Rayman

Maybe I AM lobster 😉

Does anybody else struggle to see the point/need for modding/upgrading a bass in most cases? I just watched Low End Lobster.... and actually enjoy his content, however the amount of money he throws at basses after he's purchased them seems a bit ridiculous? Part of the fun of it for him, it seems, is this constant need to "upgrade" parts on the guitars he's bought..... I don't see the point? In my experience hardware on basses (or guitars in general), on the most part, is fine as it is, unless its faulty. I joined in the trend for putting Badass bridges on my Fenders a few years ago, but honestly, I literally cannot hear a definable difference in the tone from the basic stock Fender bridge, at all. So I ordered (from Andertons who are currently out of stock in my preferred colour) a blue Epiphone Newport Bass. I absolutely love the looks and I want to try a reasonably priced short scale bass because of my shoulder issues. The reviews are mixed, but I know how to setup and fiddle with gear to get it right if there's a setup issue with it when it comes. But Mr Lobster, instantly pulled out the tuners and replaced them with Hipshots and the same with the bridge, probably at a cost adding up to maybe a third of the price of the bass in the first place. Seriously why? I mean I get it, if you've had it a while and you're not happy with some of the hardware functionality, but lets be honest.... MOST hardware, even the basic stuff is perfectly fine and useable unless you're a pro gigging musician who needs top end gear.... most of us are not that. In my opinion, basses like these, have a vibe and a voice and a functionality that is part of its charm, inc pickups, harware etc.... and unless its actually broken in some way...... either: A: Buy something else if you don't like it as it is? or B: At least play it a few months to find out what you do or don't like about it? Then, think about some changes IF you're going to keep it? Personally when I'm looking to buy a used bass, and the seller describes it as "Upgraded" or "Modded", I go elsewhere, because I'm looking for a bass that is as intended by it's manufacturer, otherwise why are you buying it at all? I dunno. Each to their own eh?

My understanding is, that a builder makes "signature guitars" with someone "famous"s name on the headstock, in order to attract sales from fans of that player? So I'm baffled sometimes by some of the names that end up on headstocks? Chapman - Dave Hollingworth?? Who? Gibson - Kiefer Sutherland - yes, the actor Duesenberg- Johhny Depp - yes, another actor Vintage - Tony Butler - (from Big Country, an 80s band) Vintage - Steve Dawson - (Saxon, technically they're still going, but he left the band decades ago) Just some examples..... but I'm curious...... who buys these? Why make them? Actually, from what I understand, the Vintage Tony Butler is a decent little P bass, but does his name on it sell more?? Ummmmm

A German Streamer, from 2000, this thing needed some love. I picked it up for an absolute steal, because of the condition, and spent today cleaning, oiling, waxing and setting it up with a new set of TI flats. The word on the street with these, is that the pickups are weak and uninspiring. Cobblers. Yes it’s not as high an output as some of my basses, but so what?? turn up the amp?? These pickups sound beautifully honky and funky with flats. The TIs have a nice brightness to them which helps cut through. Absolutely lovely tone, comfortable to play, nice action (after a LOT of truss rod work), it’s a truly fabulous thing, quality German build and parts. Absolutely love it, very happy.

I’ll just leave this here…… and say no more.

I think I saw one of the Squiers in Wetherspoons…..

Exactly that

Like I say, it’s absolutely down to the personal playing experience, and what makes us happy. If we can afford to spend ££££s then absolutely do it. But your Vintage will do everything the Gibson will, as far as a listening audience is concerned. They wouldn’t know the difference, and couldn’t care less either. I dunno, maybe I’m just bitter because I’m always skint?

Honestly….. I wouldn’t have a clue…. but too much I suspect

I kind of agree with everyone really in some ways. Logic tells you, the more you spend the “better” it is…. I get that…. All I can tell you is this…. There are a couple of basses that spring to mind, that I had many years ago. A Roscoe Century 5 and a Sadowsky UV(?) 4. Both expensive (to me) and both as dull as dishwater (to me). Money can’t buy everything, and it certainly can’t buy love, but it can pay for an expensive hooker that you couldn’t afford.

Oh I disagree strongly. I’ve had many P basses, MIA, 70s vintage etc… easily the best one, was an early 90s MIJ Squier. Cost me a ton on the bay. There are MANY really great instruments for a few hundred pounds new…. and I’ve had my hands on a LOT of instruments well over that price, that sucked.