• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

So, What makes expensive basses expensive?

#101
Nev375 said:
Actually, the most important part of the bass IMO is the neck.*snip*

As for why are expensive instruments expensive? That depends entirely upon which instrument we are talking about.
Click to expand...
I agree strongly with these two points. First, necks--US Laklands aren't the cheapest basses around, but I freakin' love the necks (other features too, but this is the top of the list). They're incredibly comfortable for me.

Second, yeah, expensive basses can be that way for many reasons. Their age (esp. Fenders), craftsmanship, fancy woods, unique electronics, a big menu of custom options, etc.
 
#102
Gard said:
Q: How do you make a million dollars in the high-end bass building business?

A: Start with three.

;)


We don't do this to get rich, we do this because we MUST. Sorta like playing music.

And, like music, there are many different types, and different levels of quality. It's all relative, and relates to your preference.

I love Rush. You might hate them. Too complicated and convoluted for your taste; but perfect for me. Same applies to what "works" for you in a bass.

Are Rush a "rock band"? Yeah. Are The Ramones a "rock band"? Indeed. Totally different approaches to the same genre of music - however I can't really stand The Ramones, they're monotonous and boring to me. You may say the same of Rush.

Is a P bass a bass? Absolutely. Is an Alembic Series I a bass? Certainly. Totally different approaches to the same musical instrument....

What matters is what works for you. YOU. Not me, not him (points randomly to left) or her (points vaguely to the right). YOU.

If it costs $300 for you to be happy, great. If it costs $3000 for you to be happy, fantastic.

Be happy.
Click to expand...

... and don't worry.
 
#104
For what it's worth-
If you enjoy the hunt aspect of it, you can find a bass for $500 or less used that will make the sound you are after, look cool to you and play like a dream. You may spend hundreds of hours searching and trying out basses.
Or you can shell out thousands and go to a high end bass that fits your needs without all of the frog kissing.
I've had expensive crap as well as inexpensive gems.
 
#105
5 Words:
(1) Playability/Ergonomics (Does it feel (to YOU) as if it could,"play itself?")

(2) Looks (Does it catch your eye?/Does it make you want to keep it forever?)

(3) Craftsmanship (This one is,well,uh.... Pretty self-explanatory)

(4) Tone (As we ALL should (IMHO) know,is subjective)

(5) Versatility (Again. Pretty darn self-explanatory).
EXAMPLE: Let's say you play in a "Top 40 Band". Does THAT specific bass cover (Tone-wise) the majority of what you're playing in that band? If so,she's a keeper!)



*Note:
In no certain order.
 
#110
i do see what ur saying, but realisticly i guess there is a difference. I've only been playing bass for 14 months, but i got really into it really fast. I own an Epiphone T-Bird, a Geddy Lee Jazz, and im either buying a five string Ibanez or a Ric 4003 soon. There is definitely a difference when im playing my much heavier, more expensive, Geddy Jazz then when im playing my Epiphone. DOnt get me wrong the humbuckers on the epi sound great but the 74 J-Bass single coil pickups are hard to beat and add such a twangy sound to the bass. There's 1 example for u.
 
#112
how could u say Rush is monotonous?! They had 20+ albums each with a different style than the next. I own several of them and enjoying playing Rush music so I have no idea how you could think that. Look up the discography, listen to their early albums, the middle ones, and the present day, and then you'll see.
 
#113
People can argue about electronics and woods all they want. It doesn't matter. What determines the cost of a bass is the law of supply and demand. I guarantee you if I built a bass right now that was in every way comparable to a Sadowsky it wouldn't fetch more than half as much as his basses do. But people are willing to pay for his basses. Now I'm not saying there isn't a good reason behind it so please don't take this as Sadowsky bashing. Im just saying law of supply and demand.
 
#114
UncleMattGuy said:
?!?! P- bass ?!?!?! The ford Taurus of basses! Has it all except for the craftsmanship, looks, playability and value for money!
Click to expand...

I agree that Fenders are good but why stop there?

I didn't have time to read everything, but keep in mind not everyone can tell the difference between a boutique and an SX. Moreover, there's a given amount of disappointment due to creating a mythical a bass that could never be created AND due to ordering something with the wrong specs.

That being said, it's the craftsmanship, the ability to make little and big changes here and there to tailor it to your exact needs.

FWIW, there are lots of independent luthiers who offer outstanding value and quality.
 
#115
I have an Ibanez GSR200, Warwick Fortress One, and Warwick Corvette $$. I'll say the Corvette is lightyears better than both the other basses. Versatility, tone, output...love that thing. Even though the Fortress One is a pretty well regarded bass from everything I read, I'm just not CRAZY about it's sound, and last night's gig proved I have to turn my mids up on my EQ for it to come out in the mix. My GSR with upgraded pickups pops out probably better...but the craftsmanship is definitely lower end than a Warwick.

Also, this video is the reason why when, and if I pick up a Precision(on my list), I'm getting a Squire CV and not spending up on a "real" Fender.
 
#116
GeddyNCliffRule said:
how could u say Rush is monotonous?! They had 20+ albums each with a different style than the next. I own several of them and enjoying playing Rush music so I have no idea how you could think that. Look up the discography, listen to their early albums, the middle ones, and the present day, and then you'll see.
Click to expand...

Who said they are? :confused: I certainly did not! :spit:

Matter of fact, if you read my post, I said The Ramones are monotonous, not Rush! ;)
 
#117
Jazz Ad said:
Based on these 5 points, one is likely to buy a Pbass or Stingray rather than a boutique model.
Click to expand...
UncleMattGuy said:
?!?! P- bass ?!?!?! The ford Taurus of basses! Has it all except for the craftsmanship, looks, playability and value for money!
Click to expand...
Some odd generalizations going on here. First, regular MIA Fender Ps and MM (not SBMM) Stingrays fit the OP's definition of expensive. Second, there are 'Rays that run $2500 or more once you get into the special editions and roasted necks. And you can find P basses from Lakland, Sadowsky, Alleva-Coppollo, etc. that run from $2800 to over $4000.

Finally, I don't get the claims about P basses. The Squier Classic Vibe P is a flat-out great value. And towards the other end of the price spectrum, there are plenty of P basses that boast fine craftsmanship and superb playability. I also happen to think many of them look great.:D
 
#119
I suppose some folks either have not played a nicer bass (like a Sadowsky, yes) or they did not notice the difference. It is true that the cheap import basses are coming with better setups these days. That's pretty much the trademark of some companies like Schecter. Lets say I pick up a Schecter and a Sadowsky. I will notice that both basses intonate well and have an even playing action. The Sadowsky will have a rolled edge on the fretboard, while the schecter will have the standard profile. The Schecter will be set up well but will have that sharp edged fret buzz. Not poor setup mind you, but the buzzy clanky sound of crowned frets that havent been polished.
I would also hazzard a guess that Sadowsky customer service will be a bit more prompt to address any shortcomings I would find. They can afford to when they charge $2500 and up for a bass. Wheras Schecter can't afford to go around the block with you on every $599 bass they sell.

Not singling out Schecter, I actually plan on picking one of those up someday. I just have a few other basses I need to buy first (Sadowsky, Fat Dawg, 70's Jazz Bass, 4003).
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back