The best bass purchase you've ever made?

[4ForAll]

Number 1 - my EB-3 (1968); I started playing back in the '60s and am still a big fan of listening to and playing '60s music - and this bass covers a lot of that ground with light gauge strings and proper attention to EQ (from Jack's boxy hi-mids growl of course - to the Beatles - Macca's current touring bassist uses one exclusively when covering for Paul while he's on guitar or piano).

The "catch" is that it's a short scale bass (30.5") and the spacing at the bridge is relatively narrow. So what's a James Jamerson fan to do?

Number 2 - my Steinberger XM2 (1988); It's a long scale bass same as a P Bass and unless you've got one of the first 24 basses ever made by Ned, the EMG pickups (EMG-HB) are actually split Precision type coils in a Humbucking enclosure made specifically for Steinberger Sound (see Steinbergerworld for the details). With (old) heavy strings and proper attention to EQ I can get a very satisfying piece of Igor's tone! And most importantly the spacing by the bridge and feel of the neck is very comparable to the EB-3 (aside from the scale length obviously).

For me - switching back and forth between the short and long scales became doable with the XM2. Yeah - the XM2's relatively heavy - but it's well balanced and with a cushy strap very wearable. So if you go both ways - short and long - this is a strong combination.

[Mojo8ass]

Originally Posted by ShowLow

These. Brand new MIJ Precision and Jazz basses at a great price. Both awesome! And the J turns out to be a collector's item as it was part of a very small run.

SL

Sweet combo dude!!

[drummer5359]

I've bought 5 basses since this March, one of which I've already sold.

The best deal was a clean 72 Telecaster Bass that I picked up for about half of the going price. I bought it from a cousin/friend whom I played drums alongside on and off for thirty years. I'm leaving it to him (or his son) in my will.

I always loved the sound of jazz basses in other people's hands. In mine, not so much. Then I ran across a super clean late model American Standard Jazz bass that just felt and sounded right to me. It has surprised me how much I like playing this bass.

I recently stumbled upon a 1988-89 MIJ Precision. It's dinged up a bit, but not bad. I originally intended to flip it, but it has become my "office bass". It's the one sitting by the computer in my office. When I stumble upon something on line that I want to try to play or I just feel like "noodling" this one is perfect.

But...

my be all, end all favorite is my 60th Anniverary 2011 P bass. I love how it feels, I love how it sounds and it looks "special" to my eyes. THAT is my best purchase hands down.

[fjadams]

Last two pickups were pretty good deals. Gibson Thunderbird SS, it was a music store wall hanger, and they wanted to get rid of it. Paid $800, bass and case in perfect shape. This week got a Hofner Icon with case. Bass is perfect condition, case has a scrape, put on a set of La Bella Beatle Bass flats. $265. I think it's the lightest bass I've ever owned.

[KeithKlaxwell]

maybe my cherry '97 Guild Starfire

[lbbc]

I picked up an Alembic Rogue 5 string for $1000 at my local music store. Loved the sound, feel and weight...I just couldn't get the hang of the 5th string or scale of the bass. So, I sold it. Wish I could find another as a 4 string.

[matala]

Yamaha TRB 1005, I got it for 590 euros. It demanded a bit adjusting and so on, but after that it´s been the best bass I´ve had so far

[phillybass101]

Geddy Lee Jazz bass
Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Brubaker Brute MJX5-SC with coil splitter (Single Cut)

[bassbully]

Been a few but the 83' MIJ SQ Squier P bass for $140.00 this summer was a winner.

[SubNoizeRat3691]

I got a Warwick Corvette from one of my buddies for $400. It's a little beat up, but it sounds amazing! best purchase ever!

[1SHOT1HIT]

Eww!! New excuse to post pics!!!

1962 Shell Pink Fender Jazz Bass

$100 bucks ;-)