Best 4 string for around $1500

[Elijahhouse]

Hello everyone, this is my first post so let me know if it's in the wrong spot. What I'm wondering is what the best 4 string bass is for around $1500. I was thinking a fender P-bass but are there other "bass" brands that are better then fender? I'm a guitar player and fender makes some of the best guitars but I dunno how their basses are compared to other brands that might be more bass focused. Any advice would help

Thanks

 

[M0ses]

I think Warmoth has bettering offerings than Fender in that price range.

People will go on and on about resale value though. They don't realize that 95% of people who aren't on TB don't sell a bass every month.

 

[MDBass]

No such thing as a one-size fits all 'best' bass, at $1500 or any other price point.

The best thing you can do is play as many different brands and models as you can to get a sense of the kind of tone and feel (neck size/shape, string spacing, etc.) you're looking for.

Also buy used if at all possible; you'll get twice as much for your money in the current market.

 

[Baird6869]

Do your research and play a bunch.

For $1500, you can buy (all American) a new Fender, Musicman, Rickenbacker, Gibson and many, many other great basses.

All sound, look and play completely different.

 

[Vintage P]

If you are that new to it all, you sure as hell don't need a $1500 bass. Guys make a full time living on instruments that cost half as much.

Anything over $1000 can be considered "top of the line." Most instruments that are much more than that are custom made, built by specialists or have fancy cosmetic features.

There's no "best" --just what you want and need. And it sounds like a nice Squier would be fine for you and put the rest towards tuition.

 

[mmbongo]

I'm a guitar player and fender makes some of the best guitars but I dunno how their basses are compared to other brands that might be more bass focused. Any advice would help

Thanks

Funny, most consider Fender guitars and basses to be pretty much mediocre/middle of the road on quality.

To answer your question, for my $1500 I'm getting a used Roscoe bass.

But if you want something new, for $1500 or waaay less, and better than a Fender, look at:
Carvin
Lakland
Spector
G&L
ESP
D. Lakin
Music Man

 

[Rocky]

Flame bait.

 

[Phalex]

Check the TB classifieds until you feel your heart skip a beat.

 

[radioface]

Bongo.

 

[mandohack]

Spector Rebop.

 

[rafitoprtx]

Carvin Vanquish (bolt on) or Xcellerator (neck tru) you can put some extra and keep it in that price. You can go cheaper with the jb or pb.

 

[rimmry]

ESP LTD B-1004

 

[RedHotFuzz]

If you are that new to it all, you sure as hell don't need a $1500 bass. Guys make a full time living on instruments that cost half as much.

There's nothing wrong with starting on a high-quality instrument if you can afford to do so.

 

[cableguy]

There's nothing wrong with starting on a high-quality instrument if you can afford to do so.

+1 Don't hate people just because they can afford to buy what the want. (I can't but I don't have issues with those who can) I would also second the buy used. Look at the TB classifieds. I prefer Spector Euro's.......

 

[Zooberwerx]

Hello everyone, this is my first post so let me know if it's in the wrong spot. What I'm wondering is what the best 4 string bass is for around $1500. I was thinking a fender P-bass but are there other "bass" brands that are better then fender? I'm a guitar player and fender makes some of the best guitars but I dunno how their basses are compared to other brands that might be more bass focused. Any advice would help

Thanks

Okay, we know your budget and that you'd like a 4 string...that's a good start. Before I go throwing suggestions in your direction, question (in two parts...show your work): what are your other equipment requirements and do you have other monies set aside for those, as well?

Riis

 

[DigitalMan]

It's funny to me when people ask for opinions about preferences and get values and judgments in return.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Just buy a Fender American Standard P bass. It will do anything and everything you need. Ever.

 

[pacojas]

two used Fenders,... one P. one J.

 

[Mark_70]

I spent about that on a MM Sterling recently. I'm loving it. Great sound. Not sure what works for you, but the Sterling is an awesome bass in that price range

Regards
Mark

 

[Thunder Pulse]

It's funny to me when people ask for opinions about preferences and get values and judgments in return.

Well, his profile says he's 16. We don't know if he's an industrious 16 year old who's worked hard and saved his money, or a douche bag who wants to look 'cool' with the brand name bass his parents are going to buy him.

BTW - my suggestion: G&L SB-1 or SB-2.