• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Who finds black basses boring?

I don't know is it due to the fact I own 4 basses and 2 of em are black. The other 2 being white and sunburst. Talk about being generic huh.

I have considered refinishing one of my black basses. This 89 stingray, black w rosewood bored and tort pg. My favourite of the bunch, in fact. Only thing stopping me from doing so is that its 'semi-vintage' and I really like the battle scars on the body.

Sometimes I wonder if it a case of the grass being on the otherside. I remember that in not too distant past, my favourite color was black w rosewood and I used to think that seafoam green looks cheesy. But now I find myself creaming over fiesta red basses w maple boards.

Its always a shame the best sounding basses Ive played are not always the most handsome ones.

Anyways, I know that color should be the last thing I take into considering when picking a bass... but it doesnt hurt if you feel that ur bass looks like the sex right?
 
Is my bass boring?
IMG_0348.jpg
 
Not to offend anyone's sensibilities, but for the most part, yes, I avoid black basses only because they are so common. Oddly, I still like the nostalgic look of sunburst, which I readily admit is equally common.

I do own one noteable exception, my (unofficial) Fender Precision Phil Lynott Tribute.

I understand the comment about "sometimes the best playing bass is the least attractive." I'm playing guitar in another band and my best playing and sounding guitar at the moment is...you guessed it...black.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Watchootognbout
Yeah, my Warwick Rockbass Streamer is black, and I really dont like it, especially because most Warwicks have great finishes.

Thing is that my fiancé bought it for me as an anniversary gift and she loves the look of it. She thinks it looks great for rock and that i should keep it how it is. Because she bought it for me, I have a hard time bringing sandpaper to it.
 
I agree. I also don't like black because it makes it harder to see any details on the bass unless you're right up on in. I really don't like any painted bass, I want to see the wood. I don't mind stain as long as the wood grain is visible. I don't like bursts either, they look dated to me but I recently bought a no name jazz copy that's a three color sunburst and it's growing on me.
 
Is my bass boring?

IMG_0348.jpg


Your bass, sir, is GORGEOUS.

Also, on topic: for me, tone is the most important thing. It's easier to change colors than it is to change tone.

I play a beat-up Schecter Diamond Series. I thought about refinishing/sanding it, but decided against it because I was afraid of changing the tone.

To me, sound is king. Jaco's bass is worse off than mine (as far as battle scars go), and he's a virtuoso.

$.02