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$1500 To Spend On A Bass

#61
Garret Wheeler said:
Hello everybody!

Ok, so right now I'm in between my freshman and sophomore years of college. I've recently acquired a good-paying the job for the summer and I plan to buy a really nice bass right before I go back to school. I've gone back and forth between modding a budget bass or just buying a bass that is good enough stock to leave alone, and I've decided I would rather buy a "lifer" than a hot-rodded cheap bass.

By lifer I mean a bass that is solid enough that it'll undoubtedly last me a lifetime, and I'll never even think about wanting to get rid of it. I know all of that stuff is subjective, but what it comes down to is I want to drop somewhere between $1000 and $1500 on this instrument. I know price isn't necessarily an indication of quality, but I want this to be a professional-quality instrument, not just a good bang-for-the-buck. Maybe I should include that I gig regularly and record semi-regularly, so any instrument I acquire will be put to use and will definitely be put through its paces!

So far I've been considering:

A used Rickenbacker 4003 (A lot of times they're closer to $1600 but I could bend my own rules for this one :thumbsup:)
An American Jazz Bass (American professional or American standard- I've played both and can't find much of a difference playing and sound-wise)
A Fender P bass (Probably the Classic 50s, which is actually below my potential price point, but I can't imagine a P-bass being much better! OOH- Except maybe the Mike Dirnt Roadworn!!) btw- If I go for this one I may add a second 15" cabinet to my rig with the money I'd save :D
A used Musicman Stingray (Nuff said)
Lastly, something by Lakland (I haven't done too much research into their stuff, but I know they make some awesome instruments that can be had for around my price-point)

I've seen a lot of these type of threads, but this isn't as much a question of what should I buy, but what are some really nice basses to check out that can be had for $1000-$1500?

My requirements/preferences:
I only want to buy one bass
No modifications NEEDED to make it a solid bass
I prefer 4 strings
I've generally stuck to passive instruments but not by rule
I would like something American (but that's not necessarily a requirement)
Click to expand...

I think for versatility and classic sound and playability, an American Fender Jazz Bass is really hard to beat. Really really hard.
 
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#62
just saying ... it is hard for US to guess at what would feel good ' in your hands ' ... !!! which i think is the most important thing ... everything else is pretty easy to adjust/change ...!

a " Keeper " ... ha ... i though that with my first wife .. !?!

oh yeh ... i also thought the same ting with my second wife .. !!

now on #3 ... i'll stick to buying and selling basses/gear .. ! ( it's much cheaper )
 
#64
$1500? About 210 6-packs:

-2014-A-6-pack-of-Bass-Ale-The-Bass-Brewery-was-founded-in-1777-by-William-Bass-in-T-Stock-Photo.jpg
 
#65
You have very vast requirements, and quite the budget. I can't help ya man. You have so many options it really goes down to your choice.

Personally, I'd choose a jazz bass. I love jazz basses, but since I own one, I'd choose the rickenbacker.

A P bass is always a solid instrument. A bit too flat for my taste, and overused.
A stingray is a heck of a nice bass to have. They always sound great.
A Rickenbacker is a classic and is guaranteed to last you a lifetime. Plus, they have a distinct sound and look. Owning a Rickenbacker is a bit of a status quo in the world of bass. Plebes do not have Rickenbackers.
A jazz bass is a great instrument. Ideal for everything I'd say.

I wouldn't concern myself with what bass you should get, because you have wide requirements. I'd go to the music store and try them all out. My favourite bass is a squier VM jazz bass V. I find it much better than my american Precision bass. It comes down to what feels better. I got a squier VM because I like the lower quality control, it makes every bass a bit more unique. And god, that bass is the best I've ever played, better than any rick or stingray.

My point is, I can't decide for you. Go with feel. Keep us updated!
 
#71
Garret Wheeler said:
Hello everybody!

Ok, so right now I'm in between my freshman and sophomore years of college. I've recently acquired a good-paying the job for the summer and I plan to buy a really nice bass right before I go back to school. I've gone back and forth between modding a budget bass or just buying a bass that is good enough stock to leave alone, and I've decided I would rather buy a "lifer" than a hot-rodded cheap bass.

