Mr.Maxproud you have a great point! i think that if there is a bass with the same feel and quality,---that of a Fender Jazz, for an affordable price than id sure take it! on the other hand i think every bassist wants and at sometime needs to own an original(non-copy) just cause it is
@maxproud I have a Clement 6 string custom made bass that is one of the most well balanced best playing instruments I've owned, I got to pick out the specifications, electronics, neck profile, woods, etc. That said, I've also owned a Music Man Bongo 6 HH which is not an inexpensive instrument, and it didn't play nearly as well as my Clement. I also use a MIJ Fender that I've upgraded the electronics to, and am about to get an SX Jazz bass. They all have their place, depends on what you want.
I don't think you're talking about models such as MM Stingrays, USA Fender Jazz or P-bass(as these fall into 1000-2000 range), but to me, it definitely seems that these basses are worth the money. Of basses that I've tried, I can hear and see differences in the quality of these basses that I can't see in cheaper basses made in Indonesia and China.
Earl, I know you love the SX basses, but do you feel that the quality of SX comes anywhere near the quality of USA made P or Jazz basses?
@MrMaxpayneatlarge I invite you to watch my early video, "70's Jazz Bass." This authentic FENDER has the quality an SX bass can't touch. But in application, and playability, SX is a contender.
It's a 'Catch-22.' But quality in the U.S. costs more. Players end up buying IBANEZ, YAMAHA, and Asian produced FENDER's and Ernie Ball MUSICMAN basses. They're worth it to them because of low price. Ever tried an "SX?" It's a grand alternative you can improve upon. And still not spend alot.
@maxproud Hey Earl, I looked for the video you're referring to, but can't locate it. So, you're not referring to USA Fenders as far as questioning if they're worth it, correct? I currently own an Ibanez SR300, Schecter Stiletto Extreme-4, and I have a USA Fender Jazz on order (can't wait). I also have an SX 6 string guitar (not bass). I've thought about ordering the SX P-bass, but I've never gone through with it. I'd hate to order it and it have shoddy quality. Have you had to return any?
@maxproud Overall, I'm pretty happy with the guitar considering what was paid for it. Now, granted, I'm not much of a guitar player, very early stages of learning that. Neck is smooth, body is nice, but I have just a few gripes about it. Cheap strings (that's expected), the tuners feel cheap. The biggest problem is where the neck joins the body, it's not exactly 'flush', which will probably affect the sustain of the guitar. Looking at my basses, that joint is flush. Not bad though.
Cool topic! I guess I'm late-everything's been said. I don't know. Any bass-you've got to live with it for a while. The one I had Tobias mid level ($2000) was too delicate for me. I'm after something solid and consistent (ATK works). Talent, and practice can't be bought-that's true. I guess with some of them you buy the art of the design as much as anything. My big complaint about the cheaper stuff is the electronics - which you show the remedy very well. Worth $6000? I don't know...
A $3000 bass guitar doesn’t sound or play 10X better than a $300 bass guitar. There are a lot of nice basses out there for less than $500. Ignore the name on the headstock and play what’s right for your wallet. I will take a CNC machined bass over a handmade bass any day!
I think all these high-end basses do worth it, to some people.
I have a Bacchus 5 String (Hand-Made in Japan) which is amazing, the tonal variation and the sound are just the bomb.
Though, there are cheap basses which are amazing basses as well, but they do not have the craftsmanship and the high end "tone" which the higher end basses produce.
Fender American, Mx, Jp J and P Basses, Ibanez SDGR 500/700 series, Yamaha RBX's, Washburn Force 5, R Bass, Pedulla
The list goes on. My point=none of these sound the same. Each had its own musical personality. My current thing- new Squier line-up that we talked about. For versatility, playability & comfort, I prefer my VM Jaguar Squier over my $2800 R Bass 5 string that plays a little better action-wise, but goes toe to toe with my freakin' Squier!
I think it's all about the feel... Well I'm no bass player...
