Boutique Basses

[Kirby]

BOys I love competition and support all but there is no way that a Cort sourced Korean Lakland is equal to what we make......

I agree also with what BP said above. I have played both USA Laklands and imports and do not like the way the neck feels. It seems too flat to me with too harsh of an edge to the fingerboards from what I remember. I do remember being fired up to try one when they first came out , but left with a ho hum reflection. An EB at almost half the cost is a no brainer to me.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

My previous bass was a Dingwall, considered by most to get a boutique bass. Before owning a Dingwall, I thought that an EBMM was my sound. The Dingwall was a phenomenal bass in terms of sound, playability, and craftsmanship. I had to sell it for financial reasons, but I knew I would get enough cash for a used EBMM. I got a Bongo 5 HH. After one rehearsal with my band, I am now convinced more than ever that EBMM basses are MY sound. There are other great basses out there, but NOTHING sounds like a MusicMan. If thats your sound, then no other bass, no matter how expensive and nice it is, will work for you. At least thats what I have found out.

Dingwall is boutique in their higher end stuff, but I would not consider the Afterburner I's as boutique. Mine actually cost less than a new StingRay5 at the time I bought it.

My thoughts on boutique basses are that they are for those who want something different or something that they cannot find in a production bass and are fortunate enough to have the money to afford it. Most players don't really need them. There are a lot of good choices out there now and that can only be a good thing.

EBMM basses are not cheap, but you get what you pay for. The StingRay and StingRay5 have been around for a long time and are virtually unchanged. They are solid instruments that people want so why mess with a good thing? They do have a particular sound and feel (I'm talking about the single H models here) that just work for a lot of people.

Whenever I go to music stores, I try as many basses that I can. I am happy to know that I have some of the best basses I have ever played which includes two SR5s. I can admire the boutiques, but I just do not need them or particularly want them.

 

[fly]

nothing sounds as good but thats just me... the sterling superfan

thanls pops.

atta boy phatty.............atta boy.

 

[EBMM7181]

When I decided to buy a new bass, I had saved enough money to buy basically any bass guitar I wanted..... I played them all...

I bought a Stingray

 

[strummer]

Yeah, I know exactly how you feel

 

[Ken Baker]

To me a boutique bass is something that's:

- Not widely available (no Sam Ash or GC distribution)
- Has low production numbers
- Is not made on an assembly line basis
- Can be ordered with all sorts of custom options (this is probably the key criterion)
- Costs a couple of body parts to own
- Is usually associated with a particular person/builder/designer

5 out of 6 ain't bad.

G&L. The only bass that, IMO, can give my Bongo any competition for tone and versatility. And they're affordable.

Had to do it. I'll skulk back into my corner now.

Ken...

 

[bovinehost]

Ken, I forgive you for that because:

1. I understand your sickness and
2. I admire your avatar.

Jack

 

[Ken Baker]

...poking head up and looking...

Thank you, M'Lord!

...skulking back...

Ken...

 

[Jason Hebert]

I've got all sorts of basses and some of them are really good ones, but when I play for pay I always grab a Ball.

I am going to get one Roscoe, because I know Keith and Gard. I try to support all my friends.

I talked to Gard just the other day. I sold the Roscoe he finally talked me into a while back, so I was just letting him know why.. Great guy.

 

[bovinehost]

Gard sold me my first Bongo.

Under protest, but he sold it to me.

 

[scottbass71]

Gard meet the man last time we I was in the states kept in touch we are good mates