Is a high priced bass necessary?

[RockBoddham]

I haven't read through every post on this thread, so I apologize if I'm touching on something already covered. In my opinion, there are quality basses, and basses of lesser quality. It isn't necessarily the case lower priced basses are of lower quality, and vice-versa. I think it is imperative to use a quality bass, if one wants the best playing experience, Quality woods, good fretwork, quality pickups and hardware. I have prided myself on finding and purchasing high quality instruments for very reasonable money. It's been my experience used parts basses comprised of high quality components offer the best value. Of course, you have to put aside any bias you have against instruments not sporting a decal from a certain manufacturer. That said, I have a whole stable of P, J, and PJ-type basses constructed with components from the following manufacturers: Warmoth, WD, AllParts, Fralin, Schaller, Gotoh, hipshot, etc. Some of the basses I assembled myself; some I've purchased as complete basses. I've found I can purchase a complete bass (with case or gig bag) comprised of components better than what is used in the basses offered by the more well-known manufacturers, for about $600 - $700, delivered to my doorstep. These purchases include J basses with bound and blocked necks, boutique hand-wound pickups, and hipshot lightweight tuners. If you are a little apprehensive about purchasing an instrument online, these can be found as trade-ins at local music dealers, but are more rare. However, if found, they will be priced around 50% less than comparable manufactured basses.

For Sale - Warmoth wood lovers dream!!

 

[MoeTown1986]

Not necessary at all. Anyone can drive to work in a Honda Civic. It's just feels better to drive to work in a Lamborghini.

 

[TheMartianBassist]

It's all personal man.
I was dissatisfied with numerous $5000+ boutique basses and totally happy with a Guitar Center Ibanez SR505.

The only aspects that are necessary is what feels and sounds awesome to you. $50 or $5000 is irrelevant.

 

[CGremlin]

All that being said, this site will hit your reset button hard on what "expensive" is. If you want a Steinberger like mine that I just mentioned, be prepared to shell out 5 to 6 thousand dollars. Which is why it doesn't go to club gigs anymore.

Or look at orchestral instruments. A cheap Chinese tuba starts at about $2K. A mid-range Miraphone is about $8K, and you don't start getting into "good" instruments until you reach the $13-15K mark.

 

[larrygs]

Before I say anything, I played guitar for 12 years and know the difference between a $200 instrument and a $2000 instrument but I've only been playing bass for 2-3 yrs and am still learning about the instrument. When it comes to guitars, I personally believe that the cheapest guitar can sound good in the hands of a good player but I've been told that the bass is different in that respect. I currently have an Ibanez SR305DX that I bought from a friend for almost nothing and I know that it's a "beginners" bass. My band records and mixes everything in-house and will eventually be playing shows. I can't really afford anything too crazy so my question is, can a moderately/mid-priced 5-string bass be adequate for recording and performing live? To me a high priced bass is $800+. I was looking to get something with a 35" scale and spend around $500-$600. A lot of reviews for basses in that range say things like "Good for practice" etc. Just want some opinions from more experienced players than I. Thanks.

Get the Sire V7, you can't go wrong with that one if you can stick to 34" scale.

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Or the new M7, still a good choice:

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You can also get this guy and install a Nordstrand preamp (the stock one sucks) on it (I did it) and sounds fantastic: Amazon.com: Squier Deluxe Active Jazz Bass V String, Black: Musical Instruments

This is the one I have: Amazon.com: Squier Deluxe Active Jazz Bass V String, 3 Tone Sunburst: Musical Instruments

 

[Honch]

The thing is about second hand (or investment value). Those high en botuiqe basses that costs like 5 K new (or 11.650 USD... as that Fodera) is the same price NEW as certain second hand basses of Fender and the like from the late 50's. So it's very open to interpretation of what "expensive" bass is.

Is it the collectors 50's bass that costs above 5K it's a necessetiy if you collects it and save that for your retirement fund.
I DOUBT any new Fodera, Dingwall, will increase in price like those "vintage". "vintage boutique" ... a new concept within 50-60 years maybe.

I don't consider Fenders 50s basses as "boutiqe". They're just vintage. With a price tag that of any NEW boutique bass.

I have very hard time believing that that Fodera bass at 11.K will increase in collectors value as the years go by. And if you should try to sell that one second hand later on, I doubt you'll find people who'll buy it. Because those who can afford to buy that second hand, can probably afford to pay for a brand new one without hesitating.

 

[MoeTown1986]

It's all personal man.
I was dissatisfied with numerous $5000+ boutique basses and totally happy with a Guitar Center Ibanez SR505.

The only aspects that are necessary is what feels and sounds awesome to you. $50 or $5000 is irrelevant.

