roblpm Posted May 13, 2023 Share Posted May 13, 2023 So tell me what the ethics are on being interested in beautiful bass gear when just an intermediate player. Obviously I could be an amazing player on a £300 squire bass. But is there such a thing as a bass hobby that doesn't have to do with skill?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neepheid Posted May 13, 2023 Share Posted May 13, 2023 Overthinking, detected... 4 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Downunderwonder Posted May 13, 2023 Share Posted May 13, 2023 It's not ethics. A complete beginner may have the wherewithal to buy nice gear if they choose. No seal pups were clubbed to death. A somewhat lousy player may decide his lousy gear is wholly or partly to blame and invest in nicer gear. He could be wholly wrong, or only partly wrong if his gear was all that hard to get nice noises from. Either way NSPWCTD. An old pro could be still playing with the first ge ever bought or getting a shiny new one every couple of years. Again, NSC... No ethics at all. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neepheid Posted May 13, 2023 Share Posted May 13, 2023 As long as it doesn't jeopardise the roof over your head or the food on your table then fill your boots. Whose business is it but yours? I think we'd all get on a lot better if we stopped worrying what other people think about us when it comes to something as unnecessary and frivolous as bass gear. Hi pot, I'm kettle, please don't hate me 9 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drax Posted May 13, 2023 Share Posted May 13, 2023 Tbf OP - it’s a question we’ve all asked ourselves in some form over the years. Natural place to get to - the guitar industry is based on the dream that a new instrument will make us a new player. Spend what you like. - The new bass makes you happy, not a better player. - You’re the only person in the room that knows what bass you’re playing. 8 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted May 13, 2023 Share Posted May 13, 2023 Doesn’t matter imo, there are no rules that beginners have to have cheap equipment and only experienced players can have the expensive stuff. 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itu Posted May 13, 2023 Share Posted May 13, 2023 Relative things: take a look at the price of a recorder, then find the price of a top end cello bow. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trueno Posted May 13, 2023 Share Posted May 13, 2023 I’d have saved a lot of time, effort and money if I’d just bought a Squier on day one (then stuck a Gotoh bridge and Geezer pickups on it). … but if you want to buy an expensive bass, go for it. Everyone’s different. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lownote Posted May 13, 2023 Share Posted May 13, 2023 (edited) 6 hours ago, roblpm said: So tell me what the ethics are on being interested in beautiful bass gear when just an intermediate player. Obviously I could be an amazing player on a £300 squire bass. But is there such a thing as a bass hobby that doesn't have to do with skill?? Of course. I learned early on (12 years ago) that I would be a rubbish bass player. So I focused on what I was good at and enjoyed - packing, sending and receiving cardboard boxes and selling gear at a loss. I could probably be as happy just sending myself empty boxes to open. Edited May 13, 2023 by lownote 2 2 28 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paolo85 Posted May 13, 2023 Share Posted May 13, 2023 As other have said. The only issue in terms of ethics is that you don't put your family in financial trouble. If you are loaded it's ok to buy a Fodera to noodle every now and then - or ridicolously expensive furniture. Personally I am as interested in gear as I am interrsted in playing. I get as much satisfaction from a successful pickup replacement than from learning a cool thing on the bass. Unfortunately, while playing is free, gear is not. I only deal with cheap basses. Gear is a hobby which I see as frivolous for somebody at my level (unlike playing). Which is ok but I don't feel like stretching myself financially for it. