1956 Fender P Bass @ Tom's Guitar Shop

[Burns-bass]

17 minutes ago, Rick's Fine '52 said:

Well, like everyone, you’re entitled to your view. 

As a bass player and collector, and artist (very poor amateur), I don’t agree with your art appraisal either, if you’re saying the value is in the concept and execution, I think those are two different things, Leo had the concept, so puts replicas in the shade, and regarding execution, do you think Jackson’s execution was any more skilled than others that have done it since and copied, like John Squire for example? I personally don’t think so. That style doesn’t need skilled execution, it’s all about the concept and interpretation. Which bringing back  to guitar terms, Leo was a trailblazer in every aspect of his craft. 

I guess when you see the scale and execution of a genuine Pollock (which are bigger than garage doors) you really can see the difference.

Jackson defined the style so by nature his execution is the best. And there is huge skill in it. Maybe give it a try. (I did as part of an art course and much of Pollocks work is much more conceptual than it appears at first glance).

 

Leo was a trailblazer who automated, systematised and refined his craft. He’s the Henry Ford of guitars. Beautifully crafted designs made from cheap components that are endlessly produced (and emulated).

 

They’re things bolted together by low paid workers. That original ones have survived unmolested is surprising and that’s why they’re collectible. 

[Rick's Fine '52]

1 minute ago, Burns-bass said:

I guess when you see the scale and execution of a genuine Pollock (which are bigger than garage doors) you really can see the difference.

Jackson defined the style so by nature his execution is the best. And there is huge skill in it. Maybe give it a try. (I did as part of an art course and much of Pollocks work is much more conceptual than it appears at first glance).

 

Leo was a trailblazer who automated, systematised and refined his craft. He’s the Henry Ford of guitars. Beautifully crafted designs made from cheap components that are endlessly produced (and emulated).

 

They’re things bolted together by low paid workers. That original ones have survived unmolested is surprising and that’s why they’re collectible. 

I said that, that with Pollock it's all about the concept and originality. I’ve seen many of his paintings, and own a few JS original pieces, and don’t think the execution is better with Pollock, in fact, having studied both, I think JS is far more creative. I’m also fairly certain that JS wouldn’t have created his pieces without Pollocks work preceding his own, and influencing him having defined the style, as you say.

I think you contradicted yourself, but we’ve probably digressed from the appeal of an original ‘55 P bass.
I won’t even start on original £200m Ferrari 250 GTO’s and their much more reliable £70k replicas. 
The fact is, the same people aren’t attracted to both. And that’s the point I think. 

[AndyTravis]

On 13/11/2025 at 08:51, Beedster said:

My exes, original '55 on the left, Fender Custom Shop (ex @AndyTravis) on the right

 

That custom shop was cool - one of a run done for Sting so he could retire his originals by all accounts…

 

Sold at the time because it didn’t suit my band or something mundane…

 

it’d really work now. Meh. Life…

[iainbass]

11 hours ago, Rick's Fine '52 said:

Or a £45m Pollock painting, which, as an artist I could replicate in 45 mins

Love Pollock.  Ive seen some have a goes of Pollock and they were woefully lacking. But if you think you can then well done.

[Rick's Fine '52]

8 minutes ago, iainbass said:

Love Pollock.  Ive seen some have a goes of Pollock and they were woefully lacking. But if you think you can then well done.

I agree, there’s certainly far more bad ‘have a goes’ than good, just as replica Fender builders.

[agoulding]

On 13/11/2025 at 17:54, SteveXFR said:

I might buy this and play it with a pick through a signal chain including a selection of disgusting distortion pedals, a cheap solid state amp and one of those plastic TC cabs.

 

If you decide against this idea, do you mind if I buy it instead, and stick a MM pick up in at the bridge? I feel like this would increase the instruments versatility at open mic nights.

[SteveXFR]

12 hours ago, agoulding said:

 

If you decide against this idea, do you mind if I buy it instead, and stick a MM pick up in at the bridge? I feel like this would increase the instruments versatility at open mic nights.

 

You could but Id recommend sticking in a Dingwall triple humbucker. You'll have to modify the body a touch obviously but I could lend you a hammer and chisel