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why does everyone use fender?
- Thread starter momma'sboy
- Start date
When I started playing bass in the early 70s fender basses could be had relitivly cheap $200-$300. These were mid 60s Fender basses. By the late 70s the new fenders became Boat anchors churned out with sloppy fit and finish(although a nice one would slip through once in a while). In early 1980 I went to a boutique bass and wouldn't touch a Fender. Did a lot of recording with smiths, tobias and even kramers without much problem.
Then a few years back I was in a music store and found an old 62 Stackknob USA RI hanging on the wall. I plugged it into an ampeg(they were also an ampeg dealer). After about 20 minutes I was going,"Oh Yea". Since then Ive gone through about 80 fenders to get the 8 I curretly own. None of them are new and none of them are from the late 70s.
I still own quite a few other basses, custom 5s ,Sting Ray, G&L,Laklands a veriety of basses is great to have.
It took me 20 years to forget how much I hated Fenders and 20 minutes to remember how much I loved them.
FWIW I do a lot of hired gun work and always take at least 1 fender to the first gig with a new band.
EDIT: I've gone through 80 Fenders to get th 8 that I own? Thats a 1 in 10 ratio. Now I remember why I hate these damn Basses Again!
Then a few years back I was in a music store and found an old 62 Stackknob USA RI hanging on the wall. I plugged it into an ampeg(they were also an ampeg dealer). After about 20 minutes I was going,"Oh Yea". Since then Ive gone through about 80 fenders to get the 8 I curretly own. None of them are new and none of them are from the late 70s.
I still own quite a few other basses, custom 5s ,Sting Ray, G&L,Laklands a veriety of basses is great to have.
It took me 20 years to forget how much I hated Fenders and 20 minutes to remember how much I loved them.
FWIW I do a lot of hired gun work and always take at least 1 fender to the first gig with a new band.
EDIT: I've gone through 80 Fenders to get th 8 that I own? Thats a 1 in 10 ratio. Now I remember why I hate these damn Basses Again!
wwittman said:
Fixed it for you.
I want a Precision bass because I looooove the sound of a Precision bass...and so does everyone that's heard me play in a band with my lowly Squire P bass...
I have 2 words for most people that think all Fender P or J basses sound "bland" or "thin":
Operator error.
Do guitarist go threw these same kind of threads about Fender Guitars?
Well in real life I have a friend that likes 5 string Ibanez basses and I like 4 string Fender Basses..For some reason tho we are able to talk about other basses we like or would like to have. We can do all of that with out saying this bass or that bass sucks.
But for some reason talking on the internet about basses is almost as bad as talking about religion or politics.
With some of you guys responses. I'd be afraid to play anywhere near you. I might wind up with a beer bottle or tomatoes thrown at me just because of the bass I played.
Well in real life I have a friend that likes 5 string Ibanez basses and I like 4 string Fender Basses..For some reason tho we are able to talk about other basses we like or would like to have. We can do all of that with out saying this bass or that bass sucks.
But for some reason talking on the internet about basses is almost as bad as talking about religion or politics.
With some of you guys responses. I'd be afraid to play anywhere near you. I might wind up with a beer bottle or tomatoes thrown at me just because of the bass I played.
momma'sboy said:
This simple question resulted in 125 posts?
I look at it this way...
If you like a Fender just because it's a Fender, you are narrow minded and too brand conscious.
If you hate a Fender just because it's a Fender, you are narrow minded and too brand conscious.
JimmyM said:
He said you can't be a "real" musician (if we're talking about the same guy). I find that kind of insulting. I can see a "pro" needing one, as you explained in your post.
I've got 32 years behind me, playing music.
I guess that makes me an "old fart" to some of you.
I've seen trends change back and fourth with basses over the years. And every time they "swing back", it's directly towards the Fenders.
I used to believe "Fenders belonged on cars", untill I messed up and hit a good one...........
I started cutting off the EQ's and effects, because I simply didn't need them anymore. It was "right". Not only was "I" satisfied, the whole band was happy. (And that's a BIG THING.)