I feel ya there. I've played alembics, American spectors, German warwicks, m-basses, Mike Lull's, tons of boutique, high end basses and still prefer an American fender or stingray. They just fit me. Play what you like.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

I love my Rickenbacker and think it is actually worth more than the $1600 I paid for it. However, I have been playing bass for 22 years and know that it is what I want and works with how I play. My first bass cost $85 and didn't have a brand name at all.

 

[tpaul]

If it plays well and sounds good you're good to go. This is a golden age of good cheap guitars and the same is true of bass. Get something that has a comfortable (for you) neck, good (for you) ergonomics, good (for you/your style/your music) sound, reasonable action and the ability to be intonated properly. You don't need a high priced bass to achieve any of this unless your own personal requirements demand it.

As others have said, the harder thing to find is good cheap amplification.

 

[sawzalot]

I used to own one or two high-end basses. They're all gone now, and I spend almost all my time playing middle-of-the-road MusicMan Stingray's and Bongo's. They're definitely not the cheapest things out there, but they're not boutique by any stretch. In the $500-$800 range you'll find lots of nice basses--especially if you shop used--including some USA-made G&L's and MusicMans if you hunt around. You'll definitely find lots of overseas- and Mexican-made basses, many of which are great deals. At this stage in my life I can't see spending thousands on a boutique bass, but if I ever hit the lottery I might try one out.

Tom

 

[TheCouchBassist]

In my own experience, I've owned a Rickenbacker, Gibsons, Fenders all in the 2k range. Currently sitting on a 1979 Precision and a Mexican 50's road worn.

My whole life I thought USA was the best period. I never even really considered a Mexican or eastern instrument as my main player.

The 50's road worn just suits me. And it's worth way less than all the other basses I've owned and currently own.

I realized quality comes from anywhere, it's how it feels and sounds. Though you have a better chance with an expensive bass, you can find great basses at every price level. Good luck!

My exact experience as well.

 

[Bklyn_Bass]

You've played guitar for 12 years, how much did each of your guitars cost? Yes you can find gems that are cheap and turds that cost a grand or more. But you seem to have enough experience to know when you are holding a good playing instrument. Try some different basses and trust your gut. When I bought the Jazz in my sig I was dead set on getting a MIA P. Luckily for me I could tell this Jazz had something special about how it played so I brought it home even though it wasn't a P. I consider myself lucky to stumble upon this one. I'll never sell it and I'll refret it over and over if I have to. That said, I'm still looking to add more basses.

I had some high end guitars (Gibson SG, a couple Ibanez in the $700 range) but the difference is I started playing at 12 and just discovered new guitars by accident over time and never really had a purpose other than playing privately, learning and writing. In my current situation i'm in a band and have bigger concerns than whether or not I sound good in my bedroom. If i didn't have to tune down there wouldn't be a discussion but my concern is whether the low B tuned down to A will keep a solid tone on a $600 instrument regardless of string gauge.

 

[jwilson67]

Short answer? No - but a good pro setup is always necessary.

 

[dalkowski]

Speaking As a former Bongo owner, No. In my case it's pearls before swine.

 

[HolmeBass]

I'd worry more about the amp. Provided a decent working bass with a good setup and good strings, the amp is the most crucial factor for playing live in my opinion.

 

[NoiseNinja]

No!

I owned a couple, and I prefer my Ibanez Mikro over any of them.

 

[DinoRock]

Yeah, the MIMs can be golden. My point personally was that I was really going after the Pre CBS tone and that is expensive when done right, but worth it to me. I used MIM Fender J's for a long time and really liked some of them, but I got more particular about my tone over time.

My apologies for jumping in the middle. I read the OP post, then a few pages, then decided to provide insight based on my experience. I hadn't (still haven't, though I will) read your post on the subject.

 

[Quilbert]

It's worth it in the long run if you buy a fairly decent bass (eventually) there is a difference in the feel of a premium instrument that stops you always looking out for something better. Buying cheap gear is false economy.

 

[Gaolee]

thread - tl;dr

Is eating anything more than oatmeal really necessary?

 

[Watchootognbout]

Before I say anything, I played guitar for 12 years and know the difference between a $200 instrument and a $2000 instrument but I've only been playing bass for 2-3 yrs and am still learning about the instrument. When it comes to guitars, I personally believe that the cheapest guitar can sound good in the hands of a good player but I've been told that the bass is different in that respect. I currently have an Ibanez SR305DX that I bought from a friend for almost nothing and I know that it's a "beginners" bass. My band records and mixes everything in-house and will eventually be playing shows. I can't really afford anything too crazy so my question is, can a moderately/mid-priced 5-string bass be adequate for recording and performing live? To me a high priced bass is $800+. I was looking to get something with a 35" scale and spend around $500-$600. A lot of reviews for basses in that range say things like "Good for practice" etc. Just want some opinions from more experienced players than I. Thanks.

If you played someone a recording using your Ibby,most wouldn't know you were using a a "beginners" bass.
So no.
A high priced bass is not necessary.