+1
...and the really nice bass may more likely 'go with you' no matter how good you get in any number of styles/techniques, whereas a cheaper instrument MIGHT, I say MIGHT not allow you to fully express yourself as you'd reeeeeeally like.
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Possible to have bass too good for skill level?
- Thread starter MMailloux843
- Start date
+1
...and the really nice bass may more likely 'go with you' no matter how good you get in any number of styles/techniques, whereas a cheaper instrument MIGHT, I say MIGHT not allow you to fully express yourself as you'd reeeeeeally like.
You can absolutely have a bass that's too good for your skill level .... a large number of TalkBass players are exactly in that boat. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't own it 
Heck, I have a wife that's far too good for me, a car that is out of my league, more gigs than my talent level deserves, and a bunch of basses that are nicer than what I should have. Doesn't mean that I'm giving any of them back
And, I agree with the general consensus here, not a big fan of using plastic to pay for stuff. If I can't buy it outright, I don't get it ....
Heck, I have a wife that's far too good for me, a car that is out of my league, more gigs than my talent level deserves, and a bunch of basses that are nicer than what I should have. Doesn't mean that I'm giving any of them back
And, I agree with the general consensus here, not a big fan of using plastic to pay for stuff. If I can't buy it outright, I don't get it ....
It's a hard subject to discuss, but I wouldn't view your Schecter as "too good for you" to be honest. If you had a Fender Custom Shop bass, a Fodera/Wal/Valenti/some boutique bass, or like a Rickenbacker...then I'd say you might want to reconsider something a bit simpler for the time being so that you don't spoil yourself or set expectations too high. Most people start off on less expensive basses because they either don't know how long they will be playing or don't have the money for something better.
My first bass was a one that I borrowed from a friend, it was a Squier p-bass from idk when. Yeah, it was probably a junker but that's what I learned on and playing such a cruddy instrument probably helped me appreciate a better instrument when I played on. My first bass that I owned was my Ibanez GSR-200. I played it a few years ago at my friends house (I traded him for a guitar) and the size of the neck was bad, the action was too high and string tension was way weird. When I ran into a better bass, I knew it and appreciated it more.
I think it's possible to get something outside your skill level's ability to utilize, but your situation is far from it IMO. Schecters, Ibanez, and VM/CV Squiers are GREAT starter/intermediate basses with a lot of bang for the buck. I don't think grabbing someone a first act or some weird knockoff brand bass (Kay, Johnson, or w/e) for a starter is a good idea because they are so poorly made and will discourage them because the instrument itself is failing, not the player.
My first bass was a one that I borrowed from a friend, it was a Squier p-bass from idk when. Yeah, it was probably a junker but that's what I learned on and playing such a cruddy instrument probably helped me appreciate a better instrument when I played on. My first bass that I owned was my Ibanez GSR-200. I played it a few years ago at my friends house (I traded him for a guitar) and the size of the neck was bad, the action was too high and string tension was way weird. When I ran into a better bass, I knew it and appreciated it more.
I think it's possible to get something outside your skill level's ability to utilize, but your situation is far from it IMO. Schecters, Ibanez, and VM/CV Squiers are GREAT starter/intermediate basses with a lot of bang for the buck. I don't think grabbing someone a first act or some weird knockoff brand bass (Kay, Johnson, or w/e) for a starter is a good idea because they are so poorly made and will discourage them because the instrument itself is failing, not the player.
maan i have 2 mm's and at least a fender or 2 usuallly, and my best friend with a squier p bass still outplays,he was smart too he got a better amp while i was getting better basses, not to say i dont deserve my stingrays though
Quality or pricewise, no. Buy what you can afford and what makes you happy. Some people own guitars worth tens of thousands of $$$, they don't even play and they are hung on the wall like decorations.
On the other side of the coin, If you are just starting out as 4 string player I wouldn't recommend you order a super expensive 11 string Conklin or 7 string fretless Roscoe just on a whim or because you have the $$$.
On the other side of the coin, If you are just starting out as 4 string player I wouldn't recommend you order a super expensive 11 string Conklin or 7 string fretless Roscoe just on a whim or because you have the $$$.
Oh I agree that's pretty terrible! I'm actually doing it through Best Buy, I recently found out they actually sell MIA Fenders! Who knew. Their card allows you to buy anything in the store over $250, and have 18 months no interest to pay it off. Not too bad for me, easy monthly payments.