Let's get one thing straight: If your bands happy with your bass's tone, you're sitting pretty. If not, you're SCREWED.
It sometimes comes down to this: You can either play what your band wants, and play in a group. OR Sit at home with your $4K (Magic) bass and simply PLAY WITH YOURSELF........ (Not a pretty thought.)
Either way, YOU choose your instrument. But the band chooses YOU. Wanna be a Rebel? Fine by me. But come recording or gig time, you better be ready to be (and SOUND like) a team player. If your Axe Bites at every transient and makes your singer cringe, you're going to get Flak from it.
Of all the players they can "NUKE", the bassist is the first to go, if the rhythym section goes to crap.
I guess that makes me an "old fart" to some of you.
I've seen trends change back and fourth with basses over the years. And every time they "swing back", it's directly towards the Fenders.
I used to believe "Fenders belonged on cars", untill I messed up and hit a good one...........
I started cutting off the EQ's and effects, because I simply didn't need them anymore. It was "right". Not only was "I" satisfied, the whole band was happy. (And that's a BIG THING.)
Let's get one thing straight: If your bands happy with your bass's tone, you're sitting pretty. If not, you're SCREWED.
It sometimes comes down to this: You can either play what your band wants, and play in a group. OR Sit at home with your $4K (Magic) bass and simply PLAY WITH YOURSELF........ (Not a pretty thought.)
Either way, YOU choose your instrument. But the band chooses YOU. Wanna be a Rebel? Fine by me. But come recording or gig time, you better be ready to be (and SOUND like) a team player. If your Axe Bites at every transient and makes your singer cringe, you're going to get Flak from it.
Of all the players they can "NUKE", the bassist is the first to go, if the rhythym section goes to crap.
bikeplate said:
Both of whom get glum looks on their faces when a Ferrari rolls by, so I'd say that's a bad analogy to use in support of Fender.
Boy, Fender haters sure are full of attitude, huh? Sorry, dude, I don't envy your Fodera or your Alembic or your Ferrari for that matter...A Ferrari gets you from point A to point B just like a Ford, and an Alembic puts out bass notes just like a Fender. Why do I need a Ferrari to drive to the mall? So you have a Ferrari...you still have to drive the speed limit. I'm the reason my bass sounds so good, not my bass.
JimmyM said:
time for you to pick up a wish.
if youve read thru this whole discussion, fender fanatics have been the ones spewing most of the vitrol.
IBTL.
From my perspective, it's largely marketing strategy. Don't get me wrong, I love my Fenders. But a good idea, look and sound has been marketed to virtually anyone likely to play an electric instrument. You can get that idea, look and sound at almost any price point and almost anywhere. It's no wonder there are people that hate Fender, it's everywhere all the time. Like the wallpaper and a timeless work of art.
RD
RD
It seems that there is so much "throw-back" attitude. Not just with basses, but with culture. The whole revival of the 60's and 70's styles, and the vintage bass market. I used to play vintage Fenders exclusively for 14 years. It wasn't until recently that I decided that music should be forward thinking. Now, I'm not comparing myself to Miles or 'Trane, by any means, but that is how music broke away from tradition...And the end result is wonderful. All I'm saying is that, while tradition is great, with that attitude, everyone would be playing upright, becuase that's the 'real' bass. We all know that's not true, but it's sort of the same line of thinking.
There are two perspectives here, and the disagreement seems to be between two camps.
One is the people who are session musicians and hired guns. Yes, your responsibility is to make the leader happy....and the producer, engineer, record execs, managers, etc.
The other is the people who just want to make original music. For them, their responsibility is to make them, and their band mates happy only.
There are two perspectives here, and the disagreement seems to be between two camps.
One is the people who are session musicians and hired guns. Yes, your responsibility is to make the leader happy....and the producer, engineer, record execs, managers, etc.
The other is the people who just want to make original music. For them, their responsibility is to make them, and their band mates happy only.
Fender is an old fart company making old fart guitars that occasionally try to slim down (Aerodyne) or gussie up and try to look young but only look like old farts trying to look young (Dirnt).
