I have 3 basses, all priced around $2k. I didn't need any of them past the first. What did I get out of them? The excitement of a new toy and new motivation to play with it (practice more). That's really about it. I mean one is fretless, which is cool, but not something I needed. One has 5 strings, which is cool and useful in about 3 songs I play, but I was doing fine either dropping D or playing up an octave before I got it. Don't let anyone convince you that you NEED a different / more expensive bass when you have a solid reliable P-Bass. But if it's in your budget and you WANT one, then indulge yourself.
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What will a new/better bass get me?
- Thread starter DJS
- Start date
Oh and whatever you do, don't get rid of the bass that has perfectly fit your needs for 10 years to try something new. You're 98% likely to regret it. You definitely don't need something else instead. You might enjoy something else in addition.
Sounds like "better" basses will just get you broker. If what you have works, be happy and play the damn thing.
In my experience, a $2000 bass bought me happiness because it was exactly what I wanted and could not be obtained in anything not custom ordered.
I'm pretty sure an $8000 bass would only buy me regret, sooner rather than later.
I'm pretty sure an $8000 bass would only buy me regret, sooner rather than later.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
If one wanted to one could easily name dozens of well-known players who were not held back by stock Fender (or Gibson or Musicman…) basses.
There’s certainly a place for other basses (more expensive or not) if you need sounds that your current bass isn’t furnishing or an extra string or even a neck you like better than the one you’re playing but if your bass is doing everything you need it to do there’s no reason to change.
Higher prices might yield luxury woods and fancy hardware. They often yield more versatile pickups and electronics. Sometimes they only yield status. Just like with luxury cars, they might make the experience more plush or they might just provide bragging rights but they’re not likely to be any more functional or reliable than a Honda Accord.
If you need, or feel you’d benefit, from the added features of a more expensive bass then, by all means, try one out. I’m not against just getting one because you think it’s cool, either.
If you just think you might be missing out on something…. eh, that’s probably not enough of a reason to change unless you have some money to burn.
If one wanted to one could easily name dozens of well-known players who were not held back by stock Fender (or Gibson or Musicman…) basses.
There’s certainly a place for other basses (more expensive or not) if you need sounds that your current bass isn’t furnishing or an extra string or even a neck you like better than the one you’re playing but if your bass is doing everything you need it to do there’s no reason to change.
Higher prices might yield luxury woods and fancy hardware. They often yield more versatile pickups and electronics. Sometimes they only yield status. Just like with luxury cars, they might make the experience more plush or they might just provide bragging rights but they’re not likely to be any more functional or reliable than a Honda Accord.
If you need, or feel you’d benefit, from the added features of a more expensive bass then, by all means, try one out. I’m not against just getting one because you think it’s cool, either.
If you just think you might be missing out on something…. eh, that’s probably not enough of a reason to change unless you have some money to burn.
One of my Customs...not made for me...is a wonderful build, but it is not currently on my gig rosta. That is mainly because of the sound I'm after at this time, but when I pick it up, and it has some miles on it, it is just so there.
If the new build wasn't 15months, I'd have commissioned another with a few config changes without much of a doubt because the guy is a genius with wood.
I call my CS a block of wood by comparison in terms of build and parts...just no contest, so there is the bass that is the one and then the bass that is the right one where other factors play a part.
If the new build wasn't 15months, I'd have commissioned another with a few config changes without much of a doubt because the guy is a genius with wood.
I call my CS a block of wood by comparison in terms of build and parts...just no contest, so there is the bass that is the one and then the bass that is the right one where other factors play a part.
Neither one is true.
Signed,
Former music store manager, current performer
Former bike shop manager, former racer
Your 2010 American Standard Precision is a great instrument. You can play whatever You want with it and record it on a highest level.
However, with a higher end bass You can get an inspiration to play more and to practice more.
Also, You will feel better and breathe deeper
. Go for it!
However, with a higher end bass You can get an inspiration to play more and to practice more.
Also, You will feel better and breathe deeper
. Go for it!
Nope. There are TONS of examples of pro bassists and big name bands playing $1,000 - $2,000 basses without any issue. The fact is, once you get to a certain quality level (usually about $1k - $2k in my experience (with some exceptions)); the instrument becomes a better instrument than nearly any musician on the planet - meaning the instrument does not hold back the musician in any ways shape or form.
For the several thousand dollar and up guitars/basses, you're paying for the novelty rather than playability or tone. Case in point, the bass Charles in playing in this video (Schecter Stiletto Studio 6) is $900 and it's some of the best tone/playing I've ever heard!
