They're like flies...you just can't get rid of them
more like sharks. they're basically perfect and kick ass wherever they go.
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Why does everyone use Fenders?
- Thread starter batmilk
- Start date
more like sharks. they're basically perfect and kick ass wherever they go.
Do your own thing man! Just because something is thought of as "conventional wisdom" doesn't mean it's the only way; far from it!
While I don't really play too much shoegaze/dreampop (although I'm a big fan of pretty much everything Dean Wareham's been involved in), I've pretty much always gravitated towards Fenders. Mostly I attribute that to Jimi Hendrix and John Frusciante being the first guitarists who really turned me on, and Jaco being one of my first bass idols.
I've gone through phases where I've felt I needed a more technical instrument, active pickups etc, but as I've matured I appreciate the simplicity and uniqueness of the classic passive Fender designs, and instead have focused on trying to milk as many sounds as possible out of what some people would consider to be a limited palette. But that's just what works for me, you have to find your own way, and like I said, don't let so-called "conventional wisdom" stop you from doing your own thing.
I favor Fender instruments for the looks and sounds, for one.
Also, readily available in a wide price range, so that almost anyone who wants one can find something they can afford, as a starting point. Anything from a $100 dollar Bullet strat to a one off Custom Shop job.
Usually pretty reliable and straight forward to work on/mod. And I personally tend to like to be able to do that.
And yes, most of the people who's tones and styles inspired me to play guitar and bass were Fender players, so going Fender was the logical starting point in getting similar from myself.
I got away from Fender for a while, and tried other brands, just to make sure i wasn't hanging on stubbornly, out of hero worship or familiarity. But I found that Fender instruments are just me, and nothing else suits what I like to hear and feel in a guitar/bass.
So with Fender I stay. Got a Jazz bass and a Stratocaster. Would like a P bass and a Tele as well.
Also, readily available in a wide price range, so that almost anyone who wants one can find something they can afford, as a starting point. Anything from a $100 dollar Bullet strat to a one off Custom Shop job.
Usually pretty reliable and straight forward to work on/mod. And I personally tend to like to be able to do that.
And yes, most of the people who's tones and styles inspired me to play guitar and bass were Fender players, so going Fender was the logical starting point in getting similar from myself.
I got away from Fender for a while, and tried other brands, just to make sure i wasn't hanging on stubbornly, out of hero worship or familiarity. But I found that Fender instruments are just me, and nothing else suits what I like to hear and feel in a guitar/bass.
So with Fender I stay. Got a Jazz bass and a Stratocaster. Would like a P bass and a Tele as well.
Looking thru music I listen regular to semi regular, which has a bass player. Less then 20% of these band's bass player's use a fender. I must not be much into the music genres that mainly have bass players using fenders. Lol.
Physically I've always found Fenders to sit on you / hang from you in a way that is more comfortable than other basses, despite the fact that the body of a Fender is bigger.
Also, when I pick, I come down with my right hand exactly where a bridge pickup sits, wacking into it, especially when playing the E string. Therefore the Fender P bass is almost a neccessity for me as it is one of the few quality basses that have only a neck pick up.
Also, when I pick, I come down with my right hand exactly where a bridge pickup sits, wacking into it, especially when playing the E string. Therefore the Fender P bass is almost a neccessity for me as it is one of the few quality basses that have only a neck pick up.
Basically what everyone else said. Tried and true instruments. However, I'd like to add that if you're more comfortable playing your 'Wick, by all means do it, and don't care what anyone thinks about your bands "look." Besides, a lot of shoegaze/dreampop depends more on things like your pedals and amp than the instrument, or at least I think so. As far as using a pick goes, many of them might just prefer playing with picks, or maybe it gives them slightly more clarity when using all of those effects and stuff.
Anyways, I hope you guys make some great music! I'm always itching for new noisy bands to listen to.
Anyways, I hope you guys make some great music! I'm always itching for new noisy bands to listen to.
Means2nEnd
Supporting Member
I love a thick fat jazz tone or the way a P sits in the mix. They look like a bass and in the studio and for most bands its whats expected and liked. They record like a dream and easy to dial in a great tone on almost any amp. Work well with any effect pedal because for the most part they are passive.