I'll say YES..
I've met tons of players who go VERY big on gear (spending thousands) then do not have money left for educational materials and/or lessons.
I can't tell you the number of guys I've met with $$$ gear who are in the suck realm.
Timmy
I've met tons of players who go VERY big on gear (spending thousands) then do not have money left for educational materials and/or lessons.
I can't tell you the number of guys I've met with $$$ gear who are in the suck realm.
Timmy
I don't think you should be in a rush to get a really nice instrument until you are at a fairly high level of playing ability. In my experience, it seems as though having a high quality instrument when just starting out (or before you are ready for one) really desensitizes you to the true value of the instrument. When you start out on a cheap $200-$300 bass, you can find out what you like/dislike, and you will be better able to gauge the quality of basses in the next price range. In my opinion this trend continues and after you have been through a few basses, you can really tell a good instrument from a not so good one. I guess what I'm saying is instead of jumping the gun, try to take some time to really get to know and understand basses, and the many deciding factors that determine quality.
Buying a nice bass with little playing experience would parallel buying just about any other buying situation. Think of it this way; having a two-story house with a basement, patio, in-ground pool and spacious backyard as a first home sure would be nice. But it would seem even nicer to you if you previously lived in a single story house with none of the luxuries present at your new house; thusly you would have a greater appreciation for the quality of your new house. Catch my drift?
I'm not sure if I'm making sense to anyone, but it makes sense to me!
Good luck!
Brian
Buying a nice bass with little playing experience would parallel buying just about any other buying situation. Think of it this way; having a two-story house with a basement, patio, in-ground pool and spacious backyard as a first home sure would be nice. But it would seem even nicer to you if you previously lived in a single story house with none of the luxuries present at your new house; thusly you would have a greater appreciation for the quality of your new house. Catch my drift?
I'm not sure if I'm making sense to anyone, but it makes sense to me!
Good luck!Brian
Nope, my bass gear costs infiitely more than I make from playing bass, but the cost of my bass gear pales in comparison to the enjoyment I get from it. I am also fairly talentless but debt free. Basically, if you can afford it and it brings you joy, then why not spend the money on a nice bass?
Jeez....Seems like EVERY bass I have is too good for my playing 
As noted in previous threads, a quality instrument that stays in tune is bare minimum for new guys. Too many beginners end up with an inferior instrument at actually hinders the learning process (I see this a LOT with cheap acoustics guitars).
As warning though....once you start you'll be GAS'in for more goodies all the time
As noted in previous threads, a quality instrument that stays in tune is bare minimum for new guys. Too many beginners end up with an inferior instrument at actually hinders the learning process (I see this a LOT with cheap acoustics guitars).
As warning though....once you start you'll be GAS'in for more goodies all the time
Famous last words :scowl:
Also, this may be a BIT off topic, can of worms, etc, but how is your amp? This has been discussed in many (heated) debates, but a great amp can make your bass sound a lot better too IMO.
The Schecter is a great bass IMO - I bought one after my Ibanez SR300 as an upgrade and to me, the Schecter played and sounded much nicer.
A great amp can really clear up any muddiness in the notes (sometimes) and is a great investment over buying another instrument all together.
Just something to consider
Bryan R. Tyler
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That's exactly what I would recommend they do if they plan on playing a 5 or 6-string in the future.
That's exactly what I would recommend they do if they plan on playing a 5 or 6-string in the future.
+100. People may tell a newbie that s/he doesn't "deserve" a super high-end bass, but I say rubbish. They're not "depriving" the rest of us, so they should buy what they can afford. My only caveat here would be to stick to a 4 or 5 string... a beginner shouldn't buy a 9-string Conklin custom just because they have the financial wherewithall. That's just asking for trouble.
My first acoustic guitar at age 13 was a nightmare. I couldn't figure out how people got to be good when playing was so painful to my fingertips and hand muscles, and I couldn't figure out why the chords never sounded in tune no matter what I did. After suffering with this for over a year (at the end of which I was a mediocre rhythm guitarist), I talked mom into getting me a good guitar. Within six months I was playing in a band!
Having a quality instrument means that you'll spend less time battling the quirks of a cheaper instrument. You'll also be able to hear (with often humiliating clarity) what needs work in your technique. And finally, if you've got a bass that's just oozing quality and beauty and vibe and sexiness, you'll want to pick it up and play it whenever you can... and when it comes to practicing any instrument, more is more!
