Is this the case?

I think that's more or less right as a rule, but there are some exceptions. For example, the idea that a $3000 bass is going to be better than a $1000 bass isn't always the case.

 

Its all mostly opinions but.

There are three main "levels" of basses in my opinion

1 is cheap basses. Starting with rogue and ibanez "beginners" on the bottom of this heap and then things like MIM fenders and epiphones on the top (circa 500)

2 Middle basses-still mass produced but better quality with basses around 700 on the bottom such as MIJ fenders, Highway one fenders, etc. At the middle of this heap are the circa 1000+ dollar bases like some gibsons, rickenbackers MIA fenders, some Ibanezes etc. And at the top are things like mass produced conklins, some MIA fenders (reissues), Lakland Skylines, etc at 2000 (at most) or less

3. Boutique level. With the "bottom" being Sadowsky's (IMO) Lakland's, Custom Shop Fenders, "Cheaper" Boutique Basses and at the top with companies like Ritter and Fodera and other custom makers like Jean Baudin and Benavente and Fodera


The difference between each level is pretty big- between 1 and 2 you are getting more features (usually) and sometimes better quality control and workmanship. The difference however between two and three is the fact that 3 is muc more customizable and has many more woods to choose from (too many IMO) so that you can perfectly shape your tone)

If you can find exactly what you want in a "level 2" bass then there is no reason to go boutique. If you have a rickenbacker that is exactly your tone with your kind of wood and passive controls etc you dont need to go custom. but if you find your tone requires a certain pickup in a certain placement with a certain type of electronics than boutique is probably the best option.
This also depends on the type of cash your willing to spend.

So to get back to your question-the difference between a rickenbacker and a custom bass that is meant to sound like a rickenbacker but with a lets say little more bass will not sound that different but between a Gibson Thunderbird and a custom made Ritter bass there will be a huge difference.

Its a very broad subject with way to many answers but i hope my post helps a little....but then again reading it proabably wasted so much time you could have had a custom bass done by now..

**By the way this whole post has a big IMO and i won't be offended by opinions that say what i just said is total BS, cause its just IMO**

 

Jean's not a builder, but a player.

 

Imagine what kind of creations he'd spawn if he DID build them himself!

What you are talking about is simply the law of diminishing returns. It seems to work in pretty much everything. Its harder to make a big improvement the closer you get to the top of any spectrum. Look at cars fo example: jumping from a $10,000 kia to a $40,000 M3 is a massive leap in performance at a cost of $30,000. To acheive a simillar increase in performance over an M3 you'd have to spend upwards of $150,000.

 

that is a very accepted axiom in all things.....not just basses: the law of diminishing returns.

A $300 bicycle weighs 40 lbs. A $600 bicycle weighs 20 lbs. A $1200 bicycle doesn't weigh 10 lbs. ....maybe it weighs 19 lbs. The higher up in price you go the more minute the "benefits" are.

This applies to almost everything you could buy in life.

 

That is correct!! I think.... The reality is you are beginning to pay for minute changes that the "average" player may not appreciate. It's all a matter of what it is worth to you...