But last saturday I was in a music store checking out basses...And this kid comes up to me and asks: "Can you get that bass for me?"(He was too short to reach it)
So I reached out...handed him the bass... And after 10 seconds of testing he said: "I want it", without checking out other basses (it was really no expensive bass though)
So my point is... It's all about how it clicks with your personality and playing :)
@LeSaintPatrick That's a great debate and thought! Are we losing focus from our "original" job. Keeping the "bottom." Solidifying the "groove." As far as basses go. The best player can make the cheapest, ugly, but playable bass sound incredible!
Earl first off ur topics and reviews are great thanks for bein on youtube 2nd off in some cases yes more means more in some cases no why bother.... when it comes to Fender id rather spend alittle more and get a japanese fender over a squire the craftsmanship is tenfold better and yet its cheaper than a US fender (and still made better)
They are not worth it at all! When you reach a 1000$ your paying enough! No real world situations require a super designer bass sound! People will bop and groove to a good solid bottom, and well played bass part, not to a bass! Look at it this way compare it to a car, going through the traffic, and traffic is music. Now if you ride a ford or chevy toyota chances are you'll fit in! Now drive a ferrarri or a bentley! People will notice!!! When it comes to tone the same rules apply! t
Shoot, I tend to think MIA Fenders are overpriced. I've been jamming for 20+ years, and have never paid more than $500 for any instrument except drums. But, I really dig bargains too. Love my Squiers, Ibanez, and SX! I've had a few Lotus, and right now I've got an Epoch Les Paul copy that's a peach. My credo is if it sounds and plays good, it is. Good topic, Earl!
I'm going to say no it's not worth it. I have the squier Vintage Modified Jazz bass and it is just as good as a Fender Jazz bass. I mean $4000 for a bass? Really? Squier and other "lower" end basses are really stepping up.
@maxproud You have the best channel. I'm digging your playing and I love your basses. Could you do a video on where you get your less expensive basses from. Thanks so much man!!
I really can't make a decision if they are worth it or not.... sometimes yes if you've gone through every step with the luithier (sorta like what MarloweDK did) in the choosing process because then it becomes a truly custom model and sometimes it's just not worth it (money-wise). But man those Sandberg basses (and others that I can't remember their names at the moment) seem pretty awesome.
I personally believe that "custom basses" are not worth 3000-6000$, I believe that the best basses cost about 1000-2000$. The one's that cost over 2000$ are overpriced and the quality is about the same as the 1000-2000 ones. EG. Fender American Vintage-Standard series are great basses and they cost around 2000$. Fender custom shop basses cost 4000$. They are just overpriced because they have a custom color or something... @Maxproud
i still love the facination of this hand built part that always gets brought up in these topics
firstly the the vast of majority of guitars buillt custom to the lowest end of the production line are all built using machinces cnc etc so theres the flaw in peoples opinions saying just because its custom its hand built so its better ,then the other other point to this is what guitar isnt hand built then because they are all assembled by someone be it someguy in china to the master luitier wherever
All this custom basses works, of course fender bass makes history and to have a copy i prefer the original sound, the difference between SX and Fender it´s round ten , but not about sound and feeling, and the same in all kind of instruments, and it´s more important play well than the best instrument.
i think once you start getting to the $2000 mark, you are paying for luxury basses unless your getting a custom feature (like a floyd rose), and even still its unnecessary to spend that much to get a good sounding bass.
More work and better materials (wood, hardware, etc) go into custom basses, so they're going to sound and play better than assembly line instruments. Are they worth it? That depends on the person, I guess. If you have the cash and you live comfortably or you play music for a living, hell yeah. If you just dabble here and there, no way.
bahaha "Droid"..."shut up". i've always felt that with the price of electric basses, there seems to be a point of diminishing returns, and where that point is depends on your need, playing style, and personal feelings. personally, i can't see spending $1000 for an American Fender, much less $2500 for a *used* sadowsky. With the huge amount of quality instruments on the market now in the, say, sub-$500 range, i'd just go custom if i felt the need to spend that much money.
