Aria Pro ZZB vs. ATK. vs. ???

[Hansel]

Okay.

So, we've been playing a ton of shows lately.

My Samick Artist is still with my uncle, and

Bernadette, my Precision Bass is in need of repair, pickguard damage that involves input jack.

So, my only gigging bass is a Squier Modernbass, MB-4.

It's light and a workhorse, but it's not enough for me. I consistently feel like a beginner using this bass, plus it's very dull and visually unattractive.

So on my hunt for basses which has been going on for about 3 months, I've found various basses on craigs, kijiji, and even at local stores.

So Far, the only that stand out over all are these.

Exhibit A

Aria Pro ZZB Custom, Circa 1985

• 32 1/2 "Medium" Scale. Interesting
• $300 Flat
• 20+ Years Old, Relatively good condition
• It looks SO COOL lol

Exhibit B

Ibanez ATK 300

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Here's the Deal with this one, I found It at Cambridge L&M (Bigger one) for $299 Can. It has a Online Price of 399 and thus would have an average store price of 500+. It's "Used" but, I played it for about an hour on the same amp I have at home and It's amazing. Practically rivals a Stingray that was also there.
This is also a steal, I assume.



I also saw a Tokai Jazz bass for $400. I Played it and It has the same feel as an 80's American Jazz would

Anyway, In basic, I need a new bass, and my budget is around $500. I'm a strong believer in slap, and I love all kinds of music. A Precision is out of the question because I already have one, as is a 5 string. Also I have a SWR WM 400w with a 4x10 Cab.

Thanks for Reading

 

[arai]

i would go the zz.
those pickups have a hot signal and cut through well.

 

[melt]

I played a few ZZBs back in the day; they were pretty punchy basses IIRC.

 

[Hansel]

Do you think it's worth it the fact that is like 20 years old. I guess you could consider it an antique. Hell, if it were a fender I'd be paying like $2500

 

[danomite64]

I'd take the ATK or the Tokai Jazz, but the medium scale and neck dive issues would keep me off that Aria forever.

 

[xerovis]

I figured a bass with a smaller neck would have less neck dive?

Idk, I don't like the look of the aria it looks fragile lol.

Tokai ftw!

 

[Wwolof]

ATK is real good. I prefer mine to my StingRay.

There, I've said it.

 

[xerovis]

Hahah, someone had to, eh?

EDIT: to TC: have you checked out the Squier Classic Vibe line. They are Cheap + Reliable basses so that you could save up for a better one?

 

[CBAnaesthesia]

ATK. No question. Even at list of $650ish, it's a pretty good deal.

 

[bongomania]

A word about ATK prices: they've made ones at different price points, from different countries of origin. I'm just saying check out the age and origin before assuming anything about the price/value.

I'd hit the Aria, personally, but then I don't mind looking silly. They sound killer, and the weight and length of the body cancel out any balance problems that could otherwise be caused by the top strap button placement.

 

[Hansel]

Thanks everyone so far and bongo for the clarification of the dive issue.

@ Xerovis: Yes, and In fact I planned to get the '50's P-Bass later on this summer Just because it's mad cheap AND IT'S LP Blue!

 

[Wwolof]

A word about ATK prices: they've made ones at different price points, from different countries of origin.

Very true. Mine is a little bit nicer than most ... LA custom shop endorser job. It's my number one bajo.

 

[FL Knifemaker]

I would buy the Aria, you can pick up an ATK anytime

I owned one and it was a great bass. The pickups have a huge sound. The neck is fantastic. Mine didn't neck dive and you end up resting your arm on the rear of the body anyway. If I could have one bass back, it would probably be my ZZB.

 

[Apocalypse Dude]

I'd buy the Aria, although the ATK for that price is a steal. At my local music store it's about $650.

 

[Hansel]

I would buy the Aria, you can pick up an ATK anytime

I owned one and it was a great bass. The pickups have a huge sound. The neck is fantastic. Mine didn't neck dive and you end up resting your arm on the rear of the body anyway. If I could have one bass back, it would probably be my ZZB.

HOT DAMN.

Thats a killer Bass if I ever saw one.

Knifemaker, if you don't mind me asking, why did you end up selling it?

 

[melt]

I'd take the ATK or the Tokai Jazz, but the medium scale and neck dive issues would keep me off that Aria forever.

I had an early Tokai Jazz once. Hated it. The ZZBs I played suited me far better, although whether they'd suit anyone alse is a different matter entirely.

 

[GreyBeard]

Very true. Mine is a little bit nicer than most ... LA custom shop endorser job. It's my number one bajo.

What is that neck pup and how does it fit into the existing electronics? Very cool looking bass.

 

[12stringbassist]

I have owned my ZZB from new and the first in the UK (well that's what I was told) for over 20 years and still use it at gigs sometimes now. All I had to do was raise the pickups slightly, by padding under them.

A great bass and I'd recommend them to anyone.

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[Wwolof]

What is that neck pup and how does it fit into the existing electronics? Very cool looking bass.

It's a single coil Ibanez jazz thingy*. You can solo it or mix it with the triple coil, there are 2 3-position switches. Think EBMM HS and you're in the ballpark.

*technical vocab

 

[Hansel]

Okay, so I've decided to go ZZB.

I have a few questions though.

1. Is 300 a good price or should I try to barter?

2. Are the Tuners, Knobs and Bridge Replaceable, because they are all 25 year old brass so its not very appealing.

3. How thin is the body? Compared to say a Rick (cause I know rics have thin bodies)