It's all about...

[Cygnus X-1]

Hey guys, and happy new year. I want to ask the question of brand loyalty. Yep, I dare ask the ultimate in "fanboyism". No bashing or trash talking allowed. This is strictly about pride and happiness.

For instance, when I first started my Journey at 18 years of age. I was strictly all about Ibanez. Two basses, two guitars and even and amp by them. Over the years I sold what I didn't want or need anymore and started all over again. Now in my 40's I find that it is all about Fender. Basses, guitars and yep, even some amps. For me however, it's not about my favorite artist (well, except for the Geddy ) or the fact that is is one of the most widely distributed names out there. Nope, it was just what looked, sounded and felt right to me.

Not to sound totally bias, I have had exposure to Spectors, Ricks, Roscoe and Sadowsky. While they are all great and wonderful in there own respects, I always find myself coming home to Fender.

So, for the rest of you guys. What is your "It's all about _______"

 

[SteveC]

Yamaha.

I have had MANY basses at many price points. My Yamaha BB605 with Bartolini upgrades is as good as any of them - at least to me in my situation.

 

[Double Agent]

Spector

There are many brands of basses that I love. Fender, EBMM, Dingwall, Zon, MTD. But, of all the basses I've played over the years (been playing for 13 years now, gigging almost the entire time), Spectors have come the closest to the sound I hear in my head. I don't know if there is suh a thing as 1 perfect bass for me, but if I could only have one bass it would be a Spector 5-string.

 

[Muusers]

if i had the money it was all about fodera, valenti and sadowski

 

[etechstan]

I think the younger people would be more into the brand thing. Once you reach a certain age, you're further into things than just brand. I currently have a Vinci bass(Cheap Wasburn), Fender acoustic, Yamaha 12 string acoustic, Epi Les Paul, Epi Valve Jr amp with 1964 2 x 12 Harmony cab, Peavey TKO 115 and two Crate amps. I don't think I could be called loyal to any brand.

 

[T.O.Bass]

Vadim (for basses)

GK (for amps)

Vadim's basses are the sweetest I have ever played, super low action, heinously lightweight, beautiful to look at, and can go from super-meaty aggressive sounding to smooth and vintage with a few knob twists.

GK because I love the tone and clarity.

 

[stflbn]

It's all about what's appropriate for the music you're playing. Committing yourself to a brand or model or specific type of instrument limits both you and the music you play.

 

[20db pad]

For me, it's "all about" the Fender J and Fender P design platform. In essence, I like all the J and P copies out there. The decal on the face of the headstock isn't as important to me.

Took me about 20 years and dozens of basses to figure that out...

 

[awakefie]

It's all about what's appropriate for the music you're playing. Committing yourself to a brand or model or specific type of instrument limits both you and the music you play.

+1.

I'm also always broke and can't afford to be brand loyal anyways. It's whatever I find used that I like.

 

[spade2you]

comfort and playability.

I know people tell me all the time that my custom basses can't make me better, but hard to argue with basses with action so low that other basses feel hard to play and they're so comfortable that you don't wanna put 'em down.

 

[Cygnus X-1]

Vadim (for basses)

GK (for amps)

Vadim's basses are the sweetest I have ever played, super low action, heinously lightweight, beautiful to look at, and can go from super-meaty aggressive sounding to smooth and vintage with a few knob twists.

GK because I love the tone and clarity.

T.O.
Vadim? please enlighten me. I'm sorry to say that I've not heard of them and am quite curious.

 

[unclejane]

I've always rooted for the underdog. I've always been most impressed by the folks who make the most outstanding music on average gear.

All the guys who throw money at mediocre technique and talent by buying rooms full of fancy basses just never did anything for me and still dont.

So I tend to go for things that are offbeat and where quality is found in unlikely or unknown places.

G&L has really been that for me. They're like Fender "sleepers" - all the things that made the original Fender designs so good but with the deficiencies fixed by LF himself. I think of my G&L's as "real" Fenders, capable of as much as instruments costing zillions more, if not more capable.
They also don't cost an arm and leg, only a couple toes. So they're available to mere mortal incomes like mine

LS

 

[therex]

p basses
honestly, i dont even feel ok with the idea of playing a jazz bass, it just feels akward to me

 

[Bass Viking]

comfort and playability.

+1. I would also add sound. Too often I see someone completely dismissing a bass based on appearance, not considering that there may be a good ergonomic reason it was designed that way.

I know people tell me all the time that my custom basses can't make me better, but hard to argue with basses with action so low that other basses feel hard to play and they're so comfortable that you don't wanna put 'em down.

Again +1. A custom bass or a more expensive bass can make you a better player for the reasons you just mentioned.

 

[Honk'n_down-low]

Grew up on Fenders - right now I am digging my 6 String Spector through some old school SWR and Ampeg Cabs.

GAS'ing for some newer lighter Cabs and another 6 String.
I would to check out the Todd Johnson Zon 6 String - but it would be cool if Fender releases the Steve Bailey 6 String and I could actually afford either one. But - presently I am happy with my inexpensive - but awesome sounding Spector.

 

[Croox]

basses bounced around, played BC Rich, Peavey, Ibanez, and Fender. Found "The ONE" it was a fender.

amps, only played out of one that I liked. My laney gear rocks

 

[loonybob123]

After I tried Spector and got one its Spector for life.

 

[mike1762]

the song