Best bass under $3,000?

[TimeBombJohnny]

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.

Last trip to Chicago I went to CME. That’s where I played the Sandberg and Mayones basses I got to try. They also had a Stingray special that looked amazing, sounded great, but my hands hated it unfortunately. I’ll be back there a couple more times this year and plan on checking in for sure. Thanks

 

[dbsfgyd1]

I feel the cost just gets me to the level of quality I’m looking for, I hope to spend less if I can. I want something that’s very playable, active/passive switchable, lightweight-ish, and that’ll last basically forever. The Fender USA or custom shop basses could be on the list too but so far I’ve only found one USA model that felt good to me

I can’t help with specific recommendations, but may I suggest buying gently used in possible, and always, let your ear be your guide.

 

[Tubehed]

I have a weird hang up about buying used, a bit irrational maybe but I prefer new. I like G&L / Fender necks, they feel comfortable to me. MM necks feel chunky. Weight wise I’d prefer under 9 lbs but balanced well to avoid neck dive. I understand Sadowski has this nailed but I don’t know if I’ll ever find one that I can get my hands on unless I go to New York (I’m in NV). I like the sound of passive electronics but want the option of active. I like colored finishes, no natural looks.

Look into a MM Stingray SLO Special. Not made anymore, but can be found used in great shape. I purchased one in near mint condition about a year ago. They have a slimmer Jazz/Sterling neck profile and sound like what you are looking for. I LOVE mine. Or, if you must buy brand new, consider a current production Sterling.

 

[Bass Viking]

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.

+1. Also, if I was playing rock and punk like the OP I wouldn't want to gig with a $3000 bass.

 

[zubrycky]

As a Dano user, I suggest a Danelectro Bass.

 

[BergerHead]

In my opinion ... oh well, spaghetti water is boiling, i have to go on, we'll talk about buying the right bass later.
But get zillion expert's advices how to meanwhile!

 

[Mikey F]

Sadowsky, Lull, Sandberg, and there are a couple of BA looking Warwick SSII's in the classifieds.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

@TimeBombJohnny, you are in Nevada. Go to Las Vegas, LA, or Phoenix, and check out these basses in person. Your budget is $3,000, so spend $5-600 on a weekend to check these basses out in person.

 

[RoketRdr]

Playing rock and punk take a look at the Warrior Messenger. It’s Warriors answer to the MM Stingray and plays more like a guitar than a bass. All high quality running gear and they’re light weight. Typical setup on a Messenger is right at 7 lbs.

 

[TimeBombJohnny]

@TimeBombJohnny, you are in Nevada. Go to Las Vegas, LA, or Phoenix, and check out these basses in person. Your budget is $3,000, so spend $5-600 on a weekend to check these basses out in person.

Yep in process now!

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Yep in process now!

Great!

 

[JRA]

I just want something great and I’m not afraid to pay for it.

if you want something "great" = you'd better be able to define that (for yourself) and communicate that (to others). it sounds to me like you have money to burn (with limits ). you can 'guarantee' your happiness (on this quest!) by knowing what you want!*

If I can save, even better.

then assemble one: yourself, from specific parts just for you, or, pay a luthier to assemble all the 'parts' you want, for you --- from scratch (woodworking), from 'parts' suppliers/builders, or a combination. no matter: see above: you have to know what you want. it will save you money.

* good luck figuring that out!

if I was playing rock and punk like the OP I wouldn't want to gig with a $3000 bass.

really? it's not about the price point: if you're not playing a "priceless" ax every time you pick up one of your own = why?
your 'genre snobbery' notwithstanding.

 

[Pings Bass]

get 10 SBMM SUB ray 4s

 

[TNCreature]

I bought and traded so many bases here on TB and Guitar Center ship-to-store until I realized my dream bass. It was the only way to try items that weren't typically found in the local mom and pop.
It helps to narrow down who your influences/heroes are, or people whose tone and style you really love. Also look at whether or not you/they play pick, finger-style, power drill. It may at least narrow your selections down a bit.
I have found that many basses over a certain price point will sound good. I really need a bass that feels excellent (not to discount the sonic qualities). A lot can be done to affect (and effect) the sound via technique, amp, pre-amps, pedals, etc.
Have fun!

 

[Charlzm]

I’m in the market for a new bass, I have $3,000 to spend but could spend more if I find the right one. I live in an area with a very limited bass selection, but I travel for work almost every week so have been visiting bass stores hoping to get my hands on upper end basses to try out with limited success. So far, I have my eye on Sandberg, Mayones, and G&L. I’ve only owned lower end basses, so looking for recommendations if y’all wanna pitch in. I play rock and punk mainly and dabble around other styles for practice. Thanks!

For that kind of money, you might want to look into have one custom-built for you.

 

[Manny Bernardez]

I’m in the market for a new bass, I have $3,000 to spend but could spend more if I find the right one. I live in an area with a very limited bass selection, but I travel for work almost every week so have been visiting bass stores hoping to get my hands on upper end basses to try out with limited success. So far, I have my eye on Sandberg, Mayones, and G&L. I’ve only owned lower end basses, so looking for recommendations if y’all wanna pitch in. I play rock and punk mainly and dabble around other styles for practice. Thanks!

Check out if you can Reverend Basses. I’ve tried the SS Mike Watts and Mercalli and both were amazing. They are pretty thunderous. Sandbergs are fantastic too. What amp will you be using?

 

[TimeBombJohnny]

+1. Also, if I was playing rock and punk like the OP I wouldn't want to gig with a $3000 bass.

Meh, I’ve never had anything happen to my stuff. Unless you mean playing hard rock means you don’t need a $3000 bass, that may be true hahaha

 

[Bass Viking]

really? it's not about the price point: if you're not playing a "priceless" ax every time you pick up one of your own = why?
your 'genre snobbery' notwithstanding.

I'm thinking about the venues, sometimes things get pretty wild!

 

[Bass Viking]

Meh, I’ve never had anything happen to my stuff. Unless you mean playing hard rock means you don’t need a $3000 bass, that may be true hahaha

If you're not worried about gigging an expensive bass, go for it!

 

[TimeBombJohnny]

Check out if you can Reverend Basses. I’ve tried the SS Mike Watts and Mercalli and both were amazing. They are pretty thunderous. Sandbergs are fantastic too. What amp will you be using?

GK 1001RB and/or Fender Rumble