What do you recommend?

samurai514 · #1 10-20-2011, 07:05 PM

I have a conundrum that I'd like some input on. I've been playing bass for almost a year and a half and I use a school-owned bass, but I want to invest in one of my own. I play jazz, but also rock, metal, and about anything else, so I need a versatile and durable bass that I can afford with a $400- about $700 (U.S. dollars) budget? Anything you guys could tell me would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

RandyMolson · #2 10-20-2011, 08:16 PM

What are you playing now? Anything about it you like or not like about it? Neck width preferences? Does a Fender or Warwick body look cooler to you?

bassbenj · #3 10-20-2011, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samurai514

I have a conundrum that I'd like some input on. I've been playing bass for almost a year and a half and I use a school-owned bass, but I want to invest in one of my own. I play jazz, but also rock, metal, and about anything else, so I need a versatile and durable bass that I can afford with a $400- about $700 (U.S. dollars) budget? Anything you guys could tell me would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

The usual answer would be to get some kind of Fender bass because they cover the widest range of music without sticking out like a sore thumb. In your price range that'd be a MIM Jazz Deluxe V. The "mid" control gives a much wider range of tone than a normal Fender which allows it to cover a wider range of music than even the usual Fender.

But, that said, let me also say that I own one of those, and I'm much less than enthused with it. I like the "noiseless" feature of the pickups but the tone leaves a lot to be desired. Of course pickups can be changed. And the preamp could use a bit of improvement as well. But still overall it would cover a lot of ground for you.

My personal choice in your situation, would be a G&L L-2500 Tribute. It's very Fender-like in many ways, yet is by far the most versatile in tone of basses you'll find. The price is right, especially if you can find one used. I have one and it's my main 5 string player. (The Fender V being reserved for times when the Fender "look" is required and music is "old school") It takes some time to get used to what all the knobs and switches do to change the tone, but it's not rocket science. I strongly recommend the "K-Mod" single coil thing to help get the tone near to a Jazz.

You will notice I'm suggesting a 5 string rather than a 4 string. Again, based on your desires of covering the widest range of music I think you'll find a 5 helps you do this. If you don't need the B string, use it for a thumb rest! It'll be there when you do need it!

That's what I would do, but I'm not you. You'll have to decide what appeals to you. I urge you to try the basses before you buy one! Not only to get a good one, but also to be sure that the sound/feel/look etc. fits YOUR idea of what you want.

Try to remain conservative. Newbies often get all taken with the least important and least desirable features of an instrument and then later quickly tire of it. (such as a bunch of pointy stuff like a "Dimebag" bass) You'll save a lot of money if you wait until you are REALLY sure that whatever it is, is really for you!

Good luck!

samurai514 · #4 10-21-2011, 02:47 PM

I play an Ibanez, pretty sure it's a GSR400, and I like it alright, but it's all I've really played. In my opinion a Fender looks cleaner but Warwick bodies look pretty cool, though appearance is one of my least concerns. I was kinda considering a 5, so it's good to hear someone else supports that idea, but I'd definitely need to go to a store and check 'em out.

SwagAttack · #5 10-21-2011, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samurai514

I play an Ibanez, pretty sure it's a GSR400, and I like it alright, but it's all I've really played. In my opinion a Fender looks cleaner but Warwick bodies look pretty cool, though appearance is one of my least concerns. I was kinda considering a 5, so it's good to hear someone else supports that idea, but I'd definitely need to go to a store and check 'em out.

If you want a 5er, I have read really good things about the Ibanez SR505, or higher. They are lightweight, active eq, and Bart MK-1s. If you like the thin Ibanez necks, it would probably fit you nicely.

Crystalman85 · #6 10-21-2011, 04:23 PM

At your price range, there are a couple of basses that are suitable for what you play. here's a couple of basses just to name a few.

