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Who prefers mass produced over boutique?
- Thread starter Cygnus X-1
- Start date
Well, Munji did say that his (top end) Yamaha bass was as good as any other "boutique" bass he had played. Yamaha definitely make some fine instruments!
However, if Alembic make a bass with imitation pearl in the inlays, it's because you asked them to. They will use whatever materials are workable and within your price range. And as good as Yamaha are, they can't even begin to touch Alembic in terms of making high end basses IMO.
However, if Alembic make a bass with imitation pearl in the inlays, it's because you asked them to. They will use whatever materials are workable and within your price range. And as good as Yamaha are, they can't even begin to touch Alembic in terms of making high end basses IMO.
I had an eye opening experience about ten years ago. I was mostly playing URB and owned two of them. As luck would have it, they were both broken at the same time, as a matter of fact one was totally not fixable! So the wife tells me I can have any bass I want as long as it's NOT URB! So we go see a friend of mine at the music store. I sit down and he puts a blindfold on me, no BS, and starts handing me basses. We must've went through fifty basses...from Ibanez to Alembic. The two I ended up liking the most were actually a used five string Warwick and a Washburn five string. The Warwick was thoroughly customized and went for $2000. The Washburn was totally stock and went for $350. For me the choice was easy as I couldn't justify the price difference. It is interesting that both basses had natural blonde finishes and rosewood fretboards though. The Warwick was definately a better bass, but the Washburn sounded very similar. I gigged with that Washburn two to three times a week until last year when I went back to URB.
how long it will take make beatifully crafted boutique bass look like mass produced??? one year of giging???
It makes me pretty unsure if I can handle boutique.....every ding hurts ten times more!!!!
also I would feel pretty stupid(errr i already sometimes feel so with FMT) if I come to gig where other groups plays through behringer or laneys on on (in best case) HW1 instruments fenders and soundman is old hippie stuck in 80´s which still believe in headless and synths...I think i should link them to Talkbass :d I bet that after one month they will play Agies and Sads.....
It makes me pretty unsure if I can handle boutique.....every ding hurts ten times more!!!!
also I would feel pretty stupid(errr i already sometimes feel so with FMT) if I come to gig where other groups plays through behringer or laneys on on (in best case) HW1 instruments fenders and soundman is old hippie stuck in 80´s which still believe in headless and synths...I think i should link them to Talkbass :d I bet that after one month they will play Agies and Sads.....
Hey Fishheadjoe, I'm the original poster and want to thank you for your experience, It was an interesting read. No need to be apologetic. Anyone who works hard and knows what they want should be proud. I never took what anyone said on his thread as bragging. I also did not intend for my post to be about one vs another. It's funny how things get twisted in threads 
For the most part, I'm happy with how it's gone.
Many have shared their experiences (that some of us may never get) with custom basses and mass produced (I never said cheap). I never said one was better than another nor am trying to justify what I own (I'm a happy camper
). I was just curious about people's experiences with custom as opposes to mass and which they "prefer" using. That's all.
Seriously, I would never slam or criticize anyone who uses and Ibanez 300 or Fender Squire the same as if they had anything custom built. As I stated in an earlier post, I had the opportunity to play a 4003 Ric. A bass I though I had always wanted. Once in had, it just wasn't my cup of tea. It sounded great and was beautifully made, but I just couldn't get around it's ergonomics.
At the moment my preference are a MIM classic 60s jazz and a J24. Though I own a MIA deluxe P as well as the 08 P and J and Geddy, I still go for the other two. Still, none of them are Hand made, custom basses. So, this is why I asked the question. Nothing was taken personally and the responses have been great. So again, thanks.
For the most part, I'm happy with how it's gone. Many have shared their experiences (that some of us may never get) with custom basses and mass produced (I never said cheap). I never said one was better than another nor am trying to justify what I own (I'm a happy camper
). I was just curious about people's experiences with custom as opposes to mass and which they "prefer" using. That's all. Seriously, I would never slam or criticize anyone who uses and Ibanez 300 or Fender Squire the same as if they had anything custom built. As I stated in an earlier post, I had the opportunity to play a 4003 Ric. A bass I though I had always wanted. Once in had, it just wasn't my cup of tea. It sounded great and was beautifully made, but I just couldn't get around it's ergonomics.
