this is a pretty cool thread. as others have said, i agree that forums certainly must have some kind of effect on companies that are discussed, but again, as said before, it'd be impossible to quantify. it is interesting though, that if you google certain basses, particularly rare (such as certain boutique custom basses or fx with a waiting list) or hard to find vintage items, a lot of the search results will lead you back to TB threads where those instruments are being discussed. I can't count how many times i've come across something either in a store or seen someone playing one (like an ovation magnum, for example) only to go home and google it, and discover a TB thread about it, where I then am able to do some research about something random i would have little or no information about otherwise. In fact that was how i originally discovered TB. Well, first i discovered harmony central and then i quickly learned that there are better sources for info out there... ha. But anyway, even if it seems that my logic is backward, if manufacturers realize the fact that a lot of info about their products ends up being gleaned from forums, they may be more keen on taking the opinions presented within said forums a bit more seriously, since they clearly do have some impact.
I know I for one have bought several pieces of gear based solely on TB threads, discussion, and questions I've asked... some of these include two Peavey T-40's (my main players), and SX P bass which i modded with a Nordstrand pup (also learned about on here, and this is my permanent cheap backup bass), a DOD 250 overdrive (which i didn't ultimately like... oh well, can't win em all), an Ashdown head (yep, i actually found some ashdown praise on here), and best of all, I wound up with a Low Down Sound custom-built sealed 610.
... The big boys may not but, I enjoy the one on one here and always will ...
