Best bass guitars for 700-1000

[Keas]

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.

 

[Wyvern]

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.

USA doesn't mean quality.
Import doesn't mean junk.

I've seen some very miserable examples of USA "craftsmanship" and absolute stellar Chinese "garbage"

 

[Metal Sombreros]

USA doesn't mean quality.
Import doesn't mean junk.

I've seen some very miserable examples of USA "craftsmanship" and absolute stellar Chinese "garbage"

Suit yourself buy as many Chinese guitars as you please

 

[Wyvern]

Suit yourself buy as many Chinese guitars as you please

I have a USA G&L and a USA custom Willcox they're excellent pieces.
I have a USA Knightro custom that took $350 to make it playable.

I'm just saying, you can't base quality on country of origin, there is quite a few American made duds floating around- American instruments I would say only buy if you lay hands in it first, but G&L is pretty consistent.

 

[erratick]

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?

I'm with this guy.

Jacksonbacker came to mind.
And people are still arguing which tracks Geddy played with a jazz vs. a Rick. So a jazz bass with 70s pickup spacing.

 

[73_Blazer]

Vola bass from Japan is on sale 15% off ZVA Bass (Clearance Sale)

 

[Wyvern]

I'm with this guy.

Jacksonbacker came to mind.
And people are still arguing which tracks Geddy played with a jazz vs. a Rick. So a jazz bass with 70s pickup spacing.

Which is why the Reverend Triad gets that Rick tone.

It also sometimes sounds like a P bass.
Start at 6:30 to skip the fluff

 

[winegamd]

Im throwing my vote for the Charvel San Dimas. I prefer the JJ, but if you want the PJ Pro Mod, it is great too. The neck is just too good. Closest thing to a Mike Lull neck I have felt in a production instrument.

 

[Charley Umbria]

G&L M2000 Tribute.

 

[1060 W Addison]

I just got an Aerodyne Jazz that's freaking awesome, very playable and the PJ pickups provide a lot of options.

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

If you're after a Rickenbacker like tone a Danelectro DC59 gets pretty close, I've only ever played the short scale and really liked it. Fat Mike from NOFX plays a long scale version.

 

[JoeyFab]

Although I've never played or even heard a Jacksonbacker, they do kind of LOOK the part!

Jacksonbacker

 

[Gorn]

How much do old American Standard Fenders go for nowadays? That would be my recommendation.

 

[UNICORN BASS]

Just based on the price range and music you're into i reckon you need a Gibby Thunderbird, sounds great and oozes cool!

 

[brushfirewolf]

700-1000?

<Obligatory Sire recommendation>

I think the V8 is hard to beat in this bracket but there's plenty of great instruments for around 1k. Especially used.