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Advice on new bass

Heatmonger

Heatmonger

Jun 17, 2009
81
0
Bawlmer, MD
#1
I have a gift certificate for Invalid Link Removed and would like to use it towards purchasing a new bass (I don't own a bass at all atm, thought I have played a bit in the past). I play mainly classic rock, metal, and punk and have a few basses in mind, but would like an opinion. I am looking to spend around $250-300, and I've pretty much narrowed it down to a few choices.

Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Special Bass Guitar
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product?sku=516092X

Squier by Fender Vintage Modified Precision Bass (Olympic White)
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Squier-Vintage-Modified-Precision-Bass?sku=519638

Epiphone EB-3 SG Bass
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-EB3-SG-Bass?sku=518243

Epiphone Thunderbird IV Bass
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-Thunderbird-IV-Bass?sku=518391

What do you guys think? pros/cons/experience with these particular instruments? :bassist:

Was also looking at The PEavey Millenium AC BXPhttp://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Peavey-Millennium-4-AC-BXP-4String-Bass?sku=511400 but I'm not sure I want to change a battery every week.

Thanks!
 
#2
I've played the Squier Vintage Modified's in stores and agree with the consensus here on TB. They're outstanding for the money and good basses regardless of the price. I've never played the Epiphones so I can't comment on them.

Regarding the battery in an active bass... I've had a MIM Jazz Deluxe, a 55-02, and a Stingray 5 and I currently have a different Stingray 5 and a MIA Jazz Deluxe fretless - all active basses. I don't think I've ever gotten less than six months out of a battery and often get close to a year. Just make sure you unplug the cable from the bass in order to turn off the preamp. If you leave the cord plugged into the bass you're simply draining the battery for no reason, even if the amp is off. Obviously with a totally passive bass there's no battery so leaving the cord plugged into the bass is not an issue.
 
#5
get the Squire Precision. It fits your style of music, looks amazing...very good one

I owne the five-string-Version of the Epiphone Embassy. Not a bad choice, but the sound is a little muddy (I hope you understand :) ) and the Bass is not crafted very well

I' ve heard a lot of good comments on the Peavy, but I havn't play it myself....
 
#6
Everyone seems to be telling me to go with the Squier VM! I guess I am just stuck in the mid / late 90's when Squier = piece of crap and when buying a Fender many saw it as paying more for the Fender name. Seems they have raised the quality of the squier line quite a bit.
 
#8
squier has come a long way and I have played several that are very high quality for the price. I am going to weigh in in regards to the Epi. I ahve one of those EBs, bought it for kicks because it was cheap and I've always wanted a Gibby EB-3 but not gonna happen any time soon. They are decently built or total crap depending on the mood of the Korean kid who built it, and they are one trick ponies for sure. I don't own an epi t-bird, but if they are as hit or miss as Gibson T-birds or the Epi Eb I do have, I'd pass if this is going to be a main axe. I would only get the Epi if I wanted that muddy geezer type sound, and frankly it only does a passable imitation of that. For the stuff you play, it could be right for about 10-15% of your overall material.
 

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