I too am an old fart that tries to slim down or put on the dog for a younger generation. And so I like Fender guitars. I own 2.
Of course Fender does succeed in making one that looks pretty good once in a while. And some that sound great. And some that are well made, too. And sometimes all three come together in one instrument.
But heck, _any_ guitar company can say that!
So that leaves fartness. Fender has fartness nailed just like a coffin.
I too am an old fart that tries to slim down or put on the dog for a younger generation. And so I like Fender guitars. I own 2.
Of course Fender does succeed in making one that looks pretty good once in a while. And some that sound great. And some that are well made, too. And sometimes all three come together in one instrument.
But heck, _any_ guitar company can say that!
So that leaves fartness. Fender has fartness nailed just like a coffin.
This is EXACTLY why some of the people I know refuse to communicate via email or text or IM. Because things get taken out of context, sarcasm isn't always recognized, and you can't immediately reply or correct yourself as quickly.
I never said "If you don't play a Fender you suck". Or, "Brand X is a piece of sh*t, if you play that you're gay". I like variety. Scratch that, LOVE it. Ok, I own 4 Fenders. A Jazz, a P, a PJ, and a sort of Marcus Miller clone. Do I want to own some others? Hell yes. I'm currently looking to get a Stingray 5. I also went to go look at an old Rick, but didn't buy it only because the guy beat it to death and needed too much work.
Whether or not you think something is "ugly" is totally a matter of personal taste. Everyone has their own tastes. I hate broccoli. My girl loves it. Does that make either one of us an "idiot"? No, just means we like different things. Some guys think Paris Hilton is gorgeous. I think she's a skank. Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder.
Remember that joke I told earlier? That friend of mine is also a bass player, and his main basses are an Ibanez and a Spector. He loves them, and I think they're cool. However, he told me that as much as he likes to play them live and in rehearsal, he borrowed a Fender Jazz to record. Why? Because his others just didn't sound right. Were they bad? No. Just didn't fit in the mix.
When I said you're most likely not a pro, what I meant was that when you go out and do sessions and live shows, as a hired hand, you need to have the tools your employer wants you to have. Someone said earlier that he saw ads with equipment requirements. I see that A LOT out here. Not just for bass. Certain instruments just don't fit the sound or look of certain music. Imagine a Green Day or Blink 182 type band with the bass player playing a six string Alembic. That would not only not sound right, it would look ridiculous! Not because the bass per se isn't cool, it just doesn't fit. Did it look cool when Entwistle played one? Hell yes it did. (he played a 4 though i think)
Drums are my first instrument, and I remember many times certain bands wanted a certain look or sound. For the most part, you're either a "Bonham" or a "Neal". A "Bonham" is a 4 or 5 piece kit with larger sized drums, single kick, and stripped down accessories. Travis Barker is a "Bonham". A "Neal", is a large, multi-tom, double kick kit with lots of bells and whistles. Carter Beauford is a "Neal". Both those guys are great IMO, but just imagine if they switched bands? It would be extremely lame.
It's the same thing as bands wanting you to have a certain haircut, clothes, etc. You have to fit the sound AND the image. And in most groups of today, it looks like they spend more time on their tattoos than they do on their music. Is that a good thing? IMO, NO. But that's the way it is.
P.S. I'm not "closed minded". I'm a realist. A pragmatist. I deal with "what is" not "what should be".
I never said "If you don't play a Fender you suck". Or, "Brand X is a piece of sh*t, if you play that you're gay". I like variety. Scratch that, LOVE it. Ok, I own 4 Fenders. A Jazz, a P, a PJ, and a sort of Marcus Miller clone. Do I want to own some others? Hell yes. I'm currently looking to get a Stingray 5. I also went to go look at an old Rick, but didn't buy it only because the guy beat it to death and needed too much work.
Whether or not you think something is "ugly" is totally a matter of personal taste. Everyone has their own tastes. I hate broccoli. My girl loves it. Does that make either one of us an "idiot"? No, just means we like different things. Some guys think Paris Hilton is gorgeous. I think she's a skank. Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder.
