"In" Basses Vs. "Out" basses

[KenToby]

Read again, I offer no point of view what so ever, I'm simply thumbing through my mag and checking the web site. I'm not assuming anything. My point is that building basses can be a tough way to make a living; cost margins (advertising, staffing, materials, web site maintainance) are slim.
These guys all understand the dramatic swings in the cycle. In my opinion for what ever reason, the "Hot" and "Cold' thing has more to do with psycology than an actual material change in a product (unless a bass is redesigned or stripped for economic reasons, etc.).

As far as I know the availability and quality of Smith basses remains as it always has.

Not sure where you got your 'panoramic' view of the bass market, but Ken Smith jacked his prices up because demand outstripped supply. He's a TB lurker and not above stepping out to remind everyone he's still a fierce dog, indeed.

 

[HeavyDuty]

What's out?

Headless basses a la Steinberger. Very 80's looking bass.

Actually, prices for Steinies have gone through the roof over the last few years - is that an indication of an "out" bass? I know my XM2A is one of the few fours I'll always keep.

 

[Dave Hill]

That Smith sounded pretty "in" on American Idol. Atlanta Bass Gallery is steady moving Smiths.

 

[justBrian]

So, where does my Curbow American Petite 5 fit into all of this?

 

[Eggman]

It's obvious that "In" and "Out" bases are subject to personal preferences, bias and experience. For example I do not own a Sadowsky - but have read nothing but good about them. I can not say they are In or Out on my list. Popular basses that get talked about the most - I assume are being played the most: Sadowsky, Lakland, ERB/MM, Fender. Boutique basses will be "in" for those who can afford them - but I doubt they will build their production to be "globally in". Out basses are probably the ones we read about most - having production problems, tone issues etc. I see Warwick, Ibanez and a few others falling into this category. Isn't it great that we all have a vast amount of choices? I enjoy reading all these opinions - and I enjoy trying out different equipment!!

My current IN basses:

Lakland (JOs for me)
Dingwall

My current Outs:

Warwick

(all subject to change and the affects of GAS)

Eggman

 

[DanGouge]

I think Rics are going to heat up. They've been associated with Chris Squire and Lemmy for the longest. Certainly those are not bad associations, but now that I've noticed the bassists of both The Bravery and Franz Ferdinand playing them, that could bode well for Ric. If post-punk/new wave revival is going to stay hot for a while and Rickenbacker is associated with it, you could see the sort bounce that Ibanez or perhaps Warwick got from nu-metal.

 

[rashrader]

I think that there is a third type of neck attachment. What about set necks? Zon Legacy, some PRS basses, etc. Not neck through and not bolted on...

 

[paintandsk8]

alot of people see set necks as the best of both worlds, but alot also see them as the worst of both. So, I don't think set necks are going to dominate the "in" basses anytime soon.

Set necks are becoming more popular on custom built erb's though.