By lifer I mean a bass that is solid enough that it'll undoubtedly last me a lifetime, and I'll never even think about wanting to get rid of it. I know all of that stuff is subjective, but what it comes down to is I want to drop somewhere between $1000 and $1500 on this instrument. I know price isn't necessarily an indication of quality, but I want this to be a professional-quality instrument, not just a good bang-for-the-buck. Maybe I should include that I gig regularly and record semi-regularly, so any instrument I acquire will be put to use and will definitely be put through its paces!

So far I've been considering:

A used Rickenbacker 4003 (A lot of times they're closer to $1600 but I could bend my own rules for this one :thumbsup:)
An American Jazz Bass (American professional or American standard- I've played both and can't find much of a difference playing and sound-wise)
A Fender P bass (Probably the Classic 50s, which is actually below my potential price point, but I can't imagine a P-bass being much better! OOH- Except maybe the Mike Dirnt Roadworn!!) btw- If I go for this one I may add a second 15" cabinet to my rig with the money I'd save :D
A used Musicman Stingray (Nuff said)
Lastly, something by Lakland (I haven't done too much research into their stuff, but I know they make some awesome instruments that can be had for around my price-point)

I've seen a lot of these type of threads, but this isn't as much a question of what should I buy, but what are some really nice basses to check out that can be had for $1000-$1500?

My requirements/preferences:
I only want to buy one bass
No modifications NEEDED to make it a solid bass
I prefer 4 strings
I've generally stuck to passive instruments but not by rule
I would like something American (but that's not necessarily a requirement)
Click to expand...
Go used, be patient, keep an eye out for a good deal. get what you really want. Money goes a long way on the used market right now. I've had plenty of basses and always wanted a Warwick thumb neck through 6. But they were like $6,000 new for several years. Bought mine used for 1/4th of that with Some nice upgrades like Delano pickups and an audere pre.

IMG_2344.JPG
IMG_2376.JPG
 
#72
Garret Wheeler said:
Hello everybody!

Ok, so right now I'm in between my freshman and sophomore years of college. I've recently acquired a good-paying the job for the summer and I plan to buy a really nice bass right before I go back to school. I've gone back and forth between modding a budget bass or just buying a bass that is good enough stock to leave alone, and I've decided I would rather buy a "lifer" than a hot-rodded cheap bass.

By lifer I mean a bass that is solid enough that it'll undoubtedly last me a lifetime, and I'll never even think about wanting to get rid of it. I know all of that stuff is subjective, but what it comes down to is I want to drop somewhere between $1000 and $1500 on this instrument. I know price isn't necessarily an indication of quality, but I want this to be a professional-quality instrument, not just a good bang-for-the-buck. Maybe I should include that I gig regularly and record semi-regularly, so any instrument I acquire will be put to use and will definitely be put through its paces!

So far I've been considering:

A used Rickenbacker 4003 (A lot of times they're closer to $1600 but I could bend my own rules for this one :thumbsup:)
An American Jazz Bass (American professional or American standard- I've played both and can't find much of a difference playing and sound-wise)
A Fender P bass (Probably the Classic 50s, which is actually below my potential price point, but I can't imagine a P-bass being much better! OOH- Except maybe the Mike Dirnt Roadworn!!) btw- If I go for this one I may add a second 15" cabinet to my rig with the money I'd save :D
A used Musicman Stingray (Nuff said)
Lastly, something by Lakland (I haven't done too much research into their stuff, but I know they make some awesome instruments that can be had for around my price-point)

I've seen a lot of these type of threads, but this isn't as much a question of what should I buy, but what are some really nice basses to check out that can be had for $1000-$1500?

My requirements/preferences:
I only want to buy one bass
No modifications NEEDED to make it a solid bass
I prefer 4 strings
I've generally stuck to passive instruments but not by rule
I would like something American (but that's not necessarily a requirement)
Click to expand...

Used - you have many options. SO many options! Used MIA laklands leap to mind (I think my 494 cost me $1650 here on TB and it is *great*); Used Fender MIA Deluxe P-bass, usually for around $1100 used - lots of options.
 
#75
The only real thing to do here is to actually demo all of the basses in person. Take a weekend and call up some shops to see what they carry. You might have to drive a few hours but take a friend and have some fun with it. You can locate a dealer through the manufacturer's website for the major brands. What looks good on the internet might not be what feels good when you hold it and play it.
 

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