top after that.

Do I still have it? No. But wish I did.
 
#204
How most opinion posts on TB turn out:

P1: I like a cheap/expensive thin-
P2: WRONG! I'm insulted by your condescending shitpost.
P1: No you're wrong. Science holds that water is wet, thus proving my opinion.
P3: BURN BABY BURN
P4: I'm thinking of running away from home. The BL says it's the only way our blues cover band will get to the next level.
P1: YOU SHOULD DO IT.
P2: YEAH, TOTALLY RUN AWAY FROM HOME. The BL is God and he'll find somebody else to run away from home if you don't.
P5: Fire the drummer.
P6: Watch out! You could be sued for running away from home.
P3: BURN THE DRUMMER AND THEN QUIT THE BAND
P1: Carrots. Oh wait, this is my post.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Fishheadjoe, Nunovsky, BlueTalon and 3 others
#205
B-Mac said:
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.
Click to expand...

I had too many manipulations inside the head, marketing, youtube videos, GAS, the brand, looks of the instrument and etc.

Somehow i wanted to believe its "The Bass", i wish it was. I started to produce reasons to believe it is so in my head; its MIA, its Fender, its Pro series, how can i go wrong?

When all clear, i realised the bitter truth. Made the wrong decision. Funny.. Although it worths a lot of money, in the end i realized its worth nothing at all for me. Now i have to sell it for a lower price and look for another one, if lucky enough i will get my old bass. I am to blame of course. Lesson taken.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dabbler and B-Mac
#206
Koshchei said:
How most op eds on TB turn out:

P1: I like a cheap/expensive thin-
P2: WRONG! I'm insulted by your condescending poopiepost.
P1: No you're wrong. Science holds that water is wet, thus proving my opinion.
P3: BURN BABY BURN
P4: I'm thinking of running away from home.
P1: YOU SHOULD DO IT.
P2: YEAH, TOTALLY RUN AWAY FROM HOME.
P5: Fire the drummer.
P6: Watch out! You could be sued for running away from home.
P3: BURN THE DRUMMER AND THEN RUN AWAY FROM HOME
P1: Carrots. Oh wait, this is my post.
Click to expand...




Needs a little rhubarb , but spot on!
 
  • Like
Reactions: B-Mac
#207
Sue Egypt said:
I think I'm a better judge of how a statement sounds to me than you are.
And who is Francis?
Click to expand...
If that is a serious question, then you missed out (based on your age)...

13B8ABB4-A260-4883-B419-0CF3437122A9.png
 
  • Like
Reactions: DrMole, Nunovsky, Jeff Scott and 3 others
#209
I started on an SX. I worked my way up in price and eventually ordered a custom made carbon fiber necked thing of beauty that I waited 2 years for delivery. Played it 4 years and finally realized I didn't sound any better with it than my MIM Jazz. I don't own any more expensive basses but I still like to look at them in the classified forum.

When my kids graduate college I may buy another expensive bass even though I know I'm not worthy to play it. I'd like to own a Fodera but I'd be embarrassed to show up at a gig with one because people's expectations would be beyond my abilities. Kind of like "don't get above your raising". If you are from the South you know what that means.

Play what satisfies your music and doesn't cause a financial burden for your family. .
 
  • Like
Reactions: dabbler
#210
skaine said:
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 :)
Click to expand...

You personally couldn't get used to a Fender American Pro Precision bass for what reason? You stated that it had a "wonderful neck" and "amazing craftsmanship" (although I don't know that craftsmanship is the right word). Not only that, you tried different strings and pickups (presumably ones you prefer), but it didn't work for you. That's fine and all if it didn't, but why didn't it work for you? I'm just curious. Might it really be a sense of loss is impeding your ability to enjoy a new bass? 'Cause it sounds like the newer bass was actually pretty nice based on your description.
 
  • Like
Reactions: skaine
#213
I mean if you’re just comparing fenders to fenders and those fenders to squire.. I’ve literally never found a reason to buy an MIA fender. Just not worth what they’re asking, and some of the squires feel and play just as good.

Warwicks? Put a rock bass in front of me and I’ll puke.

Also I like Warwick and musicman.. my warwicks offer me something you can’t get for 349.

Musicman.. I have a bongo and there is no sterling that will do what it does. That being said my favorite off the wall Basses Ar guitar center are the $350 sterling stingrays. Amazing for the money.


skaine said:
I had too many manipulations inside the head, marketing, youtube videos, GAS, the brand, looks of the instrument and etc.

Somehow i wanted to believe its "The Bass", i wish it was. I started to produce reasons to believe it is so in my head; its MIA, its Fender, its Pro series, how can i go wrong?

When all clear, i realised the bitter truth. Made the wrong decision. Funny.. Although it worths a lot of money, in the end i realized its worth nothing at all for me. Now i have to sell it for a lower price and look for another one, if lucky enough i will get my old bass. I am to blame of course. Lesson taken.
Click to expand...
 
#216
:ninja::ninja::ninja:The scene...

Wait...Wait....What was this about again?

Oh yeah cheap basses...Right ;)
Yeah I have a hot rodded squier detuned a half step for club rock no consequnces and basses that cost the price of a good used car...So whatever that is worth
 
Last edited:
#217
PBassin said:
You personally couldn't get used to a Fender American Pro Precision bass for what reason? You stated that it had a "wonderful neck" and "amazing craftsmanship" (although I don't know that craftsmanship is the right word). Not only that, you tried different strings and pickups (presumably ones you prefer), but it didn't work for you. That's fine and all if it didn't, but why didn't it work for you? I'm just curious. Might it really be a sense of loss is impeding your ability to enjoy a new bass? 'Cause it sounds like the newer bass was actually pretty nice based on your description.
Click to expand...

I might have choosen the wrong words while telling the story. My vocabulary still need to improve :) Anyway, i wasnt happy with the sound, thats why i tried different strings and pickups. I feel like something is always missing while playing. Its about my taste of course.

When i bought it havent had opportunity do A/B with many basses, only had 2 options. At least the one bought was way better than the other one :) Blinded with the GAS and other factors i told. I am hundred percent sure many people will like it, but it didnt had that magic for me soundwise.

And yes except the MM Stingray, it has the best neck i have ever played, light in weight, narrow tall frets very comfortable to play when i get used to them, cosmeticaly it looking awesome (even without tort). Just the sound, the tone turned me off somehow. Not vintage not modern, stuck in the middle. As i say, its according to my taste of course
 
#220
11 pages since nearly 1:00 today... expensive anything is what can be purchased, not what is needed to be purchased related to its purpose. Too many examples to list. Play more and realistically determine what will aid your progress. That will let you know what is 'needed'.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back