Why have so many basses?

[J_Bass]

This again?

Are you the quality control police? What do you care what people buy or don't buy? If it wasn't for all the thousands of amateur players, there wouldn't be so many bass brands around, didn't you think of that?

If in one year the only basses that sold were for professional players, there would be only a couple of brands. You can thank all the players you despise and think that are unworthy of buying what they want with their money, that they earned and are free to do what they want with it, or else you would be playing one or two models of basses, the same amp and no pedals, forget that.

I will never understand why people are so judgemental and think they can say what other people can or can't do.

 

[lbbc]

People buy what they like and can afford. To me, it's as simple as that. I have 2 basses...one for rehearsal (away from home) and one for gigging. They are different but serve their intended purposes.

 

[mcnach]

explained it already on other comments. just done.

you said a bunch of things but it was not an explanation.

Nice... erm... discussing with ya!

 

[mcnach]

Yea crazy. if you say so.

I'm not crazy. The rest of the world is!!!

 

[mcnach]

It was me you said that to. In case you forget who I am again, I'm the guy owning you on the internets, buying up all the basses.

 

[BassplayinBob]

Certainly not to be judgemental or come across superior in any way.other but i often wonder why do so many people own so many expensive basses when they can hardly play one? maybe i am missing something here, but it just seems pointless and a waste. is it perhaps an insecurity thing . you know the more great basses you have will make you a better player? also it would stand to reason that a serious player would want to "bond" with one instrument and get to know it intimately. i would think that is important. in my first years i had one good 80s fender precision bass that was with me for many bands clubs and gigs. i didn't need 10 basses. was just wondering what others thought.

Haha, dude, you're seriously not surprised that you're getting feedback from this post, right?? People buy what they want, it's just that simple. You don't get to control that, you know that right?

 

[David Sutkin]

I def agree with your sentiments and although this topic has been beaten to death,I often keep coming back to the same question, myself. Obviously it's a deeply personal question, and the answer is different for everyone. I think it boils down to the fact that I love a certain era of guitars and basses. Particularly designs from the 50s-70s. It's just fun to play and collect different guitars. I've reached a place in my life where I am fortunate enough to splurge once in a while on a nice instrument. As a result, I have accumulated quite a few over the years.

Is it excessive? Perhaps. Am I a pro gigging musician? Absolutely not. But having the option to plug in a wide variety of instruments when I get home from work in the evening gives me a nice feeling. I try to bond with all instruments I own on some level. Others are just case queens that I am proud to own and bust out every so often. Call it stupid, I guess.

When I was broke, I played an Mim jazz bass for about 10 years and was content. It was my only functional bass. Maybe that has something to do it that too...

Sorry for the rambling, been a long day.

+1

Very well written post .... i think this covers a lot of us, it certainly does for me.

 

[GreyBeard]

I go through periods of collecting and the purging. Right now I'm purging from 7 basses down to the 3 that I actually play. So far craigs list is working great.

 

[DukeCC]

People bringing multiple guitars and amps and huge pedalboards to gigs reminds me of the scene in Tin Cup where the Rene Russo character shows up at the range with all these accoutrements hanging off her. Cup's response after unadorning her? Grip it and rip it and let the big dog eat. (Paraphrasing)

One does not define the moment schlepping gear.

 

[Mr.Ace]

i'm down to two now, one is for shows and the other one is for recording
after all these years and basses it's kind of a relief to not be scouring pawnshops, vintage places, and guitar center, not to mention all online sales places

I’ve also got two. A primary, and a secondary. Also played the same bass, my first bass for 22 years before venturing out. Still I might add another bass if something catches my eye. Still some basses I’m yet to see in person. Would love an F bass, or maybe a Spector, or Roscoe, or.............

 

[Mr.Ace]

Can't be a good showman with no ego? Have you met Victor Wooten? Most down to earth player you will ever meet.

Modest but will show your accomplishments? Contradict much?

Attacking players whose skills don't live up to your standards so they don't deserve what they have?

Your not winning any friends on here.

 

[Mark_70]

people who can actually play. it was about those who can't play

At the risk of sounding judgmental - I am pretty sure it's not that "binary"..

I can't paint, but I still do it
I am a truly terrible golfer, but I love to play it (now - to be fair; I don't have an exotic hand-made set of clubs)
My wife is a much better cook, but when I cook, I still use the fancy knives we have.


Don't worry about it. Life's too short, man..

Regards
Mark

 

[Pirate Captain]

That is not true. it would just become like it was in the 70s and and early 80s. more exclusive. perhaps quality would return as well.

Honestly, I think the quality is the same (or better) if you are willing to pay the same adjusted for inflation. A Fender Jazz in 1960 cost $279.50...that's $2,323.66 in today's money...that almost puts you in custom shop territory. You can also get a perfectly playable bass for under a hundred bucks now (something that was impossible when I started in the 80s...and that's talking 1980s money)

 

[Jools4001]

I’ve played for nearly fifty years. For over twenty years I just had one bass (the 1973 Rick that I bought secondhand in 1976). I finally reached a time in my life when I had enough disposable income to afford a back-up bass, then a five string, then a fretless, then a a six string etc.

I’m also the kind of guy who hates, and I mean HATES, the entire “tyre kicking” process of selling stuff, so once I’ve bought a bass I tend to keep it...so after many years I now have a few - but they all get used (except my Epiphone T-Bird which is the only bass that I wouldn’t mind selling).

 

[lfmn16]

Why do you feel it's your business what other people do with their money?

 

[eric_B]

Also i have been playing seriously since the age of 17. early 40s now. i think i have "earned" the right to have 5 basses if i so choose.

Just curious: do you feel the same about people collecting fast sports cars even though they drive like an old granny?
Should they first pass a driving test before they are allowed to buy one?

I can understand some of your line of thoughts but that's just how it works: people buy what they want, regardless what others may think of it.
Personally, I don't care. If it makes someone happy buying 30 basses: go ahead, buy another 30 or 40, whatever, it doesn't bother me.
If he plays like crap I probably would think he would be better of spending the money on lessons instead, but hey: it is his money.

BTW: at the moment I just play at home for my own pleasure and I own 3 basses: a 70s VM Squier, a 5 string DIY I built myself (mostly to learn how to build and setup a bass myself) and a cheap Harley Benton P to upgrade and check how good I could get it. Hardly a collection to envy I would say but enough for me, no need for another one at the moment, even though I can afford it.

 

[Bentfield]

It sounds like you have worked hard on learning to play bass and you have rewarded your progression through the years with some great basses. You took the long and difficult road, but it's the most rewarding.

I know the sentiment you feel. But there will always be people making decisions which you can't understand or don't relate to.

 

[Angry Mob With Pitchfork]

I think it’s time OP learned the truth.

 

[Bill Whitehurst]

A. Each one sounds different.
B. I am addicted.
C. All of the above.

Take your pick.

 

[Old Blastard]

I have no idea why I have 17 basses. It makes no sense. Some are $3k basses, some are $200 basses. I've accumulated them over 40 years. My last one was a $249 Chinese Hofner. The quality was fine. It wasn't what my custom Drakes were, but nothing is.

I love playing a different bass at every gig and I jam and gig enough that each gets played out in public once or twice a year.

I'm not a trained player but I don't suck. I am single again and the kids are supporting themselves. I help others when they need and the basses never take food out of my mouth.

It's about my only vice and it seems to have calmed down now that my parents need help and the extra cash goes to them.