Starting from the low end is....

[Richie Se7en]

There are times when I contemplate shedding a lot of my excess gear and paring my parts-bass collection down to the bone. Deep down, I know it would allow me to focus more on learning and practicing instead of "What interesting combination of parts can I cobble together next?", but it's hard to summon up and maintain such discipline, especially when I think of my projekts almost as if they're my children. Certainly, I realize it's just "stuff" and could do away with a lot of it should push come to shove, but dammit…it's hard!

There's something to be said for doing it this way, too. The OP has his reasons and knows his limitations, but if you dig 'cobbling' and can swing it financially, more power to ya. Nothing wrong if the bills are being paid and food is on the table.

I had an attraction to gambling in my youth, but my approach always was 'don't bet any more than you can afford to lose' which I didn't always follow... but one learns.

~R7~

 

[Malak the Mad]

There's something to be said for doing it this way, too. The OP has his reasons and knows his limitations, but if you dig 'cobbling' and can swing it financially, more power to ya. Nothing wrong if the bills are being paid and food is on the table.

I had an attraction to gambling in my youth, but my approach always was 'don't bet any more than you can afford to lose' which I didn't always follow... but one learns.

~R7~

Thanks for the kind words, Richie…you sly enabler, you.

So, which of my parts-basses do you want to sample and/or buy, Mr. South-Jersey-Dweller?

 

[StatesideRambler]

I'm probably also a bit older than a lot of folks here

Boy! You haven't been reading the posts around here! The active population of TB is skewed in the senior direction.

Please report to the first line, post #9. Thank you, that is all.

This! Yes!

You've set yourself up to move forward with playing bass. It sounds to me like your priorities are arranged in the right order. Play on!

 

[Oddly]

Good for you, @Greywoulf !

Keeping it simple works well for keeping it fun.

 

[MeLikeBass]

(Why do some people feel the need to ruin other people's parades?)

Im pretty sure your statement was rhetorical but just in case Because the internet is full of people who are a$$hats.

 

[aldaa]

In my experience, cheap basses sound better with flatwound strings. Less harmonic content to mess up!

 

[JRA]

How is it motivating to play crappy gear?

not sure i understand your statement as intended, but what kind of value judgment are making with the quoted, above, junior?

OP: i play fretless only and those cheap rogue's can be setup and played as expertly as you are capable --- the instrument won't hold you back...only your ambition. the cool thing about any fretless (with a proper setup for you) is that you can play immediately = no fences/obsatcles to 'fret' over all the time! whatever you do: don't let the wannabe experts (detractors) here discourage your progress! most of them are too lazy/talentless/committed/timid to go for a fretless in the first place. also: you have a good plan --- no need to feel self-conscious about your gear choices. i've played a long time with real credits (playing/recording) and i'd rock that rogue in a heartbeat! good luck!

 

[Maxdusty]

Congrats and welcome back to the world of bass. You don't need an expensive bass to be a good player and to enjoy it. I've been playing for over 30 years now and guess what fretless bass I use?


Yes, it's a Rogue...modded and upgraded and you know, it's a heck of a player, ended up being better than the Squier or MIM Fender Jazz fretless I used to own due to the extensive upgrades the previous owner put on it.
Rock on and play that music- Congrats!