"Affordable" 24 Fret Basses?

[anotherhomeysan]

I absolutely adore Spector, really I do, but I hardly consider them to have easy 24-fret access. I can get to 21/22 comfortably, but after that it's the awkward stretch everybody hates. When I think of easy access I think of basses like Ken Smith where playing in last position is just as easy as playing in the middle of the neck.

That said, for under $500, I haven't a clue about any recommendations.

Nathan Navarro Spector

 

[jasonmatthews]

If you're needing to play that high up the neck why not just add another string? You can string a 5er with a high C string.

But then it becomes... "why not just add another string? You can do ADGCF."

Then "why not just get a guitar?"

 

[jasonmatthews]

Nathan Navarro Spector

Ha, I've seen other people do that. I love everything about my Spector except the poor access in the upper frets.

 

[Robroy]

I haven't looked lately, all great bargains of course, but any specific models with 24 frets with great high fret access?

I got a couple there with 24 frets and "great" high fret access. But "great" is a really subjective term.

 

[bholder]

Then "why not just get a guitar?"

Might be the same pitches, but not at all the same sound.

 

[wintremute]

I feel like some people are just answering the title of the thread (affordable 24 fret), and are not answering his post (with easy access to the high frets).

 

[StayLow]

Schecter Stiletto.

Inexpensive new, dirt cheap used. Looks and plays great.

Check out Cort too.

 

[nutdog]

I despise the color scheme and fret markers.

I can think of a few situations where it might work and a whole lot more where it wouldn't.

 

[Sunset Shalom]

My first bass was an Aria Pro2 Avante series P&J, was 220$ off ebay used with a softcase.

Just found the same bass on ebay for 30$ more + a hardcase!

ARIA PRO II Avante Series Passive 4 String Bass Guitar, Natural With TLK Case | eBay

I have the same natural wood finish and really love it! The action is a bit high on mine but I still occasionally enjoy exploring the higher notes. Plays good enough I have yet to try and set it up better.

Only bass I have owned so I can't compare it really but Aria seems like a solid company and their lower end stuff seems great for the price! Made in korea I believe BTW.

 

[DonaldR]

Yamaha TRBX would be a great choice 3 or 5 series!

I have Yamaha TRBX 505 and really like it, only good feedback for my sound (I play passive mode).

 

[ShadowImage]

Get a 5 string and tune it to EADGC, you no longer have to access the highest frets.

 

[Farrin D]

Get a 5 string and tune it to EADGC, you no longer have to access the highest frets.

But then you'll want the high C

 

[StayLow]

Any opinions on this one?

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Looks fun! For $300 including a leather gig bag ... I'd seriously consider offering a firm $250 if it plays well. Never tried one.

 

[ShadowImage]

But then you'all want the high C

Right, I currently tune this way. A low B on a 5 string IMO sounds flubby and the B sounds like mud. I have a sub octave pedal I use when I need to fill out the low end if I feel like playing up on my high C string. Works great especially for power trio bands where the bass sometimes fills in the mid-range but wants to keep the lower frequencies going.

 

[GIBrat51]

Well, there's always one of these - a Kramer Duke. If you're a righty, $500 can get you a nice one - with the case, too. Mine cost a little more, 'cause I had to pay the Lefty Surcharge...

 

[skeeler]

But then you'll want the high C

That's what my BTB33 is for.

 

[JosephRose]

Any opinions on the ESP LTD B-4E?

 

[ShadowImage]

Any opinions on the ESP LTD B-4E?

Looks great, $600 for neckthrough and good wood is a solid deal for a new bass. Personally I prefer the body style of the F-4E but that's individual taste. Can't stand their stupid 12th fret "block" on all their guitars though. It looks like someone forgot to remove the tag off the shelf. Very nice guitar though.
What's up with the battery compartment, looks like you actually have to unscrew the panel to replace the battery? That means better leave a screwdriver in your gig case.