Are $100 Basses Worth It? | What is That

[@4deuce31]

I used to gig with Squier basses back in the day after someone tried to walk off with my MusicMan Sterling. They cost about $100-$125 and usually set up halfway decent. I replaced the pickup with a Quarter pounders and set em up. Nobody cared how much it cost just that it sounded good. Nowadays I gig with my Fender P's but I keep an eye on them at the end of the night.

[@pensnut08]

"Quarter pounders" YES!! They made my Squire Jazz have an incredible growl and tone!! I did replace the pots and the bridge as well. First time I recorded with it the studio owner had to come in an see that it really was a Squire and kept saying "I can't believe it's a Squire.".

[@Groovegandalf]

Gigging with my Ric is quite nerve wracking also. I'm always watching it when I'm out gigging.

[@grantkoeller8911]

Squier made a 2004 Squier standard special black and chrome. It was a P-bass with jazz pick-up's added and Jazz neck. It had a Chrome pick guard too! This bass had a maple neck, rose wood fingerboard, and super hot pickups. This bass was perfect for gigging, and was every bit as nice as a Fender.

[@marklowe7431]

One of the best guitarists I've ever heard plays a Squire. He put a set of good pickups in and plenty of setup but it sounds insane. As for bass I believe Uriah Duffy plays a MIM. How it plays and how it sounds is all that counts imo. I've had my 5-6k basses and now back to a standard 75 J bass. I guess it's a journey.

[@TheTwangKings]

I've seen pros use squiers with great tone.

[@oneeyeddog6127]

It's all in the player.ive played with guys that cant hack it with a $2000 bass.ive also met very talented players with cheap gear.a proper set up and talent goes along way

[@sonojon0]

“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard”

[@juanfranco1008]

@@sonojon0 the f, you really think people get talented by not working hard

[@lprescott131]

I agree....if it's in you....its just in you!!!! Groove ....its a natural

[@mattpassos5689]

@@juanfranco1008 talent is god given, hard work develops skill

[@Bikewithlove]

Tools and materials have advanced like crazy since the 20th century. In the 1980s, cheap guitars and amps were badly made and truly sounded awful. Two years ago I bought a new $200 Ibanez bass off the rack that plays like a Fender Precision, sounds just as good, and looks beautiful. The Fender Precision I’m comparing it to belonged to a bandmate and costs about $2,000. Don’t get me wrong, it was the finest, smoothest bass I ever played, but I’m no Stanley Clarke so my Ibanez is just fine. My point is that it’s far from junk - it really is a well-made professional instrument.

[@marklowe7431]

That $99 bass can be the difference between a kid getting busy learning music or learning crime. The MM Sire concept is a great example.

[@pl1guru]

Bought a Glarry GP Bass a few months back, just to see what an $85 bass could do. It wasn't too bad, but compared to my other basses (Schecter, ESP LTD, Ibanez, Fender, Squier), it had issues. Did some mods on it, changed the strings to Ernie Ball Cobalt Flatwounds, put in Guitar Fetish Kwikplug split coil pickup and a high mass bridge, and some fret work (frets were sharp on the ends). Now it has a nice p-bass sound and is playable. All in all, I spent about another $80 to get it to play and sound the way I wanted it to.

[@venusspacey9685]

Im glad you posted this. Musicians who want gigs need solid gear for the sound of the band. I have a stock glarry. I been playing bass 25 years and everybody say I sound good. It's indeed in my fingers at this point, but I understand why expensive bass guitars are expensive. You're paying for great pick ups, and great body, great fret work etc. Being able to play and sound good with a cheap is cool, but investing in musical equipment just has to be done, unless a musician plans on being picked second for a gig because the other guy bass tone sounds better within the context of the band.

[@AcceptingTheAftermath]

We are a punk band, and our bass player was new when she joined. She got a Glarry, they are fine for our purposes. We’ve played small bars, clubs, and backyards with it, no issues. Also, the neck isn’t heavy, the body is light. Neck dive either way!