At the moment my preference are a MIM classic 60s jazz and a J24. Though I own a MIA deluxe P as well as the 08 P and J and Geddy, I still go for the other two. Still, none of them are Hand made, custom basses. So, this is why I asked the question. Nothing was taken personally and the responses have been great. So again, thanks.
I have to say that I had no idea what I preferred, until I spent a lot of time trying to figure it out!
I had no preconceptions as to what I was gonna buy, when I began searching out my new bass, last spring. I was/am fortunate at this point in my life, to be in a position where I had the disposable income required to be able to apply it to virtually any bass I wanted.
And please, don't take that statement as bragging, I have worked long and hard to be in this position, so I take some level of pride in being here.
I tried many, and I do mean many production basses, some I thought were alright, but none really, that blew my socks off. i had made myself a promise, I was gonna buy the bass that "spoke to me". The two that did, were boutique basses. Roscoe and Sadowsky stood out to me, with the Bongo coming in third place.
Again, this is just my opinion and as the consumer, I am entitled to this opinion. I went back and forth between the two, but eventually decided to buy the Roscoe. It just "felt" better to me and my playing style.
I've had the Roscoe for about three months now and I gotta tell ya, I find new things I love about this bass, every day I play it.
I have received numerous compliments on my playing, since I got this instrument. Compliments which were not forthcoming with my other basses. The bass has helped to make me a better player. It could be that I am more motivated to play more as I thoroughly enjoy spending time on it. It's so easy to play, it sounds freakin awesome and well, it also simply looks fantastic.
I am not slamming mass produced instruments, not at all, but as the OP asked which we prefer, well, there's your answer.
Would I have preferred to adore a less expensive instrument, yah, who wouldn't want to keep their money?!
But if your in a position to choose and buy what YOU want, then I say go for it!
fishheadjoe
Wow, great read. Personally I'm with you. I don't like onions on my bass as well 
If you can go to McDonald's and have them hold the onions, why can't you do that with a bass??
I play boutique because I am not a bassist among the masses. The only way Fender is gonna make me a nice unlined piezo electric 6 string is if I become famous or drop more coin than most boutique builders would have charged in the first place.So.....I can either wait for Fender to release the bass of my dreams or I can pay someone else to do it now.
My first bass was a Peavey Cirrus and I must say that it plays as well as most given boutique basses. Outside of boutique basses, not much comes even close. Although on a side note, it's always entertaining to hear that ALL basses can get low action, but I don't think I've met too many bassists who keep their action nearly as low as mine, but still are experts on my action.Regardless, I'm still happy with the Cirrus series, but I can't get 'em with other pickups or electronics. Not that the electronics are bad, but I wanted other tones as well.
So, upon getting my boutique basses, the action on my CB and Conklin are slightly better than my Cirri, although the Rob Allen has slightly higher action to get that pillowy thump. Regardless, the necks are all extremely comfortable the low B strings (when applicable) are phenominal. Even though TB usually says that the Ray has the best low B, try something like a Curbow or my Conklin as the clarity and consistency can't be beat...without a Dingwall.
The sustain and resonance on all of my boutique basses is killer. Yes, this is the point where someone will exclaim that they want quick decay. It's much easier to mute than to hope for sustain that simply isn't there. The top notch construction coupled with the right strings and a good setup will often lead to basses with extreme consistency and no dead spots. On my Conklin, for example, my low B still sounds clear enough to play at the 15th position. Not many basses can do that!
