New or used is fine. I have a jazz and a p-bass, so I’m looking for something a bit different. Whatcha got?
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Best active 4 under 1000?
- Thread starter vivaknoxvegas
- Start date
Used Stingray. Or a SUB Stingray (the American made one).
Now ten people will suggest Sire.
Now ten people will suggest Sire.
There are lots of choices in that price range, some are surprisingly good. These two worked out well for me. Something a little different, as well.
Love me some L2000s, but they aren’t your typical active bass.
If you want more traditional from G&L, try an M2000.
The L is basically a passive bass with very powerful pickups, plus a buffer preamp that has an optional treble boost. Controls are all cut only. Not your typical boost/cut setup.
Surprised no one has said Ibanez yet.
Lots of choices under $1000 that are both active and a change of pace from your current basses.
Lots of choices under $1000 that are both active and a change of pace from your current basses.
Ibanez and MusicMan will always be my recommendation. I recently got to spend a few hours in the basement if the Chicago Music Exchange trying all the bases I've always wanted to try out then come home and reevaluate what I own. For the active category in this price range I would say a MusicMan or nearly any Ibanez but I highly recommend replacing the preamp on Ibanez. I always thought ibby pre's were ok and still do but with a high-end pre it fights against a higher price range of basses. Personally I'm using a Bart 3 band in mine but I think any of the high end pre's will do the trick
EBMM Reflex or Bongo. They are a bit different from each other but similar in that they both have a super 4 band pre. The reflex is now discontinued but is in the used market for around $1000. The come in H, HH, and SSH configurations wit ha mind blowing array of possible tones. I personally have several Reflexes and really enjoy them. The bongo is more straight forward H or HH. I think there have been some SH ones too but not sure about that. Available used all day long under $1000. If in your spot I would get a Bongo HH. You will dig it.
Nab a ‘94 or ‘95 Ibanez ATK300 and thank me later! 
Ibanez ATK.
This is the final answer. Trust me. I wasted a lot of money and I'm doing you a favor by saving you both time and money.
This is the final answer. Trust me. I wasted a lot of money and I'm doing you a favor by saving you both time and money.
I second g&l l2000 and ibanez atk
Something also from the musicman lineup is a Sterling, can sound like a stingray and then some. I bought mine for less than a made in Mexico fender, in mint condition. They often go for a little under $1,000. The G&L L2000 and the Ibanez ATK are also good suggestions, I have those too They are pretty hard to come by but a Fender Power Jazz Bass Special is another one that fits your budget. If I had to choose I would keep the Fender and the musicman, if that’s helps any. Though they are all sweet the sterling sounds a little better than the ATK and while the G&L can do a lot of sounds it can’t sound like the Fender.
Regarding the G&L L2000 you can buy a used Indonesian one (aka TRIBUTE) for less than half of your budget:
Tribute Series L-2000 Bass with Maple Fretboard
A new indonesian one for 700$-800$ and a used USA one for about 1000$ (G&L CLF Research 1981 repro L2000 2018 Natural Ash Gloss)
Tribute Series L-2000 Bass with Maple Fretboard
A new indonesian one for 700$-800$ and a used USA one for about 1000$ (G&L CLF Research 1981 repro L2000 2018 Natural Ash Gloss)
@cataract @Whippet which model ATK? I see several suffixes on reverb and a wide range of used prices. I’m assuming the MIJ are the better versions?
