$1000+ basses and $1000- difference

[BlackMetalAkaz]

Could anyone elaborate on the differences most commonly seen between basses in the expensive range ($1000 and up) and basses under that price? What features are more commonly found on the expensive basses then ones in the mid hundreds range?

 

[stflbn]

Woods, Fit and Finish/Attention to Detail, Fretwork, Hardware & Electronics Quality, and of course... Brand Name.

 

[RickenBoogie]

It's all in the details. Look at it this way, if you're young and inexpirienced, the differences are probably not worth your while, but if you've been playing for a while, and have come to appreciate a little luxury in your life, then things like bevelled fret edges, and overall tighter fit and finish become more appreciated. It's more than that, too, like higher quality electronics, including pick ups, better bridges with more adjustment, better tuning gears, with less slop, and then the actual quality of the body and neck woods. Attention to detail, and usually made in USA on top of that. Play a few, and see what I mean.

 

[rappa29]

Could anyone elaborate on the differences most commonly seen between basses in the expensive range ($1000 and up) and basses under that price? What features are more commonly found on the expensive basses then ones in the mid hundreds range?

In my experience I've noticed significant differences in:

1.) pickups\ pre (if it's active)
2.) tuning machines
3.) overall construction (fretwork, tightness, wood)

I've only owned 3 basses in the $1000-$1500 range and I still own 2 of them, Stingray and MIA Jazz. Third was a Lakland 44-02.

I've owned a good amount of basses in the the $200-$1000 range.