Why do all basses seem to look so uninspired and the same (in a bad way)

[6-3-2]

I agree with @Dincrest that ESP makes a lot of sense and the LTD stuff is very good for the money. The used market is the way if you want something atypical, since you're much less likely to find unusual designs across all price ranges. I might also consider Reverend basses. Probably also used territory to get a fair price, but people on here love them.

While I love J basses, you're right that there's A LOT of what people call on here "Fender-shaped objects" (FSOs). It takes a little hunting to find alternatives, but they're out there. In general the big companies are conservative with what they release, so you find more classics than oddballs at affordable prices. It's a bit of a shame, I'd love a Rickenbacker 4000 at a lower price, but it is what it is.

In terms of finding a tone you love, look to bassists with tones you like. Then in the shop leave the EQ close to flat or give gentle bumps. This is a generalization, but usually basses don't sound great with the amp EQ boosted way up: it either gets muddy or abrasive. So if the bass isn't for you with a more or less flat EQ, then find another bass.

 

[aprod]

You might find something here; Invalid Link Removed

 

[/\/\3phist0]

here is a rabbit hole: (1) In praise of WEIRD LOOKING basses! | TalkBass.com

 

[Pilgrim]

Saying that all basses look the same and uninspired seems comparable to finding a sunset boring because you've seen one before.

 

[Snaxster]

 

[Michael Stanley 2112]

Here ya go Hoss:

Mothgirl not included.

There's a bass in this photo?

 

[Michael Stanley 2112]

I think there's a practical issue, as well.

Basses have to have stringent specs because they suffer (more) from neck dive than guitars to begin with. One has to be careful how "unique" one designs the bass.

Add in the weight issue ...

Job done.

 

[jd56hawk]

I'm a guy who loves a tastefully done weird alternate body bass (I'm in a grunge band) but everything is either really boring or too metal for my taste.

This one's anything but boring.
It gets more compliments than any bass I've ever owned.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

there's this :

Guitar Blog: Rarer sibling of the Ampeg AEB-1 "Scroll" Bass, 1966-vintage Ampeg ASB-1 "Devil Bass" on eBay now (guitarz.blogspot.com)

 

[Michael Stanley 2112]

there's this :

Guitar Blog: Rarer sibling of the Ampeg AEB-1 "Scroll" Bass, 1966-vintage Ampeg ASB-1 "Devil Bass" on eBay now (guitarz.blogspot.com)

First (I have to): There's a bass in this photo?

Seriously, that actually looks like there would be few - no neck dive issues.

I don't know that I'd be comfortable playing one (since I'm limited to sitting down only, these days), but it might be something I'd be willing to try.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

First (I have to): There's a bass in this photo?

Seriously, that actually looks like there would be few - no neck dive issues.

I don't know that I'd be comfortable playing one (since I'm limited to sitting down only, these days), but it might be something I'd be willing to try.

actually 2 basses.

 

[Michael Stanley 2112]

actually 2 basses.

See? I'm like a fish with "shiny" objects! I honestly didn't see that bass in the background.

In my defense, your honor, I did scan the bass (in the foreground) before I focused on anything else, if I'm being completely honest.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I understand that this will probably draw quite a bit of hate (even more as I've only switched to bass from guitar in the past year to fill bassist in my band). I actually enjoy playing bass and creating bass lines just as much if not more than guitar, I've been looking for a new bass recently in the range of like 400-600 and all there seem to be is really ugly jazz bass knockoffs. I'm a guy who loves a tastefully done weird alternate body bass (I'm in a grunge band) but everything is either really boring or too metal for my taste. I really think some of the Gibson/epiphone basses are really cool and I love the look of the Thunderbird but I played a reverse thunderbird today (they look disgusting) and it sounded terrible considering it's a 2k bass. I may just be playing through an amp that is no good or EQd poorly (more than likely) but I was wondering if anyone else agrees with me or if I'm just a dumb guitar player. Or alternatively if anyone has any suggestions on basses to look at?

Well, the reason you're finding such lame, monotonous offerings, is because you are looking at dirt cheap instruments. There are plenty of different choices and styles at many different price points. But at that price, your selections are fairly limited.

 

[getBAK]

There's lots of odd stuff out there, but your budget wipes out a lot of it. Get closer to $1000 and a lot of options appear. Take a peek at Schecter Guitars. Handmade, Custom Model Guitar Manufacturer since 1976 or Kiesel for a start. Dingwall is one of the best, with the D-Roc being a standout for unusual design

In general, people like the traditional style instruments, because they work well. We've had 70 years to work out experiment with bass ergonomics. A lot of stuff didn't survive because... well it didn't work well.

 

[DianaBass]

Don't mind me, I read the title as "bassists" not "basses." And I was going to protest. But carry on, and welcome!

 

[wysiwyg248]

This is outside your budget, semi-conventional body shape but it will take you a week to find all the tone combinations.

 

[nnnnnn]

I've been looking for a new bass recently in the range of like 400-600 and all there seem to be is really ugly jazz bass knockoffs.

Maybe there's nothing you like the look of, but certainly there are multiple options that don't look like Jazz basses, and they're not hard to find.

I don't know what currency you are talking about, but here are some basses that my local music shop has for AUD $600 or less, in a variety of shapes. And in most cases there are models at several price points and multiple colour choices.

Squier Precision
Squier Jaguar
Epiphone EB-0
Ibanez Talman
Ibanez SR
Ibanez SRM
Ibanez RGB
Yamada BB
Yamada TRBX
Hofner Contemporary Shorty
Cort C4

Actually that last one is a bit over AUD600, but if you're in the US it would be cheaper. And the list above is just what I put together without making an effort, I think I've seen other options around.

 

[Stranger Danger]

I understand that this will probably draw quite a bit of hate (even more as I've only switched to bass from guitar in the past year to fill bassist in my band). I actually enjoy playing bass and creating bass lines just as much if not more than guitar, I've been looking for a new bass recently in the range of like 400-600 and all there seem to be is really ugly jazz bass knockoffs. I'm a guy who loves a tastefully done weird alternate body bass (I'm in a grunge band) but everything is either really boring or too metal for my taste. I really think some of the Gibson/epiphone basses are really cool and I love the look of the Thunderbird but I played a reverse thunderbird today (they look disgusting) and it sounded terrible considering it's a 2k bass. I may just be playing through an amp that is no good or EQd poorly (more than likely) but I was wondering if anyone else agrees with me or if I'm just a dumb guitar player. Or alternatively if anyone has any suggestions on basses to look at?

Not exactly the best way to introduce yourself.

 

[swarfrat]

Ive seen it a bunch of times but my word the mothman bass is so freaking humongous... Forget the fridge, if that thing ever got stuck in a gravity well it's never getting free.

 

[Chris F]

Im quite big into my grunge with my band, I love Krist Novoselic, flea (not grunge but I think everyone rates him), I'm a nirvana super fan so I love Jagstang, jaguars and mustangs (however I've heard only negative things about their respective basses). I also like funky V style bodies and explorer shapes but I feel they may be a bit too extreme looking for what I do.

I'll definitely look at that NBD thing though

I am a former guitarist who plays bass now. I have a Jaguar bass and love it