Remember that joke I told earlier? That friend of mine is also a bass player, and his main basses are an Ibanez and a Spector. He loves them, and I think they're cool. However, he told me that as much as he likes to play them live and in rehearsal, he borrowed a Fender Jazz to record. Why? Because his others just didn't sound right. Were they bad? No. Just didn't fit in the mix.
When I said you're most likely not a pro, what I meant was that when you go out and do sessions and live shows, as a hired hand, you need to have the tools your employer wants you to have. Someone said earlier that he saw ads with equipment requirements. I see that A LOT out here. Not just for bass. Certain instruments just don't fit the sound or look of certain music. Imagine a Green Day or Blink 182 type band with the bass player playing a six string Alembic. That would not only not sound right, it would look ridiculous! Not because the bass per se isn't cool, it just doesn't fit. Did it look cool when Entwistle played one? Hell yes it did. (he played a 4 though i think)
Drums are my first instrument, and I remember many times certain bands wanted a certain look or sound. For the most part, you're either a "Bonham" or a "Neal". A "Bonham" is a 4 or 5 piece kit with larger sized drums, single kick, and stripped down accessories. Travis Barker is a "Bonham". A "Neal", is a large, multi-tom, double kick kit with lots of bells and whistles. Carter Beauford is a "Neal". Both those guys are great IMO, but just imagine if they switched bands? It would be extremely lame.
It's the same thing as bands wanting you to have a certain haircut, clothes, etc. You have to fit the sound AND the image. And in most groups of today, it looks like they spend more time on their tattoos than they do on their music. Is that a good thing? IMO, NO. But that's the way it is.
P.S. I'm not "closed minded". I'm a realist. A pragmatist. I deal with "what is" not "what should be".
A good Fender is able to stick every High-End Bass in it's pocket 
and of course there's no better example for - making Sound with the fingers - especially on a passive one !!! LOVE IT !!!
And although Fender is a great Lefty-Racism......Thank God...Fender offers two Leftymodels of the US Versions......
Jules
and of course there's no better example for - making Sound with the fingers - especially on a passive one !!! LOVE IT !!!And although Fender is a great Lefty-Racism......Thank God...Fender offers two Leftymodels of the US Versions......
Jules
I've yet to pick up a Fender I've liked, but that's just me. I'm sure one will come along someday, but I won't be looking for it either.
Some of the talk about not getting gigs without a Fender is just absurd.
I've never been kicked off a gig or not gotten a spot because I didn't have a P-Bass or a J-Bass. I once had a guy make some of the cuff remark at a gig, (with a band I had never played with, never rehearshed with, didn't know any of there material, and had literally just met the guy) about my Spector that I had brought to the gig. My guess is that he was implying "where's your Fender". You know what, after playing two songs of the sound check he was doing nothing but singing praises. Why? My guess is that it wasn't my bass, but it was my playing.
That's what's important. That's what gets you gigs. That's what pays the bills.
Being a pro isn't about what you play for a bass, it's about how you play, no matter what brand you play. And if some dude thinks other wise and doesn't want to give you a gig because of it. Just walk. Because if you are good at what you do, other people will be calling you with work regardless of what brand you play.
I've never been kicked off a gig or not gotten a spot because I didn't have a P-Bass or a J-Bass. I once had a guy make some of the cuff remark at a gig, (with a band I had never played with, never rehearshed with, didn't know any of there material, and had literally just met the guy) about my Spector that I had brought to the gig. My guess is that he was implying "where's your Fender". You know what, after playing two songs of the sound check he was doing nothing but singing praises. Why? My guess is that it wasn't my bass, but it was my playing.
That's what's important. That's what gets you gigs. That's what pays the bills.
Being a pro isn't about what you play for a bass, it's about how you play, no matter what brand you play. And if some dude thinks other wise and doesn't want to give you a gig because of it. Just walk. Because if you are good at what you do, other people will be calling you with work regardless of what brand you play.
