I like to tinker with instruments... It's never good enough.
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Play-ability, reliability. If neither of these in the mix, tone or looks doesn't matter.
Blue collar working mans bass.
I don't need anything fancy. I love no frills operational instruments. However, I will say there is nothing better than using a standard bass to work up to something nicer. Feels good.
I don't need anything fancy. I love no frills operational instruments. However, I will say there is nothing better than using a standard bass to work up to something nicer. Feels good.
for new, used, modding, parts build: my five criteria -
1-3 feel: if doesn't (or cannot be made to) 'feel right', i won't go there.
4 reliability: all of the metal parts, especially tuners (i'm playing fretless); and stable neck of course
5 tone: not a big concern if one is modding --- strings, pickups, electronics are changeable, swappable
(looks/aesthetics: not a concern, but perhaps the most 'fun' part of modding and parts building)
1-3 feel: if doesn't (or cannot be made to) 'feel right', i won't go there.
4 reliability: all of the metal parts, especially tuners (i'm playing fretless); and stable neck of course
5 tone: not a big concern if one is modding --- strings, pickups, electronics are changeable, swappable
(looks/aesthetics: not a concern, but perhaps the most 'fun' part of modding and parts building)
Hard to say. Some instruments I pretty much leave alone, others? My fretless Jazz is an ongoing experiment, my fretted Jazz is pretty much done, though it's going to get some guts from the fretless when my new pick ups for it come in. The Mouse I have coming will remain completely stock.
I think when it comes to modding, any Fender/Squier is modable, but a boutique? Not so much, the reason being the boutique is purchased for its unique attributes, whereas a Fender/Squier is by nature 'standard'.
I think when it comes to modding, any Fender/Squier is modable, but a boutique? Not so much, the reason being the boutique is purchased for its unique attributes, whereas a Fender/Squier is by nature 'standard'.
Most musicians at all levels are to varying extents always on the look out for the next better instrument. It's just part of the gig. BUT, there is a pretty large variation as to what that means depending on the level the player is at. When you are starting out, you have to figure out what the possibilities are, and you have to go through the thing where you are emulating what other name players are doing. Then, you get to a point where you have some kind of workable instrument, put aside the gear mania, and focus more on your playing. Different gigs come and go, and they can require some different instrument specs. A very few end up in hit record touring situations, which is great for fame; but the downside is you have to play the same tunes every day for the foreseeable future. The rest of us end up gigging a variety of cover / original genres and eventually settle on a few instruments that get the job done.
That is for players; and in all of that, I don't think there is any one prescription for a time that a player decides they will only play one instrument. There are almost as many answers as players.
And then there are folks who are enthusiastic about collecting instruments. And that's a whole different discussion.
That is for players; and in all of that, I don't think there is any one prescription for a time that a player decides they will only play one instrument. There are almost as many answers as players.
And then there are folks who are enthusiastic about collecting instruments. And that's a whole different discussion.
If it feels good to play and the tone makes me want to play more often, that's how I know it's good enough. Hands down my franken P nails that.
Good strings, good setup and good ergonomics. After many years I've finally realized that new pickups, preamp, effects or a new bass are not the panacea for lack of practice or technique on my part. Unless the bass is a knarled and twisted piece of junk with shorted out electronics, its on me. Once I took responsiblity for my tone and technique, my GAS pains subsided substantially. Learn how to properly set up your gear and practice, practice, practice.
I have a few that are perfectly dialed-in: good set-ups, great tone, aesthetics on point. A few are still being incrementally tweaked. For me, aesthetics are simple to achieve. Set-ups are easy enough. I find that string selection is the hardest thing to get perfect.
Generally speaking, if I own the bass, then I already like it and don't probably have big renovation plans. But I might consider a pick guard mod or different strings. However, I often play aggressively, so with the setup I like the action very high.
Btw, I also try to compliment my bass with the right strap, and I have a few pricey ones.
Btw, I also try to compliment my bass with the right strap, and I have a few pricey ones.
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When I walk into the room and see my bass sitting there, if I don't want to pick it up, it's not done.
Yes, yes and yes to all of the above.
I would rate the importance in the following order:
1) Playability
2) Tone
3) Aesthetics
But in reality, it has to have all of them for me to be happy.
The most common modifications I have done have been pickup changes.
That looks eminently playable. Right number of knobs, too!
I tend to be extremely particular in what I buy so prefer to do my research buy a bass that I love everything about, sound, feel, playability, ergonomics, look flexibility of tone. If I want another type of sound I get another bass with that sound I want. Oh I did change one of the features of a bass I bought..... change the knobs back to the standard ones rather than the custom ones that were on the bass when I bought it but that was because one of them got damaged.
+1 I feel all of these are equally important to me or I would not own the bass. My personal definition of "good enough" is when I no longer have GAS to buy or make another bass for what I'm currently doing or for what I forsee in the future. In other words, adding another bass would not add anything significantly new to the tone pallet I already have available. It would need to be a significant change now for me to restart the search engine for "good enough". But, most times now for me....that just means looking for a different pedal....or changing strings (flats to rounds or nickel to steel or...)
I'm questioning your use of "most" here. While there are plenty of players who like to modify their instruments, I'd say most people don't. My friend owns a guitar & bass shop and most (over 90%) of his extensive used stock comes in unmodified (unless you count a change in strings). I photograph his inventory and handle his website, so I see and describe every piece.
As for me, if I don't like a bass the way it is I just don't buy it.
