Best bass under $3,000?

[hardtop]

I have 2 Sandbergs and will be buying 3rd (a fortyeight) very soon. I love them, especially my custom ordered VS. I tried a bunch of basses at NAMM, and I am very happy with my decision to purchase a Sandberg. With the EBMM bridge pickup option they are capable of so many tones, etc. I'm currently in love with their Nighthawk model.

 

[Bassworship1]

Find you a gently used Roscoe or Devon bass. You won't find better for the money.

 

[Chad Michael]

Listen to Brad (post #8)

 

[TimeBombJohnny]

I have 2 Sandbergs and will be buying 3rd (a fortyeight) very soon. I love them, especially my customized ordered VS. I tried a bunch of basses at NAMM, and I am very happy with my decision to purchase a Sandberg. With the EBMM bridge pickup option they are capable of so many tones, etc. I'm currently in love with their Nighthawk model.

I really like the VM. I found a used one in Chicago that played/sounded awesome, it was beat up pretty bad though. You ordered the VS through a dealer?

 

[Nobis17]

EBMM Bongos or stinrays special , I've tried boutique basses but I always like the musicman basses the best!

I had always turned my nose up at EBMM, then last summer I put my hands on a Stingray special. It really is worthy of it's name. But honestly everything is in the eye of the beholder. I had always thought the MM necks kinda chunky too (I had always played Ibby SRs) but they have really grown on me, to the point where I actually enjoy a little bit wider neck now.

 

[GIBrat51]

I'd say - buy used. This Alembic Epic - new - lists for $7K or so. I got my lightly used one for $2400 - and that's including the shipping and the ever-present Lefty Surcharge...

 

[McFarlin]

I really like the VM. I found a used one in Chicago that played/sounded awesome, it was beat up pretty bad though. You ordered the VS through a dealer?

Based on your West Coast-ish location, your genres, and your stated preferences (electronics, necks), I would keep an eye out for a G&L L-2000. Actually, I would do the option order thing so I could pick the color, neck tint and neck specs. Actually-er, if I was right handed I would just get a CLF L-2000.

 

[JoePP]

I just purchased a Mayones Jabba 4 Custom and it is truly an exceptional take on the traditional J-bass. Great looks, build quality, fit/finish, tone and feel. The Delano pickups (noiseless, versus the single coil Aguilars) are marvelous, and offer a bit different sound that's very full, punchy and aggressive.

Another great option in that price range is a used Fender Custom Shop Custom Classic Jazz. That's the one in my avatar pic, and I also have a LPB one. In my opinion this is one of the best Jazz basses Fender has ever made. They're basically the Custom Shop predecessor of the Elite that came later (cutaway neck heel, noiseless pickups, active preamp, etc.), and have custom shop level wood selection, fit/finish, etc. Fantastic basses. They're active-only, but with the preamp set flat it sounds pretty much passive.

 

[bassliner50]

I strongly believe it is decieving to think, the more you spend, the better the bass and therefore resultant music that is created. The association of money spent and quality of instrument is not at all linear. Not even close IMHO.

 

[TimeBombJohnny]

Based on your West Coast-ish location, your genres, and your stated preferences (electronics, necks), I would keep an eye out for a G&L L-2000. Actually, I would do the option order thing so I could pick the color, neck tint and neck specs. Actually-er, if I was right handed I would just get a CLF L-2000.

Do you know the CLF vs G&L deal? Are all G&L instruments built in CA considered CLF instruments? Are the non CLF serials built oversees or somewhere other than CA?

 

[Dr. Cheese]

You could be more clear about your preferences. You said G&L, do you like MFD pickups? Do you want a Sandberg with one or more humbuckers? Do you like the Lakland 55-02/55-94? It would be similar to many Sandberg. Good luck in your search.

 

[TheLowDown33]

Why dont you go to whatever music store you have available to you, play everything you can get your hands on and write down all the features that felt good? Nut width, string spacing, scale length, fret count, fret size, pickup config, body style, etc. I would seriously consider a custom build at a 3k price point. If I were in your place, I'd list all the features you want, send 'em over to Keith Roscoe and enjoy a bespoke instrument. Of course there are hundreds of other builders that you could talk to, but Roscoes are just fantastic, IMO.

 

[BarfanyShart]

You mentioned NYC, and for the money you're looking to spend, the fact you want new, and that you want to play it first - I would vote in favor of a day trip to NYC being worth it. Of course, I'm in DC, so popping up on the train and coming back that night with a guitar is a lot easier to swing.

I get where you are coming from, I also like new and want to play before I buy. I almost did the NYC trip this past year when I was looking for a new bass, but it ended up that my neighborhood shop was a dealer for a brand I was interested in, they had one in stock, I played it, loved it, and ordered a new one, customized, through them.

