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

[Rottie Roo Roo]

I enjoy the 'uniqueness' of my custom fretless uke bass. Pricey but worth every penny to me.
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fudge me thats gorgeous

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

You and I are 180 degrees out of phase in our likes and dislikes for bass designs.
But that's OK. Welcome to TB.

Ugly is in the eye of the beholder.
To me the classic Fender style Jazz or P body is what I like best.
My two basses however are the Gretsch Jr. Jet and a Jag style bass. To me those are on the fringes of styles I like.
Visually, I just can't get past the ES, Tbird or flying V styles, but harbor no ill will towards those who do like them.
To each his own.

Anyway, hope you find what your looking for. When you do, be sure to post some pics.

 

[H K]

I had an RD Artist for a few years and it sounded good, but was an ergonomic nightmare. The nut felt like it was a mile away, it was incredibly heavy and the neck dive required holding it up while playing. It sounded great so I tolerated it, plus I was in my 20s, but it was not a great player.

I've wanted one for YEARS. But I struggle playing a normal Thunderbird, so I think i'd have major issues playing an RD.

 

[B-Mac]

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?

In today's day and age, barring supply chain issues, you must be looking in all the wrong places because there's never been a time where there are so many different style, size and shape basses to choose from.

 

[H K]

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?

To be honest, I'd say you're probably way off when it comes to the non reverse sounding bad. Are you playing on a guitar amp or something? You could get a rickenbacker knock-off from the 70's for around that price. Some of them are actually very good. Pump up the treble and you should be good to go for grunge. Other than that, you could get a epiphone EB 3, or a thunderbird as you said. A Jack Casady if you can afford it, or a squier classic vibe P bass. Plaster it with stickers for that pounk/grunge look. All these options are vastly different both looks and soundwise, but all should suit your needs.

 

[Runnerman]

You need to spend more time looking. There are plenty of basses that have unique styling and I'm sure you can find something that appeals to your eye. I think if you have a budget, then look for used offerings for sure. You will get way more bang for your buck. Your budget fits entry level but solidly made imported basses if you are going new.

Take a look at used USA made Peavey's. There are some nice models and will be in your range. Some unique styling cues.

 

[chazolson]

Yet another player who thinks the way his bass looks is the most important thing. (Hint: It's not.)

 

[jimmydean]

Most basses have a Fender like shape because without knowing it ( wink wink) that shape has been ingrained in peoples mind to be what a bass should look like . Just go and buy a Warwick and never look back .

 

[Thumpin6string]

Mine doesn't look the same as other basses and is inspiring to me. That's why I built it.

 

[Basvarken]

Want something different? With some Gibson influences?

 

[blastoff99]

A big thank you to everyone who is coming through with great suggestions for the OP. Here is a reminder to steer clear of the pejoratives regarding age, playing style, generational taste, etc.

 

[HardNHeavy]

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?

umm google- bass- images...something strike your fancy?...I'd also suggest spending a cpl weeks at music shops to hear them all.

 

[definenredefine]

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.

I was a little surprised that (unless I'm mistaken), this comment on page 4 was the first mention of Squier. They have a lot of great options at great prices new, and very inexpensive used (like $200-300 for a like new bass.) If you like the sound of a Jazz but don't care for the shape, I would think a Jag with single coils would be a good choice. If you want more flexibility, the Jag also comes with a humbucker or 2.

Since you mention Gibson shapes, how about an Epi EB-O or an LTD Viper?

Also, if you can find an older (70s-90s) Japanese or Korean import, you'll get some pretty great shapes well within your budget, with good build quality to boot. An Aria, Westone, Vantage, or Electra may be up your alley -

Aria Pro Ⅱ CSB-380 1986 Black Made in Japan Vintage Electric Bass | Reverb
Westone Thunder 1 1982 Natural | Reverb (this one's actually in the UK)
vantage vs600b bass guitar 80's brown | Reverb
Electra Phoenix X635 Bass in Graphite MIJ | Reverb

ETA - if you don't mind FSOs but would like something a bit less traditional, something like a Schecter Model T or CV-4 may be up your alley as well.

Good luck with the search, and let us know what you end up grabbing.

 

[Cardsfan85]

ESP LTD Stream-1004FM | Reverb

This one is a couple hundred more than your price but I think it should fit the bill. You may be able to offer a little less and get a good deal.

Epiphone Ripper Bass | Reverb

The ripper is also a little different and could handle what you're going for.

 

[HelpImaRock]

Like with finding new music, it only takes a cursory search to find what you're looking for. I would say "try harder" but that implies you tried at all. Good luck, we're all counting on you.

 

[definenredefine]

Like with finding new music, it only takes a cursory search to find what you're looking for. I would say "try harder" but that implies you tried at all. Good luck, we're all counting on you.

 

[MisticoRitualista]

Build your own

 

[Smooth_bass88]

I feel this way about cheeseburgs. They all look pretty much the same, very uninspiring and honestly boring. Not to mention inherently messy. just my 2¢

 

[definenredefine]

Build your own

Kits are cheap these days. Less than $100 for an HB kit from Thomann.

 

[Jefenator]

I could sort of concur with the OP - there are plenty of designs out there that I personally do not care so much for.

But I see no need to dwell on the negative when there are also some really cool ones.

I got this for $600 used, just sayin':

Probably not for everyone, but I've always liked this design. Hints of T-Bird, Les Paul, Silvertone & J-bass with plenty of original flair.