I do care about how it sounds, that's why im not buying some random bass just because it looks cool. But i would like to have an instrument that i personally like to look at. That's why im looking at other options, there's nothing wrong with my B-50, but it's just black, and it's getting old. I suppose i could just paint it, but im also looking at options for down the road.
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Reasonably priced indie bass...
- Thread starter NATO_9
- Start date
I do care about how it sounds, that's why im not buying some random bass just because it looks cool. But i would like to have an instrument that i personally like to look at. That's why im looking at other options, there's nothing wrong with my B-50, but it's just black, and it's getting old. I suppose i could just paint it, but im also looking at options for down the road.
There is no "down the road" in the $100-$250 price range. That is the price point where rank beginners start at. Down the road, people move up in price and quality.
+1. I don't know a whole lot about indie music, to be honest, but I suspect one of those instruments will be able to do just about everything you need it to do. You should also check out the VM Jaguar, which has already been suggested above.
All the super indie bands that nobody has heard about play Fender Mustangs. Better get on that train before people hear about it and you need to find the next cool way to be uncool.
Sorry, I'm a bit of a jackass. I hate the genre descriptor "indie" and the majority of the stereotyped hipster kids that subscribe to that label. Wait, I forgot, they don't subscribe to any labels. They just ride fixies and listen to music until someone else has heard about it...
Sorry, I'm a bit of a jackass. I hate the genre descriptor "indie" and the majority of the stereotyped hipster kids that subscribe to that label. Wait, I forgot, they don't subscribe to any labels. They just ride fixies and listen to music until someone else has heard about it...
Indie is an abbreviation of independent. How "independent" are you when you're shackled to an image?
Just get a Classic Vibe or Vintage Modified Squier. The new offset basses coming from NAMM look awesome. I actually wish I had gone that route instead of being convinced that I needed to spend $250 more on my first bass.
I play in an electro/post-punk outfit right now with a stock MIM Jazz. The only mod I made was replacing the pickguard with my own creation to make it my own. You seriously can't go wrong with a classic P or J for any style of music though.
Besides, I always felt like the whole indie/hipster/scene scene just cares about what your music says and if it makes them think or dance. I don't think half of these kids at shows could tell the diff between a Squier and Ibanez anyhow.
I play in an electro/post-punk outfit right now with a stock MIM Jazz. The only mod I made was replacing the pickguard with my own creation to make it my own. You seriously can't go wrong with a classic P or J for any style of music though.
Besides, I always felt like the whole indie/hipster/scene scene just cares about what your music says and if it makes them think or dance. I don't think half of these kids at shows could tell the diff between a Squier and Ibanez anyhow.
Really now? I got mine for $1400 just over a year ago... I think you are getting that number from the MSRP.
Indie isn't really a genre, it's just saying you're on an independent label.
Anyways, if you're going for the sound I'm assuming you're going for, a Fender P or J should do you just fine. But remember, you want to look as pretentious and unique as possible, so keep that in mind.
Anyways, if you're going for the sound I'm assuming you're going for, a Fender P or J should do you just fine. But remember, you want to look as pretentious and unique as possible, so keep that in mind.
I think that most of you think that im an "indie kid" looking for an "indie bass" that would match my fedora and thick rimmed glasses that aren't actually prescription. I would like to assure you that im not, i just enjoy playing that style that generally falls under the description of "indie". I also like playing stuff like Taking Back Sunday, Brand New, Blink 182, etc.
Used to be, but not anymore. "Indie" has morphed into a term associated with the self-consciously low budget sweater vest crowd.
They should make a "sticky" named....."The best bass for the Indie-Hipster crowd"
You can use any bass you want with ant style or genre of music
You can use any bass you want with ant style or genre of music
A good bass for indie would be the one that is comfortable for you to play, Sounds good to you, And has the looks you want.
I'm going with a different opinion.
To me, every bass in your price range is going to sound about the same. Go for something you will be proud of. My biggest piece of advice would have to be to go used. It's such a smarter way to go about getting gear, especially at your beginning level. Check your local craigslist and see if there are any used Fender Jazz basses around (of course, it would have to be a mexican model). That's what I would do if I as in your shoes...
To me, every bass in your price range is going to sound about the same. Go for something you will be proud of. My biggest piece of advice would have to be to go used. It's such a smarter way to go about getting gear, especially at your beginning level. Check your local craigslist and see if there are any used Fender Jazz basses around (of course, it would have to be a mexican model). That's what I would do if I as in your shoes...
You said a mouthful here.
This is why it is so important to find something that sounds good and feels good to you (and looks good to you, if that matters to you) over any other qualifier.
Dig it: 98-99% of any audience doesn't know or care a single bit what bass you are playing. They are there to drink, have a good time, hear a band and hopefully end up hooking up with someone for the night.
They aren't there to check out the bass player or his/her rig and tone.
There is a very small, measly percentage of gearhead geeks like us who will check out your headstock. Nobody lse will think a thing about it.
When you are playing at a club, consider that your are in a mix with other instruments and a vocalist. Then consider that there are a bunch of loud people drinking and chattering away.
Trust me, in those situations, nobody except the 1-2% of gearheads is going to know or care (or be able to tell the difference, even if you tried to point it out to them) whether you are playing a $5000 boutique, custom-built bass made of angel wood with a unicorn bone nut and frets and hardware made of titanium or a Chinese-made $125 plywood P-bass copy.
Just get something that feels good and sounds decent to you. If it can hold tune, that's the primary thing for club gigs.
A big +1. It is all about what YOU need and what YOU want, obviously we can't tell you what that is. You've been given some good starting points, now go out and try out a lot of stuff and see what you like. Good luck!
