Why do we all have the same looking basses?

[Zeus_Mutation]

Hello!

I want to ask a few questions about different basses and why I feel like we all play the same ones. I'll try to be specific, hopefully helps to simplify answers/suggestions.

I'm looking to get my first high quality bass. I've owned only Squires, 5 to be exact. I'm not knocking squires, just haven't had one that didn't require constant attention. My current bass is the Matt Freeman sig P. It's supposed to be like a CV or VM level. Great fun, never worry if someone touches it... wouldn't cry if it was stolen. Great type of bass to own, perfect to leave after a set and not worry about.

This is NOT about TONE.

My question is about bass looks. I know this is uber subjective, but humor me please.
Why oh why do we all have to have the same color options is beyond me, but I'll chalk it up to profit margin.
Copying ones hero makes total sense at first too, but after dedicating years to the craft, do we really care what bass your favorite player uses? Again, not about tone here.

Here are the list of basses I see most, please add what I overlook.
Fender P, J, Tele... any Fender really
Gibson SG's
Gibson LP - Although I really don't see that many of these
Thunderbirds
Music Mans
G&L's
Ibanez

I left out Lakelands, Stanley Clark, and that stuff... either they are out of my price range or look like one of the others mentioned above. I left out a whole host of other brand names too, for mostly the same reason. Also, a slight variation in, or a different pick guard, does not make it different in my eyes. Again, subjective.

I thought about a parts bass, like Warmoth or USGA, maybe wrong acronym. I could specialize the color at a reasonable price, etc. I'll still need a skilled luther to ensure its dialed in. I've purchased books on doing bass setups, I've torn apart my squires to no end. I'm very mechanical, but I believe a true luthier makes a difference. I could be wrong...

So, am I destined to stick with the sound I love and just deal with looking like every other Fender P or have I missed something?

Keep in mind I don't have the funds to have something custom built. It really needs to be complete at purchase. Be it used, or from a big box store... and this too may be why I'm pigeon holed? As for getting multiple basses, I agree... but, I want one really nice instrument at this point.

Visually, I'm sick of all the models I listed. I'm sure this sounds crazy...

I'd love opinions and suggestions.

Thank you

 

[96Brigadier]

I have a Music Man Bongo and a Music Man Reflex.. the Bongo is very different than anything on your list, the Reflex is is closer to ones on your list but still different.

The Bongo is a great playing bass with a different look.

 

[Nephilymbass]

I like normal shaped basses but with more out there finishes. my stringray5 is comfortable and you can get it in some interesting finishes, mine is silver sparkle with a BWB pickgaurd, chrome tuners and bridge and black control knobs. I've had a lot of other basses. Mostly warwicks and musicmans now, but also Peavey, Fender, Conklin, and Ibanez. shape wise only so much variation is practicle. especially with the longer scale and heavier weight of bass guitars, sometimes what looks different can be a burden to play. but I think we all play similar basses because we are human beings with similar anatomy so naturally theres going to shapes that are popular with a lot of people.

 

[Off-Beat]

Because our nature tells us if everyone has it, it must be good. If everyone has it and some sort of elevated figure has it, too, it must be the best.

 

[SteveC]

No one has a bass like either of mine - not exactly anyway.

 

[JIO]

In praise of WEIRD LOOKING basses!

 

[Jazz Ad]

I don't think your premise stands.
There are original shapes and colors at all prices.
Ask yourself why you are drawn toward the most common models rather than more distinctive ones.

 

[garritynet]

Rickenbacker.

 

[Watchootognbout]

That's a good question!
Here's the opposite side.
How come I'm not drawn to the most common brands?
Because far too many have copied that same'ol same'ol face that I'm really tired of seeing.
And I'm really perplexed as to everyone's high enthusiasm for them.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

Is there a question? I did not understand OP.

 

[Zeus_Mutation]

I do see differences... just not really. Color alone doesn't really cut it for me, although crazy paint always makes me smile. Even if I think its ugly. Obviously basses such as Bootsy's Star and other unique models are out there.

I'm thinking the body contour and the human body form is probably the closest to reality. That really makes sense and I hadn't thought of that. I like the looks of Tele and Gretchs, but their not comfy for me.

Again, there is no wrong or right.

Asking why I'm drawn to a particular shape, yeah, I like that too. Not sure, I do like the Fender P, but damn if I don't absolutely hate sunburst anything now.

 

[Zeus_Mutation]

JIO - Thats a great link! Love it!

 

[Watchootognbout]

My basses.Their not the same 'ol same 'ol.
You won't see these in any store.

 

[Jazz Ad]

A few inexpensive, distinctive yet good instruments that come to mind :
Cort Curbow
Warwick RB
Danelectro, all of them
Ibanez Artcore and ATK
ESP LTD 104
Dean Custom Zone (colors !)
G&L Tribute
Yamaha BB

The list could go on for pages.

 

[TinIndian]

Warwick. Spector. Both of those are different from the "norm". Both offer a lower priced line if need be. However you can find a German made Warwick on the used market for well under a grand pretty easily.

 

[Zeus_Mutation]

Yeah the question got lost...

I think I'm stuck with a Fender P. Because that's the tone I like... and I'm frustrated that it's gonna be like most every other fender.

I'm gonna to try as many weird looking basses I can find though...

 

[Watchootognbout]

Hello!My question is about bass looks. I know this is uber subjective, but humor me please.
Why oh why do we all have to have the same color options is beyond me, but I'll chalk it up to profit margin.
Copying ones hero makes total sense at first too, but after dedicating years to the craft, do we really care what bass your favorite player uses? Again, not about tone here.

Here are the list of basses I see most, please add what I overlook.
Fender P, J, Tele... any Fender really
Gibson SG's
Gibson LP - Although I really don't see that many of these
Thunderbirds
Music Mans
G&L's
Ibanez

For those who don't see it.This is the question.
Why do we all have the same looking basses?

 

[Old Fart]

Three of my favorite basses look identical to the untrained eye. They look beautiful to me *and* they sound wonderful. They are very unusual. Made by a little-known company called "Fender." 3TSB, Tort, Rosewood Precisions. <grin>

 

[tpa]

... My question is about bass looks ... So, am I destined to stick with the sound I love and just deal with looking like every other Fender P or have I missed something? ... I'd love opinions and suggestions.

If You have the bass with the sound and playability you like, but don't like the look of it then change the look of it to what You like. Changes - even nice looking - can be done on a very limited budget.

 

[joelns]

Form follows function. It's really that simple.