Author Topic: I'm glad we don't do brand bashing here.  (Read 394 times)

jazzyvee

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I'm glad we don't do brand bashing here.
« on: August 06, 2018, 02:08:17 AM »
This subject seems the staple diet of bass and guitar forums. Every few days/weeks there is a thread coming up about whether any bass costing $big dollars worth more than another bass that costs $small dollars and you are only paying for the name and the scale of diminishing returns after  you get over $X blah blah blah. And... why does brand X even cost that much when it's basically just bits of wood, metal and plastic. etc etc. Why would anyone pay $big dollars for a bass and play in a bar etc etc. Coffee table basses, basses only for rich etc.


I know there have been members here passing views on other non alembic basses but I've read that as more about personal experience with an instrument rather than based on hearsay.  I try not to reply to those threads because it's pointless and nothing ever changes on there, but every now and then I fail and take the bait and wade.
But my viewpoint is pretty simple, if like it, want it and can afford it without hardship, then I will have it. When I was younger and earning a lot less money, that threshold of affordability was lower but then I always bought the best I could afford at the time. I haven't had enough experience with non alembic basses to hold any practical or experienced view of them so I'm only able to really talk about my alembic experience on basses and for guitar's I've only ever wanted a fender strat so not really owned many guitar brands either.




I've always preferred stuff that is well made, well designed, engineered stuff, strong sturdy and reliable. So I've learnt that stuff like that hardly ever comes cheap unless it's used so I'm prepared to save up for the good stuff and if someone comes up to me and says their brand of bass cheap or expensive is better than mine then I feel happy for them. I'm happy with my alembics.


That said and just to set the record straight..... my series II sounds better than anyone else's coffee table Series II bass.  ;D :D ::) 8)

The sound of Alembic is medicine for the soul!
http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_ktwins.html

Zut8083

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Re: I'm glad we don't do brand bashing here.
« Reply #1 on: August 06, 2018, 05:49:31 AM »
That was a nice bit of insight to read first thing this morning, Jazzy.  Thanks!

growlypants

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Re: I'm glad we don't do brand bashing here.
« Reply #2 on: August 06, 2018, 07:15:40 AM »
I normally wouldn't comment on this kind of stuff, but...I had a mild stroke in 1990.  I was out of playing music for years, due to the very mild but extremely frustrating lack of coordination.  At the time, I just had an old Gibson Ripper.  Twenty years went by, I wandered in to a local music store, saw this BREATHTAKING 5-string hanging on the wall, could not believe the exquisiteness of this instrument, bought it, and ever since, I swear...it's absolute heaven to play!  (Alembic Signature Deluxe, in "Superb Walnut"!!)
I used to think I was indecisive, but now I'm not so sure.

5a quilt top

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Re: I'm glad we don't do brand bashing here.
« Reply #3 on: August 06, 2018, 10:27:10 AM »
A few decades ago I was given this piece of advice in response to what was interpreted as "brand snobbery":

"If it sounds good, it is good"

If I would have ignored that advice and continued to use price and perceived brand status as my only criteria for instrument selection, I would have missed out on some amazing values and would have purchased some amazingly over-priced duds. Conversely, if I never had the opportunity to play and own some extraordinary instruments (priced accordingly), I would not know how to recognize the quality and playability of lessor (but still exceptional) instruments at more reasonable price points.

Generally speaking, price usually is a pretty good indicator of quality of materials / craftsmanship and the rarity of a given instrument, but it is not the bottom line when evaluating an instrument's sound and playability or determining if it would be appropriate for a specific purpose.

I love all of my instruments, from the most humble Mexican-made Fenders to the most amazing hand-crafted Alembic Series works of art. They all inspire me to play in their own unique ways because they all sound good and, therefore, are good!

gtrguy

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Re: I'm glad we don't do brand bashing here.
« Reply #4 on: August 06, 2018, 10:31:23 AM »
I own many fine bass guitars from various companies and I think they all have their place. I remember when the old vintage Fender P bass was selling for $300 all day long. Now they can cost many thousands of bucks. They were built solid as a truck and sounded great. The concept and design and build of those basses is still valid today, which very few items ever made can boast. We owe a lot to Leo Fender!

jazzyvee

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Re: I'm glad we don't do brand bashing here.
« Reply #5 on: August 06, 2018, 10:35:54 AM »
The best sounding and playing Les Paul I ever played was an old Hondo that I was asked to play at a church charity gig years back in the 90's i think. It was bought for one of the church musicians by an old dear from the church when she heard his was stolen. That guitar only cost £10 but it sounded so good and was a dream to play. The owner wouldn't sell it to me even though I offered him more for it because it was a gift. The sound in that guitar still haunts me whenever I pick up a Les Paul.
The sound of Alembic is medicine for the soul!
http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_ktwins.html

Glynn

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Re: I'm glad we don't do brand bashing here.
« Reply #6 on: August 06, 2018, 01:55:23 PM »
I have expressed views before but look at this person who has put a bass for sale with Bass Direct (excellent company) :-
Fender Jazz (Pre-CBS) Fiesta Red (1961)
£14,999
I had a Jazz bass 1968 (CBS) - it hummed electrically but kept me in work.  They were ordinary jobbing basses (like Mini cars were to motors).
The £14999 bass above has been played by someone famous .....so what???
For that money I could buy a used Alembic for £2000, go on holiday and enjoy many beers.#
My new Alembic Orion 4 cost me £1000 in 2000. It is brilliant.
I think that the seller of that bass is taking the P...s.
Sadly, someone will buy it and stick it on a wall to be looked at and never gigged ( but at least no electric humming probs).
What say you?
Glynn
 

Dave Sep

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Re: I'm glad we don't do brand bashing here.
« Reply #7 on: August 06, 2018, 02:12:49 PM »
I definitely wouldn't spend over 14K£ on a bass (more than my car cost!), especially a Fender nearly as old as I am just because of its history.

But I agree that Bass Direct is a fine place, it's where I bought my Alembic Epic a month ago.

glocke

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Re: I'm glad we don't do brand bashing here.
« Reply #8 on: August 07, 2018, 01:21:25 AM »
I actually don't see much bashing on the other music forum Im on, but I've run into it in real life and it's unfortunate that some musicians see people with expensive instruments and start making negative/snide comments.  I've had it happen from time to time over the years when bringing one of my Alembics out to play. 

Why on earth anyone would begrudge or insult anyone else from owning something they've wanted for years is beyond me.

These days I'm playing my jazz basses more than my sole remaining Alembic (SCSD), but even than I still manage to bring out the rage in people when they realize I have more than one  jazz bass. "glocke, another new bass ?"