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Best bass for around $2000?

Funk³

Funk³

Guest
Apr 12, 2015
522
374
London
#1
Hey guys,

The time has come where I've decided I need/want a new bass. I've been looking at a TON of different companies, such as Warwick, Alembic (Second-hand), Lakland, Gibson, AC and Prometeus.

I play a lot of different styles. I often use a pick when I play my metal stuff, but I also do a lot of tapping and a bit of slapping in my solo stuff. I'm thinking about getting an extended-range of some sorts, however I'm sure a GREAT four string will satisfy my needs sufficiently :D

I love the look of the Warwick Corvette, Alembic Rogue and Omega, Lakland 55-02, and practically any Prometeus.

If you guys know of any other companies that would fit my style and my price range, it'd be awesome to say!

Thanks,

Alfie

P.S I'm in the UK at the moment, if that makes any difference
 
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#5
Funk³ said:
Seems pretty awesome! Would it be able to do the metal stuff though?
Click to expand...
Ha Ha...Well, Mr. Valenti has been known to play a bit of metal, not that there is anything wrong with that.
But in my opinion, one can "do the metal stuff" on any bass. :laugh:

I have Valenti #19. Great bass!

Check time 3:41 here:

 
Last edited:
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#6
Oh heck, I can't resist...

stealth_valenti_017.jpg
 
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#7
Jim Carr said:
Ha Ha...Well, Mr. Valenti has been known to play a bit of metal, not that there is anything wrong with that.
But in my opinion, one can "do the metal stuff" on any bass. :laugh:

I have Valenti #19. Great bass!

Check time 3:41 here:

Click to expand...


The main thing is that I want active electronics, thin neck profile, fairly short scale and also something that is going to be great for tapping. I know that a large amount of basses can do 'average' metal. I also said that I'm leaning towards extended-range. Despite all of this, Valenti looks AMAZING, thanks.
 
#8
Funk³ said:
The main thing is that I want... ...fairly short scale and also something that is going to be great for tapping... ...leaning towards extended-range...
Click to expand...

How short?

16" radius for tapping?

ERB meaning 6-string?

I'd ask Mr. Valenti if he does these.
 
#9
Jim Carr said:
How short?

16" radius for tapping?

ERB meaning 6-string?

I'd ask Mr. Valenti if he does these.
Click to expand...

Well I'm not set on getting a Valenti :D

If I was going to get an ERB, I'd get a Prometeus 8 or 11 string. My current bass is a Westone Thunder I, which I can do Stu Hamm style stuff on. Like I said, if I can get a REALLY nice four string, it won't matter.
 
#10
Funk³ said:
Well I'm not set on getting a Valenti :D...
Click to expand...

I was not implying or assuming that you were. It's just that I don't think Nino does ERB, 16" radius, or extra short. You'd have to ask him.

I do know he does a very wide array of instruments. Good luck with your search!
 
#13
Funk³ said:
Hey guys,

The time has come where I've decided I need/want a new bass. I've been looking at a TON of different companies, such as Warwick, Alembic (Second-hand), Lakland, Gibson, AC and Prometeus.

I play a lot of different styles. I often use a pick when I play my metal stuff, but I also do a lot of tapping and a bit of slapping in my solo stuff. I'm thinking about getting an extended-range of some sorts, however I'm sure a GREAT four string will satisfy my needs sufficiently :D

I love the look of the Warwick Corvette, Alembic Rogue and Omega, Lakland 55-02, and practically any Prometeus.

If you guys know of any other companies that would fit my style and my price range, it'd be awesome to say!

Thanks,

Alfie

P.S I'm in the UK at the moment, if that makes any difference
Click to expand...

In the UK? Then ACG, without a doubt. That's probably what I would have suggested anyway, even if you were in North America.

Alan's instruments are absolutely fantastic. Build quality, features, components, style...I think he could raise his prices significantly and still they would be a bargain. Do not for a moment think that anything mass produced (Fender, G&L, Lakland, Gibson, whatever) even comes close to being on par with what you'll get from buying an ACG. Those are run of the mill, generic instruments. Are they fine? Many of them can be, sure. But do they compare to a hand-built instrument from a master luthier like Alan? No way. No chance.

Prometeus is a really interesting option, I was VERY tempted to get a bass built by him, and one of these days I may yet. Some of the designs are rather out there, but when I spoke with owners they all had nothing but incredibly positive things to say about their instruments, and the builder himself was a really kind and accommodating guy to chat with when I was tossing around ideas.

There are a lot of other amazing builders in the UK, be it Larkin or Everson or others - I don't know how far away you are from Manchester, but I often drool over the Great British Bass Lounge website...a trip there would certainly allow you to do some direct comparisons and test of the instruments you are talking about. There are lots of amazing builders in the US and Canada as well, but you'll save massively by buying a homegrown instrument. I don't think that most people on here fully understand that the mass-produced bass you are getting for $2000 over there is NOT comparable to what $2000 gets you over here, prices on American made gear is way, way higher.

However, in the end, I genuinely believe that ACG is going to be your best bet, and best bang for your buck. Take some time to do searches on here and over at BassChat and read up about Alan's basses. Incredible instruments from an incredible guy.

Also, as a proud ACG owner myself, I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you have about my experiences and the process, just PM me.

Good luck!
 
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#14
For me it would be a MTD, plenty of models/variations to choose from........ but probably considering this is Talkbass, the correct answer is 15 Squier P basses with flats and tort pick gaurds :)
 
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#15
Funk³ said:
Hey guys,

The time has come where I've decided I need/want a new bass. I've been looking at a TON of different companies, such as Warwick, Alembic (Second-hand), Lakland, Gibson, AC and Prometeus.

I play a lot of different styles. I often use a pick when I play my metal stuff, but I also do a lot of tapping and a bit of slapping in my solo stuff. I'm thinking about getting an extended-range of some sorts, however I'm sure a GREAT four string will satisfy my needs sufficiently :D

I love the look of the Warwick Corvette, Alembic Rogue and Omega, Lakland 55-02, and practically any Prometeus.

If you guys know of any other companies that would fit my style and my price range, it'd be awesome to say!

Thanks,

Alfie

P.S I'm in the UK at the moment, if that makes any difference
Click to expand...
If I were in UK, i'd look for a Jaydee... or a Status.
 
#18
IMO, there really is no such thing as the "best bass for around $2000" - for a few reasons. I might have a $2000 bass that is perfect for me and horrible for you. You might also find a bass that costs far less than $2000 that you like better than any bass at the $2000 price point. You might also be able to find a $5000 bass used for less than $2000 if you look around.

It would be very difficult to count the number of excellent basses that cost $2000 or less. The key is to find one that you like, buy it, play it, and STOP LOOKING.
 
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#19
I sold this Fender custom shop jazz to a fella in Russia for $2000.... suffice it to say, he's VERY pleased with it...

$2000 doesn't go too far in the UK I take it... At least for an Alembic, but maybe a Warwick from Germany could be had cheap if Fender is not your flavor.

IMG_4069.JPG
 
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