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Best bass guitars for 700-1000

Keas

Keas

Aug 26, 2024
23
21
#1
I have been playing the bass for a few years now and I am decided on upgrading my bass guitar(my budget is 700-1000max). I want something with a unique sound but still is versatile. I currently in a post-punk/experimental rock group but I also plays lots funk, ska, and stuff in my free time. I really love the sound of Rickenbacker also but it seems you can’t really get it with out the real thing but if you know any basses that sound like it in this price range please tell me, but any bass will go great.

I know it’s pretty precise my request but thanks for any ideas or advice on advance.
 
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#2
This esp ltd is an awesome bass that would work very well for progressive rock stuff. The fearless version has tons of mwah if you were interested in that. Fit finish feel and sound are great. Only downside is it lack a little on the mids, but that’s easily remedied with eq. Also the battery compartment is closed with 2 screws, so no easy access. ESP LTD B-204SM Fretless Bass Guitar - Natural Satin | Sweetwater

I got a brand new 5 string fretless version on reverb for 500 usd. So with some patience you may be able to find a deal, too.
 
#3
Keas said:
I have been playing the bass for a few years now and I am decided on upgrading my bass guitar(my budget is 700-1000max). I want something with a unique sound but still is versatile. I currently in a post-punk/experimental rock group but I also plays lots funk, ska, and stuff in my free time. I really love the sound of Rickenbacker also but it seems you can’t really get it with out the real thing but if you know any basses that sound like it in this price range please tell me, but any bass will go great.

I know it’s pretty precise my request but thanks for any ideas or advice on advance.
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What are you currently using? Plan on purchasing new or used? A Ric sounds like a Ric and that's about it. $700-1000 will put you in a really nice import...but which one?!? I'm a big fan of the Ibanez & Cort stuff provided it's lightweight and well-balanced.

Riis
 
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#4
Keas said:
I have been playing the bass for a few years now and I am decided on upgrading my bass guitar(my budget is 700-1000max). I want something with a unique sound but still is versatile. I currently in a post-punk/experimental rock group but I also plays lots funk, ska, and stuff in my free time. I really love the sound of Rickenbacker also but it seems you can’t really get it with out the real thing but if you know any basses that sound like it in this price range please tell me, but any bass will go great.

I know it’s pretty precise my request but thanks for any ideas or advice on advance.
Click to expand...
Lots of options in that price range. Ibanez makes quality instruments and their basses are everywhere if you want to try a few.

Edit: I love Rickenbackers but they are expensive and more than your budget.
 
#9
Lots of good basses in this range, but "similar to Rickenbacker" would be more demanding. I'm thinking of the following options:
(1) Something with a similar pickup spacing such as a Jacksonbacker;
(2) Something with similarly-sized pickups so you could retrofit a pair of Toasters, such as some Gretsch;
(3) Many a Ric player migrated to a Jazz Bass and retained their signature tone (Macca and Geddy come to mind), so maybe just get your favourite Jazz Bass with vintage-voiced pickups?
 
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#10
Keas said:
I have been playing the bass for a few years now and I am decided on upgrading my bass guitar(my budget is 700-1000max). I want something with a unique sound but still is versatile. I currently in a post-punk/experimental rock group but I also plays lots funk, ska, and stuff in my free time. I really love the sound of Rickenbacker also but it seems you can’t really get it with out the real thing but if you know any basses that sound like it in this price range please tell me, but any bass will go great.

I know it’s pretty precise my request but thanks for any ideas or advice on advance.
Click to expand...
I would stick with what you have until you save up for the real thing. You're not going to be happy if you get something else that doesn't quite sound right in the meantime. Nothing else sounds like a Ric.
 
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#15
ibanez, probably the best bang/buck in almost every price range. $700-1000 puts you into their high end lines, and they have seemingly hundreds of models with a lot of options for pickup types, electronics, and finishes. All are very light and well balanced, with skinny necks. They are perfect for my small/average hands, but if you prefer chucky necks, look elsewhere.
 
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#17
I suggest a bass who’s ergonomics you like (best neck feel and string spacing for you) with an active set of soapbars, most versatile you can find. That way you have a Swiss Army knife for now, and if you want a one-trick pony for later, pick up a Rick when you can afford the real deal.
 
#18
WouldULikeSomeE said:
There's a saying that goes something along the lines of "No bass has done more to sell Rickenbackers than Geddy Lee's jazz bass". If you want that Ricky tone, a jazz will get you 90% of the way there, if not more, with much better ergonomics and playability to boot. I'm pretty sure on some recordings people debate about which one he even used.
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^^^This^^^
 
#19
I am big on buying usa stuff for many reasons. The best bang for your buck is gonna be a carvin or a gibson. Both can be had for around 800 bucks, I would much rather give my kid something quality for just a few hundred more, it makes a difference.
 
#20
 
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