Advice on new bass

[krovx]

I would appreciate anyone’s experience and suggestions to the following situation. I am playing bass in a hard rock/metal band. Traditionally in this setting, I have usually played guitar, (but one of the guys is better, and the other we are equal) and usually play bass in more funk/jazz/rock environments. I have a bass rig already so it made sense that I would play bass. In symphonic band I played low brass, so being the anchor is familiar territory. I am not a fan of five strings, but need to implement a five string tuning on a four string. I am using my Ibanez BTB four string right now in this type of setting, and it works alright. However, I am looking for a new bass because my BTB is worn. Here is what I am looking at, let me know if I should add to the list, or remove anything.

Warwick Taranis : Designed for what I am looking for. It is passive and expensive…Are there any other basses out there like this one?

Ibanez ATK500 ATK700: I have heard great things about these. I am a fan of the single pickup and simple setup. Not sure what the difference between the ATK500 and ATK700, only aesthetic? One has a nicer finish it seems. Thoughts? I think Ibanez is underrated, and the SRX series looks interesting as well.

EBMM: One of my favorite basses, but they are expensive. Trying to buy a used one, but used price is still high.

ESP LTD Surveyor 400: Looks very nice, seems to be loaded. I have never played any of their basses, but enjoy their guitars, especially for the money.

I have about 800.00 to spend. Thanks!

 

[Blackbd]

Ibanez Paul Gray ATK signature is factory setup to be played BEAD so you may like that if you like the ATK setup. It has some lame inlays and such but if you can get past that it is a pretty aggressive bass.

Warwick Taranis is good but heavvvvy. And it does the warwick sound really well but may not be as tonally flexible as an ATK or ESP. (just an opinion, do not flame!)

You may be able to find a used Stingray for 800 and that would be a good buy as well. I like the maple necked rays for a little brighter tone. Make sure you like the Stingray sound because there is not a wide tonal selection there either. Just a personal preference.

I would a/b the ATK vs. the ESP (never played that model) and see if you like these. I like the ATK's bass boost and 3 way switching. Again I like the maple necked ATKs and they definitely bark which I love.

 

[krovx]

Thanks for the info. My buddy said he would refret my bass with SS fretes for free, an early bday present. I am thinking of buying some Bartolini pups and preamp to replace the stock Ibanez parts on the Ibanez BTB 300. Thoughts?

 

[rodl2005]

I'd go the ATK as they're FINE basses & either the PG 4string-set up BEAD, or the 5 str. BOTH would be GREAT basses!!! IMO not far removed from a EB MM Stingray!!!! Far less $$$ of course!!
Re YOUR bass & getting it "upgraded" - SOunds like a GREAT idea! - IMO tho steer clear of Bartolini's IME they've a pretty low output & I've never been able to get an 'aggressive' tone outta 'em - remember this is MY EXPERIENCE & MY OPINION ONLY!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'd go for either some Seymour Duncan p/ups. IIRC they make some actives now, but 1/4lb'ers can give a big aggressive sound. I installed some in a Jazz bass I had a few yrs ago & it went from being a nice Jazz bass to a Snarling beast w/ the quarter pounders in it! They were passive too!

 

[craigen]

Hard to beat a Fender Jazz tuned down a whole step. I know some players that even tune down a step and a half. Also, one guy uses a jazz bass with the bottom four strings of a five.

 

[landry.bass]

I don't have any experience with Bartolini pups, but I can vouch for the sheer aggressive power of Seymour Duncan 1/4 pound pups. They're awesome, very high output passive pups.

 

[nutterisgo]

Dean Razorback would be a good buy.

 

[Ten Four One]

I'm a big fan of the variable EQ on some of the Ibanez basses, and I'm a big traditionalist when it comes to bass. Makes for a huge variety of tonal possibilities.