Comfort comfort COMFORT!!!! Play a Rob Allen Mouse 30 or a CB Ball bass for a while and you won't want to go back! Both are extremely light and the CB feels like it belongs on your leg when sitting. My Conklin may be a pretty big bass, but still weighs less than some Fenders and Ernie Ball basses I've played lately. The neck profiles are set up in a way that they feel like it belongs in your hands. Back when my last band was playing for several hours at a time without breaks, the comfort really added up.
Tone? Totally subjective. While some may suggest that they're all high end zing that nobody would ever want to record, there are many different electronics options that can sound exactly like a Fender, have more low end, more high end.....or some that can sound like a Fender, get more low end, and high end if desired! Sure, you can upgrade electronics sometimes, but you don't always have the kind of room for some electronics. Sometimes the goal is to NOT sound like a Fender. It can be done.
Not sure if my preferences are boutique vs. mass, but I will say that I am not attracted to anything that veers too far from Fender/Gibson (read: "classic") shape, has more than four strings, or that is finished like a coffee table rather than painted.
Imho if you are lucky enough to find your sound and feel in a mass produced bass then you have hit the jackpot of luck. I like the mass produced basses because I can modify them and not have to worry that I am potentially destroying a $3000 plus bass.
But if I could not find a decent mass produced bass I would save my pennies and go higher end and probably go through as many brands as possible until I found "the one"
But if I could not find a decent mass produced bass I would save my pennies and go higher end and probably go through as many brands as possible until I found "the one"
I guess I don't. I have both, but my main bass is a boutique.
Currently my non-boutique basses consist of a Geddy Lee Jazz, a Fretless Stingray (which I am going to be selling), a Carvin B4, and a Takamine Acoustic.
But for me it wasn't about getting something "boutique" as having complete control over the design process. My bass looks, feels, plays and sounds EXACTLY the way I wanted. Working with a really gifted luthier who will build whatever you dream up and give you a complete choice of electronics and additional features is a very cool experience. There's something really gratifying about putting all the features you like into one bass and then going back and forth with a luthier on decisions about scale length, body, neck, fingerboard and top woods, fanned or traditional frets, even inlays and headstock design. But the real payoff is having and instrument that is perfect for me.
I'm not trying to impress anyone with my bass, especially since (1) Most people (and virtually no one outside of TB members) know who the builder is and (2) I don't think it's a bass that most people would really dig. But I do. And that's what matters.
I still play my other basses, but not nearly as much. In fact, last night I hadn't unpacked my gear from the gig the night before so I was fiddling around on my Fender and my Carvin. They felt and sounded good. But when I finally got out my Stambaugh it was like putting on a glove.
Currently my non-boutique basses consist of a Geddy Lee Jazz, a Fretless Stingray (which I am going to be selling), a Carvin B4, and a Takamine Acoustic.
But for me it wasn't about getting something "boutique" as having complete control over the design process. My bass looks, feels, plays and sounds EXACTLY the way I wanted. Working with a really gifted luthier who will build whatever you dream up and give you a complete choice of electronics and additional features is a very cool experience. There's something really gratifying about putting all the features you like into one bass and then going back and forth with a luthier on decisions about scale length, body, neck, fingerboard and top woods, fanned or traditional frets, even inlays and headstock design. But the real payoff is having and instrument that is perfect for me.
I'm not trying to impress anyone with my bass, especially since (1) Most people (and virtually no one outside of TB members) know who the builder is and (2) I don't think it's a bass that most people would really dig. But I do. And that's what matters.
I still play my other basses, but not nearly as much. In fact, last night I hadn't unpacked my gear from the gig the night before so I was fiddling around on my Fender and my Carvin. They felt and sounded good. But when I finally got out my Stambaugh it was like putting on a glove.
Count me in..... I love my Cort/Elrick RB5. BTW I'm looking for another RB5 or JP5 (Josh Paul) model in any color. The most I ever spent on a bass was about $900 on a Peavey Cirrus around when they first came out. I guess that would qaulify as semi-boutique. Great construction but I couldn't get into the sound. Sold it 2 months later.