Also, if you are ever in LA for work, the streets are paved with vintage rock-and-roll p-basses.

Good luck on your search!

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Check this out.
Lakland Skyline 55-02 vs Sandberg California TM5

 

[hardtop]

I really like the VM. I found a used one in Chicago that played/sounded awesome, it was beat up pretty bad though. You ordered the VS through a dealer?

Yes, Chicago Music Exchange. I just configured on the website, sent the pdf over to CME, got a quote and pulled the trigger. My other Sandberg is the grand dark TM4. I Love that pickup combination, very versatile. I feel like the TM looks a little more "balanced" aesthetically, than the VM too.

 

[GIBrat51]

View attachment 3687637 I'd say - buy used. This Alembic Epic - new - lists for $7K or so. I got my lightly used one for $2400 - and that's including the shipping and the ever-present Lefty Surcharge...

I do understand - and agree with - your desire to "try before you buy". However... as you can see, I'm left handed, and - I hardly ever get that chance. So, I have to do a lot of research (including asking questions here on Talk Bass), and then - just taking a chance with buying online. And, maybe it's just dumb luck, but I've bought over 20 instruments that way (not just basses) with no problems. Just buy from someone with a good return policy...

I strongly believe it is decieving to think, the more you spend, the better the bass and therefore resultant music that is created. The association of money spent and quality of instrument is not at all linear. Not even close IMHO.

I have to agree with this. You pretty much have to work at it, to get a badly made inexpensive bass these days. When I played in a band in the early '70s, it was rare to get an inexpensive one that wasn't a piece of poop. Still, you've stated a preference for something that's more expensive, so... yes, you can get a good bass for not a lot of scratch; and there are some very good basses in the $1K-$3K range, if you want to buy new. Even some very, very nice custom ones - like Birdsong or Cataldo, for example. But, if you want something with high-end snob appeal? For what you want to pay, used is your best bet...

 

[TimeBombJohnny]

You could be more clear about your preferences. You said G&L, do you like MFD pickups? Do you want a Sandberg with one or more humbuckers? Do you like the Lakland 55-02/55-94? It would be similar to many Sandberg. Good luck in your search.

I’ve always had cheaper fender basses so I’m really not sure what I want pickup wise at the moment. Mostly looking for tips and trying to get a feel for what other people play at this quality level. The Sandberg I played had P split coils and a bridge humbucker and sounded great. Lakland interest me too but I’ve never seen one or heard one played live

 

[TimeBombJohnny]

I do understand - and agree with - your desire to "try before you buy". However... as you can see, I'm left handed, and - I hardly ever get that chance. So, I have to do a lot of research (including asking questions here on Talk Bass), and then - just taking a chance with buying online. And, maybe it's just dumb luck, but I've bought over 20 instruments that way (not just basses) with no problems. Just buy from someone with a good return policy...


I have to agree with this. You pretty much have to work at it, to get a badly made inexpensive bass these days. When I played in a band in the early '70s, it was rare to get an inexpensive one that wasn't a piece of poop. Still, you've stated a preference for something that's more expensive, so... yes, you can get a good bass for not a lot of scratch; and there are some very good basses in the $1K-$3K range, if you want to buy new. Even some very, very nice custom ones - like Birdsong or Cataldo, for example. But, if you want something with high-end snob appeal? For what you want to pay, used is your best bet...

Gotcha. Not looking to impress anyone or spend the max amount, I just want something great and I’m not afraid to pay for it. If I can save, even better. Maybe I’ll change my mind on buying used as my search goes on. Thanks

 

[JZQuantum]

I know this has been said, but high cost does not ensure you'll love the bass. It's a good thing you can travel to play them first.

I had a Sadowsky that cost $$$ and hated it. I 'still' have a $150 Peavey Fury bass that I'll be buried with. I've played it on almost every album I've released.

That said, if you ever travel to Chicago, please visit the bass stores there...Chicago Music Exchange and the like. Many high quality basses there.

Lastly, you might want to consider making your own bass from Warmoth parts. You can specify every single part and end up with a bass that is equal to or greater than the quality of a $3000 bass that cost you half that amount. That's what I did and it came out superb. Don't know how/want to build your own? Pay a luthier to do it for you.

 

[Shlabotnik]

Yes, Chicago Music Exchange. I just configured on the website, sent the pdf over to CME, got a quote and pulled the trigger. My other Sandberg is the grand dark TM4. I Love that pickup combination, very versatile. I feel like the TM looks a little more "balanced" aesthetically, than the VM too.

I recently put in a custom order for a TM4 from Music Store Live. Loved the used one I got to play last year and am very excited for delivery... however long that may take!