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If you are interested in something unique in this category, maybe look for an Ampeg Big Stud. They were made for a short time in the early 1970s but come up from time to time on Reverb and always for under $1,000. Here's a photo of mine:Planning on selling one of my basses. I would like to get one with a 2x2 headstock tuners layout. Always preferred les pauls for guitars, so that headstock style is appealing.
For ~$1k, looking for ideas of basses with this layout. My biggest hurdle is that i want passive electronics. Not averse to active, but i want great passive tone. Although not ideal, im willing to do the electronics if i find a great body and neck.
Here’s the ones ive found so far:
Ive tried ibanez sr line, though great, but string spacing is a bit tight. Dont have warwicks to try. Dont care for schecter. There is a washburn taurus that seems a good one, but considering it was ~$300 new, paying $600 seems crazy, its an option. I would tell you the 2 very expensive brands that are great examples of what I’m thinking about, but don’t want to distract from someone giving me ideas.
Thanks in advance. Have a good holiday!!!
That is my sense of the matter as well. However, I'm reluctant to commit to that without firm proof.
I have heard (again, Internet hear-say FWIW) that Fender offered some sort of rebate to affected owners?
Possibly a settlement intended to shut down bad press ASAP, but i don't know that to be certain either.
Did Fender ever post an admission of sin?
I have to ask, given you only live two doors down from Area 51.
I've inaverently been in thread hijack mode tonight. Apologies to the OP, and others.
Without irrevocable proof, can we get back to the OP's questions? Thanks.
Roadstars (and the older Roadsters) can usually be picked up for between $500.00-$1,000.00 depending on model, condition, etc. My favorite is the RB620, which is the P-bass style pictured above. Very powerful pickups, very well built, nice necks (not too thick or too thin).
Not sure about basswood body, but it looks good. Tempting considering the price.
+1 one on the 80s Ibanez Roadstars/Roadsters. My second bass, 40 years ago, after my first HondoII was one of these (there are also passive models) which I had stupidly converted to fretless and yet I wish I still had it.Roadstars (and the older Roadsters) can usually be picked up for between $500.00-$1,000.00 depending on model, condition, etc. My favorite is the RB620, which is the P-bass style pictured above. Very powerful pickups, very well built, nice necks (not too thick or too thin).
Planning on selling one of my basses. I would like to get one with a 2x2 headstock tuners layout. Always preferred les pauls for guitars, so that headstock style is appealing.
For ~$1k, looking for ideas of basses with this layout. My biggest hurdle is that i want passive electronics. Not averse to active, but i want great passive tone. Although not ideal, im willing to do the electronics if i find a great body and neck.
Here’s the ones ive found so far:
Ive tried ibanez sr line, though great, but string spacing is a bit tight. Dont have warwicks to try. Dont care for schecter. There is a washburn taurus that seems a good one, but considering it was ~$300 new, paying $600 seems crazy, its an option. I would tell you the 2 very expensive brands that are great examples of what I’m thinking about, but don’t want to distract from someone giving me ideas.
Thanks in advance. Have a good holiday!!!
For ~$1k, looking for ideas of basses with this layout. My biggest hurdle is that i want passive electronics. Not averse to active, but i want great passive tone.
+1 one on the 80s Ibanez Roadstars/Roadsters. My second bass, 40 years ago, after my first HondoII was one of these (there are also passive models) which I had stupidly converted to fretless and yet I wish I still had it.
Fantastic basses

Have to say, I wasn’t considering this kind of pickups, but it’s growing on me the more i look at this. I wish I could find one in my budget in this color. How does the neck play compared to a jazz?First gen Gibson EB4 fits the bill.
They were kicking around for around $800-$1000 which is a great deal for a USA made bass that is very versatile.
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Have to say, I wasn’t considering this kind of pickups, but it’s growing on me the more i look at this. I wish I could find one in my budget in this color. How does the neck play compared to a jazz?