Schecter stiletto
Schecter raiden
Schecter omen
Ibanez soundgear
Dean edge
Peavey millennium
ESP "LTD" basses
Yamaha BB basses
Yamaha RBX basses

KJAXE · #7 10-22-2011, 01:21 PM

Lakland Skyline. Great bass for it's price! You may be able to find a new one for $700-$800 but definitely a good used one. Of course some sort of Fender would work also.

samurai514 · #8 11-18-2011, 09:14 PM

I made it over to Guitar Center and got to check out some basses there. I was pretty fond of the Schecter I played, but I fell in love with the Ibanez SR505. Not only was it gorgeous, it had a great sound and was pretty easy for me to play once I got used to the B-string, and I came back to it after having tried out a few other basses. I noticed it had some fret buzz on the first and second frets on G, which I know isn't too big of an issue. Other than that, no complaints. Has anyone had a bad experience with one (before I make a purchase that I'll regret)?

Juan Count · #9 11-18-2011, 09:22 PM

Fender Jazz Bass... or a P if that feels better in your hands... can't go wrong in terms of versatility...

mcglyph · #10 11-18-2011, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samurai514

I made it over to Guitar Center and got to check out some basses there. I was pretty fond of the Schecter I played, but I fell in love with the Ibanez SR505. Not only was it gorgeous, it had a great sound and was pretty easy for me to play once I got used to the B-string, and I came back to it after having tried out a few other basses. I noticed it had some fret buzz on the first and second frets on G, which I know isn't too big of an issue. Other than that, no complaints. Has anyone had a bad experience with one (before I make a purchase that I'll regret)?

I'm only going to suggest you try and find a small independent vs the independent bizness munching entity that is GC. Small businesses deserve your patronage, are more likely to treat you well, and unfortunately are being squeezed out of the picture.

AmadeusXeno · #11 11-18-2011, 09:40 PM

I think some good choices for your price range and the tones you are after would be a jazz bass, ibanez sr or atk series, or a schecter stilleto series.

cassanova · #12 11-18-2011, 10:20 PM

I recommend you go to the music stores and play everything you can get your hands on. Then, when you find one you like the playability and sound of, try and find it used.

samurai514 · #13 11-19-2011, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcglyph

I'm only going to suggest you try and find a small independent vs the independent bizness munching entity that is GC. Small businesses deserve your patronage, are more likely to treat you well, and unfortunately are being squeezed out of the picture.

Good point, thanks. I intended to shop around a little bit more anyway, I know I can probably get a better price as I found one on wwbw.com for less, or at least more customer-oriented service.

XtheDeadPawn · #14 11-19-2011, 04:29 PM

I played a SR500 before they give a nice modern bite with a little bit of a high end that I personally don't like much but, then again that's what the treble control is for. For what you plan to play it should do you good. However the thin necks can be a blessing if you got small hands but, if you have big hands the spacing can be cumbersome especially if move past the 12th fret alot. YMMV though.

rodcheapo · #15 11-19-2011, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crystalman85

At your price range, there are a couple of basses that are suitable for what you play. here's a couple of basses just to name a few.

Schecter stiletto
Schecter raiden
Schecter omen
Ibanez soundgear
Dean edge
Peavey millennium
ESP "LTD" basses
Yamaha BB basses
Yamaha RBX basses

100% on all these.

I found myself in a very similar positions, in regards to genres, experience, and budget. I now own two 5ers, a Schecter Stiletto Elite and Yamaha TRB1005. These are definitely suitable for the newer bassist advancing to intermediate levels.

darkstorm · #16 11-19-2011, 04:36 PM

Ibanez Sr basses along with Esp Ltd B and F series in your price range would be nice upgrade to your bass imo. Schecters can be great choice to. Though I think the Ibanez and Esp Ltds a better bang for buck.

samurai514 · #17 01-07-2012, 02:13 PM

I got the Ibanez Soundgear, and I'm super happy with it! I played my first concert with it in December, and my family said it sounded good, and that it wasn't too loud or soft, which I had problems with before. Sadly, all the independent stores in my area are really small, so they don't carry a variety in their brands, so I had to buy from Guitar Center, though I do intend to buy any accessory I can from them, now that I have it. Thanks so much for the help guys!