Burns-bass

I’m not entirely sure what the point is here, but effectively you’re agreeing with me it seems. That the primary reason for owning this is that someone else can’t. That they’re status symbols and rarities accrued for their perceived value rather than any intrinsic quality. This sort of thing is the apotheosis of vintage mania. I’m not on the sideline chucking stones, I’ve actively participated for years in the market. (Check my sales history!) But, perhaps like some who has been released from a cult I can see how utterly bonkers it is.

Guitars sound different, that’s true. Vintage basses often have lower output pickups (mine do, at least). To some extent I do believe it’s a placebo. Particularly when the amp, effects or studio can be used to alter and augment the sound. One of the most famous, Guy Pratt, had the vintage electronics in his vintage Fender swapped for EMGs didn’t he? I’d had a glass of wine yesterday, but what I wouldn’t want is someone to spend £18k on a bass thinking it was imbued with some magic. (Or assuming it’s so rare and they’d be able to easily sell it for £18.5k in the future - because that’s really not going to happen.)

I don’t think vintage basses really have a much better sound. I love my vintage bass (less for the sound and more for what it means to me). I’m not a vintage bass hater. But I do think £18.5k for the 63 Jazz Bass is crazy. It’s not a Jaco-style 62’ slab board or a stack knob. It doesn’t even have the mutes. Stick it through an amp and it’ll sound the same. I speak from experience (they really do!) Or, to put it another way, if nobody ever knew you owned it or know how much it was worth, would this bass be worth £18.5k to the person? Vintage instruments at this level are speculative investments or status symbols. That’s all good.

Why would they? The vintage mania is what keeps Fender relevant and cool. Reality is a modern Fender is a better instrument for gigging than a vintage one. From a purely practical point of view.

It’s utterly preposterous for a mass produced, factory built item. Fender could build something the same (or better) using the same materials pretty much.

Yours if you want it…

No. Being in a band is like being married. You have to treat each other with respect or it won’t work. You’ve been fair and honest. Turn off your phone and have an amazing holiday.

A lot of nice vintage gear coming up for sale at the moment… wonder why.

This is pretty much how I’ve done it. Nobody expects you to be perfect but they do want you to look like you’re having fun. This list is exhaustive and would be great if I was going to the bass seat in Jamiroquai but for most of the bands I’ve been in, being friendly, turning up on time and knowing the songs is enough.

I have ordered the (drum roll) RCF. Asked my friend who does PAs for big places and he said there’s no question that this is the best for the cash. Ordered through Thomann with the fitted case. Arrives this week (I hope).

We all get you’re a slave to your art and that’s great. I work as a writer and my job is being destroyed by AI. In August I earned nearly £1000 from depping which enabled my family to eat and enjoy our holidays. I earned £500 from my writing work. (Thankfully it’s picked up now.) Depping is a job like any other. Can you pick and choose your clients? I assume no. It’s the same thing.

If I was playing metal again I’d look for a super sized cab like a Barefaced 2x12 cab (whatever it’s called). Lightweight, monster sound and lightweight (already said that, but it’s lightweight).

Same.

I agree with this too. It may amplify things and stop someone else from getting ripped off.

This is a good idea. Why not?