Best basses of 1983

[BGroovy]

Happens to be my birthday week which means there are some great basses turning 40 this year that have seen as much living as I have (and probably more playing).

Let's get that GAS going with the best basses of '83. I've been watching a few 1983 Jazz Basses including a black one locally. I hear great things about the last of the Fullertons but haven't played one.

Got an '83? Show it off. Sold an '83 you regret? Tell the tale. Got something I should buy right now (and risk divorce possibly…) let's see it.

 

[sawzalot]

My first bass was a used 1983 white G&L L-2000. I had no idea what it was and sold it so I could buy a beat up Rickenbacker 4003. That was 1988–I still miss that bass 35 years later.

 

[BGroovy]

My first bass was a used 1983 white G&L L-2000. I had no idea what it was and sold it so I could buy a beat up Rickenbacker 4003. That was 1988–I still miss that bass 35 years later.

There's an 83 L2000 in the classifieds. It could have been white at some point, looks like its lived an interesting life.

 

[9c1ny]

Missed 83 in both directions, Eagle is a 1982, Mockingbird is a 1984.

BC Rich also built beautiful USA basses in 83'

 

[Shawn Luckman]

The original Squier JV Basses.

 

[foal30]

Steinberger L2

 

[5StringBlues]

fullertons are the bomb

 

[Whale]

fullertons are the bomb

100000% agree!! Nearly everyone who owns a Fullerton AVRI believes they're some of the best basses made in the last 50+ years.

 

[Kipp Harrington]

The Peavey T-40 was an awesomely made and sounding American made bass. Here's a pic of an '83 in natural finish.

 

[definenredefine]

Missed 83 in both directions, Eagle is a 1982, Mockingbird is a 1984.

BC Rich also built beautiful USA basses in 83'View attachment 5092800 View attachment 5092801

Those are both gorgeous. I've never seen a BC Rich Eagle before. I dig it.

 

[TrevorR]

You have to be considering the Aria SB series of basses. Mine's an SB700 from 1982 and it's a fab bass. HEAVY though!

And of course if you're REALLY wanting to splash out there are Mk 1 Custom series Wals!

 

[bholder]

The Peavey T-40 was an awesomely made and sounding American made bass. Here's a pic of an '83 in natural finish. View attachment 5092817

The Mighty.

 

[foal30]

MusicMan Cutlass

 

[evs]

The Kubicki Factor came to life in 1983

 

[Chris_will_do]

1983 (or 1984). Rock Solid P-bass: Aria Pro II RSB.

 

[ajkula66]

Ovation Magnum III/IV
Fender Walnut Precision Special

 

[Lowbrow]

G&L L-1000

 

[Citizen Nara]

An Ibanez Roadstar should not be too expensive, but will slay

 

[Darrell Vachon]

White, Ibanez Musician

 

[Shrubber]

Ibby Musician... but the fretless that I road tested back in the day weighed extremely heavily on my shoulder....