Does that include the magnetic viewing paper to determine whether those are really humbuckers?
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Ali Express Bass Wow!
- Thread starter Greg Pruitt
- Start date
Does that include the magnetic viewing paper to determine whether those are really humbuckers?
If you want a wider string spacing, there are plenty of sub-$1000 basses that have 18mm+ string spacing that don't come from questionable origins
Don't confuse buying products from companies like Sire, Squier, etc. with an AliExpress purchase. The former have QC/QA and companies behind the process that are held to a standard (albeit a lower standard). AliExpress is a full-on crapshoot, depending on which vendor you choose. It could actually be a dude assembling kit products in his home that has no idea what a finished bass should feel like or play like.
I'd find a place nearby that sells used instruments, and try before I buy. Or take a gamble on Guitar Center's used site, at least that way if you get a lemon, you can return it. If you have a GC near you, have the bass shipped there, and if it sucks, return it on the spot.
Here seems to be a good look at the physical structure of the bass photo in this thread.
These threads come up every couple of months. It's understandable, when you see something that LOOKS like a very expensive, high-end bass for a fraction of the cost, you want to at least check it out. I won't bother with cliche's about getting what you pay for, as it's so often demonstrably true. The rub with Chinese basses is the uncertainty of every aspect of the transaction. Starting with the fact they are willing to blatantly violate US copyright and trademark protection, so ripping you off isn't much of a leap in the morality/legality spectrum of behaviors. I have seen genuine photos of actual brand name basses on Aliexpress, obviously ripped from elsewhere on the internet, used to sell counterfeit basses that look "similar", so there is absolutely no guarentee that the photo you see actually represents the product being sold. No Eff's Given by the Chinese government, there is literally nobody minding the store, so to speak, and nobody to complain to if it all goes South. I have read that DHGate is slightly less shady than Aliexpress, but no experience to share. There's a company called The Top Guitars that has at least an OK reputation for delivering what they show online, and some degree of customization available. The China Guitar Sceptic guy is very careful not to recommend any specific vendor, so his experience won't necessarily be yours. If you watch a few of his videos, he's been burned numerous times, and has arrived at some reputable vendors..... who's names he won't share! That in itself is instructive as to the level of blind trust required, he doesn't trust them enough himself to associate his name with a particular vendor. The vendors come and go like smoke, yesterday's "Jim'sGuitars100" is tomorrows "CustomBass300", or maybe it's the same guy with two names, or 6, or 20. When one Avatar collects a few bad reviews, on to the next. Speaking of reviews, what makes you think the positive ones are genuine? If all this doesn't raise some serious red flags for the OP, not sure what else to say but Good Luck.
There are replacement bridges you can purchase, which offer variable string spacing. The Hipshot Kickass is a great current example, but hardly the only one. You can customize the spacing for your exact preference, so should conceivably give you plenty more bass options to look at. I got one on kijiji for $100 CAD, and it's been brilliant; I've got the strings exactly where I want them!
- Dec 21, 2007
- 15,222
- 45,018
- Disclosures
- Lark in the Morning Instructional Videos; Audix Microphones
It seems like you're saying "I'm hoping someone tells me this is a good idea". In which case, go for it if you want to do it.
Yes, most of the experiences posted are 2 years old or so. My sense is that you're not seeing a lot of newer experiences because most folks look at that evidence and think "hmm, I'll pass". Thus no newer experiences.
Do you think the quality is likely to have changed if the appearance of quality has not (e.g., they looked good then, but sucked - they look good now, so ???) If so, why?
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
I'm not sure why so many people want to roll the dice on fancy looking cheap basses. You generally get what you pay for
Thing is, the OP might have a stellar experience, or he might get unplayable crap. There’s no reason why the Chinese couldnt make a very nice bass, it’s basic 1950’s level woodworking and paint with the benefit of CNC….. but they often still produce junk because somebody is always willing to gamble on it, and making junk is way easier.
Need to find another bass with a neck wide enough to apply a bridge with similar variances.
Have you seen that wrap they use on advertising vans? Works on mdf as well. Or how about built by kids (modern slavery)
This is not a certainty. There are some requirements on my part, such as wide neck near the bottom to get the string spacing I want in a 5 string. The only basses with spacing close to what I am looking for are some Warrior and Ken Smith models, and you know how much those cost.
Yep, came here to say that. Harley Bentons and SUBs are great values, and they're available from reputable dealers with actual return policies, etc. AliExpress definitely isn't the only place to get the string spacing you want at a reasonable price.
Nope. Don't need permission. Here to see what those who have actually bought one of these has to say. We all have opinions. Opinions do not trump feet on the ground experience.
I get it. But to each his means. I already have a nice 4 string. Looking at a set if build conditions (wide string spacing) in a cheap 5 string and a neck that will work with the spacing I prefer. Not giging, just a Man Cave toy, at least for the 5 string.