[@rolltyd7]

I like it when you do reviews on different products. Mainly because I am always looking for more accessories or basses to buy lol, and knowing that you don’t sugarcoat your reviews, helps me make a good decision on whether or not to buy a product. Plus I’ve got someone who is wanting me to give them bass lessons so this will definitely help me get them started on the right track. Love you bro! Keep it up🤙🏼

[@grantkoeller8911]

The Glarry is a popular bass for modification. You can experiment with different pickups and strings. The pickups height is very important when discussing tone. Both basses can be modded, experimenting with real bone nut, instead of plastic. Different paint jobs, or use of real nitrocellulose lacquer. Better tuners, hotter pickups and better pots and output jack. Installation of strap locks.

[@kingdeedee]

If it means anything, the Ernie Ball Musicman Bongo Basses (yes the really expensive ones) are also made with a basswood body. I've always heard it's a cheaper wood (and well, yeah the Glarry confirms that) but I guess it goes to show you that the brand, the country of manufacturing, and the process of assembly really have a lot more to do with the cost of the instrument than the actual materials

[@Bassic778]

Yeah, I agree. For some reason, basswood gets a bad rep. The Bongo has one of the most amazing tones on the planet too!!!

[@Danalmagrodrumsnbass]

Still better than poplar though

[@neoguitarconcepts20]

Yeah it’s definitely all about the build quality. Tons of excellent builders use basswood. I was just stating that it’s an inexpensive and light wood because Travis wasn’t familiar with it. But it’s an excellent tone wood. Like you said, it really does just come down to the craftsmanship of the build.

[@kingdeedee]

​@@neoguitarconcepts20 Of course man, everything you said in the video is true as well. Glarry and others use basswood because of how cheap it is, and I'm sure Ernie Ball isn't complaining about how it affects their margins on the Bongos 😂

[@Bassic778]

@@neoguitarconcepts20 Absolutely!!!

[@johnterpack3940]

Waiting on delivery of my 5-string Rogue, another $100 bass. I haven't played in twenty years, so I'm basically a beginner and didn't want to spend a fortune getting back into it. But I don't know if I'd ever spend a grand on a bass. Back then, I had an Ibanez 5-string and I really liked it. I tried out a stupidly expensive Alembic at a store and hated the way it felt. So I learned pretty early that the price tag doesn't tell me anything about how a bass will work for me. Upgrade the pickups and electronics and you can get good tone out of a cheap bass. I'm just not convinced I need to spend big money to get something really good.

[@mattgeo1545]

I'm NOT a bass player however, want one for my home studio....Donner it is. Thank you sir. Excellent rvw.

[@bryden72]

Im jumping back on bass. I so I brought a glarry p bass and it's lovely and for under £80 Brought a nice peavy combo for £60 which could do small to mid gigs with down the line. Don't need spend silly amounts money. Just shop around.

[@MTBTexasBikeRider]

I just bought a Glarry 5 string Bass I’m very happy with it also the one I got doesn’t nose dive it’s close to 8.lbs and I’m a beginner so I didn’t break the bank 🏦 great video! 😎🎸🤘

[@GMINOR1983]

Great video. Loved it. Honest review after significant trial.

[@d3w4yn3]

This was good! I watch a lot of instrument reviews, but none that included live gig testing!!! GLORIOUS!!!

[@loganYDG]

got the glarry 6 string bass a while back and been loving it. upgraded all the hardware and will soon swap the pickups on it as well lol

[@craighenshaw4487]

That's a great video and format. Shame we did not here the audio of the bases in the mix but I understand why..

