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

[SabreChris]

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

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...

ZOMG, you ABSOLUTELY want to get an Ibanez Soundgear 700 or 7xx!

I have tried out the Ibanez offerings: ATK, BTB, SR in this price range. T

he ATK and SR are made in Korea, the BTB is indonesian(!). 700 is too much to pay for an Indonesian axe, and the construction quality was not quite up to the Soundgear.

The ATK has a nice tone and classic vibe, but construction quality not even close to the Soundgear.

BTB has a finished neck-thru, so seems slower in my hands than the soundgear.

Local stores can sell a SR700 for close to $600.

 

[Kaa]

Or, a Pedulla Rapture would work. The one I had had a super slim neck, I also got it to really low action. Just wasn't what I was looking for.

 

[GregC]

Some great suggestions already. Given your taste for thin necks, a used Geddy should be in the mix.

 

[Orpheus55]

A used USA or Hwy Jazz, or even a good MIM if it feels right. And don't overlook Ibanez; their better SR models might be the ticket. Yamaha TRB100 if you don't mind a 35 scale; very comfy if not too thin neck.

 

[RobBobBass]

I was just offered a mint condition Fender Precision Bass Lyte Deluxe from 1986, any good?

Thanks for the replies so far!

That is the exact Bass that popped into my head when reading your post.....should be able to pick up a mint example for well under 700.

 

[cloren]

hmm, i know banana's at large is doing a really cool special to get rid of old stock- $700 for a quality 70's fender jazz bass.

may not be what you're looking for, but if you're interested Id suggest googling "banana's at large" and giving those guys a call.

 

[megadan]

A used G&L would be great, my G&L is by far the fastest playing bass I own. It growls like a mofo too

 

[Jimmy Bones]

Thought I'd already replied here.

A Schecter Diamond Series Stiletto would be good for you. You can usually find them between $550-$750.

 

[Rush-2112]

You got another vote for the Lākland Skyline Series! Love my 44-01

 

[pringlw]

You could probably pick up a Geddy Lee Jazz for that price. Nice thin neck.

 

[SJLee]

G & L Tribute. You will not be sorry.

 

[Solarmist]

A fast, thin neck that sounds, and looks great for $700?

An Ibanez SR530 with barts [$650].

Go to the Ibanez site, and check them out - it gives neck dimensions/profile. That's the biggest reason I use Ibanez SR's. The necks are thinner front to back than ESP LTD 5ers with a nicer eliptical profile. I know - I've had two LTD B155's, and sold both.

 

[MOTORHEADBANGER]

"You could probably pick up a Geddy Lee Jazz for that price. Nice thin neck."

+1, the Geddy Lee jazz has a rediculously thin, fast neck and has a great growl. They are extremely versatile and can be found used anywhere from $400-$600.

 

[El Jefe]

what about a MTD kingston artist?

 

[lousybassplayer]

Or, a Pedulla Rapture would work. The one I had had a super slim neck, I also got it to really low action. Just wasn't what I was looking for.

I am officially signing up for the 700 dollar Pedulla raptures. What is the limit per customer?

 

[Alcyon]

what about a MTD kingston artist?

Hell yeah, look at this bad boy... Granted, over $700 new, but a hell of a fast neck and a really nice sound. Plus, it looks cool... We all know that's what's most important.

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[El Jefe]

i've got gas for one of those BAD, i really want a blue bass and those have almost the exact specs i like in basses, im just not sure how they sound. and you can get them for close to $600 easily

 

[Figjam]

Used japanese fender jazz

 

[Awareman1128]

Geddy Lee Jazz Bass...Unbelievable tone and playability...Slap is ridiculous!..Geddy Lee punchy rock growl also out of same bass

 

[TAOspeedwagon]

it's so sad to know that $700 will barely buy you a new MIM fender nowadays.

*sigh*