Inferior Basses

[thebassclef]

Why is it more acceptable among bass playing peers to play a relatively unknown bass Brand (like The Bass Company) than it is to play one from a Known company (like Squier).

Is it because we have all heard horor stories about the "inferior" national brands, or is it that we have not heard anything about the unknown company. Or, is it something else?

 

[lamborghini98]

Ah, of course.
Its all about quality, my friend. The size of the company has nothing to do with the quality of the instruments.
By the same token, some people think its uncool to play Wish basses (a small brand), and its cool to play Moduli (very large brand).

 

[thebassclef]

But, lets say, if you had never heard of a certain brand and saw a fellow bass player playing it, would you be more apt to accept that bass than if he were playing one that you had heard had build quality issues?

 

[jobo4]

Some, and I emphasize some, TBers get a tad snobby about big companies' build quality. I definitely think there is a bias against larger manufacturers and a love fest for boutique brands.

Luckily, all you have to do is like the bass you play.

 

[thebassclef]

I can understand (somewhat) the love affair with Boutique and big name brands, but those that are just trying to hold down the low end and don't have that much of a budget are who I am talking about. Those with more of a budget tend to shun them for some reason. Why?

 

[seanm]

Are you talking about TB in particular or musicians in general?

All my current gig basses are Fender and most musicians seem to find that comforting.

"Is that a Fender?"
"Yup."
"Nice."

I have yet to play bass with anybody who cared where it was made or if it was a custom shop or squier.

 

[The Mule]

Some, and I emphasize some, TBers get a tad snobby about big companies' build quality. I definitely think there is a bias against larger manufacturers and a love fest for boutique brands.

Luckily, all you have to do is like the bass you play.

Just as some, and I emphasize some, TBers get more than a tad snobby about Fender being the holy grail of bass.

But luckily I couldn't agree more with your conclusion!

 

[thebassclef]

Musicians (bass players) in general. And not just Fender MIM or Squire, any of the lower priced basses.

Went to a local shop this afternoon, and started groovin' on a Squire. Another bass player came in and said "I hope your not planning on buying that. You'll never get any respect from your peers with that thing"

It was not really a bad pass, kinda tone limited, but nice feel to it. Wasn't even there to buy a bass, I was just waiting on the sales guy to get some strings for me that I ordered.

It just got me to thinking that this is the general concensus about lower end equipment. Then, as I was reading the threads, The Bass Company was mentioned. i had never heard of them, and was wondering if we (the bass playing community) would give more respect to a bass brand we had never heard of than one that we know, just because it might be "inferior"?

 

[The Mule]

The more people know a certain brand, the more people have (heard) an opinion about it, positive or negative. Lesser known or unknown brands get the benefit of the doubt...

 

[seanm]

Went to a local shop this afternoon, and started groovin' on a Squire. Another bass player came in and said "I hope your not planning on buying that. You'll never get any respect from your peers with that thing"

I have owned a couple of Squiers and the fret work was less than stellar. When I bought the Invalid Link Removed, I believe the Vista is a step below Squier , you had to be careful that you didn't cut your fretting hand on the frets. However, with a bit of work, it was a good bass.

I would have no problem respecting somebody playing a Squier since I would assume they had either got a good one, or made it good.

If you sound good, you are good! Check out some of Super Chikan's home made basses.

 

[thebassclef]

New Poll Added, Let's See.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I think this is one of those polls where you will get "politically correct" answers. Most gear snobs won't admit because they know it makes them sound like jerks.

 

[thebassclef]

I think this is one of those polls where you will get "politically correct" answers. Most gear snobs won't admit because they know it makes them sound like jerks.

That's exactly why I put the poll up. So those that are ashamed of there answer, or even if they are not ashamed of it, can remain anonymous.

 

[Beav]

If you can play it and make it sound good I don't care what's on the headstock.

 

[thebassclef]

So for those that do care, is it a "Coolness" factor, or what?

BTW, I am not trying to say that some of the lower end basses do not sound good. I am only trying to determine why the name on the headstock or where it was made matters so much to some people.

 

[pottsi39]

i think that it is half and half on wether it is a known brand or not because i don't fender play very nice and i use a stagg bass which before i bought i had never heard of but sounds amazing and only cost £125

 

[thebassclef]

Another Thought. How does this all fit into our GAS wants?

Is it the name on the headstock (sadowsky, Ricky, Lull, etc..), or do most of us play the bass or read reviews and then get GAS for it?

I have to admit that I have GASsed over Ricks and VIntage Fender simply because of the name and Status. But, I would not shun a fellow bass player for playing a bass that costs $2 new if it sounded good.

 

[massrequiem]

I think it is really just a general stereotype. Call me a snob I dont care if it works for you whatever but most but not all basses that are not made in the US or europe to be of inferior quality. Craftsmanship and materials. Dont get all crazy but thats just my opinion what do I know Im no pro.

 

[thebassclef]

I think it is really just a general stereotype. Call me a snob I dont care if it works for you whatever but most but not all basses that are not made in the US or europe to be of inferior quality. Craftsmanship and materials. Dont get all crazy but thats just my opinion what do I know Im no pro.

Honesty is what I was looking for. Thank you.

 

[jobo4]

Just as some, and I emphasize some, TBers get more than a tad snobby about Fender being the holy grail of bass.

But luckily I couldn't agree more with your conclusion!

Touche' Mr Mule. But Fender gets slammed on this forum more than any other brand. I'm just reminding folks who might have forgotten that Fender deserves respect, too.

I'm a self-appointed defender of Fender. The deFender, if you will. Wherever the tyrany of the boutique rears it's ugly headstock, I will be there to remind them who their daddy is.

Best,
Greg