[@DIVA-MC-7]

would love to see more gear comparisions from you ;) bring your friend with you it was fun to watch and very instructive

[@jimfitzgibbon5492]

What I did not understand once you started playing both basses in your home you lighted the Glarry best. Then you get to your gig & like the Donner better after adjusting it? Then you did another having your buddy re do the Donner. I would have liked to see your friend redo the Glarry instead, only because I have one. I like my Glarry a lot.The looks and feel. Your right it is neck heavy. I have a nice leather strap. I weighted my strap on the where It attaches to the rear of the bass, & the balance is perfect now. I plan to up grade the pick Up,s & maybe some flat wound strings. I never thought my Glarry sounded bad as you did but I don,t play in a large venue as you. But any bass can be up graded. JMOHOP

[@sirwallaceclaymore2106]

Squier classic vibe 60s bass, is the best bass out there for anything

[@johnjohnnr2325]

Can you please do a video about why you selected BassMods??

[@caseylee12]

I bought a yellow Glarry P-bass and made it look like a giant Minion. My kids love it and it's great and easy to play. The ONLY thing I had to do to it was raise the "e" string just a hair. Surprising, since I played 5 or 6 basses at my local guitar store that were in much worse shape on the shelf.

[@ShazShaun]

Great video ma man⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@Brookzplayzmuzic]

Man that lick at 12:45 was nasty... can we get a short lesson?

[@des565]

I've bought Glarry Basses amd Guitars and they are JUNK!

[@velvetnightmare3133]

This is encouraging because I have a Glarry electric guitar and the action is so high I really can't play it and I don't want to pay another 50 bucks to get it adjusted...

[@FrankSkywalker]

I'm a guitar player, and i just buy cheap squier and Epiphone guitars, swap tuners and pickups, and maybe wiring, and they're usually great for the gigs i play, so is the same with basses, just swap the tuners if it doesn't stay on tune that well, change the pickups for something you like, and a good set up, its all you need

[@shaunfine9667]

Great video!

[@SeriousTipStudio]

So there goes 18:29 gone. Came here to see you playing it with a band but I just saw you playing it at home. Lol 😆

[@Dante-qf9yd]

I would like to see the Focusrite Claret 2 plus vs Universal Audio Volt and Apogee Symphony.

[@silkyrobinson5079]

Yes so many times I’ve played a base that somebody had it was very hard to play. Often people will put me down and say you’re missing notes are your timing is of. Especially guitar players love doing that.

[@brotherchris9365]

Bass*

[@grantkoeller8911]

Spelled Bass not base

[@dragonslayr]

I would really love for you to put a set of flat wound stings on the glarry bass and do a few mods to it. I have a glarry bass GIB 5 string and it sounds amazing. I don't have any money, but I do play on two worship teams in Minnesota and I love playing bass for God. I love deep bass and smooth non twangy tones so I'd like to mod my glarry a little bit. Just don't know where to start and Don't want to just start slashing a new bass. Try it out and let's what can be done.

[@marchangel7462]

Change your pickups. Get a dark sounding pickup like bartolinis.

[@lincolncalvin5876]

Thank you for this video...it helps all bass players beginners and pro. God bless stay safe and healthy.

[@DerekGoolsby-e1j]

Hey Mr Dykes, what is yoir thought about the Marcus Miller V3 model?

[@acsaiyanbalce4610]

One of the best Bass teachers on KZbin! 👍👍

[@draculxxx1194]

I got the same bass at a thrift store for 50 bucks it was my first bass and it was really good for a beginner

[@BigSwoleMusick]

Loved the review!

[@bah4522]

TDykes and JCobb. Deadly combo

[@a.j.garrett9639]

I bought a Donner Ukelele. There was a problem and I contacted them 3 times and I heard nothing back. When I looked on the Facebook page I saw others saying the same thing. Zero response. Zero customer service. Donner are dead to me.

[@kgamaseg]

I need to buy a bass... straight outta the box.

