Anyone tell me about Samick?

[theblackshades]

I messed with one at the local store yesterday as it caught my eye. P-bass body (black with black pickguard) and maple neck (exactly what I'm looking for in a pbass, though not an American fender)

It's a Korean model I know this much and it said artist series on headstock. It felt alright but I didn't plug it in. Kid at shop said he thought it was 80s. They are selling it for $100.

What do you know about this bass? Or brand? Is that a good deal?

 

[bassteban]

The couple of Samicks I've seen/played seemed very nice for the money- I'd call $100 for decent bass most likely a good deal. Try to ascertain the going price/value of this model if you can; finished or *buy it now* auctions on ebay can be a good gauge.

 

[bassplayer8953]

The Samick factory in Korea was one of the largest, if not the largest, guitar/bass manufacturer in the world during their heyday in the 1990's. They made instruments for many brand names: Epiphone, Fender (Squier) Spector & others.

Samick was in the right place at the right time as manufacturing shifted from Japan due to cost. But later, production for entry-level instruments shifted from Korea to still cheaper manufacturers in Indonesia, Viet Nam and most recently, China.

I haven't heard much about Samick lately. Don't even know if they're still in business.

IMO, for $100 a Samick-produced P-bass copy is worth the risk. It's not like you're out a bunch of $$$ in case it's not all you hope for.

 

[MarkL]

I haven't heard much about Samick lately. Don't even know if they're still in business.

I know for a fact they still make pianos, and darn good one's for the price by all accounts.

 

[theblackshades]

I think I'm gonna get it

 

[theblackshades]

It's the exact style and look I've been after in a bass.

 

[andydye]

I had a samick jazz years ago, it was pretty nice, I still have a mandolin by them...

Give it a good check over, if it feels good go for it! It's v cheap!

 

[theblackshades]

And to Korean credit, my first bass ever (which I still have) was a Korean made 95 Ibanez expressionist jazz bass

 

[allexcosta]

Samick still makes guitars and basses... They make the whole line of Tuscany instruments for Frudua, which are very nice for the money. Here:

Vintage replica guitars

 

[theblackshades]

Here it is, serial number reads 5060322

I can't find any info on it! HELP!

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

In the late '80s early '90s, their higher end basses were pretty common. By "Higher End " I mean their quasi Alembic clones - pretty nice basses... I recall thinking that with a bit of work - new electronics & whatnot, they could be very very nice...

 

[theblackshades]

So you think this is a good deal? I have a fender JP 90 at hone that is out of commission. Was thinking that if I get this, I could gut the jp90 and stock this smack with it's pickups and also put on the badass bridge that is on my JP90. Might really make this bass stomp some tail.

What do you think? I mean $100 for a bass that has the look and feel, and I won't have to worry about buying a new better pickup or bridge since I already have it ready to install!

 

[theblackshades]

I'm assuming that the manufacturer date is stamped under the neck. But seeing as how it's Korean, we all have the impression it's 80s-90s....right?

 

[Bogster]

I owned a custom samick 5 string with a five piece bubinga/wenge neck some years back that I took quite a beating for on some other forum(s). It was really a great bass and was even comparable to many mid-range Ibanez basses I've played. I got rid of it about 4 years ago due to owning too many fivers and kind of regret that I did so. Bottom line is if you like it and it gives you the feel and sound you need, then who cares what's written on the headstock? If you like it, buy it.

 

[theblackshades]

I'm not bothered by brand name moreso than quality. I'm trying to find out how much better Korean quality is as opposed to Mexico in this era as this samick seems to be older. I wish I could find out the year it was made or any other info on this model. As I said before I have a Korean Ibanez that is quite good, which makes me more inclined to buy it.

 

[theblackshades]

I just put it on layaway haha. Gonna fully pay for it on Friday. Until then, I'll start taking my jp90 apart to stock good stuff in the samick.

 

[theblackshades]

After close inspection too, found this is equipped with schaller tuners!

 

[Konigstiger22]

I have a early 90's Artist series P/J. It's ugly as heck but it has a great neck on it and play great. I think I got it for about $100. As my tech says it's no high end bass which can be hit or miss sometimes at least I know what to expect out of the Samick.

 

[Bogster]

Sweet!

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

So you think this is a good deal? I have a fender JP 90 at hone that is out of commission. Was thinking that if I get this, I could gut the jp90 and stock this smack with it's pickups and also put on the badass bridge that is on my JP90. Might really make this bass stomp some tail.

What do you think? I mean $100 for a bass that has the look and feel, and I won't have to worry about buying a new better pickup or bridge since I already have it ready to install!

What exactly does "out of commission" mean?