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ATK--old vs. new?

C

CentralCoastBass

Guest
Feb 4, 2004
1,099
592
#1
I have never owned one of these but I plan on getting one soon. I played an older ATK 5 string a couple of years ago, and more recently, a new ATK 4 string in a local music store. I can't remember the differences between the two(besides the extra string). Anyways, which are "better"? The old ones or the new reissues? Anyone with experience? Help
 
#2
The new ones are different in a few ways; there is a volute under the nut for improved headstock strength, and a wheel truss rod nut at the body end, like a current Stingray. The string ferrules are slightly larger, so the ball ends don't get jammed in them, and the battery cover is separate from the control cavity. Having said that, some people have gotten new ATK's with neck issues, but AFAIK they just returned the bass and got another one with no issues.
 
#5
I have a 95 ATK. I haven't played the new ATK's, but FWIW, my instrument has seen some abuse and it's still solid as a rock. Even the finish is immaculate. I had it set up by a pro luthier and he even remarked that the finish has held up better than some high end basses made around the same time.
 
#6
workdaddy said:
I have never owned one of these but I plan on getting one soon. I played an older ATK 5 string a couple of years ago, and more recently, a new ATK 4 string in a local music store. I can't remember the differences between the two(besides the extra string). Anyways, which are "better"? The old ones or the new reissues? Anyone with experience? Help
Click to expand...

if im thinking of the same bass,that 5 you played was my students at the time (dude bought it after playing mine), but forrestt has it now if you wanted to play it. ive got the same bass but mine's better. on that one the strings lined up kind of funny if i remember right and someone sanded off the gloss on the neck.

i played a few that came by through the shop when they first got reissued and i didnt like any of them as much as the older ones. they feel more import'ish than the old cort made ones. those feel like they should cost more than they do. the new ones feel like "yup thats a bass built in indo" imo
 
#7
Thank you sir. It was your old 5---killer bass for the money imo. Too narrow string spacing for me though. In fact, I don't know if I could play another 5 after I got my 535. Anyways, I'm paid up on a new demo model, sunburst, some dings, 7 day return policy. It hope its a good one.
 
#10
boys were written by me in the theme of atk kluba.mozh here it will be more faithful to write.... schas as I understood atk of the Indonesian production went..I played as though khoroshyy bass alike on stringrey...I unique experiencing for a producer
 
#12
and would be steep if atk 90kh dodov met me but as though neglasilas' saying who wants to find that will find however in this wretched country khoroshyy poigranyy bass practically unreal and tembolee in a moym small town. simply the fellows of neznayu need to be bought indoneziyu..or not..here in what question...)))))))
 
#13
I have only played three examples of the new 4 string. I was impressed with the quality, just not the versatility. I loved the slap tone but all ready have a bass for that. If the older ones are better than the new ones then I will start searching the used bass ads!!! :bassist:
 
#19
Don't forget about the USA Custom ATK's, made by Dave Bunker and Scotty Bevilacqua. They had the 'stress-free' neck and several other tweaks, in addition to being hand-made in the USA. These are, by far IME/IMHO, the best of the ATK's.

But that new ATK750 is one heck of a great bass!

Tom.
 
#20
the old ones were made to be abused. i have a '95 mij atk100 and the previous owner had it in a plane and when the hardcase broke. bass came out with a few paint chips but the neck was still perfect.

i've tried the new atk300s. it's lighter than the old ones and the feel is just cheaper compared to the old ones.
 

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