[@TheRobman]

If you don't have a lot to spend, cheap basses and guitars can be made to work quite well, you just need to remember a couple of things: 1st: it's almost always a good idea to give a new instrument a good setup, and this is especially true with cheap instruments. A setup will set the right neck relief, action, intonation, etc making it much easier to play. 2nd: the cheap strings on most cheap instruments are usually garbage so they should definitely be replaced. I wonder what that Glarry would be like with some GHS Boomers on it? 3rd: consider upgrading the pickups. Most cheap basses and guitars will come with ceramic pickups, but you can get cheap Alnico V online, so that's a cheap and easy upgrade. In fact, Glarry offers some slightly "higher end" models which come with Alnico V pickups and are only a few dollars more. Finally, if you do have a bass which has a "neck dive" problem, you might be able to mitigate it with the right strap, if you get one that is rough rather than shiny. In addition to Glarry and Donner, another brand to check out is Indio (by Monoprice).

[@BOSS-xy8op]

Great Video.

[@morethanaveragejoe8224]

Yeah, bro!! Product reviews is a great idea!!

[@pardo6370]

Hey what would guys say about the sire marcus miller v5? Is a low range medium or high range bass? Would you call it a pro bass?

[@KingPorter]

Travis, how are you recording your bass in your videos? What equipment are you using?

[@bobr8565]

How was the intonation?

[@Dlogreen]

the cajones to do this on a tour....lol love it

[@TravisDykes]

Thank you recognizing the risk lol!

[@irishchuck2145]

I am gobsmacked I have the Glarry,Jazz Bass which I've actually used in jam sessions and it wasn't terrible, however, the neck is more like a P Bass or a baseball bat but I never thought the Donner would be better, I just might have to get one to try it out. Thanks for the vid. Cheers

[@needsLITHIUM]

Both of these would probably be great with some proper setup and aftermarket pickups/strings. I'd be especially stoked about a PJ bass or a 5 string, which I know from looking at their website, Glarry makes more than a few.

[@ericjam6346]

Great video. I grew up thinking the guitar is so important. Took awhile for me to learn that is not true.

[@thebionicbassplayer]

For a few dollars more, get the Indio Jamm bass, great sound, better quality. Overall though, good review. Due to advances in manufacturing, you can get a way better bass for a $100 +, than you could back in the day.

[@TravisDykes]

I've never heard of that one before? Could you send me a link? I would love to check it out!

[@thebionicbassplayer]

@@TravisDykes Here's my review...kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3ezfIeEeLOUjck

[@TheTwangKings]

In good hands a cheap bass will sound like an expensive one. There are simple tweaks you can do to improve tone, if the pickups are decent.

[@csj9619]

I thought you were gonna say "Justin Chancellor" is the guest.

[@johnnyhelms9909]

Great! I'm a beginner bassist and own a Squire bass now but I'm going to look into the Donner bass. Thanks for the tips.

[@alanlangley7246]

get a fender player series bass awesome bass price is about 825.00

[@grantkoeller8911]

Just keep your perfectly good Squier bass. It can do the job!

[@MarcG7424]

Nothing wrong with your Squier bass it's probably higher quality than Glarry or Donner

[@adrianholmes5048]

This is Awesome!

[@fabiobass1234]

Só que ainda estou esperando vc me responder sobre a pergunta que te fiz ontem sobre qual configuração vc. ...usa no seu Bass 🎸qual a porcentagem de médio agudo e grave ??? E vc usa os dois capitadores 100%por cento????

[@johnpate4982]

I actually got to see you in GA last month. It was really awesome to see. Y’all were amazing! What IEM do you use?

[@aarondavis4341]

Im impressed with glarry and donnor both they got descent products

[@ObscenePlanet]

I encourage beginners to eventually learn how to setup their own instrument. Only you know what feels good for you. A proper setup makes a huge difference

[@Mtb-TrailTime]

Travis, how are “bass mods” basses? I’m looking to get one.

