I have a couple of $2000 basses and a few that are worth about $6 or 7000 because of collectability. I can't imagine once you get to that $5 to 10,000 threshold you've pretty much got all the premium electronics, craftsmanship and materials that could have a major influence on your sound and playability. So, unless I had money to burn, I can't see any justification for a $25,000 bass..
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So what does a $25k bass actually get you?
- Thread starter FollowMeDown
- Start date
The skill that it would take to build most of the basses I have cannot be found in the $3,500 range, speaking from experience. As mentioned it has very little to do with the cost of wood, it's the difference between being able to build a nice to very nice bass in the customer's eyes and a phenomenal one. I've had a few bassists who swore they'd never spend $3,500 on a bass stop saying it after I handed them one of mine as a counterpoint. Then it's "Oh... I get it now".
In another thread several TBers said they've never had moments like that. That probably saved them a lot of money.
Two things:
1. If $25,000 is the cost of the bass--new, used, or vintage--then I would be getting a ton of debt along with the bass.
2. If you are buying a second or third hand bass that cost the original owner $25,000, then I would expect in the lower 4 figure range or even in the high 3 figure range. Used Alembic Series models seemed to be in the $1200 to $2000 range for a long time. $25,000 will buy you a decent little collection of used instruments.
1. If $25,000 is the cost of the bass--new, used, or vintage--then I would be getting a ton of debt along with the bass.
2. If you are buying a second or third hand bass that cost the original owner $25,000, then I would expect in the lower 4 figure range or even in the high 3 figure range. Used Alembic Series models seemed to be in the $1200 to $2000 range for a long time. $25,000 will buy you a decent little collection of used instruments.
IMO, an instrument's value is in the eyes of the beholder. On a practical note (bass clef of course) if you were to pay $25K for a bass and be able to sell it for a minimal markdown after using it and keeping it in excellent condition then no harm, no foul (a basketball term). Aside from that it belongs in a glass, climate controlled vault and your picture belongs on the cover of "People who have purchased the Brooklyn Bridge". 
IMO, an instrument's value is in the eyes of the beholder. On a practical note (bass clef of course) if you were to pay $25K for a bass and be able to sell it for a minimal markdown after using it and keeping it in excellent condition then no harm, no foul (a basketball term). Aside from that it belongs in a glass, climate controlled vault and your picture belongs on the cover of "People who have purchased the Brooklyn Bridge".
Again.
Airball (another bball term). Too many exceptions.
Is it possible that some simply appreciate finer things?
According this crowd, no.
The best basses from the average music store in the area leave a lot to be desired.
BTW crazy expensive is highly relative.
$20k gets you something that lets you say, “I’m so much better than you.” Fancy cars are pretty and equally as unimpressive.
Yes - an opinion thinly veiled as a question.It's pretty clear from the way this is worded that you've already made up your mind.
I have 7 basses that are very nice and have their own character. My most expensive is a Korean Spector. It’s the best sounding, feeling, looking, playing one, and the best build.
But I once played a 63 precision and a European Spector that were even better. Can’t afford those unfortunately.
But I once played a 63 precision and a European Spector that were even better. Can’t afford those unfortunately.
Dead on.The skill that it would take to build most of the basses I have cannot be found in the $3,500 range, speaking from experience. As mentioned it has very little to do with the cost of wood, it's the difference between being able to build a nice to very nice bass in the customer's eyes and a phenomenal one. I've had a few bassists who swore they'd never spend $3,500 on a bass stop saying it after I handed them one of mine as a counterpoint. Then it's "Oh... I get it now".
In another thread several TBers said they've never had moments like that. That probably saved them a lot of money.
What about for people who don’t behave that way? What are they getting?
So a $25K original price potentially going for $999? Where - pawn shop? Sign me up!
I have a beautiful collection of 29 high end basses that I am very proud of. Two of the most expensive are a PRS GG4 and a Parker Dragonfly Prototype (one of 5 made). I paid $4000.00 for each. I also have over 15 Gibson's in the collection including a couple of Ric's and three Parkers. I have to tell you, I would be hard pressed to say that I have found anything that plays, Looks or sounds better than My PRS. There's a lot to be said for hand craftsmanship, but your only going to get so much bass before you start just throwing money away unless it's a collector piece. Then your looking at investment, not quality.
Anybody who really wants to know? I'll happily sell you one of my Lakland's for $25,000. Then you can give a full review of your $25,000 bass.
Hmmm,....where can one find such a bass????
