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Bass for Under £600

SCOMan

SCOMan

Guest
Mar 16, 2014
25
2
#1
Howdy All,

I'm in the process of looking for a new Bass, my budget is less than £600 and I'm in the process of creating a shortlist that I wanted some input on. Unfortunately I'll need to visit a few different stores in different locations so I need to think a little about what I want to consider before I venturing out. Playing style is mainly modern rock with a dabble in blues and jazz.

Any thoughts on the following and others worth considering?

Fender Jazz Blacktop
Sandberg Electrica TT4
Ibanez SR600 or SR700

Cheers
 
#4
The VM are squire models right? They look nice but I did have a bit more to spend.

I'm really favouring the Sandberg at the moment - will go play one tomorrow hopefully. Any thoughts on them as a manufacturer?
 
#6
I've been hawking the praises of the Blacktop Jazz for a year now. Rather than going into the lengthy explanation, I'll give you the short form, but if you want more detail, click onto the Blacktop Club link in my sig.

Basically, it can go from seriously aggressive with both pickups on full to nice and mellow by solo'ing the neck pup. All that, plus solid fit and finish (it may be Mexican-made, but it's no slacker in that department) equals an excellent bass, despite it's price.
 
#7
Well, technically American Fenders are also mexican made :smug: That said, MIM Fenders are great instruments. Not just "for that kind of money" but generally speaking. Just avoid one of the selten duds and you are gold.
In that respect, I am yet to encounter a bad Sandberg, but I have no experience with the electra series.
 
#8
I've been a snob towards mexican fenders in the past. These days though I think they're excellent - my next bass will either be a classic 70s jazz or mim giddy lee jazz. For yur price bracket, I would suggest the mim standard jazz - great looking, sounding, wonderful tibet satin neck - can't go wrong. I'm afraid i don't have any experience of either ibanez basses you named (only played the sr1600), all I can say is they both look gorgeous!
 
#10
I went down to Bass Direct today and tried loads of new and pre-owned basses. Tried Laklands, Fenders, Sandbergs, Tanglewoods. I have a problem with my left hand which means I have to be very careful with neck shape and size so not to strain it too much. I actually ended up walking away with a mtd KZ4 that my wife picked out and they had on offer. By far the most comfortable for my shape hands! Wouldn't previously of considered mtd (I don't know much about them) until I played it.
 
#11
Bought an SR700 about six months ago and its an incredible bass for the bucks. Has quickly become one of my faves and I play it more often than much pricier basses I own. Just took off the stock elixers and put on Chromes (big fan of flats). Now I like it even more. Great bass for the money.
 
#12
I had to return the mtd to Bass direct this weekend. Unfortunately the build quality of the guitar was poor, including a finger print mark in the varnish finish within the lower cut-away. The guys were really good and offered me a full refund with no hassle.

I ended up replacing it with a pre-owned Fender Jazz Blacktop (in perfect condition). Actually I wish I'd tried this guitar in the first place, I prefer both playability and tone to many of the higher end guitars I tried and it came in way under budget. Thanks for the advice Malak :).
 

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