[@kingdeedee]

I'm interested in them too, but it would cost a whole lot to get them up here in Canada. But they've always seemed particularly popular among gospel bassists from what I've seen

[@marcelprimes]

They’re God tier bro! Go ahead and grab one if you can.

[@AwesomeMan2696]

Everybody that has ever bought a bass mods says it's their favorite bass lolol. Id go for it.

[@mjlly1]

Yes, I rig! when?

[@johanretard3615]

Would've enjoyed more of a breakdown on why the tone of the donner was holding up on stage compared to the Glarry.

[@oldmanfromscenetwentyfour8164]

Several pro players I've worked with have used "cheap" instruments on professional gigs, including recording sessions, some on some very famous recordings. It's not the price of the axe, it's the one throwing it.

[@venusspacey9685]

No sir, It's the price of the axe or pick ups. Pros will tell you anything so you won't feel the need to go out and purchase high quality equipment.

[@oldmanfromscenetwentyfour8164]

@@venusspacey9685 It's the player not the equipment! Your comment is nonsense. I suppose you run a musical instrument company!

[@FreeMethodistChurchButuan]

You can try Elegee Bass from Philippines.

[@slacker42uk]

If a bass is well set up, and the controls work and there is no rather hum, then it's all in the fingers

[@ryanbwags]

I guarantee both basses came out of the same factory. Same guy probably did final assembly over in China. Also, I love cheap gear. Got a bunch of Donner pedals and my main bass when I was in a regionally touring band was a $200 Dean Metalman. Rock solid and the pickup absolutely thumped.

[@mckierobert2083]

Such a great vid bro. Context is everything. You were vibing on the glarry- straight out of the box but as you say it didn't hold up when it came to the main event. Also do things fair differently when you record when compared to live gigs. Ive heard stories of bass player been given the rusty trust studio bass and told to pack up their boutique high end bass. I would love to see some comparisons of bass pedals. What ones do you use, not brand but octave or chorus etc? Keep up the good work.

[@zaccheuswilson5297]

Would u recommend putting a pre amp into the glarry j bass and switching out the pu’s

[@corneliufazecas527]

It would deffinetley help.

[@24_anderson]

Live stream a q&a sometime. That would be really helpful

[@vincentsantiago2gmai]

what about roland bass amps?

[@aaroncareccia1736]

I see you reppin the NC youth gear!!!!

[@Dannys.channel]

What pickups did they have

[@reno145]

In a mix I don't think any one would know (or care) as long as the tone was good.

[@Asaldierna21]

that shirt is DOPE

[@delzmusique7934]

Do budget amps

[@jamesfrazier1475]

Glarry 4 string bass are not perfectly balanced, but glarry jazz 5string bass is more balanced than the 4 string.

[@iamLexxKelsey]

I agree

[@carljackson1855]

Great Job, the most important thing is the cost! Get it Set-up by the teacher keep the cost down, don't upgrade nothing! Just learn how to play music reading learn songs theory the whole works! If you practice consistent and keep tabs on your progress you will be able to play any instrument! However that's just a base line to take it to the level which requires next level concerns , but again Great Job PS be careful how you speak about equipment that price for each bass is good enough to help some person get started in MUSIC Peace!

[@marcusroute935]

Can you do a cover of the bass part of polyphia's goat. I'm having a problem with the triplet ghost motes.

[@djlworldwide2012]

Those motes can be a problem :D

[@mta8469]

So did you mean these were literally $100 or just in the $100 realm? I ask because they are $160 today 11/13/21. So if they went up in price by 60%.... wow! lol

[@MisterRorschach90]

There are $100 guitars and basses that are technically better than some 500-1000 dollar models. I used a $250 guitar for my bands shows, and then a fan of ours came to the show with a Gibson sg. One of the cheapest Gibson sg models ever made. The thing was night and day. My 250 dollar guitar made that Gibson seem like it was broken. My 250 dollar guitar played better than most guitars I’ve ever played. The only guitars I’ve ever played that were better were very high end custom shop versions of fender, Ibanez, prs, and gretsch.