man I feel it's hard to say. I'm impartial to the whole thing - I guess the idea about high-end basses is that if they're hand-made, then every tiny detail is supposed to be accounted for and you get a bass that plays well, has consistently strong tones all up and down (i.e., no deadspots) and feels good overall.. but as you've demonstrated and it's totally evident - these cheaper lines of basses (SX, squire, etc.) can be really excellent. I LOVE my Squier fretless, I think it's very well made
@SpagsJippy but the other thing I wanted to say was that the cheaper basses may not be as greatly cared for in production as higher-end basses, it's not hard to do small-scale modifications and corrections yourself on the instrument if you do research and get proper tools. for example, I discovered that my fretless fingerboard wasn't "true".. in other words, its radius was not totally consistent.. there was a high spot on it.. all I did was buy a sanding block and corrected it myself
Mr.Maxproud you have a great point! i think that if there is a bass with the same feel and quality,---that of a Fender Jazz, for an affordable price than id sure take it! on the other hand i think every bassist wants and at sometime needs to own an original(non-copy) just cause it is
soo authentic and true.
ThatCoolBassist 6 days ago
@ThatCoolBassist Thanks for you input.
maxproud 5 days ago
@maxproud I have a Clement 6 string custom made bass that is one of the most well balanced best playing instruments I've owned, I got to pick out the specifications, electronics, neck profile, woods, etc. That said, I've also owned a Music Man Bongo 6 HH which is not an inexpensive instrument, and it didn't play nearly as well as my Clement. I also use a MIJ Fender that I've upgraded the electronics to, and am about to get an SX Jazz bass. They all have their place, depends on what you want.
tylerwylie 1 week ago
@tylerwylie PRECISELY! Thank you.
maxproud 1 week ago
I don't think you're talking about models such as MM Stingrays, USA Fender Jazz or P-bass(as these fall into 1000-2000 range), but to me, it definitely seems that these basses are worth the money. Of basses that I've tried, I can hear and see differences in the quality of these basses that I can't see in cheaper basses made in Indonesia and China.
Earl, I know you love the SX basses, but do you feel that the quality of SX comes anywhere near the quality of USA made P or Jazz basses?
MrMaxpayneatlarge 2 weeks ago
@MrMaxpayneatlarge I invite you to watch my early video, "70's Jazz Bass." This authentic FENDER has the quality an SX bass can't touch. But in application, and playability, SX is a contender.
It's a 'Catch-22.' But quality in the U.S. costs more. Players end up buying IBANEZ, YAMAHA, and Asian produced FENDER's and Ernie Ball MUSICMAN basses. They're worth it to them because of low price. Ever tried an "SX?" It's a grand alternative you can improve upon. And still not spend alot.
maxproud 2 weeks ago
@maxproud Hey Earl, I looked for the video you're referring to, but can't locate it. So, you're not referring to USA Fenders as far as questioning if they're worth it, correct? I currently own an Ibanez SR300, Schecter Stiletto Extreme-4, and I have a USA Fender Jazz on order (can't wait). I also have an SX 6 string guitar (not bass). I've thought about ordering the SX P-bass, but I've never gone through with it. I'd hate to order it and it have shoddy quality. Have you had to return any?
MrMaxpayneatlarge 2 weeks ago
@MrMaxpayneatlarge No returns. None. How did like the quality of the SX guitar? That could give you an indication of the bass quality.
The video I talked about is at the begging of my video collection. 'Bout the second one.
maxproud 2 weeks ago
@maxproud Overall, I'm pretty happy with the guitar considering what was paid for it. Now, granted, I'm not much of a guitar player, very early stages of learning that. Neck is smooth, body is nice, but I have just a few gripes about it. Cheap strings (that's expected), the tuners feel cheap. The biggest problem is where the neck joins the body, it's not exactly 'flush', which will probably affect the sustain of the guitar. Looking at my basses, that joint is flush. Not bad though.
MrMaxpayneatlarge 2 weeks ago
Cool topic! I guess I'm late-everything's been said. I don't know. Any bass-you've got to live with it for a while. The one I had Tobias mid level ($2000) was too delicate for me. I'm after something solid and consistent (ATK works). Talent, and practice can't be bought-that's true. I guess with some of them you buy the art of the design as much as anything. My big complaint about the cheaper stuff is the electronics - which you show the remedy very well. Worth $6000? I don't know...
