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Best bass under $3,000?

#62
And I said:
If I had 3k to spend and knew what I wanted, I'd not be buying off the shelf. I'd be getting something custom made for me.
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Probably what I’ll end up doing, once I figure out just what it is I want. I like the suggestion earlier of taking notes on all the things I like when playing off the shelf, and if nothing fits the bill having one custom built. Maybe I’ll end up finding something perfect for much less, that would be sweet
 
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#63
TimeBombJohnny said:
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
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With $3K to spend, the world is your oyster if that’s the sort of bass you’re looking for.

Only way to find out which one is “best” (which means best for you since there’s no one single “best” bass) is to go out and start trying out as many as you can.

With regards to Fender, no two really play or sound exactly alike. My SO likes Strats. When she’s shopping for another one (she has eight last I counted) she’ll try out every one in the shop - including three or four of “the exact same model.”

Took me almost 40 years and about seven or so tries to find what I finally consider to be my ideal “perfect” sounding and playing PB. And it turned out to be a $350 CV Squier. So price doesn't necessarily act as the final arbiter.

Just keep auditioning until you find your own personal best bass.

Luck! :thumbsup:
 
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#66
If I were playing only rock and punk (especially punk), I would be looking at P-Basses. It doesn't have to be a Fender model, but something with the split coils in the neck position. Add a bridge pickup to taste.

I think just about all the companies have a P-type model. I personally think the Fender American P (now the American Professional) is a solid choice.
 
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#68
TimeBombJohnny said:
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?
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About the Sandbergs:

I've gotten onto them lately, and I've been impressed to the point a Cali TM-5 has become my gig bass and relegated several more expensive basses to the closet. That's a VM-5 on the radio show linked in my sig, below.

If you decide to get a Sandberg (having auditioned one), search on Reverb and check Thomann's website. I've bought several (VMs and TMs) from European dealers, with no problems.
 
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#75
topper said:
No love for Spectors in this thread yet, so I'll put that out there. I play a Spector Euro 4LX and absolutely love it. It ended bass lust for me (at least for the last 10 or so years). New they're $2k. Not sure what the USA ones cost.
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I know most would disagree with me, but I think Spectors and Warwicks are kinda ugly. Just not a fan of the designs, but they do sound great
 
#76
hardtop said:
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.
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Agreed. I own 2 sandberg California tm5 basses and they are great. Much better quality than fender IMHO. See the pic in my avatar
 
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#77
There’s a bunch of options out there man. My only suggestion would be to make sure you love it before dropping 3000. If you have it made for you and you don’t like it I doubt your gonna get near what you paid for it also. Same if you buy new though I know you said you didn’t want to. I also play punk rock and to be honest I play my 700 dollar sub 34 just as often as I play my stingray special. I have owned Squier’s that aren’t far off from my American made Fender’s. The G&L tributes are very similar to the American G&L’s. It seems like no 2 basses are the same either when it comes to the same brand.
 
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#78
TimeBombJohnny said:
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!
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SUHR Classic J Bass, currently $2999 MAP.
 
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