Here's my G&L Tribute...$525 brand new, couldn't pass it up. Absolutely no reason to replace it with a USA-made one...but I'd buy a neck with a maple fretboard, if truth be told.
![IMG].jpg](https://www.talkbass.com/attachments/img-jpg.2609577/ "IMG].jpg")
Ohhhh... I like this.
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Ohhhh... I like this.
The deal is that just because someone is a beginner doesn't mean they are a blank slate. The kind of bass they will eventually want will depend upon the kind of music that they are really interested in. And obviously if they are interested in learning bass they were first interested in some kind of music. Start there. Looking at the poll and comments I'd say I agree with them. If the music interest is relatively modern sounds then an Ibanez is a great choice. I've got a couple and love them. If old school sounds are the interest then you might think MIM Fender or Squire would be the choice and it is, only word on the TB street is that for Fender-style basses Sire are the ones to choose. If the musical interest is less defined then the G&L Tribute is a great choice and I own one. Although it doesn't quite do Fender and doesn't quite do modern, it's very versatile and covers a wide range of tone which is excellent training for a beginner to learn about. All one can say is "choose wisely, grasshopper!"
PS. The differences between Tribute and USA G&L are so minor that they only become important once you reach the level of obsessing over tiny details regardless of cost.
PS. The differences between Tribute and USA G&L are so minor that they only become important once you reach the level of obsessing over tiny details regardless of cost.
Doner Designs
Steve Doner
- Jun 2, 2012
- 5,784
- 6,819
- Disclosures
- Doner Designs is an alias for Steve Doner
I voted G&L and would not call it a beginner brand by the way. US models are near boutique level and Skyline series (which is what your budget would permit) can run with USA Fender and Musicman basses. The only downside is they are hard to find in stores to demo and the resale is not as good as something like a Fender, but they are top notch basses.
Doner Designs
Steve Doner
- Jun 2, 2012
- 5,784
- 6,819
- Disclosures
- Doner Designs is an alias for Steve Doner
Most of us know you mean Tribute considering the budget. Great basses. US models have nicer woods and more options but the Tribs are great players.
Used Fender for $700 is a no brainer. You could find a nice MX Fender anywhere around $300 to $400 on line.
Looks like the words "purposefully left out Fender." have a different meaning on TB 
Get a Cort. They build the Squiers,G&L and Ibanez anyway so you may as well get the real deal
Get a Cort. They build the Squiers,G&L and Ibanez anyway so you may as well get the real deal
Actually that's a good call, but I would leave intangible things like 'snobbery' out of the mix. No matter what bass you choose you will have a Brand X fan ask why you didn't get a Brand X. Get the one that knocks you out and at a 700 dollar budget you've left beginner territory. A very nice instrument could be had for that, not that spending it all is a requirement. Let us know what you choose, good luck.
In that budget and brand framework since you're keeping Fenders out - I vote for used early 80's G&L like an SB2. Much better than a current tribute that might have a frozen truss rod out the gate.
I've been playing Ibanez SR for years, light weight, great for my small hands, fast action, and beautiful smooth tone. I think I paid $500 for it in 2011.
Whatever way you go, go used. $700 should get you a nice bass and something to play it through. That's a healthy budget.
I've bought a minty Fender hiway one jazz for $450. Amps abound in the $250 range.
If you just need something to practice with, grab a used Zoom B3 for under $150. It'll do everything you could want and more with headphones. Use it to run into any kind of PA or amp.
Point being, your budget puts you way past "beginner basses" on the used market. Now, go check out the TB basses for sale. You can be a great white at the beach on a hot weekend.
I've bought a minty Fender hiway one jazz for $450. Amps abound in the $250 range.
If you just need something to practice with, grab a used Zoom B3 for under $150. It'll do everything you could want and more with headphones. Use it to run into any kind of PA or amp.
Point being, your budget puts you way past "beginner basses" on the used market. Now, go check out the TB basses for sale. You can be a great white at the beach on a hot weekend.
Get a sub ray4 or a sterling ray 34 if you can... best bass you can get for relatively cheap.
A G and L Skyline would be incredibly hard to find in stores to demo ...
I think you were crossing Lakland and G and L over..
OP: SBMM makes some very nice basses in your range...heck...you are getting close to used Musicman price range. These days $700 gets you gear way above beginner...completely gig/pro worthy gear at that price (even better selection shopping used...+1 to the classifieds here)
Since you don't "want" a Fender (although you probably actually want a Fender, psycho or not)...just go used.
You'll be able to find something fantastic in the $300-$400 range on eBay. Check out the "lawsuit era" MIJ stuff
I voted LTD. Probably because I just saw Tower Of Power last Wednesday and that's what Rocco plays. Great sounding bass.
What I find funny is the OP stated in his post he purposely left out Fender, and post again saying he does not want a Fender, yet so many posts suggesting Fender. I guess people don't read? Anyway OP, good luck in your search for a new bass.
What I find funny is the OP stated in his post he purposely left out Fender, and post again saying he does not want a Fender, yet so many posts suggesting Fender. I guess people don't read? Anyway OP, good luck in your search for a new bass.