Famous last words :scowl:
Also, this may be a BIT off topic, can of worms, etc, but how is your amp? This has been discussed in many (heated) debates, but a great amp can make your bass sound a lot better too IMO.
The Schecter is a great bass IMO - I bought one after my Ibanez SR300 as an upgrade and to me, the Schecter played and sounded much nicer.
A great amp can really clear up any muddiness in the notes (sometimes) and is a great investment over buying another instrument all together.
Just something to consider
Ahaha, you're making me chuckle now! I've been perfect with large purchases in the past, so that's not too much of a concern with me.
I think I may have underestimated my playing ability earlier in the thread. I do know my way around a bass pretty well, I may have come off as a bit too harsh on myself..
But my amp right now is a small 15w practice amp sadly. Fender I believe. Not the best by any means, but it works for right now I suppose. My master plan is to buy the new bass, sell off the Schecter, and purchase a new amp with that money and some extra cash after awhile.
being a music educator as a profession, the biggest thing that I see that discourages students from continuing is bad instrument quality.
My suggestion is to go with somethign that will last you for life. A standard "go to" bass. Something that is of good PLAYING QUALITY, and that is solidly built, not neccessarily something that is "fashionable". If it is solidly built, than you can do routine upkeep on it ti keep it in shape AND you can modify it easier if you want.
Especially at first. THEN, when the money says its ok, go with something a "step up"..or even down if you want a "beater" bass for those punk gigs where the crowd ends up in the band
also, when you go higher, still buy for what feels, and sounds good to YOU. NOT what everyone in Bass Palyer mag, or this board, or wherever says. Try out a lot of basses before you buy them. For years I have wanted a Ric 4001 ,but in the end, they don't feel good to me. I didn't buy one just to say that I had it (tho I fought that urge many times...still do).
AFter having played for 20-ish years, I still revert back to my P and J basses. I have tried many different brands and models, but it always came back to what it feels like. I may not wow people with my gear on stage, but my SOUND definitely wows people (not bragging at all, just saying). There are many dudes that I see around here with $10,000 worth of bass gear who's sound and playing still seems like $100...
My suggestion is to go with somethign that will last you for life. A standard "go to" bass. Something that is of good PLAYING QUALITY, and that is solidly built, not neccessarily something that is "fashionable". If it is solidly built, than you can do routine upkeep on it ti keep it in shape AND you can modify it easier if you want.
Especially at first. THEN, when the money says its ok, go with something a "step up"..or even down if you want a "beater" bass for those punk gigs where the crowd ends up in the band
also, when you go higher, still buy for what feels, and sounds good to YOU. NOT what everyone in Bass Palyer mag, or this board, or wherever says. Try out a lot of basses before you buy them. For years I have wanted a Ric 4001 ,but in the end, they don't feel good to me. I didn't buy one just to say that I had it (tho I fought that urge many times...still do).
AFter having played for 20-ish years, I still revert back to my P and J basses. I have tried many different brands and models, but it always came back to what it feels like. I may not wow people with my gear on stage, but my SOUND definitely wows people (not bragging at all, just saying). There are many dudes that I see around here with $10,000 worth of bass gear who's sound and playing still seems like $100...
YIKES! NONONONONONONONONO! Keep the Schecter. Get rid of the transistor radio you call an amp. The Schecter with a good setup and a nice 100+W combo amp will make you think you are Vic. You can't get any nuts out of 15w. I was all for you jumpin on the MIA train until I saw the Amp. I played through a little tiny amp when I first started and kept buying better and better basses and it didn't sound any better. Then I played through a nice rig and everything opened up. You can't hear good fundamental or harmonics through a tiny amp. Sure it reproduces sound but not good sound. Ok I think I've said the same thing like a hundred times. Go get an amp!
H
If you like it, it feels & sounds "right" to you AND you have the cash, BUY IT.
This is your hobby/job/passion/whatever and it's all about what makes you happy.
A byproduct of all that happiness is you'll probably play & practice more if you really enjoy and appreciate the instrument that YOU bought with YOUR money.
End of discussion.
This is your hobby/job/passion/whatever and it's all about what makes you happy.
A byproduct of all that happiness is you'll probably play & practice more if you really enjoy and appreciate the instrument that YOU bought with YOUR money.
End of discussion.
Considering how many players I've heard sound wonderful on really cheap basses, I would have to say that every bass I have ever owned was too good for my skill level.