JasonLeonPike 1 month ago
A $3000 bass guitar doesn’t sound or play 10X better than a $300 bass guitar. There are a lot of nice basses out there for less than $500. Ignore the name on the headstock and play what’s right for your wallet. I will take a CNC machined bass over a handmade bass any day!
FrankenP 1 month ago
@FrankenP Even the super expensive custom shop fenders, gibsons, music mans, etc. are done by a CNC machine.
BrewskiBassist 1 month ago
I think all these high-end basses do worth it, to some people.
I have a Bacchus 5 String (Hand-Made in Japan) which is amazing, the tonal variation and the sound are just the bomb.
Though, there are cheap basses which are amazing basses as well, but they do not have the craftsmanship and the high end "tone" which the higher end basses produce.
Is it worth it?
It is different to each bass player.
P.S Awesome videos man!
MetalKidDanny 1 month ago
@MetalKidDanny Thanks,
maxproud 1 month ago
Chris Chez here. I've played and/or owned:
Fender American, Mx, Jp J and P Basses, Ibanez SDGR 500/700 series, Yamaha RBX's, Washburn Force 5, R Bass, Pedulla
The list goes on. My point=none of these sound the same. Each had its own musical personality. My current thing- new Squier line-up that we talked about. For versatility, playability & comfort, I prefer my VM Jaguar Squier over my $2800 R Bass 5 string that plays a little better action-wise, but goes toe to toe with my freakin' Squier!
TheBassoasis 1 month ago
@TheBassoasis Do you ever feel like you've spent in vain?!
maxproud 1 month ago
@maxproud ABSOLUTELY!
TheBassoasis 1 month ago
I think it's all about the feel... Well I'm no bass player...
But last saturday I was in a music store checking out basses...And this kid comes up to me and asks: "Can you get that bass for me?"(He was too short to reach it)
So I reached out...handed him the bass... And after 10 seconds of testing he said: "I want it", without checking out other basses (it was really no expensive bass though)
So my point is... It's all about how it clicks with your personality and playing :)
penisbos 1 month ago
@penisbos Thanks for your perspective!
maxproud 1 month ago
@LeSaintPatrick That's a great debate and thought! Are we losing focus from our "original" job. Keeping the "bottom." Solidifying the "groove." As far as basses go. The best player can make the cheapest, ugly, but playable bass sound incredible!
maxproud 1 month ago
In my opinion, you get the better bang for your buck with a cheaper bass like an Ibanez. The custom basses and guitars are just not woth the money.
DomGuitars 1 month ago
Earl first off ur topics and reviews are great thanks for bein on youtube 2nd off in some cases yes more means more in some cases no why bother.... when it comes to Fender id rather spend alittle more and get a japanese fender over a squire the craftsmanship is tenfold better and yet its cheaper than a US fender (and still made better)
sidez81 1 month ago
@sidez81 'Appreciate the input, and the compliment! Thanks.
maxproud 1 month ago
Hello Earl,
They are not worth it at all! When you reach a 1000$ your paying enough! No real world situations require a super designer bass sound! People will bop and groove to a good solid bottom, and well played bass part, not to a bass! Look at it this way compare it to a car, going through the traffic, and traffic is music. Now if you ride a ford or chevy toyota chances are you'll fit in! Now drive a ferrarri or a bentley! People will notice!!! When it comes to tone the same rules apply! t
LeSaintPatrick 1 month ago
@LeSaintPatrick Truly interesting point!
maxproud 1 month ago
Shoot, I tend to think MIA Fenders are overpriced. I've been jamming for 20+ years, and have never paid more than $500 for any instrument except drums. But, I really dig bargains too. Love my Squiers, Ibanez, and SX! I've had a few Lotus, and right now I've got an Epoch Les Paul copy that's a peach. My credo is if it sounds and plays good, it is. Good topic, Earl!
mattyb3671 1 month ago
@mattyb3671 Thanks. Apparently it's a great topic! Alot of feedback. I'll take it!
maxproud 1 month ago
I'm going to say no it's not worth it. I have the squier Vintage Modified Jazz bass and it is just as good as a Fender Jazz bass. I mean $4000 for a bass? Really? Squier and other "lower" end basses are really stepping up.
bordinco90 1 month ago
@bordinco90 The SQUIER's are great now! 'Gotta love'em.
maxproud 1 month ago
For real. You don't need something expensive to sound good, you need to play well to sound good.
