Your Most Expensive Bass?

[mojomike001]

I disagree. A bass is a tool. That other stuff is pure vanity that really (really) makes no difference.

There are tools and then there are TOOLS...

 

[Sixgunn]

There's plenty of vanity involved in basses. Also, how is a handbag not a tool? It has a purpose.

A cheap handbag performs the same as an expensive one. Not generally the case with musical instruments.

 

[Pako]

The term "expensive" is relative and I think that's the point you are trying to make. I have a few custom's in the $4500-5500 range and an UB in the $~7500 range. I've had my share of great playing Sub $300-$1800 basses as well. Probably the best sounding/playing bass I had under that $2000 range was a 5-String Sadowsky Metro, added the vintage tone control and was setup with it's alder body and rosewood fingerboard, played and sounded great! Sold it to fiance my first custom. Wish I still had it, but don't regret getting the custom either. I would have them all if I could.

 

[drummer5359]

My 4003W and my American Deluxe Dimension HH V each cost within a couple of dollars of each other with tax, $1700. I have way more invested in drum sets, cymbal setups, snare drums and hardware. Even with nine American Fenders, a Stingray, a Rickenbacker and a SVT rig, my bass gear is rather affordable.

As for how my wife feels about it, we are in a comfortable place financially for a couple of retirees. Although my more expensive basses could be considered luxury items, I make the money to pay for them playing music, flipping gear and teaching a few students.

 

[twinjet]

Schecter Stiletto Custom 6 6-string. Bought brand new from musiciansfriend.com for $630.

Plays great after seven years.

 

[EdwardofHuncote]

My fiancee think's it's absolutely insane...

Response - Well dear, I'm quite mad...

FWIW, asking forgiveness is easier than for permission.

 

[gabrielvv7]

Cort Arona bass. love it. it is not hugely expensive, but compared to others (even many "higher end," more expensive basses) it feels and sounds amazing.

 

[FC Bass]

IIrc this one was $11800 (2009 pricing)

 

[flam]

My most expensive by far is my ric 4003. Purchased it new for $1800, in a local store.

I'm also a mechanic, and to me, the value of a good tool that does what it's supposed to do, does it well, and does it every time you need it, is priceless. I fall in love with that bass every time I play it, and that makes it worth every penny, every time.

 

[GBassNorth]

When I first got married I was very much into cars (I still am to a much smaller degree). So my wife views my bass buying habits as cheap compared to what my car buying habits were. You can check out my profile page, its pretty much up to date, you'll find some comparatively expensive as well as cheap basses there. I buy what I like when we have the money available to do so and yes, my wife is aware of and supports my addiction/hobby, as I do hers.

 

[Fishyfishfish]

Sterling Ray 34. My wife was the same way until she and I went guitar shopping in LA. I really put things into perspective. She picked out a nice acoustic guitar (a Gibson J185ec) and it put things into perspective. Nice things cost money, period. She should be thankful you are not a top fuel drag racer!!

 

[Tom Howland]

I paid $4000.00 for an carved back Upright Bass about 10 years ago. ( Great Bass )
As for electrics, MTD 535 used for $3200.00.
I also was lucky to buy some used vintage Fenders, back in the 80's when they were selling in the $800.00-$1000.00. range.
They have gone up in value quite a bit.

 

[Kael]

$3800 folding chadwick double bass. Suck it old record label. They screwed us out of gig pay and money from CD sales, but I got this bass out of the deal.

 

[mat666]

Most expensive is 4000$ (avatar pic) but spent thousands and thousands of dollars in basses, and I'm not talking about amps ;-)

 

[MojoPenguin]

2400 euros, too much in $$ can't bring myself to look at the number But hey Lull Basses are damn good...

 

[Helix]

IIrc this one was $11800 (2009 pricing)

Wow!!

 

[fretter]

I'm not a working musician and have never earned a dime playing music. I have one electric bass, an MIA Fender JP90 that I got for $325 new, 20 years ago.

 

[jessicabass]

My most expensive bass was a 72 Fender.
Did not see what the fuss was about for old overpriced instruments.
Ended up selling it and getting another bass and a complete rig setup.
Worked out great.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

My most expensive is a recently acquired Fender Precision Select. They list for $2300. Mine is a used 2012 I got for $1550.
when I got my Am J, it was a demo at GC for $650 and at the time they were selling for $1400.
My wife is cool with that, in fact she is happy I was "shopping smart"; but, I can't get her to buy into the concept that having saved a total of $1550 on those purchases, I now have that $1550 to spend on another bass.

 

[cv115505]

I have a US Lakland 4460, and a Gould 4 string (very similar to a Modulus Quantum). I got them after my second deployment. I also have a Lakland Skyline 5502 fretless and a Warwick Rockbass Star II fretless... The Lakland is a keeper... still not sure on the Warwick