The problem
Yeah, what is that word that is slung on everything these days so easily? Is it when you got 2 minutes to fret a bass underpaid in a factory somewhere? No. Is it a buzzword overused in that same company brochures and marketing? Obviously.. but no, still doesn't make it so. I have been in this business now for over 30 years and I have seen quality plummet over time. Truss rods is one of them, sloppy fretting is another item, neck pocket so uneven that a primary school wood shop student would beat them blindfolded in their game. Neck pockets DO need to be dead straight if great tone is your game..
Their game? Make as much money in shortest possible time. So how do they get away with it you ask. Well, the money it takes to craft something worthy of their former glory vastly overshadows the budget for marketing. Massive marketing, giving away basses and equipment to endorsement deals convincing you that "well if so and so uses their basses they must be good!!"
errr... NO.
I have been in the position that I am the guy to go to when shit hits the fan. Everything can be made playable to a certain extent if someone skilled can apply hours of labour to frets, neck pockets, changing electronics tuners, bridges etc and sometimes even changing the fretboard and truss rod and reinforcing the neck. The most important part of a bass for a solid amazing bass tone.
The Solution
This would take that the musician population see through the outright lies of marketing.
Step 2 is educate yourself, there are no shortcuts. Quality costs money. Or having a workforce on slave like terms. There's no free lunch. One way to cheapen the product is to downgrade the finishing work and details. Do you need bindings and inlays? Not really. Do you really need really thick high gloss finish over a stunning 4A maple quilt? No, unless it is to brighten the response of the body laminations. Do you really need active electronics on board? Again, not really, depends.
What I am saying is that if one were to design a bass that would be absolutely amazing to play and listen to (in the right hands) things like craftmanship, precision and a great design regarding utilising high grade wood , great hardware and pickup design would be my first choice. Perhaps something to think about when you purchase your next piece of equipment.
Why do I complain? Maybe because I would spend less time on repairing other basses and spend more on optimizing basses and making my own basses. And a bad bass is a waste of wood.
Sincerely, Christian Olsson.
