I can't think of a bass that costs 4000-7000 that I'd want..
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The more I look at basses...
- Thread starter Acoustic356
- Start date
I think at those prices it just becomes about "different" rather than "better."
Maybe across brands, but within a brand, say Fodera, $9000 is definitely noticeably better than $3500. It's a small but meaningful difference in dozens of details. I also think $3500 will get you a Roscoe that is better than a $3500 Fodera because the name Fodera commands a premium.
From my research it seems like the Fodera Standards are about the same quality as the custom stuff. I think the build quality on the Roscoe and Fodera would be similar, but "better" would depends on taste.
If somebody pays 30k for a car and it lasts only four years, they need to shop smarter. Did you happen to buy a Fiat?
Don't believe that for a second! That standard Ying-Yang bass is painted, rather than inlaid. Not a functional difference, perhaps, but a definite quality and cost of production difference.
That is the first Dolphin I have seen on TB. I used to want one of these so bad ...less than 300
Less than 3k
The OP asked, "Why not spend $7k and get what you really want?"
I completely agree with those who answered "yes". If what you really want costs $7k you should spend the money and get what you really want.
Go for it. It's your money.
I completely agree with those who answered "yes". If what you really want costs $7k you should spend the money and get what you really want.
Go for it. It's your money.
We should try out many different instruments to gauge what qualities we want in a personal instrument. And we should do so (IMO & IME) WITHOUT limiting ourselves to a dollar amount. THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU HAVE TO PURCHASE AND/OR LIKE HIGHER PRICED BASSES. But there are qualities in some of the stuff that we may deem "to expensive" that we may find likable to have done to our existing basses or explore in future purchases.
Example given, I thought the Fender "C" shape neck on the 62' reissue was the best neck for me until I picked up and played the USA Lakland neck on the 44-51 pbass. In the past I wouldn't have tried it because of the price. Once I shed that way of thinking, I was able to see that there was a better fitting neck for me that I enjoy.
All I'm saying is... How do you know what exists if your unwilling to explore?
FF
Example given, I thought the Fender "C" shape neck on the 62' reissue was the best neck for me until I picked up and played the USA Lakland neck on the 44-51 pbass. In the past I wouldn't have tried it because of the price. Once I shed that way of thinking, I was able to see that there was a better fitting neck for me that I enjoy.
All I'm saying is... How do you know what exists if your unwilling to explore?
FF
I think it's more that you know what you actually like. As opposed to some folks who are always on a quest for that next new bass they just know will let them be all they can be.
You find people like that at either end of the price spectrum however. Just follow your own muse and you'll do fine. No matter what anybody thinks. And regardless of whether they're rocking a third-hand Danelectro or a custom ordered Alembic.
If you can afford it, why the heck not? Don't spend $7k and expect magic, but you should end up with a quality instrument where you're the only barrier to success. (Sometimes that's scary.)
Tell me about it... I'm still in awe that I spent $3000.00 on a bow? AND, my teacher liked my $100.00 carbon fiber bow more?!!?
Oh well, I feel that if the bass feels right to you in your soul and spirit, and it connects to you in some inexplicable way, THEN look at the price and get it. After all, it may only cost you a few bucks or it could be a car payment. Either way, that bass spoke to you regardless of price...
If you don't think $4,000 - $7,000 seems like a lot of money, I need the kind of job you must have. The other alternative would be for you to come over to my house and explain to my wife that's not a lot of money for a bass.
IMO, you can find a bass equivalent to those $4000 basses for significantly less money if you're not too interested on the name on the bass. There are many good bass builders out there using the same bodies and necks and electronics as a bass that can demand more money because the builder has been around for 20+ years. Not saying those builders aren't deserving...but there are less expensive basses that measure up to those that may be $2000 more. My opinion.
Tell me about it... I'm still in awe that I spent $3000.00 on a bow? AND, my teacher liked my $100.00 carbon fiber bow more?!!?
Last time I bought a cello bow I picked out a nice looking one, sawing away, and the dude is hovering around doing that shop dude thing where they fuss around opening up cases and laying out stuff (perhaps sir would like to try *this* one). Anyway, I'm A/B-ing my old bow and the one I had my eye on, so I'd just put down the new bow and had my hand reaching out for the old one again and the shop dude smooth as silk just slides a third bow into my hand. Give this a go. Sure, why not.
So I play about three notes and wow! Fireworks, the sound of angels singing, the earth moved. Danger Will Robinson! PUT THE BOW DOWN NOW!!!! (says my inner voice). So with palpitating heart and shaky hand I put the bow down and sure enough, the crafty bugger had slipped me his top of the line bow, a cool $5K worth, and I was within half an arpeggio of becoming a helpless addict. This was the succubus of bows. Now, I'm the world's poopiest cellist, so if even I heard the call, this was a seriously dangerous bow.
Moral of the story: I *always* look at the price first.
A few years ago I was a music store junk. Whenever I sensed a store within 20 miles, I had to go there and try out a pile of basses. I always compared cheap and expensive, like Squier and Fender. Some cheap basses are amazing, some expensive basses suck. In a music store, you can play what you can't pay. 
My basses? The most expensive one, a G&L Tribute L2000, cost me under $600.
OP: Wanna buy a $7000 bass? Please don't hesitate, it's good for the economy.
My basses? The most expensive one, a G&L Tribute L2000, cost me under $600.
OP: Wanna buy a $7000 bass? Please don't hesitate, it's good for the economy.
If i really like a bass, im buying it at full ask and closing the deal before someone else swoops in. I am very impulse in this because I dont really look at this commodity as an investment, just pleasure. Now if I was a struggling full time musician, cue the warmoth parts bass please for cheapest price possible as long as it has an input jack, a neck, and any pickup
