I am a drummer first and a bassist second, but this year has turned that on its head. So, I have been focusing more on stepping my bass game up. For years I've made do with a Squier CV Jazz and decided that I ought to graduate to a proper Fender Jazz... which naturally became three, because it seems that no bassist can have just one axe. Enter an American Deluxe, an American Deluxe V, and a 90s MIJ fretless.
The two American Deluxe basses are the finest string instruments I have ever owned, and I paid accordingly. They are well-crafted, and in exquisite condition. I mean, the level of quality is noticeably obvious compared to my Squier, which itself is quite good. Likewise, the fretless is also very well-crafted and superior, but it does have a good bit of superficial wear to it, mostly dings in the finish.
Here's the thing: More often than not, I find myself picking up the fretless to play instead of its higher-ticket standmates. This is partly due to the fact that it's the one with the learning curve and could use the hours. But, I am also simply more comfortable with this battle-scarred axe in my hands, while I almost feel like I need to put on silk gloves for the other two guys. In fact, I have already done some mods to the fretless (ditched the PG, Dremeled a slot for truss rod access, put in an Audere) while I'm on edge even changing out the strings on the other two!
Thinking ahead to when things mellow out and I can go out and do some gigging, I am wondering how comfortable I'll be bringing one or both of these Am Dlx basses along. After all, I did get the four-string particularly to be my main gigging bass. But I know that I will be on edge doing so, since gigging means wear and tear eventually.
Yes, I know--get over it. I understand, I really do. I've always rolled my eyes at those who buy expensive sneakers but never wear them so they don't get dirty, or the guy who buys a Corvette only to leave it in the garage so it doesn't get a scratch. I share the popular opinion around here that basses are tools to be used, not works of art to look at. And truth be told, honest-wear dings and chips don't even bother me that much to begin with. But at the same time, I take care of my gear and don't relish the idea of putting that first ding on an instrument that's in such great condition. I would still beat myself up over it. I imagine that some of you must understand this feeling.
So, lesson learned: I'm realizing that there's value in buying an already banged up instrument; not for the faux ripped-jeans mojo of a Fender Relic or whatever, but the simple lack of pressure to keep it immaculate. Someone else already put those dings there and stressed about for you! My next bass purchase, I am going to be looking FOR those flaws--and just PLAY it!
The two American Deluxe basses are the finest string instruments I have ever owned, and I paid accordingly. They are well-crafted, and in exquisite condition. I mean, the level of quality is noticeably obvious compared to my Squier, which itself is quite good. Likewise, the fretless is also very well-crafted and superior, but it does have a good bit of superficial wear to it, mostly dings in the finish.
Here's the thing: More often than not, I find myself picking up the fretless to play instead of its higher-ticket standmates. This is partly due to the fact that it's the one with the learning curve and could use the hours. But, I am also simply more comfortable with this battle-scarred axe in my hands, while I almost feel like I need to put on silk gloves for the other two guys. In fact, I have already done some mods to the fretless (ditched the PG, Dremeled a slot for truss rod access, put in an Audere) while I'm on edge even changing out the strings on the other two!
Thinking ahead to when things mellow out and I can go out and do some gigging, I am wondering how comfortable I'll be bringing one or both of these Am Dlx basses along. After all, I did get the four-string particularly to be my main gigging bass. But I know that I will be on edge doing so, since gigging means wear and tear eventually.
Yes, I know--get over it. I understand, I really do. I've always rolled my eyes at those who buy expensive sneakers but never wear them so they don't get dirty, or the guy who buys a Corvette only to leave it in the garage so it doesn't get a scratch. I share the popular opinion around here that basses are tools to be used, not works of art to look at. And truth be told, honest-wear dings and chips don't even bother me that much to begin with. But at the same time, I take care of my gear and don't relish the idea of putting that first ding on an instrument that's in such great condition. I would still beat myself up over it. I imagine that some of you must understand this feeling.
So, lesson learned: I'm realizing that there's value in buying an already banged up instrument; not for the faux ripped-jeans mojo of a Fender Relic or whatever, but the simple lack of pressure to keep it immaculate. Someone else already put those dings there and stressed about for you! My next bass purchase, I am going to be looking FOR those flaws--and just PLAY it!
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