Bash the new Gibson Bass!!!

[Lightyear]

Gibson just keeps trotting out pablum and hopes that their PR will work.  Surely they could do a small amount of research to see what the prices are on original 60's Tbirds and NRs then spend a little money to get the desgin and hardware together and release an acurrate version of each.

Hell, they could build a single pickup '59 version, paint it black with a simple white pinstripe on top and sell them like hotcakes.  More if they would spend the $$ to get Gene to sign an endorsee deal

[Dave W]

This bass is supposed to look basic.  If it is inspired by the LP Jr. guitar and 1960 EB-O bass, I don't see how it could look like anything other than this.  If it's a simple looking bass whose design is a nod to the past, but it sounds great, that would be part of its deceptive charm for me.  I realize that's a minority view, but I honestly can't look at this any other way. 

The Junior was also basic in price. At an $1899 MSRP, this one isn't. That's more expensive than the Thunderbird, which has always been considered a deluxe model. And it looks like yet another Gibson bass with a satin finish. NTTAWWT if the price is in line, but most Gibson buyers expect a gloss finish at this price.

Compare this to the Gibson LP Melody Maker or SG Melody Maker, both $829 MSRP, or even the regular Melody Maker at $699 MSRP.

On top of this, it's only a nod to the past. You want to get a price based on nostalgia, at least give us a faithful reissue.

[Chaser001]

The Junior was also basic in price. At an $1899 MSRP, this one isn't. That's more expensive than the Thunderbird, which has always been considered a deluxe model. And it looks like yet another Gibson bass with a satin finish. NTTAWWT if the price is in line, but most Gibson buyers expect a gloss finish at this price.

Compare this to the Gibson LP Melody Maker or SG Melody Maker, both $829 MSRP, or even the regular Melody Maker at $699 MSRP.

On top of this, it's only a nod to the past. You want to get a price based on nostalgia, at least give us a faithful reissue.

As far as I'm concerned, all Gibsons are overpriced, but I do like the concept behind the bass itself. 

[uwe]

Long ago, sometime in the eighties, a restructuring specialist and investment banker who played a little bass, took over Gibson (or what was left of it) and decided to further on down the road to not make product as cheap as possible but to sell the brand on and the myth around the product at the highest market price achievable. Don't blame the little bass for a 25 year old strategy, ok?

[dadagoboi]

Long ago, sometime in the eighties, a restructuring specialist and investment banker who played a little bass, took over Gibson (or what was left of it) and decided to further on down the road to not make product as cheap as possible but to sell the brand on and the myth around the product at the highest market price achievable. Don't blame the little bass for a 25 year old strategy, ok?

It IS as cheap as possible to produce, no R&D except to modify (badly) an existing design.  That finish can be done by the least skilled worker.  CNC costs are the same no matter the product.  Where is the value if it's not in innovation, design or quality of finish?  Highly overpriced IMO.

[Basvarken]

How is that different from -let's say- a Fender Precision Bass?

[dadagoboi]

How is that different from -let's say- a Fender Precision Bass?

It's not.  Two wrongs don't make a right.  All American mass made instruments are overpriced, G&L are the most reasonable than the others IMO.  I have no brand allegiance to anything that does not give me value no matter what I may own of their earlier production.

[Barklessdog]

It's not.  Two wrongs don't make a right.  All American mass made instruments are overpriced, G&L are the most reasonable than the others IMO.  I have no brand allegiance to anything that does not give me value no matter what I may own of their earlier production.

Ah, but value can also be in resale value, which American made iconic brands like Gibson, Ric & US Fender hold their resale value far better than brands like Alembic, Warwick, Carvin, Lakeland & all Japanese brands, which loose 40-60% of their value the minute you take custody of your bass. Same can be said with cars, is a BMW or Lexus really worth all that extra money?

Maybe overpriced but the return value is far greater. Buying used at at or below market value is where the playing field is leveled.

[dadagoboi]

Very simple solution...don't buy new.

Unlike a car, musical instruments generally don't deteriorate when not used and any defects are readily apparent on a fairly quick inspection.  Buy from a reputable seller with a return policy and at best you're out freight charges.

I don't buy stuff for personal use based on resale value as a major consideration, I buy it for its value to me.  My general rule is let someone else pay the depreciation. 

[uwe]

I don't blame Gibson for trying to squeeze every drop out of the brand. It's modern marketing. Why should they be any different to Prada, Ralph Lauren, Rolex, Harley Davidson or Bentley? If you just want a very good tool to make music, Ibanez caters to all your desires.

[dadagoboi]

I don't blame Gibson for trying to squeeze every drop out of the brand. It's modern marketing. Why should they be any different to Prada, Ralph Lauren, Rolex, Harley Davidson or Bentley? If you just want a very good tool to make music, Ibanez caters to all your desires.

Some luxury brands are worth the money for quality of design, materials and workmanship and attention to detail.  Gibson not so much.

[Chaser001]

Long ago, sometime in the eighties, a restructuring specialist and investment banker who played a little bass, took over Gibson (or what was left of it) and decided to further on down the road to not make product as cheap as possible but to sell the brand on and the myth around the product at the highest market price achievable. Don't blame the little bass for a 25 year old strategy, ok?

When I say Gibson is overpriced, I don't blame Gibson as much as myself for not being able to afford what I want.  However, that short scale T-Bird is only $999 and that is with the case included.  That is really not a bad deal.  There is a lot of Gibson-bashing going on, not here so much.  But in other places it is pretty extreme and that's something I've never approved of or even completely understood.  As it turns out, I may even end up with the LP Jr. DC, but only if someone who owes me a favor finds a way to pay me back sometime soon. 

[Dave W]

I don't blame Gibson for trying to squeeze every drop out of the brand. It's modern marketing. Why should they be any different to Prada, Ralph Lauren, Rolex, Harley Davidson or Bentley? If you just want a very good tool to make music, Ibanez caters to all your desires.

I don't blame any company for marketing its brand. That doesn't excuse Gibson from shitty marketing when it comes to basses.

Some luxury brands are worth the money for quality of design, materials and workmanship and attention to detail.  Gibson not so much.

This. ^^^

[uwe]

Compared to what the Junior EB-0 cost in 1960 (a bass with one less pup and gutar tuners not geared to the requirements of a bass) is the new Junior really so outrageously expensive when cost-of-living indexed and buying power-adjusted? I have my doubts.

[TBird1958]

I'll take a Gibson over any 7ender any day.

I don't drink Uncle Leo's Kool - Aid, tried it 3 times left a bad taste