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$700 to spend on a bass... Some advice needed!

Z

Zangetsu

Sep 14, 2008
21
0
#1
I'm dying on the inside looking for a new bass, I've been playing an ESP LTD B-50 for the last 5 years, think its time to upgrade. All I'm concerned with is:

  • Fast thin neck (VERY important the way I'm playing at the moment).
  • Access past the 17th fret is essential.
  • And good reliability as I'm gigging every second day.

Obviously I want a big durty growl out of her aswell :P

The style of music I'd be playing is anything from QOTSA, Placebo, Death from Above, Cure, Electro and Electronica.

So far my eyes have strayed across and ESP LTD B-4E, and Ibanez BTB670, a Cort B4 SP LTD and a Cort T74. Any other suggestions or opinions on what I've been looking at?

I'd really appreciate your help on this as I'm tearing my hair out at this stage...
 
#3
Any of the ones you mentioned are good choices for your budget. May I also recommend an Ibanez Soundgear or a Dean B2. There is a Dean B2 over at the lowend as we speak for $400.....a steal since it's basically a Peavy BQuad, just not quite as cool....and without the Modulus made graphite neck.
 
#4
The new Sterling by MM line should be available shortly. Also, the G&L Tribute line is very good in this price range. A Tribute L-2000 is an alternative worth checking out. Of course, I should probably point out that $700 will get you a VERY nice used instrument that will be a few notches better than you will be able to get new for that price. So, consider the TB classifieds as well and see what you can get there. Maybe something nicer than the ones you are looking at.

Of all the ones you are looking at, I like the Ibanez the most.
 
#6
Definately see if you can snap up and Ibanez SR (Soundgear). The 500 model is amazing, enge neck, super thin fast neck, good pickups, just a really great bass all around. Most of the ibanez soundgears are.
Maybe a used jazz? Or get a squier vintage 70s modified or whatever for $300 and then throw on some new pickups (SD Quarter Pounders) and either new electronics or a badass II. That's what i did and it kicks ass.

Honestly though i'd say just hit up the music stores, especially their used sections, pawn shops, etc. Find the best playing bass for you!

GOOD LUCK!
 
#11
I'm telling you man....

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The Dean B2 is a highly under rated, very cool bass with lots of tonal options. Piezo system and all. Use the $300 you have left over and throw in a set of Nordy's or Delano's and this thing will shred. Plus it's got the fret accessability and the fast thin neck you were looking for.

Also take a look at a G&L 2500, you may be able to find one in your budget. They kill pretty hard.
 
#15
Double Agent said:
The new Sterling by MM line should be available shortly. Also, the G&L Tribute line is very good in this price range. A Tribute L-2000 is an alternative worth checking out. Of course, I should probably point out that $700 will get you a VERY nice used instrument that will be a few notches better than you will be able to get new for that price. So, consider the TB classifieds as well and see what you can get there. Maybe something nicer than the ones you are looking at.

Of all the ones you are looking at, I like the Ibanez the most.
Click to expand...

++++1
 
#16
Ibanez basses are going to have fast neck because they are made for metal. They feel great and sound great too. But if you want fast neck and growly, I would look at a used spector (feel great and growly as balls), or get a shecter. Schecters come with the passive emg pickups, which are ok but lack that active emg edge. I upgraded mine to the emg-dc's (active) and now my Schecter has lots of growl. I bought 2 of those pickups on here for $100 bucks, was able to install them myself, and was one of the best decisions of my life. ;)
 
#17
I would say the Spectors I've played have more of a chunky neck than an Ibanez which is slightly thinner front to back and flatter in the radius.

As a shameless plug, buy my P bass. It's got a nice quick neck.
 
#18
lousybassplayer said:
44-01 or 44-02 for my vote, but in that price range there are a ton of really nice options. I just want to congratulate you on your luck for having 700 bucks to go bass shopping!
Click to expand...

+1. It would probably be worth checking out some Lakland Skyline stuff... Nice necks, great sound, best thing for the money in my opinion. And if you go used you could probably find something great for under $700.
 

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