All that being said I have owned 3 USA Fenders a P and a standard Jazz and a deluxe. I moved everyone within weeks of buying them. I felt like I should have one because I like the tone so much when listening to others play them and everything I mentioned above. In my opinion they didnt give me a very solid feel and didnt give me the tone I want in my hands. I also at the same time dont want to sound like everyone else. I play in an original band but even if I didnt I dont play to earn money for a living I do it for the sheer joy and love of bass and music. So I play what feels like home to me what speaks to me and what stands out tone wise. Warwick, Spector, Zon do this for me like no other basses and if it meant the gig playing something else I would walk away. Play what gets you closest to having nothing between you and what you want to say with your basses. Buy or borrow a Fender and see if you like it. Forget the rest
All that being said I have owned 3 USA Fenders a P and a standard Jazz and a deluxe. I moved everyone within weeks of buying them. I felt like I should have one because I like the tone so much when listening to others play them and everything I mentioned above. In my opinion they didnt give me a very solid feel and didnt give me the tone I want in my hands. I also at the same time dont want to sound like everyone else. I play in an original band but even if I didnt I dont play to earn money for a living I do it for the sheer joy and love of bass and music. So I play what feels like home to me what speaks to me and what stands out tone wise. Warwick, Spector, Zon do this for me like no other basses and if it meant the gig playing something else I would walk away. Play what gets you closest to having nothing between you and what you want to say with your basses. Buy or borrow a Fender and see if you like it. Forget the rest
JoeVictim said:Play what you got and don't worry about looking cool. If you make the bass sing and you do it with something different, that will make you a standout. Just do what you do!
It's not at the top of the list, but looking cool is a part of being in a rock band for me. Something that's been lost over recent years.
I own several " made in japan "fender basses. However they are not in high rotation for gigging.
I like being different, never wanted to be like most, standing up there with a fender bass.
Right now my primary gigging basses ;
G & L, ASA T ( telecaster body style as poised to the traditional P style )
Gibson Thunderbird
Hofner, Club Bass
Blue
Ya, another "best bass for metal" thread. Honestly, I have used so many other basses in my life and I keep coming back to Fenders. It has nothing to do with history, what anyone else plays, what basses are played in what genres, what looks cool or anything other than I just love the way they play and sound. Ok, maybe it does have something to do with history. I just can't get over the perfection that Leo designed into these instruments over half a century ago and the design is still so strong. How many so called innovations have we seen in the bass in all that time, yet Fenders still sit on top of the heap! Sound and feel baby, can't beat it with a stick!!!
- Jan 12, 2011
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They don't. I happen to have a Geddy Lee Jazz because I like it. It just happens to be a Fender IMO.
because in general, bassists don't go against the grain. That is what guitarists and some other instrumentalists do. Bass attracts a different kind of personality. Someone who isn't always trying to grab attention with showy licks or out of this world gear.
Instead, most bassists seem to derive satisfaction from playing for the song, not for their ego. Of course their are exceptions to this (cough...wooten..cough).
The Fender P and Jazz, while not "plain" are certainly the archetype of electric bass.
So it follows that most bassists will play the background, get a Fendr with a subtle finish and chill at the back of the bandstand.
Instead, most bassists seem to derive satisfaction from playing for the song, not for their ego. Of course their are exceptions to this (cough...wooten..cough).
The Fender P and Jazz, while not "plain" are certainly the archetype of electric bass.
So it follows that most bassists will play the background, get a Fendr with a subtle finish and chill at the back of the bandstand.
The question is the same as why everyone wears jeans.
It's not the fanciest cloth around but it's convenient, durable, affordable and does a fair job at keeping your butt warm.
Luthiers complain all the time that all guitarists want a Strat or a LP copy.
Guitarists are way way more traditional than bass players.
It's not the fanciest cloth around but it's convenient, durable, affordable and does a fair job at keeping your butt warm.
I disagree. There is infinitely more variety in bassist gear than in guitarist gear.
Luthiers complain all the time that all guitarists want a Strat or a LP copy.
Guitarists are way way more traditional than bass players.
They have the best colors. I choose my instruments based on what I see on TV and then I narrow it down by how it would go with my current gig clothes.
I had a hard time choosing between a Fodera and a Fender but I felt that the MiM cherry red was a superior color to anything in the Fodera line so it was a no-brainer. Fenders go great with my Nike's.
I had a hard time choosing between a Fodera and a Fender but I felt that the MiM cherry red was a superior color to anything in the Fodera line so it was a no-brainer. Fenders go great with my Nike's.
I don't use Fenders, but I use a Fender-like basses, I have my Lakland JO4 passive, and incomming custom hand made fretless precision with P/J pickups, passive ofc., and I use Fender-like basses cause I'm used to the sound of them. Don't like Foderas, Ken Smiths, Ibanez basses and such. Preference in most part.