Gotta love mass production. I've got to say that hybridization is also nice when you get a boutique builder to design something for mass production i.e. Bob Erlick and Cort. It's unfortunate it didn't quite work out although the Cort/Elrick basses are great. There are other examples where it has worked
BTW- I put some maple knobs on this bass and it looks killer.
Gotta love mass production. I've got to say that hybridization is also nice when you get a boutique builder to design something for mass production i.e. Bob Erlick and Cort. It's unfortunate it didn't quite work out although the Cort/Elrick basses are great. There are other examples where it has worked
BTW- I put some maple knobs on this bass and it looks killer.
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Exactly!! It doesn't need to be perfect for me as I can order something similar but more to my own usual specs.
I have a few "boutique" basses and I play them, they don't just sit around. However, the bass that I play the most is a Jazz bass that I put together myself because I was utterly disgusted at the price it would cost for me to get even a simple change (P-width neck) from many companies. The bass sounds better than pretty much all my basses, except maybe my Lulls, but they are really different creatures. I see Alleva-Coppollo (sp?) fender-style basses going for upwards of 4 grand? That is something I just don't get, I have played a couple and they were nice, but there is no way I would drop 4 grand on a Jazz bass.
Your post is a good example of why the question 'is it worth it' is a personal thing that can't really be generalized.
Per your example, the price of a new Alleva (unless you go crazy on upgrades) is in the low to mid $3K range (a lot of money). To me, they are worth every penny, and the upcharge seems very reasonable (about $1,000 or so) versus, for example the Lull, since you are getting a hand carved bass, in house wound pickups (amazing), and a proprietary pre versus an expertly assembled parts bass with 'off the shelf' electronics.
My feeling is that a bass like the Alleva is closer to an Alembic or Fodera (I like the Alleva MUCH better than those basses
) than to a Lull, so the price is worth it to me.I can totally understand those who feel otherwise
No, it's not appropriate, either, but let's face it...being able to spend $5000 on a bass is a lot better social position to be in than not being able to spend $5000 on a bass. So unless you live in a trailer and eat ramen noodles to afford your basses, you can take a couple shots
But in all honestly, if I was a mod, I'd close this thread and any like it. All it does is set up an us vs. them mentality.
No, it's not appropriate, either, but let's face it...being able to spend $5000 on a bass is a lot better social position to be in than not being able to spend $5000 on a bass. So unless you live in a trailer and eat ramen noodles to afford your basses, you can take a couple shots
But in all honestly, if I was a mod, I'd close this thread and any like it. All it does is set up an us vs. them mentality.
+1 and well said. The price/value equation regarding 'luxury goods' like cars, expensive basses, expensive watches, etc., etc. is a purely personal thing. It's either worth it or it's not, and if you can't afford it, it isn't even a valid question in the first place
Your post is a good example of why the question 'is it worth it' is a personal thing that can't really be generalized.
Per your example, the price of a new Alleva (unless you go crazy on upgrades) is in the low to mid $3K range (a lot of money). To me, they are worth every penny, and the upcharge seems very reasonable (about $1,000 or so) versus, for example the Lull, since you are getting a hand carved bass, in house wound pickups (amazing), and a proprietary pre versus an expertly assembled parts bass with 'off the shelf' electronics.
My feeling is that a bass like the Alleva is closer to an Alembic or Fodera (I like the Alleva MUCH better than those basses
I can totally understand those who feel otherwise
See, I had no idea that they were hand carved. I probably would not buy a Fodera either because I think they are just outrageous. I found love with the OBP-3, Nordstrand and Lindy Fralin, so sticking with those combos will always sound good to me. I recently acquired a Sadowsky and it just doesn't do it for me. I need the mid boost of the OBP-3, but there are people out there that think that Sadowskys are the greatest basses of all time. To each their own, I suppose, but I think a good setup on a great bass with great wood and great electronics goes a long way. I am not saying that I didn't like the Allevas that I played, I am just saying (to me) they are not really worth the money. Of course, I do own 2 newish Audi A6s...