[@dirtymcnuggets9933]

Tonewood is a myth, Cheap Basses and Guitars that can be modded can not only help a new musician get started but will also help them learn what makes an instrument better, and how to repair your own interment when something fails. Also help someone appreciate a better-quality craftsman's ship on a more expensive piece and know better about when you just paying more to pay more.

[@Moshealthtips]

because of pickups and triggers, you dont have to buy expensive instruments for most situations anymore

[@williambent9636]

bought a glarry strat after reading positive reviews. I think all of these companies have consistency issues. It's a bit of a crap shoot. This guitar had a problem with the neck pocket. took the neck off and it looked as if someone had taken a chisel and removed quite a bit of wood under the neck. Bare wood left w/splintered wood. The neck still must not have fit well, so they took a wood rasp to the side of the neck itself. again no finish over rough un-sanded part. The rest of the instrument seemed fine. I'm batting about 50% on these cheap guitars. Still, a lot of fun to turn these marginal guitars into real instruments.

[@KIN6JAMES88]

Try the Sire basses!!!🔥🔥🔥

[@BobJones-bh9qz]

I just got one, it’s the best I’ve ever played

[@Livemusic1800]

I want to purchase a sire 5 string jazz. But undecided.

[@BobJones-bh9qz]

@@Livemusic1800 unbeatable value, I couldn’t recommend it enough

[@Javier-ot4rm]

@@BobJones-bh9qz kj l63u by_llo tdd zd$$and olr

[@mr.s1732]

Y'all look like brothers from another mother.

[@RicTone]

You need a good bass. Anything can go wrong. A quality bass is more than just price. Tuning, intonation and all that.

[@jesusjeroflamencoabierto3588]

Hermano desde España dele permiso al KZbin para que lo traduzca en subtítulo en español porfavor 🤗🤗

[@zaceus]

Videos are top tier

[@Hellion73]

To all new playera out there, before anything, you should and must get a good strap...get it rn!!!, cos no instrument looked or sounded good on the floor, prized or not😒👍

[@LucasJRice]

Should say flat out of the box.

[@carlosencarnacion9667]

Full auto vs full manual, in photography as in guitar and bass playing, if you can not handle a cheapie, and make good music or photos, you ain't much of a pro. If you can not make good images with a vintage Spotmatic camera, vs a top-of-the-line Sony, Canon or Nikon DSLR. If you can create good music with a cheap bass or create good images with an analog camera, then, you have my respect. The skill is not in the sword, it is in the hand of the sworsdman. Samurai X. Tough better equipment helps...

[@jarvisjones2790]

It's all about the bass player Not the Type of bass or the price

[@allanedgar8499]

I have had so many basses stolen and trashed, I only gig with a no name, cheap, modded, $85 bass.

[@grantkoeller8911]

You said the Donner was a jazz bass, both the Donner and the Glarry are Precision basses!

[@fabiobass1234]

Show de bola 🎸😁🔥👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🎸😱

[@onzkicg]

as long as the neck won’t crack and bridge don’t pop up in middle of live gig- you’re good to go 😆

[@TravisDykes]

Oh snap... Did that happen to you?

[@alexchapman3906]

It’s a bit of a double edged sword. If you know how to do a good setup and some basic luthier skills you can make cheap work. If your inexperienced a cheap guitar is often poorly set up so unless you know someone or have enough of a clue to pay for a setup it’s probably not gonna play particularly nice.

[@isaackhakula5488]

4:47 just a glorified dust cover :)

[@lowercase3635]

I’d rather use cheaper guitars during run of the mill gigs because I wouldn’t want to worry about hurting one of my more expensive guitars especially in a tour situation.

[@armando9086]

yooooo TDDDD

[@WorshipShed]

Just get a Sire 🤷🏾‍♂️