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fleabag Posted May 13, 2023 Share Posted May 13, 2023 I stuffed my kids in an orphanage, saved a fortune, and managed to score 2 x one off custom built basses to my specs. Happy days 3 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waddo Soqable Posted May 13, 2023 Share Posted May 13, 2023 11 minutes ago, fleabag said: I stuffed my kids in an orphanage, saved a fortune, and managed to score 2 x one off custom built basses to my specs. Happy days Gave em to an orphanage?... Mate, you should've sold the kids.. Doh 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fleabag Posted May 13, 2023 Share Posted May 13, 2023 The wife is listed on Gumtree , if anyone is interested 1 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fleabag Posted May 13, 2023 Share Posted May 13, 2023 1 minute ago, Waddo Soqable said: Gave em to an orphanage?... Mate, you should've sold the kids.. Doh Oh i tried. They're 'orrible bu$$ers. Couldn't get anything for 'em 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waddo Soqable Posted May 13, 2023 Share Posted May 13, 2023 (edited) 8 minutes ago, fleabag said: Oh i tried. They're 'orrible bu$$ers. Couldn't get anything for 'em .... the "Dark Web" no joy then? Edited May 13, 2023 by Waddo Soqable 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waddo Soqable Posted May 13, 2023 Share Posted May 13, 2023 I remember auditioning a Gitwrist and our thoughts were, .... "well, his gear has got the job, shame about him" .. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted May 13, 2023 Share Posted May 13, 2023 If you can afford it, it gives you joy and makes you want to play, stuff what anyone else thinks. 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roblpm Posted May 13, 2023 Author Share Posted May 13, 2023 7 hours ago, neepheid said: Overthinking, detected... That's my middle name.....! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
How1 Posted May 13, 2023 Share Posted May 13, 2023 (edited) Buy what you want I suppose. Everybody’s circumstances are different, if you can afford it and justify the expense - why not? Personally, I’ve got about £2500 worth of gear currently and that includes everything. I’ve got better things to spend my limited money on if and when I have got it spare and as long as something is nice to play and I get the sound I’m after, then I’m happy. I also sometimes just don’t understand what makes some of the super expensive gear worth the £££ anyway. The stuff I have gets used every day so it certainly seems like I’m getting my moneys worth from it. Also instrument-wise I don’t buy anything that I’d struggle to fix or maintain myself, so keeping things basic helps keep the cost down. I like to tinker so don’t mind learning how to fix/upgrade things myself as a when it needs it or I can replace something I don’t like. The only things on my shopping list atm are a replacement neck and some Dimarzio P Pups. Edited May 13, 2023 by How1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roblpm Posted May 13, 2023 Author Share Posted May 13, 2023 (edited) 1 hour ago, lownote said: Of course. I learned early on (12 years ago) that I would be a rubbish bass player. So I focused on what I was good at and enjoyed - packing, sending and receiving cardboard boxes and selling gear at a loss. I could probably be as happy just sending myself empty boxes to open. Love this. I was discussing with a friend getting deliveries from the daily Amazon driver that comes round and he suggested putting some kitchen roll on their subscription service so once a month you get a surprise delivery!! Not great for the environment though so I haven't done that but great minds seem to think alike!! Edited May 13, 2023 by roblpm Spelling 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spencer.b Posted May 13, 2023 Share Posted May 13, 2023 You're in the majority on here mate , it surprises me how much chat on here is about gear and how little about technique , transcriptions etc 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Franticsmurf Posted May 13, 2023 Share Posted May 13, 2023 (edited) With the caveat that you shouldn't put you or yours in difficulty as a result, buy the bass that will encourage you to play and perhaps motivate you to get better. If it sits on it's stand and whispers seductively 'play me some more', then it's a good investment. 😃 Edited May 13, 2023 by Franticsmurf 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted May 13, 2023 Share Posted May 13, 2023 The bank is going to give you virtually nothing in interest for looking after your money. Buy yourself something you want you get to enjoy what your money bought and with a bit of luck you might get your money back, or, God forbid, make a few bob when it's time to sell. The alternative would be Mrs BCer has cash available to spend on handbags and shoes.... 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snorkie635 Posted May 13, 2023 Share Posted May 13, 2023 4 hours ago, roblpm said: That's my middle name.....! Are you sure? 🤣 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snorkie635 Posted May 13, 2023 Share Posted May 13, 2023 5 hours ago, fleabag said: The wife is listed on Gumtree , if anyone is interested Does she come with the original case and paperwork, hang-tags, etc.? 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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