For the several thousand dollar and up guitars/basses, you're paying for the novelty rather than playability or tone. Case in point, the bass Charles in playing in this video (Schecter Stiletto Studio 6) is $900 and it's some of the best tone/playing I've ever heard!
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All I'd suggest is to get a Jazz bass to give yourself more tone versatility. If you have money burning a hole in your pocket...
A guest appearance on keeping up with the Kardashians! Lol
Seriously...don't fall into this trap.
Seriously...don't fall into this trap.
I'm all for fancy basses (but don't own any). They tend to be better on playability, fit and finish, and MAYBE tone. That said, a P bass is pretty much never the wrong answer, and after playing a bunch, I've come to the conclusion they are hard to screw up (my "P" is an early 80s Japanese copy that was 150 bucks in 1990 and as good as any I've played). If you are happy with your bass and want an upgrade, just get it PLEKed
This is such an "Allegory of the Cave" moment. How do I know what I am missing if I don't know that I am missing anything at all?
I really think guitars are completely different species as compared to basses. Of course, I don't think a 4k guitar will be much better than a 1500 dollar guitar for that matter. What most people ask of their guitars tonally and physically is different as compared to what most bassists need.
New basses can be inspiring for a while, but the allure goes away. Having a bass with a slightly different spec can be nice depending on the gig. I own a 2008 P bass Am standard, and it could honestly say that I could play that bass for the rest of my life if needed.
I really think guitars are completely different species as compared to basses. Of course, I don't think a 4k guitar will be much better than a 1500 dollar guitar for that matter. What most people ask of their guitars tonally and physically is different as compared to what most bassists need.
New basses can be inspiring for a while, but the allure goes away. Having a bass with a slightly different spec can be nice depending on the gig. I own a 2008 P bass Am standard, and it could honestly say that I could play that bass for the rest of my life if needed.
My best sounding and playing basses are both under the $500 mark.
Once again, I stand by my opinion that no one needs a $1000-8000 bass. But to each his own! 
Serena Williams can beat any of us with a $12.00 tennis racket.
Same for basses. I have a pro bass player friend who is fantastic. He plays Warrior & Fodera basses. I saw him at his gig playing a Sterling Ray34. Sounded as good as always. By the way,,, no pedals.
Same for basses. I have a pro bass player friend who is fantastic. He plays Warrior & Fodera basses. I saw him at his gig playing a Sterling Ray34. Sounded as good as always. By the way,,, no pedals.
Dude, you cant say that on here...My best sounding and playing basses are both under the $500 mark.
News Flash - you are gonna sound like you no matter how much money you spend on a bass.
"I could hand my bass to Victor Wooten and he'd blow the roof off any auditorium without hesitation." Correct! it's not the arrow, it's the archer!
Fender Precision Bass is a professional quality instrument. For 75 years, Pbass has been the choice of so many players and producers. It's on countless recordings and seen ubiquitously around the world on concert stages. The names associated with the very type of bass you play, are the who's who of bass players; Chuck Rainy, James Jamerson, Pino Paladino, Rocco Prestia.... the list goes on forever.
The better you play, the better the instrument sounds... it's you that produces the music, not the bass. Spend your time practicing, that will make a real difference in your sound.
"I could hand my bass to Victor Wooten and he'd blow the roof off any auditorium without hesitation." Correct! it's not the arrow, it's the archer!
Fender Precision Bass is a professional quality instrument. For 75 years, Pbass has been the choice of so many players and producers. It's on countless recordings and seen ubiquitously around the world on concert stages. The names associated with the very type of bass you play, are the who's who of bass players; Chuck Rainy, James Jamerson, Pino Paladino, Rocco Prestia.... the list goes on forever.
The better you play, the better the instrument sounds... it's you that produces the music, not the bass. Spend your time practicing, that will make a real difference in your sound.
Oh I know. I get flamed every time I mention that I think expensive basses are unnecessary. Like I said, though, to each his own!
if it ain't broke don't fix it, esp if the thought is coming from elsewhere (the band leader's $8k comment). of course, if the thought is coming from you, get your hands on some boutiques and see if they do in fact help you play or sound better. noone is going to know how it feels in your hands, other than you. is the sound gonna be better? maybe, maybe not - everything needs context. had a boutique that felt great that didn't fit the band style. currently have a dream bass that does help me play better and does sound fantastic with one band. on the flip side, i play my $400 sire with the other band because that jazz bass suits it better, it's also heavier, but that band doesn't play 4 hour gigs.