If they were violins or cellos or something, that's when you're going to see 4000 dollar instruments that are worth the money.
Sleeves04 1 month ago
@maxproud You have the best channel. I'm digging your playing and I love your basses. Could you do a video on where you get your less expensive basses from. Thanks so much man!!
thommytaranto 1 month ago
@thommytaranto That's a thought, maybe. Thanks.
maxproud 1 month ago
I really can't make a decision if they are worth it or not.... sometimes yes if you've gone through every step with the luithier (sorta like what MarloweDK did) in the choosing process because then it becomes a truly custom model and sometimes it's just not worth it (money-wise). But man those Sandberg basses (and others that I can't remember their names at the moment) seem pretty awesome.
ampmjuku 1 month ago
I miss your old glasses :(
Zzrock4 1 month ago
Hi Earl,
I personally believe that "custom basses" are not worth 3000-6000$, I believe that the best basses cost about 1000-2000$. The one's that cost over 2000$ are overpriced and the quality is about the same as the 1000-2000 ones. EG. Fender American Vintage-Standard series are great basses and they cost around 2000$. Fender custom shop basses cost 4000$. They are just overpriced because they have a custom color or something... @Maxproud
rvgilder 1 month ago
@rvgilder Wow.
maxproud 1 month ago
i still love the facination of this hand built part that always gets brought up in these topics
firstly the the vast of majority of guitars buillt custom to the lowest end of the production line are all built using machinces cnc etc so theres the flaw in peoples opinions saying just because its custom its hand built so its better ,then the other other point to this is what guitar isnt hand built then because they are all assembled by someone be it someguy in china to the master luitier wherever
alancooke32 1 month ago
@alancooke32 The vast majority of all guitars, or just mainstream brands?
NatedotTEEVEE 1 month ago
All this custom basses works, of course fender bass makes history and to have a copy i prefer the original sound, the difference between SX and Fender it´s round ten , but not about sound and feeling, and the same in all kind of instruments, and it´s more important play well than the best instrument.
victorcapblanguet 1 month ago
@maxproud i think most of the high-end bassaes are better because they are hand build and alot of the companies want everything absolutley perfect
TheJpike 1 month ago
i think once you start getting to the $2000 mark, you are paying for luxury basses unless your getting a custom feature (like a floyd rose), and even still its unnecessary to spend that much to get a good sounding bass.
blazix201 1 month ago
@blazix201 I certainly agree.
maxproud 1 month ago
More work and better materials (wood, hardware, etc) go into custom basses, so they're going to sound and play better than assembly line instruments. Are they worth it? That depends on the person, I guess. If you have the cash and you live comfortably or you play music for a living, hell yeah. If you just dabble here and there, no way.
NatedotTEEVEE 1 month ago
bahaha "Droid"..."shut up". i've always felt that with the price of electric basses, there seems to be a point of diminishing returns, and where that point is depends on your need, playing style, and personal feelings. personally, i can't see spending $1000 for an American Fender, much less $2500 for a *used* sadowsky. With the huge amount of quality instruments on the market now in the, say, sub-$500 range, i'd just go custom if i felt the need to spend that much money.
StevewiththePbass 1 month ago
man I feel it's hard to say. I'm impartial to the whole thing - I guess the idea about high-end basses is that if they're hand-made, then every tiny detail is supposed to be accounted for and you get a bass that plays well, has consistently strong tones all up and down (i.e., no deadspots) and feels good overall.. but as you've demonstrated and it's totally evident - these cheaper lines of basses (SX, squire, etc.) can be really excellent. I LOVE my Squier fretless, I think it's very well made
SpagsJippy 1 month ago
@SpagsJippy but the other thing I wanted to say was that the cheaper basses may not be as greatly cared for in production as higher-end basses, it's not hard to do small-scale modifications and corrections yourself on the instrument if you do research and get proper tools. for example, I discovered that my fretless fingerboard wasn't "true".. in other words, its radius was not totally consistent.. there was a high spot on it.. all I did was buy a sanding block and corrected it myself
SpagsJippy 1 month ago